Early the next morning, Fourth Senior Brother and Third Senior Brother went out.
To establish a school, they first needed a site.
Once they had a site, they still needed construction, publicity, staffing, teaching resources, and teaching quality.
They had a site, and a very large one at that. Phoenix Cry Mountain belonged almost entirely to the Tianyang Sect.
The construction was already there, too. Over its eight hundred years, the sect had spent at least five hundred expanding outward. After Eldest Senior Brother's renovations, the Tianyang Sect's internal facilities were gradually becoming complete.
As for teaching resources, there were the martial arts manuals created and compiled by countless predecessors over the Tianyang Sect's eight hundred years, along with the manuals Zhang Qingyuan's system had rewarded him with-thousands of books.
These resources were in no way inferior to those of a top sect.
As for other resources, their newspaper business now covered five cities, publishing an issue every three days. Each issue sold around sixty thousand copies in each city.
Each newspaper earned two copper coins. Across five cities, that meant three hundred thousand copies, or six hundred taels, split fifty-fifty. Every three days, the Tianyang Sect received three hundred taels, giving it a monthly income of three thousand.
That was only the money from newspaper sales. Later, they would cover all eight cities in Yu Province, and even all five provinces of the Eastern Realm. Then the money would pour in without end.
Once they used the newspaper for their own publicity, other businesses would advertise in it too, and advertising revenue would be worth even more.
How much could selling newspapers earn?
It was merely one hair off nine oxen.
Advertising revenue was the big prize!
Of course, Zhang Qingyuan had other ingenious ideas in his head, but he could not bring them out yet.
In short, they definitely had enough resources!
Today, Zhang Qingyuan was going to address the teachers and assign their tasks.
Of the eleven teachers, everyone except Zhao Wuji belonged to the elementary school division.
For now, that was more or less enough, but once disciples began enrolling, eleven teachers would be nowhere near sufficient.
So they still needed to recruit more people.
But for future recruitment, Old Fifth would no longer have to travel so frequently. With newspaper advertisements and the Tianyang Sect's reputation, people would come seeking them out.
To put it plainly, it was like Alibaba when it first started: Old Ma had to poach people everywhere, begging grandpa and pleading with grandma to recruit employees.
Once Alibaba took off, even if you wanted to join, they still had to consider whether they wanted you.
The current ten teachers would all teach first grade.
Apart from Lu Guying, whom Zhang Qingyuan had personally selected, the other nine had all been carefully chosen by Old Fifth and Old Fourth.
Zhao Wuji stood to one side, cradling his sword. He had signed an employment contract too, on the very day Old Second defeated him.
He had read the contract carefully, but had not quite understood it.
It probably meant he would come to the Tianyang Sect to teach its disciples, and could freely browse its martial arts texts.
Fifteen years of employment, teaching the first-year university sword Dao class...
My position should be something like the Tianyang Sect's martial transmission elder, shouldn't it?
But why was the contract only for fifteen years?
And what was a first-year university class?
Eleven people stood together on Training Ground One as Zhang Qingyuan approached briskly.
"Thank you all for coming. Forgive me for not greeting you sooner." Zhang Qingyuan cupped his hands in greeting, smiling.
Lu Guying looked at Zhang Qingyuan, and Zhang Qingyuan glanced at him too. Of these six people, he had only met Lu Guying.
Seeing how courteous Zhang Qingyuan was, they dared not be negligent either.
This was the Tianyang Sect's current sect master. Just how popular was the Tianyang Sect now?
Especially after its battle with the East Sea Sect a few days ago-who had not heard of it?
"Not at all, not at all. We're deeply honored that Sect Master Zhang invited us here."
"Yes, indeed. Sect Master Zhang is such an impressive-looking man. I knew the Tianyang Sect would flourish in your hands."
As they offered their compliments, Zhang Qingyuan smiled, but inwardly wondered what the Tianyang Sect's flourishing had to do with his looks.
Holding the list, Zhang Qingyuan said, "You are all teachers carefully selected by our sect. Sect affairs kept me busy recently, so I never had time to get acquainted with you. I hope you seniors won't hold it against me."
They hurriedly assured him they would not.
