The next morning, Li Jain rode his horse to Joyous Restaurant. The streets were still empty with only a few people setting up their stalls.
When he arrived, the shopkeeper immediately called him inside, and he immediately went to call Boss Lan.
After a moment , Boss Lan came out with a smile: "Ah, you're early."
"Oh, should I have come later?" Li Jain inquired curiously.
Boss Lan chuckled, shaking his head in response: "No need. Give me a minute to get ready."
As Boss Lan disappeared back into the shop, Li Jain waited patiently for a few minutes. The restaurant was getting crowded for the early morning rush.
"Huh? Isn't that owner Li of the Spiritual Tavern?" A sharp-eyed lady suddenly spoke up in surprise.
Li Jain raised an eyebrow and turned his attention to where their voice had come from.
"That Li guy? What is he doing here?" Another person mumbled.
"I heard that he and Boss Lan have a really good relationship. You know, the Li guy's sons used to work for Boss Lan." An old man chimed in.
"Yeah, now Boss Lan is benefiting a lot from this. Thanks to Li Jain, Boss Lan restaurant has many dishes that aren't available in town." A woman said in envy.
"Every young lady in town has owner Li as their ideal man. They can't wait to show off in front of him. Unfortunately, owner Li is too shot in." An old man laughed heartily.
"I would want a son in law like that as well. He has wealth, influence and strength. Any family who has him as a son-in-law would directly raise as one of the top families in Qingyuan Town." A woman commented.
Although some couldn't say it out loud, they also knew it was true. Every girl in Qingyuan City had been longing for the day when she married someone like Owner Li. Everyone dreamed of being Li's wife.
After all, being Li Jain wife means getting rid of poverty and ordinary life.
Li Jain listened to their conversation with interest. He never expected for such an event to happen. It's not that he was angry, on the contrary, he's very happy. Anger, envy, resentment, jealousy, greed, all those feelings were all mixed together and directed towards him.
Although they weren't good feelings; He was grateful nonetheless. Thanks to them, he'd broken through three levels.
Now he was at the 7th level of Soul Palace. Li Jain didn't expect to gain such immense results within such a short time frame. So when the conversation died down, he had the urge to tell them to continue talking.
"I'm all ready. Thanks for waiting." Boss Lan walked out wearing full white attire.
Li Jain smiled slightly: "No problem. I'm the one who needs your help anyway."
Boss Lan nodded his head and motioned for Li Jain to follow him.
He got on his own horse and the two set out for Fengwu Town. Boss Lan wanted to take the carriage but seeing Li Jain on a horse caused him to change his plans.
...
The ride took them two hours to arrive in Fengwu Town.
Fengwu Town looked quite prosperous and bustling. They passed through quite a large number of people, most of whom were civilians. They dismount their horses and walk side by side.
"Owner Li, each school here has its own style. I know the broad strokes, but for the details, we'll hear from their own people." Boss Lan pointed out.
Li Jain nodded: "That makes sense. I prefer seeing things as they are, not through second-hand reputation."
Boss Lan chuckled. "You're a man with your own preference. Just remember, schools will always put on their best face for a guest."
"Then I'll keep my eyes open."
...
Their first stop was at Azure Cloud Academy
The academy walls rose high with pale jade bricks glinting faintly in the sunlight. The gates opened smoothly at their approach, and a man in deep blue robes stepped forward to greet them.
"I am Instructor Han," he said, bowing slightly. "Welcome to Azure Cloud Academy."
He led them through a broad courtyard where neat rows of students practiced sword drills under the guidance of several assistant instructors. The air was crisp with discipline; every swing landed in perfect unison, and every breath matches the count.
"Azure Cloud believes in building a strong foundation." Instructor Han explained as they walked. "Every student, regardless of their background, begins with the basics. We train in combat, spiritual theory, and moral cultivation equally. Advancement is based on merit and hard work."
They passed a long hall lined with calligraphy scrolls detailing the academy's code of conduct.
"Discipline is our shield." Instructor Han continued: "Our rules are strict, but we provide resources unmatched in the region. Those who remain committed graduate ready to enter high-ranking sects or government posts."
