Recently laid off and facing job-seeking after the holidays, Jin Shen, who had just started college pre-apocalypse, only had a high school diploma. Scientific research was out of reach, and corporate roles were also limited. Many without degrees entered the competitive service industry.

Hence, Jin Shen thought, getting a college degree, even from adult education, would be beneficial. Especially since the mysterious martial school's advertisement promised job placement upon graduation. Becoming a martial artist after a four-year study wasn't guaranteed.

He posted his application online with a cautionary comment, warning others of potential scams.

Initially, people asked him for the complaint hotline or advised him on gathering evidence and how to report. Eventually, some tried registering themselves to gather proof, while others researched the school, its reputation, and the authenticity of its website.

The more investigated, the clearer it became. The official website showed no issues; it was legitimate. Moreover, the school is genuine, as the Ministry of Education's site confirms its approval.

As for the mysterious sect, it's even more astounding. Though information is scarce, every piece of it is exhilarating. It turns out there's a discreet martial arts sect in their country known for its internal energy techniques.

"Damn, at first, I thought it was some cult."

"The name of the sect sounds so enigmatic. Do they genuinely have masters inside?"

"Can anyone give an example? Which master from our city hails from this sect?"

"Wow, I've read about this sect, and it's impressive. Rumor has it that true masters can perform feats like walking on walls, leaving no trace on water, and controlling objects from a distance."

"It's unbelievable. I've come to realize many mental manipulators come from this sect."

"Is internal energy truly something humans can cultivate? It sounds like some kind of trickery."

"Hurry and register! The number of registrants is approaching ten thousand." As soon as the news became popular, regardless of its authenticity, the registration numbers surged, especially among common folks who jovially said, "It's all about participation. It's rare they don't restrict us, the general public. Just for that, I want to boost their numbers."

While Zhou You and Shao Qi were unaware of this news, the people at Litchi Manor got wind of it immediately.

Su Ting secretly commented, "Did the old man leave for so many days just to do this? Why the sudden desire to establish a school?"

The sect has always been discreet. No one even knows where the headquarters is. Had the old man not been in Yang City, Su Ting would have thought it was in Dawn City.

But a school is different from a sect. In a sect, the leader's word is absolute. Strictly speaking, the life and death of a disciple lie in the hands of the master. This relationship is more stringent than a teacher-student one. A school requires stricter regulation, and its diplomas need societal recognition; otherwise, it won't last.

"What's the sect up to? It's not easy to learn their internal techniques, and surely a school can't just teach one style. Where will they find so many teachers?" Modern martial arts schools are comprehensive, teaching both academics and martial arts, and none cater to adults.

"If this school truly teaches internal techniques, I'd consider enrolling. I wonder how long we'll stay in Yang City." Li Yunxi was tempted. She's been learning martial arts with Zhou You and has touched upon internal techniques but hasn't progressed fast. Enrolling in a professional school would be ideal.

If Zhou You were present, he would tell her that while they wouldn't stay in Yang City forever, they hadn't planned on taking her along. They had thought of settling her there, either with the city master Xu or Master Fan. She wouldn't be without a place.

However, that's a matter for later. Right now, everyone is discussing this martial arts school.

"Isn't it only public schools that can recruit like this? Has the sect bribed the city master?"

"With the reputation of the sect, this school will surely be overrun with applicants. I wonder if they genuinely plan to admit the general public. I assume there'll be a limit."

"Regardless, it's a good thing. The fact that the sect is willing to share its expertise is beneficial. Once the boss knows, he'll surely be pleased."

After dinner, the ever-absent Elder Xuan actually showed up, ravenously eating leftovers, looking as if he hadn't eaten for days.

"Old man, where have you been? Without your care, the garden has turned wild. We've been crudely weeding and cutting plants. The once-beautiful garden has been ruined by us."

Elder Xuan glared at them. He had already noticed the state of his cherished garden. "Humph, all you know is to fight and kill. You have no sense of aesthetics."

Miao Miao approached to apologize, "Indeed, indeed. May I ask, did you establish that school? ... Will it accept students like us?"

Elder Xuan's eyes widened even more, pointing at them, "You all, with your capabilities, want to attend school? Don't waste resources. I reckon the school's teachers couldn't even defeat you. What could they possibly teach you?"

"Internal energy. We're all learning it."

"Hmph, you have renowned teachers at your side. My school only imparts basic techniques. Only the exceptionally gifted can progress to advanced levels. Even if I were to personally intervene, I still couldn't match the young master of the Zhou family. Don't overlook what's close at hand in search of something distant."

"The registration deadline is the fifteenth day of the lunar new year. How many do you think will enroll?" After gulping down a big bowl of fish soup, Old Xuan, finally satiated, looked at the young people surrounding him and said, "It was a challenge to get approval for this school, and given the reputation of my sect, I'm not sure if our enrollment will meet expectations."

"How can that be? Among martial artists alone, many admire your sect, and countless people wish to learn inner techniques. How many are you planning to admit to your school?"