Delmon proudly polished the golden badge in his hand, then with the rising sun, it sparkled! He couldn't help but grin, as if he were the political figurehead of the empire, soaring with the newly risen sun.
The badge bore the magical seal of the empire's emperor, and the back displayed Delmon's title: Empire's Minister of Military Affairs Attendant. One should not underestimate this attendant role, following the Minister of Military Affairs, gaining experience, and in the future, surely reaching great heights. No matter how envious others were, they couldn't snatch away such a coveted post.
Delmon had achieved great success this time and, combined with the activities of the Crown Prince, had clinched this job. The Crown Prince had informed him in advance, emphasizing how hard he had worked for this position, hinting at how Delmon should show gratitude and pledge loyalty in return. Delmon had cooperated well, displaying a grateful expression.
Even though he knew the rewards in advance, when the emperor's personal attendant handed the proof of identity badge to him, Delmon couldn't help but be excited, his hands trembling in anticipation.
Finally, he had entered the heart of the empire's political arena.
As Delmon was receiving his golden badge, Ge Zheng was carefully keeping his own barely worn Alchemist's 6th Rank badge. A staff member inside the alchemist guild of Delson Royal City commented disdainfully, "Is a 6th rank badge worth treasuring like this?" As he spoke, he slapped a new certified badge, a 10th rank Alchemist badge, in front of Ge Zheng.
Putting on the new badge, Ge Zheng smiled and said, "This badge holds special significance for me." The guild staff member did not care much for these words. In this world, everyone had things that held special significance for them. However, had he known that this badge was a memento previously used by the renowned alchemist Paracelsus, he would have probably jumped out of the window and snatched it from Ge Zheng's hand.
Principal Ramir was deeply troubled over the head of the alchemy department at the academy. Apart from the academic dean and mentor, Master Aquinas, he could not find anyone remarkable in the alchemy department. Most of the newcomers were either boastful noble scions or sycophants.
Before leaving, Master Benat recommended someone to him. Ramir's eyes lit up. He thought to himself that he didn't have to look far, as there was such a talented individual right in Delson Royal City. With the status and attraction of the academy, he should be more appealing than the residents of the Southern backwater city of Ober.
Eager to find talent, Principal Ramir personally invited Master Aquinas. Reluctant at heart, Master Aquinas agreed, thinking it was just to show face in front of the esteemed principal. Even on meeting Ge Zheng, he only pretended to smile politely.
After hearing Principal Ramir's offer, Ge Zheng asked bluntly, "Is there a limit to the number of classes I can hold?" "There's no limit." "Can I use all the resources within the school?" "You can." "Alright, I agree."
Master Aquinas thought to himself that using the name of Dongsheng Academy had immediately brought him success. Such opportunities were tempting for young people, and Ge Zheng's quick acceptance was not due to the academy's prestigious reputation but because he wanted to fulfill the least obligations while gaining maximum benefits.
Every department in the mainland's Martial Arts Academy had a chief and deputy chief instructor. The chief instructor was equivalent to a department dean and the deputy chief was akin to a vice dean.
However, Master Aquinas didn't know that Ge Zheng's quick agreement was not due to the prestige of Dongsheng Academy, but because he wanted to fulfill obligations minimally while gaining maximum benefits.
After leaving the Liusu Mountains, the badge hung on his chest, and several changes of clothes later, the badge had remained unchanged. Ge Zheng kept it to remember Paracelsus, and partly due to a lack of time for promotion.
This time was different. Ge Zheng spent several days completing the promotion test of the Alchemist Guild and finally acquired a 10th rank Alchemist badge.
In certain aspects, Ge Zheng's skills were already on par with Paracelsus. Even if he hadn't reached the level of a titled master in terms of theoretical depth and practical experience, he had reached the level of a 12th rank Alchemist.
Ge Zheng stopped at the 10th rank because he was out of time. Today was the day he had promised to report to Dongsheng Academy with Principal Ramir.
Returning to the inn from the Alchemist's Guild, the atmosphere inside was solemn. Miss Fifi's eyes were slightly red, "Teacher, this is our last meal together. I will return to the Maris Grand Duchy this afternoon. Teacher, are you really not coming back with me..."
