Chapter 2
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Chapter 2: Taoist Palace Rating
Zong Xiu’s face turned pale, and Mu Lin didn’t look much better. Having been attacked by those strange creatures before, Mu Lin knew just how troublesome and terrifying they could be.
But more than fearing the evil spirits’ strange abilities, he understood a harsher truth—those trained by the Taoist Palace were nothing but cheap, disposable tools.
“If I want to survive future battles, I need to make every day count these next three years.”
The weight of the future kept both silent until mealtime lifted Zong Xiu’s spirits.
“Mu Lin, let’s eat. My treat for your help today.”
Zong Xiu’s grand declaration left Mu Lin even more speechless.
“Isn’t the cafeteria free?”
“Regular food’s free. The good stuff isn’t.”
At the cafeteria, Mu Lin blinked in surprise. The free section overflowed with steaming white buns, multiple dishes, even braised pork. The paid section? Barely any white rice or greens, let alone meat.
For a moment, Mu Lin wondered if the signs got swapped—until Zong Xiu bought him a meal.
The “bland” paid food wasn’t ordinary at all. Spirit Rice. Spirit Vegetables.
*Gulp.*
Sweetness burst across Mu Lin’s tongue. Warmth spread from his stomach, soothing sore muscles and sharpening his mind. He swore his body grew slightly stronger.
“This rice actually works?!”
Though his body might’ve tasted Spirit Rice before, Mu Lin’s first real experience left him gaping.
Zong Xiu puffed up proudly, mistaking Mu Lin’s reaction for provincial ignorance: “One Spirit Crystal shard buys just this tiny bowl—but it’s worth it! Regular folks eating this stay healthy and live longer. We Qi Practitioners need it even more—boosts our health, skips the junk in normal food, and if you’ve learned cultivation methods? You absorb its spiritual energy to strengthen your Cultivation.”
“Less potent than pills, but no poison either.”
Spirit Rice’s benefits came at a cost. Though the old man gave Mu Lin nearly a hundred Spirit Stones, most were earmarked for something specific. What remained? Pennies.
(Mostly because Mu Lin’s recent grave illness drained the old man’s savings on medicine. Between bitter tonics, he’d never had room for Spirit Rice anyway.)
Seeing Mu Lin’s pained expression, Zong Xiu offered hope: “You can get free White Rice though.”
“We’re not official Taoist Palace members yet—still in our hundred days of awakening.”
“Sensing energy, drawing it in, awakening—the three starter phases. Learn cultivation methods, pull spiritual energy into your body, become Successfully Awakened. Only then do you join properly.”
“Your awakening speed decides your rank: A-level genius, B-grade capable person, C for average, D for slackers. Hit B-grade? Daily free White Rice, better housing—B-grades live near the Spirit Spring instead of these dumps.”
Upon hearing this, Mu Lin’s eyes lit up. Who didn’t like free benefits?
"What are the requirements for a B-grade capable person?"
"Awakening between seven to thirty-three days. Those who awaken before seven days fall into the first-class talent category."
The thirty-three day requirement dampened Mu Lin’s enthusiasm. With his average talent, he felt uncertain.
…
Registration, settling into accommodations, meals… Mu Lin’s first day at the Taoist Palace passed in busy routines.
Early next morning, Mu Lin exercised before washing up. At Zong Xiu’s call, they walked to the cafeteria together.
This time, Mu Lin declined Zong Xiu’s offer. Yesterday’s meal had been repayment – accepting another today would be rude.
Yet after tasting Spirit Rice, ordinary food seemed bland. Though the regular meals were tasty and nutritious, Mu Lin frowned while eating.
"My remaining Spirit Stones are few, but enough for Spirit Rice tomorrow."
"And the thirty-three day awakening… I should still try my best!"
…
After breakfast, Mu Lin and Zong Xiu entered an ancient-style classroom to await their teacher.
The classroom differed from Mu Lin’s past life memories. Cushions replaced chairs, with short-legged desks holding free writing supplies.
Both cushions and desks were new and finely made. The Taoist Palace proved generous with ordinary items while being stingy with spiritual materials.
"Yet what I truly want here are spirit objects," Mu Lin mused, choosing a back-row seat to wait quietly.
The outgoing Zong Xiu quickly blended with others. Through observation, Mu Lin noticed seating followed unspoken rules – first and second-class talents occupied front rows, third and fourth-class sat behind.
Some nobles with poor talent still claimed front seats, forming the loudest social group. Those near Lu Chen sat quietly.
When Zong Xiu tried persuading Mu Lin to move forward, he refused. Zong Xiu eventually settled in front himself.
Time crawled until noon when an unkempt Qi Practitioner entered. The room fell silent.
Satisfied with the crowd, the scruffy man nodded. "Good, all present. Call me Teacher Ma. Follow me to the Scripture Pavilion for cultivation method selection."
He scratched his head. "First, know this – the pavilion contains Earth, Xuan, and Yellow level methods. Choose freely."
"But remember: You’re not official Taoist Palace students yet. Those failing to awaken within 100 days will be expelled with erased memories."
"Your chosen method and awakening speed determine your rank – A, B, C, or D. Higher-level methods and faster awakenings mean better ratings."
"Earth-level method awakened in seven days earns A-rank."
"Xuan-level in seven days gets B-rank."
"Yellow-level awakened in seven days? Only C or D."
