Immortal Martial Academy - Chapter 22

Xiao Lin was ecstatic! The reason he came here was to advance his forging skills.

Now, within the academy, he could learn and improve while earning money – what a dream come true!

As a young boy, Xiao Lin straightened his small bow tie around his neck, looking earnestly serious, and said, “Boss, I think ten years might be too short. How about making it for hundreds of years instead?”

Wu Xianyao listened to Xiao Lin’s words, observing his determined expression. With a gentle touch, Wu Xianyao placed his large hand on Xiao Lin’s head, “As long as you wish, our academy will always be your home.”

Wu Xian ruffled Xiao Lin’s hair, simultaneously softening the icy chill around Xiao Lin’s heart.

For a child to run a shop amidst a deceitful world required immense strength, with his heart hardened like ice to protect himself. Now, encountering Wu Xianyao, Xiao Lin felt a genuine sense of belonging, as if he truly had found a home.

At that moment, Bruce and Kelly approached, closing the doors of the Refiner Pavilion behind them. From inside, faint sounds of a child’s laughter echoed, not at all unpleasant to the ears.

Nearby at the Refiner Pavilion, Wu Xianyao leaned against the trunk of a tree-shaped Spirit Medicine, asking, “Do you think Xiao Lin will be happy?”

A branch gently landed in Wu Xianyao’s hand, as if conveying something or making a metaphor.

“Perhaps he will! Though, this place could use a pavilion; next time I come, it might be nice to sit and relax.” Wu Xianyao patted the trunk of the tree-shaped Spirit Medicine before walking away.

As Wu Xianyao departed, the tree began emitting an emerald green glow, transforming into a pavilion with a round table and four stools.

Noticing something amiss, an emerald green teapot and several cups materialized alongside them.

Xia Yi observed these changes and felt that the academy seemed to be undergoing a transformation, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on what exactly was shifting.

At the supermarket entrance, Wu Xianyao didn’t enter. Inside, Old An sipped tea while Zhang Shi meditated cross-legged nearby. Old An watched the young lad with contentment.

Wandering through various areas, Xia Yi observed Chen Beixuan and Li Junlin sparring on the square, with Bai Qi nearby occasionally providing guidance. Li Linyue and Li Linyang cheered them on from the sidelines.

In the Pill Concocting Room, Mao Mao blissfully embraced Spirit Medicines, inhaling their aroma like one would pet a cat. Xia Jiufeng looked heavenward, speechless – what kind of Alchemist enjoys sniffing Spirit Medicines?

Xia You sat on an arched bridge, engrossed in a book while gesturing continuously, “No, this move should be like this, wait, no, it’s actually like this.”

As Xia You remained puzzled, a golden light appeared. A golden spear danced gracefully before him, illuminating the techniques he had struggled to understand earlier. With sudden clarity, the golden spear vanished.

Xia You attempted to chase after it when Xia Yi appeared, “Eighth Prince, there’s no need to pursue. That was the Headmaster’s World Illuminating Spear, guiding you just now.”

Xia You stopped, gazing at the spot where the spear disappeared, “Is that Little Sister’s husband?”

Xia Yi hesitated, then cautioned, “Don’t mention this casually; nobody here knows about it.”

With that, Xia Yi left, heading towards Wu Xianyao.

In the academy park, nestled beside the teaching building, Lan Yuecai sat quietly in a pavilion reading. Occasionally, a faint smile graced her lips; if not for the book titled “The Art of Manipulation” in her hands, she would appear as a serene beauty.

Wu Xianyao kept his distance from this seemingly unapproachable beauty, well aware that the book she held signaled she was someone not to be trifled with.

At the cafeteria, Jiu Xian’er had spread out over a dozen dishes, all from the World Culinary Compendium. With bowl in hand, she ate voraciously, mumbling between bites, “Delicious, I love it.”

Wu Xianyao approached Pan Xiaopang and asked, “Does she always eat like this?”

Pan Xiaopang, who had just finished serving, stood near the food counter watching the young lady devour her meal. As a chef, her enthusiasm was the highest form of praise he could receive. Startled by Wu Xianyao’s question, Fatty Pan jumped but then sighed in relief upon recognizing him. He replied, “Yes! She always eats like this.”

While Wu Xianyao knew Jiu Xian’er loved to eat, consuming so much Xenobeast meat without proper digestion could lead to complications. Concerned, he sent a message to Bai Qi immediately.

Half an hour later, Bai Qi arrived, dragging a burping Wu Xian’er away for training.

In the Outer Court, Wu Xianyao sat in his office as Xia Yi presented several documents for him to review.

“The academy currently lacks its own industries; we need self-sustaining ventures. Additionally, we require technological assets like battleships. While there are quotas available for such items, purchasing them requires funds from the academy itself. With our own industries, we could potentially manufacture these instead. However, that’s for later consideration.

Right now, what the academy needs most is to establish its reputation, allowing us to attract students swiftly.

I understand your idea of gaining recognition on the battlefield, but it’s just one approach.

We have Zhang Shi, who is only sixteen, and he can participate in various competitions. We should consider enrolling younger students, perhaps even those at a kindergarten level?”

Wu Xianyao shook his head, “Let’s pass on the kindergarten idea; we don’t necessarily need those types of competitions. Competitions between the gifted might be something our academy can apply for. Look into it and draft a plan. Building the academy’s industries can take time; starting with a small tech company would be reasonable. Once established, we can seek assistance from Xiao Lin.”

Wu Xianyao rubbed his forehead, realizing that before establishing the academy, he had thought managing it would be simple. However, now that it was operational, he found it far more complex than anticipated, with numerous concerns to address. If only the system could assist.

Just as this thought crossed his mind, Wu Xianyao wondered if Deduction wasn’t limited to Martial Skills and technology items; perhaps it could also apply to other areas.

As soon as he considered this, information appeared in his mind: Deduction could indeed cover technological items, but it would only provide blueprints; obtaining materials and production methods would still require Wu Xianyao’s own efforts.

With this revelation, things seemed more manageable. Relieved, Wu Xianyao turned to Xia Yi and asked, “How much money is left from the Spirit Medicine auction proceeds?”

Xia Yi checked some reports on her tablet and replied, “We have a total of ten billion yuan. One billion has been allocated for academy expenses, leaving nine billion available for use.”

Wu Xianyao nodded, understanding that selling Spirit Medicines was not ideal; they were better utilized within the academy itself.

“From the nine billion, let’s set aside three billion to establish a tech company, located near the academy premises. Another three billion will go towards expanding the Outer Court, and the remaining three billion should be kept as reserves, just in case we need extra funds.”

Xia Yi swiftly jotted down notes on his tablet and then said, “Headmaster, we have a significant talent shortage that needs addressing. We should organize a recruitment event, which requires your authorization.”

“No problem, I’ll authorize it for you shortly.”

In Great Xia, many authorizations are completed through smartwatches, showcasing one of its remarkable technological achievements.