Zhang Qingyuan continued, "We'll officially begin recruiting disciples in a few days. When the time comes, I'll be relying on you five teachers to bring out your finest skills and train them diligently.
"Although you're all in the lower three ranks, I don't think that's a problem with you.
"As I told Teacher Lu before, you're all talents capable of fighting opponents beyond your realm.
"The ability to fight beyond your realm proves your martial talent is extremely high. You know how to use simple techniques to defeat powerful opponents.
"Your inability to enter the middle three ranks isn't because your martial talent is lacking. It's simply that your bodies and meridians have limited your development."
His words nearly brought tears to everyone's eyes.
Here was someone who truly understood them!
Zhang Qingyuan meant every word. Their understanding of the Martial Dao was certainly better than most people's.
Their outward physical aptitude was excellent, but their meridians were naturally blocked, rigid, or sluggish, or their dantians had various defects. That was why they could not advance further.
It was like being 1.6 meters tall, with outstanding ball handling, accurate shooting, and good passing in basketball, yet still being unable to enter a professional league.
It was not that your technique was poor; your body simply could not keep up.
The ten people before him consisted of eight men and two women.
Zhang Qingyuan said, "Now, let's formally get acquainted. I'll introduce myself first. I am Zhang Qingyuan, sect master of the Tianyang Sect, and I'll also be your superior from now on. I hope we can work happily together in the future."
All ten cupped their hands in greeting at once.
Zhao Wuji stood to one side. He was a university teacher, so today's meeting had not originally involved him.
But he had wanted to learn about it, so he had come along.
Watching the scene before him warmed his heart.
"Lu Guying, Eighth-Grade Realm. We're old friends already. I'll be counting on you to train more talents for our Tianyang Sect, Brother Lu."
"Certainly, certainly."
The two exchanged cupped-hand greetings.
"Zhan Hongling, thirty years old, Seventh-Rank Realm. I've heard of your exploits too, Elder Sister Zhan. The year before last, while in the Seventh-Rank Realm, you chased a Fifth-Grade Realm flower thief for three thousand li. A true heroine."
"Sect Master Zhang."
Zhan Hongling cupped her hands. She was a married woman, and a widow raising a child.
Actually, people might not know her well, but her husband was very famous.
He had once been Yu Province's foremost escort captain, his fists beating ten coastal cities and his feet trampling three provinces of the Eastern Realm-the strongest man in the Fourth-Rank Realm, Ma Ke!
Then, at twenty-two, he had accidentally died...
Some said a Fourth-Rank Realm cultivator only counted as an expert in a place like the Eastern Realm, where martial masters were scarce. If he had the ability, why not try his luck in the Central Realm or Northern Realm?
But he had entered the Fourth-Rank Realm at fifteen, and at twenty-two had been on the verge of finding his own Martial Dao. He was a man about to step into the Third Rank!
And Elder Sister Zhan's father had been Ma Ke's master.
His master, and also his father-in-law.
Honestly, Zhang Qingyuan rather admired Elder Sister Zhan.
After greeting her, he moved on to the next person.
"Chen Siwen, thirty-three years old, Eighth-Grade Realm. Your swordsmanship is excellent, and you've even killed a Sixth-Rank Realm expert. I've long admired you."
"Not at all. You flatter me, Sect Master Zhang."
The man resembled a scholar, holding a flexible sword, his manner refined and gentle.
"Li Qian, thirty-five years old, Seventh-Rank Realm. You once defeated a Fifth-Grade Realm expert. Impressive, truly impressive. If there's a chance, you must let me see that swift saber of yours."
"Whenever you wish, Sect Master."
This man wore a saber at his waist, swift to the utmost.
"Liu Jinghong, thirty-one years old, Seventh-Rank Realm. I've long heard you're skilled with all eighteen weapons, a versatile talent. I'll be relying on you a great deal."
"Rest assured, Sect Master. I certainly won't disappoint you."
"Li Changsheng! Twenty-one years old. I never expected you to come too."
He was a handsome young man, twenty-one and at the peak of the Seventh Rank. He had plenty of room to develop, with a strong chance of entering the middle three ranks. Even the upper three ranks were not impossible.