Ge Zheng had achieved great success in the alchemy puppet incident, bringing glory to the Maris Grand Duchy. The usually stingy King Meijev IV was so pleased that he decided to exempt the Grand Duchy from three years of tributes.
(…)
The Maris Principality is one of the three major principalities in the south, but it's not a border town like the town of Wangshan; it pays an annual tribute of seven million gold coins to the emperor! So in three years, that's twenty-one million gold coins.
In addition, Ge Zheng was appointed as the royal alchemist and granted the position of Viscount in the empire, but it was not hereditary. He was rewarded with two hundred thousand gold coins.
Compared to Ge Zheng's abundant achievements, this reward seems somewhat meager. Apart from Emperor Meijev IV being stingy, the rare "unity among the three brothers" in the royal city played a significant role in suppressing Ge Zheng's reward.
The three men had almost the same thought: they must win Ge Zheng over to their side. The second thought that followed immediately was, if Ge Zheng were to be rewarded too much, with a million in assets, the title of count, and the position of the empire's chief alchemist, he would have everything a alchemist could have—so what could they use to win him over?
So the three of them made their case, downplaying Ge Zheng's contributions. The eldest prince took most of the credit for himself and his faction member, Demonte; the third prince attributed most of the credit to the general of his faction's guards; the youngest fourth prince, with few members from his faction participating in this action, extravagantly gifted a magnificent steed to his imperial father, claiming that the royal city could turn the crisis into safety and owe it to Emperor Meijev IV's wisdom, martial prowess, and good fortune. The rewards for Ge Zheng were like a herd of deer before a group of butchers: Meijev IV took a cut, the eldest prince took another, and the third and fourth princes each took another, leaving only a pile of bones.
Ge Zheng is no longer able to keep a low profile as before. In that case, it's better to stay in the Delson Royal City than to return to Oba City.
"I've decided to stay. I'm not a good teacher, and continuing to teach you would mislead you. If you're interested in alchemy, I suggest you ask your father to find you a real tutor after you return. Also, pass on to the Duke that if he needs anything, he can come to the royal city and find me." There's another half of the sentence unspoken; we can negotiate the price.
After lunch, Ge Zheng went to the Dongsheng Academy alone to report. He didn't tell Nolorodon about his intention to teach at the Dongsheng Academy, wanting to surprise Viscount Roringel.
Miss Fifi returned to the Maris Principality. She couldn't stay at the inn anymore, but the treatment of the teachers at the Dongsheng Academy was quite good. As a lead tutor personally appointed by Dean Ramil, Ge Zheng was assigned to a "villa dormitory" similar to the three-story magic tower of Lamir.
After reporting to the Dongsheng Academy, Ge Zheng was ready to move.
Although the fourth district is called the "East Victory District," most of it is actually affiliated facilities of the academy, such as student dormitories, cafeterias, martial arts halls, and commercial facilities surrounding the academy; the pure teaching area of the Dongsheng Academy is not large, located in the center of the fourth district, occupying about one-fifth of the entire fourth district's area.
The teaching area is the real "Dongsheng Academy." The academy has no walls, and the field of vision is clear, but rows of magic columns encircle the teaching area. If you don't enter through the main entrance, unless you have the ability of a Level 12 professional, you will definitely leave an unforgettable impression.
The fourth district is located in the northeast corner of the royal city, with the academy's gate facing south, and outside the gate is a not-so-wide stone road.
Compared to the grand cities in the Star Alchemy World, where it's common to build a towering giant stone sculpture as a city's symbol, the Dongsheng Academy of the five great continental schools of magic and martial arts had a relatively plain school gate. Two stone columns slightly higher than the other magic columns were adorned with two flower-like magic lanterns—this was the gate of the prestigious Dongsheng Academy.
The columns were covered with old yellow vines. It was winter at the time, and the withered vegetation made what should have been poetic vines look like coarse ropes wrapped around the columns.
One of the columns was fitted with a small metal plaque inscribed with the words "Dongsheng Academy."
Ge Zheng, with a new Level 10 alchemist badge hanging from his chest, was incredulous as he looked at the gate of the academy. Is this the prestigious Dongsheng Academy, one of the five great academies on the continent? Without that inconspicuous metal plaque, he would have thought he had taken the wrong path.
Not to mention how grand Ge Men's mountain gate was, but even a small sect in the cultivation world would scrape together materials, perhaps thriftily obtained over several generations, to build a respectable mountain gate.
