Looking at it this way, it was no surprise that Yu Xiaogang was labeled worthless by his tribe. The Blue Tyrant Academy's threshold was a level three innate soul power, while Yu Xiaogang was only half a level—no wonder he had no face to show back at the sect.
"Level three? Will many people be rejected?" Xiao Wu asked, confused. She didn't understand the levels of innate soul power and thought her ninth level was just average. Only then did she realize she might actually be among the top.
"Many children can't advance after awakening because their grades and spirit power are too low. They can't enter the academy. Those who reach level ten and obtain spirit rings to become spirit masters surpass most people's social status," Liu Erlong explained.
"Those with innate soul power above level three have over a 90% chance of becoming spirit masters. You can imagine how many are eliminated in this process."
Subei, carefully adjusting Xiao Wu's scorpion-tail braid, added, "Xiao Bei is right. With your level ten innate soul power, you two are among the best at Blue Tyrant Academy. Especially Xiao Bei—among your age group, no one likely rivals you."
At that moment, Liu Erlong showed a token, and the concierge bowed respectfully, "Welcome back, Principal."
As their luxurious carriage entered the campus without restriction, the long line of applicants grumbled.
"What's going on? How can someone arrive at the academy by carriage?"
"Aren't vehicles banned near the college to prevent traffic disruptions?"
"Why? It's only two white horses, and mine are three 'grass mud' ponies—I'm proud!"
"We oppose this!"
"We protest!"
The concierge, radiating fiery red spirit power, boiled water for tea, threw in some green leaves, and took a sip to cool off from the scorching sun. Calmly, he said, "That's President Liu of Blue Tyrant Academy. If you have complaints, first become students here, then take them up directly with President Liu."
At this, the crowd quickly quieted, embarrassed.
"Ah, it's the President of Blue Tyrant Academy; that's different."
"Yes, this school is our home, and harmony depends on everyone's kindness and patience. I don't care about this matter either."
Parents used the opportunity to educate their children: "See? If you become strong enough, you'll enjoy all the privileges and respect in this world."
Some knowing whispers spread: "I heard President Liu went to the Star Dou Great Forest to hunt the seventh spirit ring. He must've reached the Soul Sage realm by now!"
"Yes, Blue Tyrant Academy has a strong background. Though it can't yet rival top schools like Wuhundian Academy, it may soon stand alongside Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and Five Elements Academy."
"But the admission standards of the Five Elements Academy are stricter. Without the support of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus's direct descendants, one couldn't enter this first-class academy."
Soon, a lively debate about the ranking of the empire's academies erupted.
Actually, these private rankings weren't official but still served as useful references.
Wuhundian Academy, backed by a rich heritage and top spirit masters, was known as the premier school.
Five Elements Academy held specialized enrollment for elemental martial arts and was ideal for their practitioners.
Tiandou Royal Academy and Lanba Academy, supported by royal and sect titles, barely made the first-class cut but didn't surpass Five Elements in educational level.
"Better than Tiandou Royal Academy? Ha! They only accept descendants of powerful sects and elite families. A background academy, highborn but narrow-minded."
"Where did you come from to insult nobles like that?"
"Which noble's nanny are you? Come out if you dare to talk like that!"
"Want to fight?"
"Bring it on. I fear no one!"
"Drink! Jie Xie Wushuang, Blood Wolf Possessed!"
"Dregs! Brave and relentless, Invincible Vajra!"
The quarrel escalated, spirit powers flared, and a fight broke out.
"Enough!" Two elderly men playing chess near the academy gate raised their voices. They bore six and seven spirit rings, masters at the Soul Emperor and Soul Sage levels. Blue lightning crackled majestically around them.
"It's the old predecessors of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect!" someone whispered.
One old man said calmly, "Fighting at the academy gate is foolish. If you wish to spar, do it elsewhere. We can't control you, but breaking academy rules will disqualify your registration."
Hearing this, the crowd quieted and dared not act arrogantly.
Though some had mocked Fang Qiu and the elite teachers of the empire's major academies, it was all bluster.
￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥
After entering Lanba Academy, Liu Erlong drove the carriage from the main road into the depths, passing a playground hundreds of meters wide, down a tree-lined path to a secluded forest island surrounded by a lake.
Stepping down, Liu Erlong carefully embraced Subei and Xiao Wu.
"Xiao Bei, Xiao Wu, this is where my mother lives—inside the forest within Lanba Academy. It's simple but comfortable. Soon, she's having a luxurious house built."
Though he had adjusted to this peaceful environment, Liu Erlong felt guilty letting his children live in such rustic homes.
Xiao Wu took a deep breath of fresh air and smiled, "I think it's nice here—with mountains, water, trees, and… brother!"