Li Changsheng cupped his hands. "I heard about your sect and wanted to come take a look, and lend a hand while I was at it. Besides, doesn't the contract say teachers can freely browse the sect's martial arts texts?"
"Study whatever you like, read whatever you like."
Zhang Qingyuan understood. Li Changsheng had no sect behind him, and had mainly taken the job to find advanced martial arts.
"Liu Ying'er."
That was an "er" ending added to her name. This was another older sister, simply named Liu Ying.
"Sect Master!"
"Thirty-two years old, Seventh-Rank Realm."
This woman's martial skills were not high, but she was pretty and held a sword.
Zhang Qingyuan glanced at the list and understood. Old Fourth had recruited her.
He would have to talk to Old Fourth later.
As mentioned before, Old Fourth did not avoid recommending relatives when selecting talent. There would probably be quite a show to watch later.
"Liu Tianming, thirty-eight, Seventh-Rank Realm. You once defeated a Fifth Rank expert."
"Sect Master."
This was an experienced old hand.
"Chu Xiong, thirty-five years old, Seventh-Rank Realm. You practice external body-tempering martial arts."
"Greetings, Sect Master."
This brother had a deep, resonant voice and plenty of strength.
"Wei Wu, twenty-five years old, Sixth-Rank Realm."
The last person had also come to the Tianyang Sect to get access to martial arts manuals. At twenty-five and in the Eighth Rank, he probably had little hope of reaching the upper three ranks, but the middle three ranks were still possible with some effort.
After getting acquainted with all the first-grade teachers, Zhang Qingyuan looked at Zhao Wuji, who had been listening from the sidelines.
"Sword Hero Zhao."
"Wouldn't dare, wouldn't dare."
Zhao Wuji was very humble now. He had conceded defeat-he had conceded to Zheng Jianxin.
Entering the Third Rank in a single step was something he had dreamed of.
Zhang Qingyuan said, "It's all right. You're a first-year university teacher, so you might not have much work for the next two years. You can help them guide the first-grade newcomers for now and familiarize yourself with the teaching methods in advance."
"I will."
Zhang Qingyuan turned to the others. "Actually, there's no need to feel pressured. In my view, first grade is the most important stage for a martial artist.
"They're all blank sheets of paper. Their future ideas and achievements will depend on the foundation laid in the Ninth-Rank Realm.
"In the future, the disciples you teach will go on to second grade and third grade, entering the Eighth-Grade Realm, Seventh-Rank Realm, middle three ranks, and upper three ranks.
"How far they can go will depend on how solidly you lay their foundations.
"Since this is our first time teaching in this format, I hope you'll all work together to compile your martial arts experience before the disciples arrive.
"You're all elites within your realms. I won't brandish an axe before the master carpenter by telling you how to cultivate or instruct others. You're all better at that than I am.
"Rest assured, the experience you compile will be made into books and kept within the sect. This will make your teaching more convenient and consistent, and leave a precious cultural legacy for future generations.
"Except for Sword Hero Zhao, you've all signed ten-year contracts.
"When those ten years are up, you'll be free. Of course, if you still wish to teach, we'll sign another contract then, but it won't be a fixed-term contract. It will be a lifetime contract, with two options. One is to remain a contract teacher, and the other is to fully join our Tianyang Sect and become one of its people."
After hearing him out, the dozen or so people exchanged glances.
"We will not fail your expectations, Sect Master!"
While Zhang Qingyuan was still discussing matters with his employees, Phoenix Cry City and the four nearby cities had grown lively.
Every printing workshop in Phoenix Cry City was working at a feverish pace.
Newspapers were being printed in great quantities too.
Flyers, banners, signs, posters...
Another three days passed. Across the five cities, whether in urban districts, small towns, or large villages, people opened their eyes and felt that everything had changed.
In Little Wang Village outside Phoenix Cry City, Wang Er had just stepped out when he saw a huge sign erected in the middle of the village. Written on it was...
He couldn't fucking read!
"Old Third, get your son out here to take a look! What the hell does this say?"
That shout brought all the neighbors out, and they quickly gathered around to look.
Old Third's son came out. He was the only person in the village who had attended school.
As more and more people gathered, Old Third's son looked at what was written on the sign.
"Look here!"