Indeed, there were differences in the thinking of eastern and western people.
"Stop!" Ge Zheng had just entered when a booming voice came from the side. He turned and saw a dozen or so disgruntled faces. It was clear that the voice didn't come from these people.
A tall man dressed in black and red uniform strode over with an aggressive air, his thick eyebrows deeply knitted, eyes wide, hands on hips, and demanded, "Which department are you from? You've violated Rule 16 of the college regulations: all students must wear the student emblem inside the college! Get over here and line up like the others, hands behind your head, and stand in formation!"
Ge Zheng glanced at the line of unhappy faces, obviously, these poor guys were also caught violating the college rules by this big guy.
"This has nothing to do with me," Ge Zheng said to himself. He didn't want to meddle, gesturing towards his certification badge, "I'm a new teacher..." "A teacher?" the big guy gave a disdainful glance at Ge Zheng's badge, "You, a Level 10 professional, are posing as a teacher? Let me tell you, this is the Dongsheng Academy, one of the five great schools on the continent! All top 20 students are level 10 masters. Get over here now, don't think you can fool Dean Bill with this!"
Ge Zheng couldn't help but laugh, "Why are you so sure that I must be a student?" Bill was speechless but arrogantly said, "Kid, I'll count to three; if you don't come over, I'll make sure to kick you out of this academy."
Ge Zheng was also getting angry, hands behind his back, "I'm standing here. Go ahead, count to three hundred; let's see how you can kick me out of this academy!"
Although Ge Zheng's response was purely due to being provoked and not wanting to confront the tyranny of "Director Bill," the dozen or so students who had been caught due to trivial mistakes gave Ge Zheng supporting looks.
This really infuriated Bill, who then stamped his feet and said, "Alright, someone who openly defies the school discipline deserves a severe punishment. Come, record a major misconduct and expel him from the student roll!"
Three personnel in black and red uniforms who had been standing next to those students immediately rushed over, grabbing Ge Zheng's arms to "prosecute" him. Ge Zheng was not bad at fighting, and while he might not beat Di Nola and Demonte, he had trained in authentic Tai Chi and Five Animal Exercises. He twisted the wrist of one of the guys and made him yelp in pain.
With a seemingly powerless elbow thrust, Ge Zheng hit the chest of the guy behind him, who made a dull thud and stumbled back, breathless and pallid.
The last one saw the danger and didn't dare to rush forward, standing awkwardly next to the big guy Bill.
A small male student among the group saw Ge Zheng's agile skill and couldn't help but be impressed. He quietly nudged his friend, "Hey, Smith, how does this alchemist's skill compare to the first expert of your warrior department, Alanke? He's just an alchemist, really, extraordinary..."
As the two were whispering, Bill had already gone forward himself. Ge Zheng dodged, shot out a flame with his fingertip, and a cross-shaped flame a person's height opened up with a whoosh in front of him. Bill was taken aback, "Artifact..."
In the Star Alchemy World, even a guard dog from the War God's family could release red fighting spirit; even a pet cat from the Sunset Law God can use magic to catch mice.
Although Bill was just a gatekeeper at the Dongsheng Academy, he was still influenced and somewhat knowledgeable. He knew how powerful artifacts were and hurriedly tried to avoid the flame cross. Ge Zheng raised his foot and gave a little push with his hand, and Bill's massive body let out a strange cry and fell flat on the ground!
It was this move that won praise from the small student, "Incredible! Smith, from now on, he's my idol!" Smith understood his friend's character very well and seemed accustomed to this kind of behavior, but he just rolled his eyes and didn’t respond much.
Ge Zheng found a student at the academy and asked for directions. The student pointed to the tallest nine-story magic tower in the academy; Dean Rameil's office was located inside that tower.
Ge Zheng went into the tower, and as he ascended floor by floor, he heard a commotion.
"The proposition of King's Imprint is nonsense. The level of magic array imprinting has no limit. Marls, I'll definitely break the so-called King's Imprint nine-tier limit, and I'll prove it to you!"
"Humph, it's ridiculous. Based on your skills as a Level 9 alchemist, a mere assistant alchemist, dare to question the theory of Master Agasozemond! Breaking the nine-tier limit of magic array imprinting, haha, hahaha..."
