"Although the cultivation methods we're giving you are the most basic and commonly used ones, they are all well-suited to the festival abilities you awakened."
"In addition, there's also a heavenly treasure that can increase your early-stage cultivation speed."
"I hope that when you grow stronger in the future, you won't forget the school's guidance and support."
The old principal spoke with a warm smile.
Bai Jue nodded.
This was the school's investment in Festival Adepts—hoping that when those nurtured by the school grew powerful, they would one day give back. It was only natural.
"Also, you should already know that the benefits of a Festival Adept is extremely generous," the principal continued with a chuckle. "But you probably don't know the specifics yet, do you?"
The benefits of Festival Adepts was indeed high, but how high was something ordinary people never truly learned. Only after becoming one did the full picture reveal itself.
This was done deliberately—to prevent feelings of inequality among the general population.
At his words, Bai Jue and the other two immediately looked up, curiosity clear on their faces.
The principal lifted his teacup and took a sip before continuing.
"After becoming a Festival Adept, you'll receive a monthly subsidy from the Federation. The stronger you are, the higher the amount."
"Festival Adepts—and their immediate family members—enjoy a 30% discount on dining, accommodation, and travel."
"The Federation recognizes the right of Festival Adepts to take concubines."
"Family members of Festival Adepts receive priority when seeking employment."
"Festival Adepts…"
The principal listed privilege after privilege.
With each one, Bai Jue's eyes widened further.
After a long while, once the principal finished speaking and noticed Bai Jue's stunned expression, he smiled and asked,
"Student Bai Jue, do you think the benefits of Festival Adepts is… excessively generous?"
"Yes."
Bai Jue nodded honestly.
The benefits of Festival Adepts was on a completely different level from that of ordinary people—almost aristocratic. There had to be a reason behind it.
The old principal shook his head gently.
"In truth, most Festival Adepts rarely get to enjoy these privileges themselves. They exist primarily for their families."
"And the reason Festival Adepts hold such status and benefits is directly tied to their responsibility."
"You must remember this—once you become a Festival Adept, you become a warrior."
"This is not something you can avoid."
"In the future, you'll be sent to the borders, and even into spatial gates, to fight for the Federation—for the survival of humanity."
"Many Festival Adepts, from the moment they step onto the battlefield, spend their entire lives on the frontier… and many die there."
"Every Festival Adept is a hero."
"That is why they are given such status and benefits."
"Of course," he added calmly, "there are exceptions. Some Festival Adepts commit unforgivable crimes. You'll learn about that in time."
...
An hour later, Bai Jue left the principal's office.
The old man's words echoed in his mind.
To be honest, the impact wasn't particularly deep—after all, Bai Jue hadn't witnessed it firsthand. But he could imagine how brutal the wars at the borders and within spatial gates must be.
Countless Festival Adepts had fallen in battles against other civilizations and races, all in the name of the Federation.
That was the foundation of their current status.
Still, what intrigued Bai Jue the most was the Night Watchers.
What kind of responsibility did they bear… to warrant benefits even higher than that of ordinary Festival Adepts?
"Bai Jue, let's add each other on Mutualink. It'll be easier to stay in touch—maybe I can even ask you for cultivation advice in the future."
Suddenly, Cheng Taihe spoke up.
Mutualink was a communication app.
After a moment's thought, Bai Jue nodded and agreed.
Not only did he add Cheng Taihe—he also exchanged contacts with Ji Yingying.
But just as he finished setting their contact notes, Ji Yingying stepped forward, her gaze steady and resolute.
"Bai Jue… could you spar with me?"
"Spar?"
Bai Jue looked up, slightly surprised.
"Yes," Ji Yingying nodded. "You awakened Zhongyuan. I've heard my father mention it before—it's an incredibly powerful festival."
"So I want to see… just how big the gap is between my Winter Solstice and your Zhongyuan."
She smiled—brilliant and confident.
"And besides…"
"You and I have only just become Festival Adepts. Don't you want to test your strength?"
Bai Jue understood immediately.
She simply wanted to fight him—to see whether Zhongyuan truly lived up to its reputation.
He didn't mind at all.
In fact, he was somewhat eager.
After all, his cheat was tied directly to combat. The system prompt had already made that clear—battles could grant rewards.
And he wanted to test his own strength as well.
So without much hesitation, Bai Jue nodded and smiled.
"Sure. Want to join us, Student Cheng?"
One opponent or two—it didn't really matter to him.
However, Cheng Taihe waved his hands frantically.
"Nope, no thanks. I'll pass. I'll just watch."
He knew himself well enough.
His ability had combat potential, but it wasn't strong. In the future, he would likely develop as a support-type Festival Adept.
Bai Jue and Ji Yingying were different—their abilities were clearly battle-oriented.
Fighting them would just be self-inflicted suffering.
He had no such hobby.
Seeing this, Bai Jue nodded and didn't push further.
Together with Ji Yingying, he headed toward an old training field behind the school.
It was part of an abandoned area—rarely visited.
The moment they arrived, Ji Yingying's eyes filled with battle intent. A chilling aura spread from her body as pale mist gathered in the air.
"Bai Jue," she said calmly, "be careful."
Bai Jue nodded.
"Come."
As soon as the word fell, his expression sharpened.
Whoosh—!
A shard of ice instantly condensed before Ji Yingying and shot toward Bai Jue like an arrow, tearing through the air with a piercing whistle.
Bai Jue remained unmoved.
He simply raised his right hand slowly, fingers spreading.
"Those who dare harm the Master—"
"—shall have their souls bound and sent to the courts of Yama, to suffer the torments of purgatory!"
A cold, solemn voice rang out.
Black mist surged.
An Underworld Warden materialized in front of Bai Jue.
The warden raised his right hand and caught the ice arrow mid-flight. With a crushing grip—
Crack!
The arrow shattered.
In the next instant, the warden swung his left hand, the soul-binding chain lashing outward like a divine restraint…
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