NOVEL WEB Chapter 152: Chapter 153: Strategic Moves
Chapter 153: Strategic Moves
The arrival of Ye Wen's three children brought new life and energy to the depths of the Blue Silver Forest. Since Ye Wen was a god and Ah Yin and Bo Saixi were both powerful in their own right, the three children were born with perfect, radiant features not the typical, wrinkled look of newborns. Ye Wen's disciples, both direct and nominal, were immediately captivated by their charm. Even the usually aloof Dao Ba became particularly attentive toward the little ones.
The happiest of all was Ye Buyi, who was finally able to see the birth of his great grandchildren, though he passed away shortly thereafter. Mortal life, after all, has its limits. Ye Wen preserved his grandfather's soul, planning to revive him once his grand vision for the world had come to pass.
With Bibi Dong now reigning as the Spirit Hall's Supreme Pontiff, Tianxing Academy, which had been quiet for years, made its next bold move. It established "Libraries of Truth" in every major city across the Douluo Continent.
Although Douluo Continent had bookstores, books were typically expensive, and literacy was uncommon, especially among the general populace, much like in Ye Wen's memories of feudal dynasties. The Libraries of Truth offered rare soul master books as well as an affordable text called Basic Literacy for Douluo Continent priced at a single silver coin. Ye Wen had created this basic reader from scratch, modeling it after a dictionary from his previous life.
As long as people learned the fundamental phonetic alphabet, they could start understanding the sounds and meanings of Douluo's characters. Unexpectedly, this affordable dictionary became a huge success, even in the poorest villages where people would pool money to buy a copy. Ye Wen also arranged for instructors to teach phonics to help spread literacy.
For the common people, literacy was once a luxury. Ye Wen's outreach offered them a path to a brighter future, giving them the means to find city jobs rather than remaining bound to farms. The dictionary became the Libraries' best selling title, followed by another popular volume: a guide to basic health and hygiene. With medical knowledge lacking across Douluo, even nobles were unaware of basic concepts. Naturally, this medical guide became widely sought after.
But these books were only part of Ye Wen's plan. The true purpose of the Libraries of Truth lay in the large announcement hanging in each library's entrance:
[Tianxing Academy Recruitment Announcement]
Grandmaster Ye Wen of Tianxing Academy, recognizing the gaps in soul master theory, seeks to recruit scholars of soul master knowledge to collaborate on a comprehensive knowledge repository that will benefit the entire soul master community. This initiative marks the founding of a new research institution: the Pavilion of Truth.
All soul masters are welcome to apply, as long as they have no record of malicious or disruptive behavior on the Douluo Continent. Accepted scholars will enjoy full protection and support from the Pavilion. Applications are ongoing, with no upper limit on accepted participants.
Do you feel overlooked because your soul power is lacking?
Do you believe that strength alone isn't the only path for a soul master?
Do you want to see your name immortalized in the history of soul master knowledge?
If so, join us. Tianxing Academy welcomes all wise soul masters to apply and undergo assessment. Free entry and exit are guaranteed.
[Titles, Qualifications, and Requirements for Pavilion Positions]
Scholar: Mastery of basic soul master training and soul beast knowledge
Bachelor: Expertise in at least one specific training path up to the Soul Sage level
Doctor: Expertise in several training paths to the Soul Sage level
Master: Development of a unique, proven soul master theory
Sage: A revolutionary theory that could advance the entire field of soul mastery
[Position Benefits]
Scholar: 10 gold soul coins per month
Bachelor: 100 gold soul coins per month
Doctor: 100 gold soul coins per month plus 10,000 annual research stipend
Master: 100 gold soul coins per month plus 100,000 annual research stipend
Sage: 1,000 gold soul coins per month, 1 million annual research stipend, and eligibility as the Pavilion Master's successor*
Note: Once a soul master's theory is verified, it will be compiled into texts accessible to all. Access fees are split 55/45 between the Pavilion and the author. Authors can also choose to make their work freely available.
While many were unsure of Tianxing Academy's motives, as it was already the leading academy on the continent and Ye Wen's renown as a theoretician was unmatched, the offered positions and stipends were tempting enough to attract applicants.
To most, however, even qualifying for the second title of Bachelor seemed unrealistic. Knowledge of advanced soul master theory was largely restricted to top ranking sects, and most soul masters spent every waking hour working to fund their training, with no time to study. Reality bore this out, as Tianxing Academy's newly constructed Pavilion of Truth sat atop a nearby mountain, empty save for Ye Wen's foundational theories, now public knowledge.
Satisfied, Ye Wen surveyed the new Pavilion with pride. However, his disciple Huo Rui, standing nearby, couldn't help but voice her doubts.
"Master, what's the real purpose behind creating the Pavilion of Truth? You're already renowned for your research on soul master theory, so why go further?"
Ye Wen didn't answer directly. Instead, he gave her a knowing smile. "Time will reveal all. You might not understand now, but you'll see one day. Now is not the time to discuss it."
Huo Rui, although frustrated by the enigmatic response, nodded obediently. In her mind, anything Ye Wen did must have a well founded reason, even if she couldn't grasp it yet.
In the meantime, those with a keen eye noticed Ye Wen had named the highest Pavilion title, Sage, after a revered title associated with Spirit Hall's legends. Speculation rose over how Spirit Hall might respond to this perceived challenge.
Spirit Hall did not disappoint. Bibi Dong herself publicly addressed the continent, declaring, "The Pavilion of Truth, established by Grandmaster Ye Wen, stands as a neutral force. Like the ancient Sage who served the Angel God, I believe that such a title is worthy of passing on to future generations. Grandmaster Ye Wen has more than earned the title of Sage through his selfless contributions to soul master knowledge. If not him, then who?"
"Spirit Hall formally recognizes the Sage title granted by the Pavilion of Truth and will extend protection to any Master or Sage under its guidance. Anyone who achieves this rank is by nature a luminary in our field, invaluable to the soul master world."
This endorsement lent legitimacy to the Pavilion and stirred the aspirations of the continent's scholars. Through the establishment of this new institution, Ye Wen's vision was set into motion.
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