The Martial Saint’s Fan Club

Class concluded swiftly, leaving only a single session scheduled for after lunch that day. The interim period was designated for disciples to engage in self-cultivation.

Shangguan Xue meandered through the campus for a brief circuit before resolving to head to the Spirit Gathering Platform for her cultivation.

Producing her token, she passed through the gates of the Spirit Gathering Platform, immediately sensing the spiritual energy within to be dozens of times denser than the outside world, rivaling even the most hallowed of blessed lands.

This elevated platform, constructed from specialized materials and enhanced by spirit formations designed to draw in ambient spiritual energy, undeniably expedited a disciple’s cultivation. It was, indeed, a remarkable amenity.

It was, by any measure, a lavish provision, especially considering that not all academy disciples were destined to join the Ink Pavilion.

One could only conclude that the Ink Pavilion truly functioned as a benevolent institution.

Shangguan Xue mused to herself, observing the scarcity of vacant meditation cushions. Without hesitation, she promptly secured one.

Seated upright on the Spirit Gathering Platform, her eyes closed in cultivation, she felt her spiritual energy grow steadily, albeit gradually.

At a normal pace, even with the aid of Immortal Origin Pills, she would require a full month to advance to the Body Tempering Realm.

Yet, thanks to the Spirit Gathering Platform, her advancement could be achieved in a mere ten days.

Truly befitting the reputation of Grand Spirit Academy! Truly worthy of the Spirit Gathering Platform!

As Shangguan Xue quietly marveled, she suddenly became aware of another disciple approaching her.

‘Surely not? It couldn’t be one of those hackneyed scenarios where someone tries to claim a cultivation spot, demanding, “This is my territory; you are forbidden to cultivate here.”‘

‘And then, unable to contend with me, they would undoubtedly seek out a senior, leading to an endless cycle of ‘beating the younger, then facing the elder.’ It was a tiresome prospect.’

A wave of exasperation washed over her, even as she subtly gathered a wisp of spiritual sense at her fingertips, poised to repel any encroaching individual.

Should she choose, she possessed the power to even wound a Nirvana Realm cultivator. Therefore, a mere Carefree Realm disciple posed no significant threat.

Regarding the classic ‘beat the younger, then face the elder’ predicament, Shangguan Xue harbored no real concern.

The Dean was well aware of her connection to the Lord of the Pavilion and would assuredly never permit her to suffer even the slightest injustice within the academy’s walls.

And beyond the academy, with Jia Nan by her side, she had even less cause to fear anyone.

Moments later, the disciple stood before Shangguan Xue. Her raven hair was neatly gathered with a wooden hairpin, and she was clad in a long, pale red robe.

‘Hmm…’ Shangguan Xue’s spiritual sense swept over the newcomer. ‘This attire… why does it feel somewhat familiar, like my own?’ she mused inwardly.

“Classmate,” the disciple began, “Are you perhaps interested in learning more about the Martial Arts Society?”

“What?”

Shangguan Xue was utterly dumbfounded, her gaze fixed, wide-eyed, on the other’s dark eyes. Her mind reeled with incredulity: ‘You disturbed my cultivation just to peddle something? Why not just sell Amway products while you’re at it?’

“Ahem, ahem,” the disciple stammered, clearly flustered by the intense scrutiny. “Our Martial Arts Society venerates the Martial Saint, and our attire is meant to emulate her. Seeing you dressed so similarly, I couldn’t help but wonder if you also…”

‘No wonder you’re dressed like my old self,’ Shangguan Xue thought. ‘What am I? A worshipper of the Martial Saint? If I were to tell you I *am* the Martial Saint, would you even believe me?’

Shangguan Xue’s lips twitched in an awkward, almost pained smile, caught between laughter and tears.

Observing Shangguan Xue’s expression, which evoked a vicarious sense of awkwardness, beads of sweat began to form on the disciple’s brow. She offered a slight bow.

“Then… I apologize for the intrusion.”

“Wait,” Shangguan Xue interjected, stopping her. “Are there any benefits to joining your Martial Arts Society?”

‘Even if you are all like-minded individuals, a fan club for me, the Martial Saint,’ the Martial Saint mused, ‘there must be some tangible benefits to attract others, right? Without them, who would bother to join?’

“Er…” The disciple pondered for a moment. “You can spar with other members, and you can also skip classes under the pretext of participating in guild activities.”

‘You listed those two benefits in the same breath? One appeals to the diligent and hardworking, while the other caters to those who prefer to slack off…’

Shangguan Xue yearned to hold up a sign emblazoned with four bold characters: ‘I am speechless.’

As if a sudden thought struck her, the disciple hastily added, “Oh, we also have three exclusive slots for entry into the Treasure Vault.”

“That sounds… promising,” Shangguan Xue remarked, though inwardly she confessed ignorance regarding the true value of the Treasure Vault. “Are entry slots to the Treasure Vault typically scarce?”

“Absolutely,” the disciple affirmed, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. “Access to the Treasure Vault is generally reserved for Carefree Realm cultivators, or those who have demonstrated exceptional merit and received an extraordinary recommendation from an Instructor.”

“While various guilds also receive a limited number of slots, our Martial Arts Society boasts the highest allocation, with a generous three.”

These words plunged Shangguan Xue into deep contemplation.

‘I recall that Luo Jin obtained a significant opportunity within the Treasure Vault, and it occurred during his very first year here.’

‘Most who reach the Carefree Realm are typically in their final year at the academy. As for being recommended for exceptional performance… Luo Jin must have been recommended by Taiming.’

‘While I could certainly arrange for the Dean to recommend me, it would feel excessively privileged. Using a guild slot would be a more understated approach.’

“However,” the Martial Arts Society member added, “there will be an assessment.”

“Understood,” Shangguan Xue responded, completely unfazed. “If I were to join the Martial Arts Society, what would be required of me?”

“You wish to join? That’s wonderful!” Her face once again alight with excitement, she produced a copper coin. “All you need to do is blow on it.”

“Aren’t you concerned someone might mistake it for an ordinary coin and spend it?” Shangguan Xue’s lips twitched, yet she leaned closer and exhaled onto the coin.

“Rest assured, I possess only this single coin,” she declared, patting her chest. “Under normal circumstances, I utilize Spirit Light Liquid.”

‘A wealthy family, indeed…’ Shangguan Xue nodded, acknowledging her understanding.

“The Martial Arts Society’s headquarters are located on the third floor of Tianhui Tower; you’re welcome to visit this afternoon,” the disciple stated, tucking away the coin. “I shall not impose any further.”

Waving a farewell, she departed, only to immediately approach other disciples and begin her recruitment pitch for the Martial Arts Society, all under Shangguan Xue’s watchful eye.

‘You clearly intended to ask *everyone*!’ Shangguan Xue fumed inwardly. ‘And you claimed it was because I dressed like the Martial Saint… No, I *am* the Martial Saint! These are the Martial Saint’s very own clothes!’

Shangguan Xue’s mind was brimming with unspoken complaints, yet with no outlet for them, she resigned herself to resuming her cultivation.

It was not until midday that she paused, enjoying a hearty meal at the academy’s refectory before returning to her classroom for arithmetic.

Hailing from Earth and possessing nearly two decades of educational experience, Shangguan Xue found these rudimentary mathematical concepts effortlessly simple. She could even dedicate half her attention to cultivation concurrently.

The moment the Instructor declared class dismissed, she discreetly made her way to the Martial Arts Society’s premises on the third floor of Tianhui Tower.