At the top were several large red words-
"Tianyang Sect Martial Dao Academy-change your destiny today!"
"What does that mean?" Someone still did not understand after hearing it.
Old Third's son continued reading the next line:
"Are you still at a dead end in your search to learn martial arts? Are you still lost in your dream of becoming a great hero? Tianyang Sect Martial Dao Academy will solve all your problems!"
"Face to the yellow earth, back to the sky-how much can you earn in a lifetime?"
"Envious of wandering heroes leaping high and soaring far? Resentful that you weren't born into a sect?"
"Don't worry! The Tianyang Sect is giving you a great opportunity!"
"Mule or horse, bring it out for a run! Dragon or worm, come in and test yourself!"
"Who's the best at martial training and building strength? Find Tianyang outside Phoenix Cry City!"
"Tianyang Sect Martial Dao Academy offers a full year of trial study without charging a single fee!
"Food, lodging, and martial instruction included! Graduate at the Eighth Rank at the very least!"
"Become a lower-rank martial artist and bring glory to your ancestors back home! Become a middle-rank martial artist and command respect wherever you go."
"Ten days from now, at the foot of Heavenly Sun Mountain outside Phoenix Cry City, register on-site! Men and women welcome! Hurry!"
"Places are limited-registration closes when they're full! Miss this chance, and you'll have to wait another year!"
After Old Third's son finished reading, silence fell all around, leaving only the sound of heavy breathing.
Wang Er's eyes went wide. He nudged Li Old Fourth beside him. "Damn... there's really a deal this good? No fees? Meals included? They teach real martial arts?"
Li Old Fourth smacked his lips. "Sounds pretty good... but do meat pies really fall from the sky? Could they be pulling our legs?"
But Widow Zhao, who stood nearby holding her child, was tempted. "My Goudan's been a bright one since he was little. What future's he got farming alongside us? If he really could learn some skills... even finding work guarding a house in the city someday would be better than what we've got!"
"Exactly!" another man chimed in. "The Tianyang Sect's a big sect that's been in the papers! I heard about them when I was working in the city a few days ago. Not long ago, they even beat up that... that East Sea Sect. They've got a name and reputation. Would they really swindle poor farmers like us? I say it's worth a try!"
"Right, right! It doesn't cost anything anyway. What's the harm in trying? What if our kid's cut out for martial arts?"
"Ten days from now, right? I've got to go home and talk it over with the kid's mother, pack a couple of changes of clothes for him!"
"We'll go together, then! We can all travel together when the time comes!"
The crowd buzzed with discussion, their initial doubts swiftly turning into eagerness to give it a try. That enormous advertisement was like a stone tossed into a still lake, stirring ripples of hope through Little Wang Village and countless other villages like it. For what seemed like the first time, a chance to change their fate lay so close to these farmers' children, whose faces were turned toward the yellow earth.
In this era, in this society, there were two ways to change one's fate: the first was studying, and the second was practicing martial arts.
If you had studied and could read, most people would think more highly of you.
Could the literacy rate in a feudal society even reach ten percent?
Some would say that was too high-it wasn't anywhere near that much!
If you became a licentiate, your whole family would be exempt from taxes.
If you became a provincial graduate, everyone who saw you would have to address you as "Master."
If you landed even a minor official post, that meant power.
The other path was practicing martial arts.
Just as the widow had said, for a village child, even going into the city to work as a household guard counted as making something of themselves.
If they really became a great martial hero, the kind who could fly here and there, surely they'd earn at least a tael of silver a month. Blue smoke would practically rise from their ancestors' graves!
A tael of silver! Wouldn't that mean meat at every meal, and enough to marry a wife within a year!
In this era, few could resist the temptation of changing their fate.
Of course, there were also parents of the "My son's got to stay home and farm for me. Just tend the fields properly. What's all this nonsense about becoming a great martial hero? Are you even cut out for that?" sort, but they were a minority.
Most people were still willing to give it a try. There were no fees of any kind for a year.
The child would lose a year, but it wouldn't cost anything anyway, and they'd eat better than they did at home while learning things and seeing the world.
Even if they came back after a year, there would be no real loss.
And if their child happened to have talent, wouldn't they soar straight into the sky?