Chapter 2 – Dao Palace Ratings

Zong Xiu’s face was deathly pale, and Mu Lin didn’t look much better either. Having been attacked by an anomaly once, he understood all too well how troublesome and terrifying those things could be.

Moreover, while fearing the abilities of evil spirits and anomalies was one thing, he was even more aware that they, being trained by the Dao Palace, were nothing more than cheap, expendable resources.

“If I don’t want to die miserably in future battles, I must make the most of these three years.”

Worried about the future, neither Zong Xiu nor Mu Lin felt like talking much. It wasn’t until mealtime that Zong Xiu’s mood finally lifted.

“Brother Mu, let’s go eat. You helped me out a lot today—my treat.”

This bold declaration left Mu Lin even more speechless.

“I remember the cafeteria is free.”

“Heh, ordinary food is indeed free, but there are things that aren’t.”

As he spoke, Zong Xiu led Mu Lin to the cafeteria. Glancing at the free section, Mu Lin noticed the food wasn’t too bad—baskets of soft, fragrant white steamed buns were piled high, accompanied by over a dozen dishes. He even spotted braised pork among them.

In contrast, the paid section across the way was rather plain, with only a small amount of white rice and vegetables, and meat so scarce it was practically invisible.

At first, Mu Lin thought the cafeteria manager had mixed up the signs for the paid and free sections.

However, after Zong Xiu treated him to a meal, Mu Lin immediately understood why such plain food was so expensive.

The latter wasn’t ordinary rice and vegetables at all—it was Spirit Rice and Spirit Vegetables.

“Gulp…”

As the sweet rice entered his mouth, Mu Lin not only savored its lingering fragrance but also felt a gentle warmth spreading from his stomach.

This warmth flowed through his entire body, soothing his fatigue, warming his spirit, and even making him feel as though his physique had grown slightly stronger.

“Huh… this rice is so effective?!”

The original owner might not have been eating Spirit Rice for the first time, but for Mu Lin, it was a first. Moreover, the memories and sensations of the original owner’s meals had hardly lingered in his mind, which was why Mu Lin was so surprised.

Assuming Mu Lin came from an ordinary family, Zong Xiu explained with a hint of pride upon hearing his words:

“It is Spirit Rice, after all. A small bowl costs one Fragmented Spirit Crystal, but it’s definitely worth the price. Mortals who eat this rice regularly will be free from illness, strong and healthy, and even live longer. As Qi Refiners, we also need to eat it often. First, Qi Refiners need a good physique. Second, it lacks the impurities of ordinary food. Lastly, Spirit Rice contains Spiritual Energy. While ordinary people only become stronger from eating it, if we practice a Cultivation Method, we can absorb the Spiritual Energy from the rice to enhance our Cultivation Level.”

“Although Spirit Rice doesn’t contain as much Spiritual Energy as pills, it also doesn’t have pill toxins.”

Spirit Rice truly had countless benefits, but unfortunately, it was too expensive. Even though the old man had given Mu Lin so many Spirit Stones, nearly a hundred of them were meant to be exchanged for one particular item.

What remained for Mu Lin to use was very little.

Well… this was also because Mu Lin had fallen seriously ill, and the old man had spent most of the Spirit Stones on his treatment.

Incidentally, during his treatment, he drank medicine every day until he was full, which was why he had never eaten Spirit Rice before.

Mu Lin’s distress was noticed by Zong Xiu across from him, who comforted him, saying, “Actually, you also have a chance to get free Spirit Rice.”

“Strictly speaking, we haven’t officially entered the Dao Palace yet—this period belongs to the Hundred Days of Spirit Awakening.”

“Sensing, Qi Drawing, and Spirit Awakening—these are the first three stages of cultivation, or collectively referred to as Spirit Awakening.”

“During these hundred days, we must learn a Cultivation Method, then sense Spiritual Energy, draw Qi into our bodies, and successfully use Spiritual Energy to achieve Spirit Awakening. Only then can we be considered successfully admitted into the Daoist Sect.”

“The duration of Spirit Awakening will determine our treatment. Grades A, B, C, and D: A-Grade Geniuses, B-Grade Elites, C-Grade Ordinary, and D-Grade Inferior—this is the classification the Dao Palace assigns us.”

“If you become a B-Grade Elite, you can enjoy a free bowl of white rice every day. Besides that, there are other benefits, such as housing. Where we live now is just the most ordinary accommodation. B-Grade Elites can reside near the Spiritual Spring.”

Hearing this, Mu Lin’s eyes lit up—who doesn’t love freebies?

“What are the requirements for becoming a B-Grade Elite?”