Li Jian's gaze lingered on the scrolls for a moment, then shifted to the training yard again. "What is your policy on independent study?"
"Independent study is allowed, but would be supervised occasionally." Instructor Han replied. "Freedom without structure breeds instability. We believe balance comes from guidance. We have an elder in the Great Power Realm overseeing the Academy. And for many generations, this Academy has produced successful individuals."
He spoke with a calm tone that matched the orderliness of the academy. When they took their leave, Li Jian inclined his head politely.
"Thank you for your time."
Instructor Han returned the bow. "May you find the right path for your young ones. The entrance exam begins next Monday, which is 3 days from now. I hope we'll have the honor of seeing you there."
...
Their next stop was at Vermillion Sword Hall.
This Academy was noisier from the moment they stepped through the gates. The clang of steel and the hiss of elemental energy filled the air. In the central arena, pairs of students clashed fiercely under the watchful eyes of their seniors.
A tall, broad-shouldered man in crimson armor approached Li Jain and Boss Lan: "I am Instructor Zhuang." He said: "Welcome to Vermillion Sword Hall where we forge warriors."
He gestured toward the sparring ground as they walked along the perimeter. "Vermillion Sword Hall values strength which includes; physical, spiritual, and mental. Students here compete daily, not just to measure themselves, but to sharpen each other."
They stopped by a group practicing coordinated formations. The instructor overseeing them ordered commands like a battle commander, and the students responded instantly, moving as one.
"Formations and real combat are our specialties," Instructor Zhuang explained: "We believe the battlefield, and hands-on experience is the best teacher. Those who fear pain will never master the sword."
Li Jian's expression was thoughtful. "Does this Academy only focus on swordsmanship?"
Zhuang smiled faintly. "Although we have high priority on swords, we also have Artifact Forging. But every scar here tells a story. Caution is taught and so is risk."
As they left the hall, the sound of clashing steel followed them out to the street. Boss Lan let out a low whistle. "Lively, aren't they?"
"They are," Li Jian said simply.
...
The last stop, Moonstone Scholars' Institute.
Their final destination was a world apart from the previous two. The Moonstone Scholars' Institute was set around a tranquil lake, its buildings connected by covered walkways. The air smelled faintly of ink and herbs.
A scholarly-looking man in pale grey robes met them at the entrance. "I am Instructor Wei. It's a pleasure to have you as honorable guests with us today." He introduced himself. "Our focus here is on the mind's cultivation as much as the body's. Please, follow me."
They passed pavilions where students were bent over parchment, drawing talisman arrays with meticulous strokes. Others conducted alchemy work, flames steady under crystal cauldrons.
"We teach talisman crafting, array theory, spiritual architecture, beast taming and medicine." Instructor Wei said. "Combat is part of the curriculum, but our forces are on craftsmanship and strategists. The combat we're known for is archery. Our work may not draw loud applause, but its impact lasts generations."
Li Jian glanced at a young woman adjusting the pattern of an array plate and asked: "What is the pace of study here?"
"It depends on the student." Instructor Wei replied: "We value precision. Those who rush risk ruin. We allow space for mastery. We have beast taming as a sub category to the healers. This allows them to attack indirectly without hurting their light roots."
They concluded their tour with tea in a shaded pavilion. As they were about to leave, Instructor Wei said; "The right environment shapes the right growth. I wish your children well in finding theirs and if Moonstone is their destination, our doors are always open."
"Sure, I'll keep that in mind."
...
On their way back home, Boss Lan glanced at Li Jian. "So? Do you have a favorite?"
Li Jian shook his head. "Favorites are irrelevant. My sons will choose for themselves. I wanted to see the schools for what they are and now I have."
Boss Lan grinned. "I see, your sons are lucky to have such vast options.
Li Jian didn't think it was a big deal and laughed it off.
They parted at the town square. Boss Lan headed toward the Joyous Restaurant, while Li Jian made his way home. The tours had given him what he wanted: a clear picture of each school. With those curriculums in his hand, the rest would be up to the children.
No matter what they chose, he could afford the expense. Also, with a two hour journey, he has a plan in mind for new transportation.