"What are you laughing at!" The previous voice angrily said, "Are you willing to bet with me! If I prove this proposition is wrong, you will acknowledge the failure of your academic theory in front of all the students of our department!"
"Good!" Marls immediately agreed, "I'll bet with you. But what happens if you lose?"
"If I lose," Emma said in a deliberate tone, "I'll leave Dongsheng Academy!"
"It's a deal!"
With a bang, a golden-haired, bearded alchemist stormed out with an angry face, carrying a large book under his arm, almost colliding with Ge Zheng.
The proposition of King's Imprint is a theory about the level of magic array imprinting in alchemical works, proposed by the renowned Master Artisan "King's Artisan" Herlecali: the highest number of magic array imprints in alchemical works is nine, and human alchemists cannot surpass this limit.
This proposition was heavily disputed as soon as it was voiced. Some felt that Herlecali was too arrogant and arbitrary, judging that if he couldn't do something, then others couldn't either. Some thought that perhaps the King's Artisan had seen something beyond the human realm, and this proposition was actually a reflection of the opposite: surpassing the nine-tier limit of imprinting would exceed the barrier of quasi-artifact!
The person who came out saw Ge Zheng and asked amiably, "Hello, do you need any help?" Ge Zheng recognized from the voice that he was the staunch supporter of the King's Imprint theory, Marls, who had been expressing harsh words earlier.
It's no wonder that Ge Zheng is always thought of as a student. Along the way, most of the teachers he has encountered are middle-aged or older, and very few are as young as he is.
But the old man Maris, who had just been arguing with Emmons and had turned red in the face, now had a kind and elder-like look. This huge contrast surprised Ge Zheng.
He paused for a moment before smiling and answering, "I'm not a student, I'm here to see the dean." Maris pointed to the top of his head with his finger and said, "Oh, that old guy Lamir is on the top floor. Young man, it's good for you to climb the stairs more, you're strong and young, hehehe..."
Ge Zheng had previously thought that the old man might be wearing a false mask, but this well-intentioned joke made him genuinely think that the old man was indeed a kind elder. Ge Zheng couldn't help but speculate in his heart that he and Emmons must have deep-seated grievances or resentments.
Mahjong is a thousand-year-old Chinese tradition, and Ge Zheng often gambled at the gate of the mountain, and even thought of creating a "Heavenly Mahjong" outside of the Ge family's alchemy. Unfortunately, his master found out and scolded him.
Ge Zheng smiled and waved goodbye to Maris, then turned and continued to climb the stairs.
In his heart, he was also pondering whether the proposition of the King's Seal was really feasible.
Unbeknownst to him, he had already arrived at the top floor, the highest level of the Magic Tower, with only one office, undoubtedly the office of the ultimate boss of the East Victory Academy, the thirteenth level Sunset Mage Lamir.
He raised his hand to knock on the door, but the office door opened automatically. Lamir was busy at a big table. "Just have a seat for now, I'm finishing up this little experiment..."
As he said this, he sprinkled a handful of crystal powder into a flame, and before he could finish his incantation, the flame extinguished with a "puff". Lamir shook his head disappointedly, "In theory, it's feasible, but why is it so difficult in practice..."
He shook his head, and his sparse white hair moved along with it.
"Ge Zheng, you're here." Lamir wiped his hands with a towel and greeted him with a smile. Ge Zheng performed a greeting, "Hello, Dean."
"Please have a seat." Lamir also sat back in his place and took out something he had prepared in advance from the drawer: a small green emblem about the size of a coin, and a piece of parchment. "This is your school emblem, and here is the appointment letter personally signed by me. As long as you sign on the appointment letter, you will officially become a member of the East Victory Academy."
Ge Zheng smiled, took out a pen, and quickly signed his name.
Lamir's eyes lit up as he stared at the pen in Ge Zheng's hand and said, "I've heard from that old guy Bened that you have such a magical alchemical work, indeed extraordinary... Well, welcome to officially join the East Victory Academy!" He stood up, reached across the table, and gave Ge Zheng a warm hug.
"Kelvin will come later, take you to meet your colleagues, and also arrange for you to meet the students."
Lamir gestured with his finger next to his head, "You need to be careful, the students here are all outstanding in the mainland, they won't easily accept anyone..."