C10 The White Courtyard

Looking up, Yu Yin found himself next to a plump young man with large ears. He clenched his teeth and shook his head as sweat dripped steadily from his rounded chin.

"What a tough guy," the young man murmured under his breath before stepping closer.

Their eyes met, and the young man offered a slight smile. His thick lips parted as he whispered, "My name is Dongmen Ai!"

"Yu Yin."

The group continued to wait, and before they knew it, another half hour had slipped by.

"Damn kid, I'll make you pay!"

A roar erupted from the woods, leaving everyone in shock.

Tap, tap.

Silence fell over the crowd as Gu Wenlan, his head wrapped in a bloodstained bandage, came into view. His expression was fierce as he approached the gathering with an icy demeanor.

"You, go over there."

Once he had directed him, the portly elder stepped forward and turned to address everyone.

"Now that we're all here, pay close attention to what I'm about to say. This will concern many aspects of your lives for the next five years."

"First, the academy will teach you how to become a competent conjurer over the next five years. However, this instruction comes with conditions. You must unconditionally obey the academy's arrangements and complete the tasks set by the academy on a regular basis. Failure to comply or complete these tasks grants the academy the right to expel you."

"Second, the academy will provide you with food and lodging, but you are required to pay twenty copper coins daily as compensation."

"Third, the academy is a sacred place. We will not tolerate any acts of murder, fighting, theft, or sexual relations. Anyone caught engaging in these activities will be expelled without mercy."

"Fourth, respecting teachers and valuing their teachings is fundamental to your character. While we acknowledge that not all teachers are exemplary, the academy will not tolerate any disrespect or betrayal towards them."

"Fifth, from today forward, no one is allowed to leave the academy grounds without explicit permission. Any violation of this rule will result in severe consequences."

"Lastly, should anyone willfully damage the academy's facilities or property, be warned that the academy has the authority, as granted by the sovereign, to administer life or death punishment."

"If there are any questions, now is the time to ask. This is also your last opportunity to decide against joining the academy. If you let this moment pass, it will be taken as your implicit agreement to abide by the academy's rules and regulations."

Listening to the fat old man's stern and indifferent speech, the room fell into an eerie silence, with all the students exchanging uneasy glances.

"Director, I can't afford the daily fee of twenty copper coins. I choose to give up," Yu Yin said through gritted teeth. Despite his reluctance, the harsh reality left him no choice.

"I'm giving up too!"

"My family is poor; I don't have the money. Twenty copper coins is just too much. I'm out as well."

One by one, voices of resignation echoed through the space, drawing the fat old man's attention to the long-faced elder.

The long-faced elder nodded slightly and stepped forward with a reassuring smile.

"Everyone, please, let's remain calm. Allow me to address this matter," he said.

"Firstly, the regulations of vocational academies across the continent are uniform and unchangeable. However, the academy has made accommodations for students facing exceptional circumstances."

"You've likely noticed the conditions surrounding the island upon your arrival, and our solution lies right here."

"The government releases a batch of rare fish fry into this lake annually. Moreover, the lake is fed by the melting waters of the Snow Dragon Peak from the Heavenly Strange Country, making it a veritable living treasure trove."

"It's well-known that Snow Dragon Peak is a dragon's lair, and its snowmelt, rich in dragon's saliva, is prone to causing mutations in the fish, significantly enhancing the value of their flesh."

"Each academy is now equipped with fish houses, fish pavilions, and fishing gear. From now on, you can simply catch fish in the lake and exchange them for rewards based on the academy's fish price chart, thereby alleviating your financial concerns."

"Secondly, the academy's lodging and meal fees can be paid daily, every ten days, or monthly. You only need to pay according to your circumstances."

Yu Yin and the others were taken aback by the old man's words.

"Can we really make money by fishing? Is that feasible?" someone asked, doubtful.

"Nothing is impossible for a willing heart. How will you know unless you try?" the long-faced elder replied with a chuckle.

With no further objections, the fat old man scanned the mentors with an impassive gaze.

"Now, each academy will take their students back to assign rooms and make necessary arrangements. Classes will officially commence tomorrow."

