"Thank you innkeeper for taking good care of me." He bid his farewell to the innkeeper and started his journey to the academy.

Grim made his way to the gate of the academy after a couple of hours.

He could see many kids waiting in line to get tested just like him. They were of the same age as him, around 15-17 years old.

He joined the queue and waited for his turn. Suddenly, heard a noise.

"Xu Jin, affinity with two elements. Passed."

People were shouting "As expected of a young master from the Jin family. He already has an affinity with two elements at a such young age."

However, the enthusiasm died when the next kid took the test.

"Feng Song, no affinity toward any elements. Failed."

By the time it was Grim's turn only ten students had managed to qualify.

Except for the three kids, all of them had an affinity with one element. They were Li Bo from the 'Bo' family, Xu Jin from the 'Jin' family, and Hou Li from the 'Li' family.

It was Grim's turn next. He placed his hand on the orb and released his qi mixed with the 'water' element. He wanted to lay low. So, he didn't release any other elements.

"Grim, affinity with one element. Passed."

"Now, I shall announce the completion of the entrance test." The instructor announced.

"Those who have passed, follow me." He instructed and started moving up the stairs.

After climbing god knows how many stairs, they were able to reach the entrance of the academy.

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The guards outside saw the instructor and greeted him "Greetings Instructor Hua."

He nodded at them and took the disciples inside.

After reaching the courtyard he instructed recruits.

"My name is Bai Hua. However, you can call me Instructor Hua."

"You will be granted cultivation resources every month."

"You three will be inner disciples. So follow me. Academy has arranged accommodation for you."

"Rest of you will be outer disciples. So, follow the guard. He will guide you to your accommodation."

Instructor Hua took Li Bo, Xu Jin, and Hou Li and left.

Grim and the rest followed the guard and arrived at a shack.

"You all will be living here." The guard gave them information and left.

"What the hell is this? We also want accommodation arranged by the academy." They were furious at the difference in treatment.

However, they could do nothing but complain.

Grim chose a bed in the corner and took a rest. He knew the way of the world too clearly

"Strength is the key, no matter the species."

The next day, he went to the guard and asked where he should receive his cultivation resource for this month.

He was able to make his way to the treasury room following the direction of the guard.

"Excuse me, I'm here for my cultivation resource for this month."

An old man with white hair asked, "What's your name kid? You look like a new disciple."

"My name is Grim, and I just joined yesterday."

"What a peculiar name. Listen here, kid. I'm the treasurer of this academy and people call me Senior Xia." He announced his identity with pride.

"Greetings Senior Xia." Grim bowed

"Good. Good. Here is your identity token, a month worth's of liquid Qi, and a cultivation technique."

"Now shoo. Others are waiting in line." He chased Grim away.

Grim returned. But, there was no one in the shack.

"Looks like everyone went outside. I should check all the resources while no one is here."

First, he checked the token. It contained his name along with the academy.

Next, he checked the bottle filled with liquid.

"It feels like Qi but in liquid form. Who would do it?" He was astonished.

"One would have to absorb Qi to fill his crystal to make a breakthrough. Who would absorb the Qi and then refine it in a liquid form? It would be such a waste."

He decided to leave the matter for now and check his third resource.

"It's a Qi absorption technique of basic level."

Grim decided to absorb the liquid Qi first. He would deal with the technique later.

After an hour he was done absorbing the Qi.

"It contains the same amount of Qi that would require me to cultivate for a month."

"What a miraculous liquid. If I can cultivate while absorbing liquid Qi, I can double my cultivation speed. However, it's only given once a month."