C7 The Manager's Difficulties!

After exchanging names, they grew somewhat more acquainted with one another.

Chu Lin learned from Yang Hu that Vast Martial City was usually governed directly by the Law Enforcement Team. Unless there was a significant event, the Martial Academy typically wouldn't intervene.

The man Chu Lin had just chased off, Hu Zhi, was the nephew of the captain of the Southern District Law Enforcement Team.

"We were raised in Vast Martial City. The captain of the Southern District team used to be my father. But a year ago, he was killed in an accident during a mission, and that's how Hu Zhi's uncle took over as captain," Yang Hu said, his expression tinged with sorrow.

Meanwhile, Yang Xiaoxiao's pretty face showed a hint of anger. She huffed, "My father was the one who promoted Hu Zhi's uncle to captain. Yet, neither Hu Zhi nor his uncle have shown any gratitude. Instead, they repay my father's kindness with hostility. Were it not for the two Martial Academy invitation letters my father left behind, we would have no place in Vast Martial City."

Chu Lin's eyebrows lifted slightly, a profound look crossing his eyes. If Hu Zhi's uncle was indeed callous, then perhaps Yang Hu's father's death was no accident.

He offered words of comfort to Yang Hu and his sister before they all headed to the Martial Academy.

Having grown up in Vast Martial City, Yang Hu and his sister knew the Academy's location well. Their guidance made Chu Lin's journey much easier.

After they departed, several figures emerged—Hu Zhi and his group.

"Young Master Hu, who would've thought that guy was new to the Academy!"

"He's a newcomer, yet so bold as to cross us. He has no idea who Young Master Hu is!"

A few Martial Academy disciples muttered curses while Hu Zhi's expression darkened, venom flashing in his eyes. "Those who enter the Academy on an enrollment document start as servant disciples. The Manager in charge of the servant disciples is on good terms with me. I'll have my revenge! One day, Yang Xiaoxiao will be mine. After I tire of her, I'll sell her to a brothel to live out her days as a prostitute!"

The Martial Academy lay secluded in the mountains, the path leading there quiet and lonely. Yet the sprawling complex hidden within the mountains loomed with an imposing air.

As they walked, Chu Lin and his companions occasionally encountered hurried young men and women in grey robes. Yang Hu explained these were the uniforms of servant disciples.

The Academy was divided into an Outer and Inner Court, with the Outer Court comprising the majority.

The Outer Court's management included the Head Elder, Management Elder, and Ordinary Elder, while disciples were split into Outer Court and servant disciples. The hierarchy was rigid.

Those admitted with an enrollment document were typically assigned as servant disciples unless management decided otherwise.

After submitting their documents and parting ways—female and male disciples lived separately—Chu Lin and Yang Hu followed their respective supervisors.

After navigating a maze of procedures, they reached their new home as night approached.

"Kid, make sure to wear your servant disciple uniform when you're out. Salute the Outer Court students whenever you see them, whether you know them or not, got it?" The man leading Chu Lin and Yang Hu was a wiry fellow, probably in his thirties, lounging on a chair with legs crossed. He eyed them with a scolding tone.

Chu Lin's brow creased at the man's disdain, but he quickly bowed in response. Having faced scorn before during his time at Mu Mansion, he wasn't about to provoke this Manager.

"Let's get one thing straight. I'm your Manager, Lyi Laomu," the thin man said smugly, swinging his leg. "Servant disciples handle the Academy's day-to-day tasks—chopping wood, cooking, carrying water, cleaning, and so on. You'll have daily targets. Complete a month's worth, and you earn a day's rest."

Chu Lin nodded. Yang Hu had briefed him on these details earlier.

Essentially, servant disciples were the Academy's handymen. Only through intense training could one rise above and join the Outer Court disciples.

But most were just ordinary folks, drained by a day's labor, with no energy left for cultivation.

"That's all you need to know for now. Work starts tomorrow, and as for your tasks..." The man continued, but Yang Hu suddenly stepped forward.

"Senior Brother, you've had a long day. Here's some fine ginseng I picked up in Vast Martial City, brought especially to ease your weariness." Yang Hu produced a red embroidered box from nowhere, offering it with reverence to the slender man.

"How could I possibly accept such a gift?" The man's eyes flickered over the box, his face lighting up with delight. Despite his words, he didn't hesitate to take the ginseng. "Your task for tomorrow is to gather a hundred catties of firewood, both of you. And your name is?"

"I am Yang Hu," he replied, his smile respectful.

No sooner had Yang Hu introduced himself than Lyi Laomu's eyes crinkled with a calculating look. "Yang Hu? The son of Yang Nan from Vast Martial City?"

"Yes," Yang Hu confirmed, though confusion tinged his voice.

Chu Lin felt a twinge of worry, sensing trouble brewing.

As expected, Lyi Laomu's demeanor shifted instantly, his eyes narrowing as he sneered, "Starting tomorrow, each of you will bring back a thousand catties of firewood daily. And that herbal field outside? It's your responsibility now. Make any mistakes, and the Elder's wrath will be the least of your concerns. I won't be lenient."

"What?" Yang Hu's eyes bulged in disbelief at Lyi Laomu's sudden change of heart. "Why?"

"Enough chatter. Off you go. If you're looking for someone to blame, blame yourselves for crossing the wrong person." With a contemptuous huff, Lyi Laomu closed his eyes to meditate, dismissing Chu Lin and Yang Hu without another glance.

Meanwhile, the ginseng Yang Hu had offered was already snug in Lyi Laomu's pocket.

"It must be Hu Zhi's doing," Yang Hu seethed, the only person he could think of who would target him like this. His anger flared, but Chu Lin's gentle tug on his sleeve and a cautionary shake of the head helped him regain his composure.

"Chu Lin, I'm sorry. I meant to repay your kindness, not drag you into this mess," Yang Hu apologized, his voice heavy with guilt as they walked away from Lyi Laomu's place.

"It's alright. With diligent cultivation, the day will come when we can repay those who've wronged us in kind," Chu Lin said, his smile slight but his pat on Yang Hu's shoulder reassuring. Yet, as he glanced back at Lyi Laomu's residence, a cold fire sparked in his eyes.

Lyi Laomu's demands were clear: he intended to work Chu Lin and Yang Hu to the bone.

Chu Lin was not one to start conflicts, but he wouldn't shy away from ending them. In this world, power was the ultimate arbiter. Since surviving that dire ordeal, Chu Lin had come to understand this truth all too well.