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Chapter 66: Red-Level
"So that's how it is," Tang San nodded.
Considering the thousands here, does one percent mean that only a few dozen truly belong to the Redemption Society? That's not many. But a tighter organization is better. My newly sworn teacher probably won't tell me the more specific details for now, given that I've just joined the organization.
"Teacher, I heard from Senior Zhang Tianxiao before that we have our own school that’s called Redemption Academy?"
Zhang Haoxuan nodded and said, "Yes, the most important task we have is cultivating reserve talents for the organization. Since we're adjacent to Kali Academy, we can also utilize some of the resources from Kali Academy. So, within the organization, from now on, you're a part of Redemption Academy. You can study together with others."
"Alright," Tang San nodded. He naturally felt an affinity towards the term "academy."
Zhang Haoxuan continued, "First, I'll brand a mark on you to establish your identity as a member of the Redemption Society. Then, I'll bring you to report to our Redemption Academy. Remember this clearly: you must not reveal anything about the Mysterious Heaven Technique. Also, don't use the imprints of other demon race abilities in front of others. You have only one ability and that is the Wind Blade."
"Yes."
The brand resembled a tattoo in both appearance and method of imprinting. Namely, Zhang Haoxuan used a fine needle dipped in a special liquid to etch a mark on the back of Tang San's right hand. The mark was somewhat like a snowflake but with more pronounced curves. Once completed, it turned red. The red snowflake was truly beautiful, but there was a tragic undertone to it.
Once the mark was tattooed and the liquid fully absorbed, it simply vanished from the skin's surface. Zhang Haoxuan also showed Tang San how to reveal the mark—he had to stimulate the bloodline power within, circulating it in a special rhythm under the skin to make it appear. It was quite peculiar.
After doing all this, Zhang Haoxuan nodded in satisfaction.
"Let's go, I'll take you to the academy."
Following him out of the wooden hut, Tang San subconsciously glanced at the spot where the mark was imprinted on his hand. From this moment, he had truly become a member of the Redemption Society. He wondered how this day would be recorded in the history of the Daemon Continent. If he could regain his former glory in the future, then today might be a day worth commemorating.
Zhang Haoxuan led Tang San toward the back of Academy Town. They walked almost to the mid-mountain area before stopping in front of a cluster of wooden houses.
The wood used in constructing these houses was close to the color of mountain rocks, making them not easily noticeable from the town. Upon coming closer, however, one could see that there were quite a few wooden houses here. They were built on a small plateau and they were forming a circle.
Just as they approached the wooden houses, a figure appeared before them—a young boy, appearing to be around thirteen or fourteen years old. He smiled at Zhang Haoxuan and said, "Mayor, you've arrived."
Zhang Haoxuan nodded to him. "I've brought a newcomer."
The boy looked at Tang San, his face immediately showing surprise. "Such a young newcomer! Didn’t you tell us that newbies must be at least twelve and pass a test before coming here?"
"Why so many questions? Lead the way," Zhang Haoxuan said somewhat irritably.
Clearly intimidated, the boy turned around and led the way.
Passing the foremost wooden house, they arrived at a spacious yard behind it, surrounded by other wooden houses resembling a large courtyard.
"The mayor is here!" the boy shouted. Immediately, more than a dozen people popped out from the wooden houses. Indeed, “popped out” was the term that came to mind seeing the energetic teenagers jump out of the houses like mongooses.
Following them, a few adults came out.
Tang San stood beside Zhang Haoxuan, observing coolly. He noticed that there were more young males than females here. Their bloodline auras were different but all noticeably strong. It was not that they were personally powerful, but their bloodlines were undeniably powerful.
It seemed that the requirements for talent to enter the Redemption Academy were quite high.
Naturally, these youngsters were also curiously sizing him up. After all, Tang San was clearly quite a bit younger than them.
Zhang Haoxuan clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention, "This is my newly accepted disciple, Tang San. Starting today, he will also be studying in the academy. Old Guan, please make the arrangements."
A middle-aged man of average build and scholarly appearance approached him with surprise on his face. "Your new disciple? You've taken on a disciple?"
Zhang Haoxuan nodded. "This child is quite special and has great potential. I'll discuss it with you later. Please arrange everything for now."
"Alright," Guan nodded without further comment.
Zhang Haoxuan turned to Tang San and said, "This is Guan Longjiang, the dean in charge of the academy. He will arrange your accommodation and studies. I will come to see you regularly. I have other matters to attend to now. Don't forget my instructions today."
"Yes, Teacher," Tang San nodded.
Zhang Haoxuan pulled Guan Longjiang aside to speak privately, then prepared to leave. Seeing this, Tang San quickly stepped forward and called out to Zhang Haoxuan.
"Teacher, hold on a second!"
"What is it? You'll have to adapt to the new environment slowly." Zhang Haoxuan thought Tang San was apprehensive about the unfamiliar setting.
However, Tang San shook his head. "I'm sure I can adapt. I wanted to ask if I can go out to the city sometimes to buy some necessities."
Guan Longjiang glanced at him, somewhat surprised.
Zhang Haoxuan replied, "Try not to go out, but if you must, you must ask Dean Guan for leave and only go out with his approval. And you must return on the same day."
"Okay, Teacher."
Being able to go out was enough. How else would he meet Mei Gongzi? After all, the most important reason Tang San had returned to Kali City was to meet Mei Gongzi!
With that, Zhang Haoxuan left.
"Come, Tang San, let's meet everyone.” Guan Longjiang led Tang San back to the courtyard's center as he spoke. "Including you, we now have sixteen students in our academy, and including me and the mayor, there are five teachers. Let me introduce the other three teachers to you."
He first pointed to a beautiful woman who appeared to be around twenty-five or twenty-six years old. "This is Teacher Mu Yunyu. She is mainly responsible for your daily life and physical training."
Mu Yunyu was tall, around 1.7 meters, and she was wearing a blue dress. Her gaze was soft like water, and her large eyes brimmed with gentleness and tenderness. However, Tang San noticed that when Guan Longjiang introduced her, the other students around clearly showed a hint of dread. He had a hint that Teacher Mu's personality was not terribly consistent with her outward appearance.
"Hello, Teacher Mu," Tang San immediately greeted Mu Yunyu with a bow.
Mu Yunyu smiled slightly, and her voice was coquettish as she greeted him, "Hello, little Tang San. Welcome to the academy. I see that you’re a little frail, I think you’d do well to up your physical training a little. No worries, we’ll take care of that."
"Thank you, Teacher." Tang San nodded immediately. However, her coquettish voice gave him goosebumps.
Guan Longjiang frowned slightly, coughed, and pointed to another middle-aged man. "Teacher Mu Enqing, the elder brother of Mu Yunyu. He is responsible for practical combat courses."
Mu Enqing looked nothing like Mu Yunyu; his tall stature and rough facial features conveyed a sense of manly boldness. It was hard to imagine that he and the delicate and beautiful Mu Yunyu were actually siblings.