“Successfully achieving Spirit Awakening within seven to thirty-three days. As for those who succeed before seven days, they fall into the category of A-Grade Geniuses.”

Successfully achieving Spirit Awakening within thirty-three days slightly cooled Mu Lin’s enthusiasm.

With his mediocre talent, he wasn’t very confident.

…

Registration, settling into his residence, eating… After entering the Dao Palace, Mu Lin’s first day passed in a flurry of activity.

Early the next morning, Mu Lin, who had risen early, first exercised his body before washing up.

Then, at Zong Xiu’s call, the two headed toward the Cafeteria.

This time, Mu Lin didn’t accept Zong Xiu’s kindness again. Yesterday was repayment; if he let him treat today, it would be pushing his luck.

However, once you’ve experienced the ocean, ordinary water seems lacking; after seeing Mount Wu, no other clouds compare.

Having eaten Spirit Rice and then switching to ordinary food, Mu Lin felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Even though the food in the ordinary area was quite tasty and nutritious, Mu Lin still frowned.

“Although I don’t have many Spirit Stones left, there are still some remaining. Starting tomorrow, I’ll eat Spirit Rice Meal.”

“Also, achieving Spirit Awakening within thirty-three days… I should still give it a shot!”

…

After breakfast, Mu Lin and Zong Xiu arrived at the ancient-style classroom and waited for the Immortal Elder to arrive.

Upon reaching the classroom, Mu Lin also noticed the differences from the classrooms of his previous life.

There were no chairs here; instead, there were meditation cushions. There were tables, but due to the cushions, these tables were low-legged. On the tables were brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones—all provided free of charge.

The cushions and tables were also brand new and quite exquisite.

It could only be said that while the Dao Palace was quite stingy with Spiritual Energy materials for Mu Lin and the others, they were extremely generous with ordinary resources aside from those.

Whether it was food, accommodation, or daily necessities, as long as they didn’t seek Spiritual Energy items, Mu Lin and the others would live quite comfortably.

“But having entered the Dao Palace, what I want most are Spiritual Energy items.”

With a sigh, Mu Lin casually took a seat toward the back and quietly waited for the Immortal Elder to arrive.

As for Zong Xiu, being outgoing, he quickly mingled with everyone.

While quietly observing, Mu Lin also noticed that although no one arranged it, the seating wasn’t random.

Basically, those with first-grade and second-grade talent all sat in the front, while those with third-grade and fourth-grade talent sat in the back.

Hmm… There were also children from wealthy and powerful families who, despite their poor aptitude, sat at the front. They were the liveliest group among everyone, mingling and networking with one another.

In contrast, most of those around Mu Lin remained silent.

At one point, Zong Xiu came over and tried to pull Mu Lin to sit at the front, but Mu Lin refused.

Seeing this, Zong Xiu didn’t insist, though he ultimately ended up sitting at the front himself.

And so, time passed slowly as Mu Lin waited. Soon, half a day had gone by.

It wasn’t until noon that a somewhat unkempt-looking Qi Refiner finally arrived in the classroom.

His appearance caused everyone to stop their conversations and turn their attention toward him.

Unfazed by the stares, the unkempt Daoist Practitioner glanced at Mu Lin and the others, nodding in satisfaction.

“Good, everyone is here. I am your teacher for this term. You may address me as Ma Daoren.”

“In a moment, everyone will follow me to the Scripture Repository Pavilion to select your Cultivation Methods.”

At this point, he seemed to remember something and scratched his head, adding:

“Oh, right, before you choose your Cultivation Methods, there are a few things I need to mention. The Cultivation Methods in the Scripture Repository Pavilion are divided into three grades: Earth, Mysterious, and Yellow. You may choose freely.”

“But remember, you are not yet Disciples of the Dao Palace. If you select a Cultivation Method but fail to achieve Spirit Awakening within a hundred days, you will be expelled from the Dao Palace, and all related memories of the Cultivation Method will be erased.”

“Additionally, once you’ve chosen your Cultivation Method, the Dao Palace will assess your rating based on the time it takes you to achieve Spirit Awakening and the grade of the Cultivation Method you cultivate. Your rating will determine the treatment you receive. The Dao Palace has four grades: A, B, C, and D. The higher the grade of your Cultivation Method and the earlier you achieve Spirit Awakening, the better your rating will be.”

“For example, if you choose an Earth Grade Cultivation Method and master it within seven days, you can be rated as Grade A.”

“If you choose a Mysterious Grade Cultivation Method and master it within seven days, you can only be rated as Grade B.”

“As for Yellow Grade Cultivation Methods, even if you master them within seven days, you will only be rated as Grade C or D.”

(End of Chapter)