Yu Yin's arm was firmly grasped by Dongmen Ai as they, along with the White Courtyard students, followed Huajun and the other mentors to a pair of pale red doors.

The doors swung open from the inside, revealing a majestic purple signboard with the inscription "White Courtyard" in golden letters.

Upon entering, to the left was a landscaped hill, and to the right, a marshy area, with tall walls extending beyond both sides. The path, a pristine green stone walkway, was about three feet wide. The group trailed Huajun and the six other mentors past the landscaped hill, the marsh, and through two courtyards connected by archways, finally reaching a green pine forest.

Beyond the small courtyard, the path led to a massive brick building with "Dining Hall" etched above the entrance.

Continuing without pause, they arrived at a row of seven standalone pavilions at the far end.

Each two-story pavilion stood without railings, its ancient doors and windows exuding a serene and imposing presence.

"Traditionally, each courtyard is overseen by seven mentors, and these pavilions serve as their classrooms," Long Yang explained to the students.

"This year, we have two hundred and twenty-four students, which divides perfectly into fifty-six students for each courtyard. Further down the line, each mentor will be responsible for eight students."

"The mentors will now proceed to select you. Remember, once chosen, your mentor will accompany you for the next five years. Should anyone have objections to the assignments, feel free to speak up."

The students nodded, taking in the seven mentors before them with contemplative gazes.

The mentors were all quite young, comprising five men and two women. Among the men, two were handsome and gentle, one had a scruffy beard and a sleazy demeanor, another bore thick eyebrows and a composed expression, and the last was the striking Long Yang with his aquiline nose. The women included one with a cold yet beautiful oval face and the other, the elegant and stunning Huajun.

"Come here!" they called out.

With minimal conversation, the mentors, excluding Long Yang and Huajun, began to select their students.

As peers were chosen one after another, Yu Yin and Dongmen Ai exchanged a wordless glance.

When Yu Yin saw the stunning woman he had once encountered on the bridge being led away by a man with a sleazy beard and lecherous face, his expression remained unchanged. In a moment, only twelve young men and women, including Dongmen Ai, were left.

"Huajun, you choose first," Long Yang suggested upon observing the situation.

"Alright," Huajun responded, not hesitating to take the offer.

"Come here," she said, decisively gesturing to Yu Yin.

Yu Yin, taken aback, nonetheless approached.

"I'll help you over," Dongmen Ai offered, stepping forward.

At his gesture, Huajun chuckled, "You come as well."

Dongmen Ai looked surprised.

As they watched, the mentors' gazes flickered with interest toward Yu Yin. Huajun was known for not masking her feelings, and her immediate selection of Yu Yin, accompanied by a smile, made them regret their earlier superficial judgments.

The groupings were swiftly finalized, and Long Yang addressed the students, "If there are no objections, then these will be the final assignments."

No one voiced any dissent.

"Very well, mentors, please take some time to acquaint your students with the surroundings and the rules. Dinner will commence shortly," Long Yang instructed.

"Instructor, as a child, I was nearly killed by a male instructor during my studies, which has left me with some trauma. May I request to be placed under a female instructor's guidance?" a cool voice rose, drawing everyone's attention.

Yu Yin blinked in surprise, recognizing the beautiful woman.

"Instructor Zhang Wei, what is your opinion?" Long Yang sought the opinion of the disreputable-looking man.

Zhang Wei's face tensed, but realizing the woman's request was not a personal affront, he reluctantly agreed. "Instructor Long Yang, I have no objections."

"In that case, what do Instructors Huajun and Yu Ying think?" Long Yang inquired.

Yu Ying glanced at Zhang Wei and then at the woman, her expression cool as she led her students away without a word. Clearly, she was put off, believing the woman's request stemmed from a disdain for Zhang Wei's appearance.

With Yu Ying gone, the others exchanged glances, leaving Long Yang no choice but to turn to Huajun for a decision.

The woman's request, however, was not born out of Zhang Wei's unseemly looks. It was his covetous gaze that had unsettled her, prompting her to seek a last-minute change.