Chapter 169: Chapter 122: Enrolling_2

Translator: 549690339

“Indeed.”

Though intrigued by the novelty, as a prince by birth, he did not show much embarrassment and composedly began to pick dishes, “Let’s have a sweet and sour carp.”

The server nodded, then asked, “What kind of fish would you like? We have ordinary lotus-fed carp fed with milled rice husks, and we also have Spirit Fish lotus-fed carp bred in the Poetry Fish Pond of the academy.”

Liang Xiao glanced at the menu, “This Spirit Fish costs ten gold per tail and it’s also limited in quantity?”

“The Spirit Fish bred in the Poetry Fish Pond greatly nourishes and can aid in cultivation, naturally making it quite expensive. Limited quantity is to be expected.”

The server explained, “If the guest is a scholar of the academy, purchasing with study credits, there will be no limitation on the amount. Alternatively, with Cultural Qi Money from the Mingxiao Taoist Temple, Yin Mountain Mansion Taoist Temple, Qingping Taoist Temple, Mana Bright Temple, and other Mana Money, no quantity limits apply when buying and there is even a discount.”

“Study credits?”

“Cultural Qi Money!”

“Incense Money?”

Liang Xiao and Wuhua exchanged glances, before Liang Xiao took out a gold ingot, “Then I’ll take one tail.”

“Alright, please wait a moment,” the server said.

“Hold on!”

The server was about to leave, but Liang Xiao stopped him, “Where can one exchange for this Cultural Qi Money, Incense Money? Do we need to enter the academy, or worship at Taoist temples and monasteries?”

“No need.”

The server was adept with this, “Once you leave our tavern and go straight ahead, after three streets, turn left… follow that way, and you will come upon a moneychanger; it’s run by the academy. If the guest has gold, silver, or treasures, Taoist True Scriptures, all can be exchanged for Mana Money within!”

Liang Xiao and Wuhua looked at each other, then Liang Xiao took out another gold ingot, “Can the shopkeeper exchange some for me?”

The server wasn’t surprised, and he chuckled, “Of course, we can exchange small amounts as a transaction, though the rate will be somewhat lower than at the moneychanger. What do you think?”

“Exchange it.”

“Right away!”

A moment later, a small string of Mana Money was handed to Liang Xiao.

Liang Xiao observed the copper coins in his hand, indistinguishable from ordinary ones, “Is this Mana Money?”

“Correct, fair dealing, genuine as can be.”

The server nodded, “They contain Cultural Qi, incense power, Mana, and can aid in cultivation. If the guest doubts, any cultivator can verify their authenticity at a glance.”

Liang Xiao gave him a look and then handed the Mana Money to Wuhua.

Wuhua examined the Mana Money in his hands, his gaze shifting, and then nodded, “It is indeed ingenious.”

Only then did Liang Xiao turn back, scanning the server up and down, “You also know of cultivation matters?”

The server smiled, “In North City County, it is common knowledge.”

Hearing this, Liang Xiao fell silent again.

Though magic was now evidently prevalent in the world and not some earth-shaking secret, it was still not something just anyone could come into contact with. Ordinarily, one would have to pass scholarly examinations or join one of the two great branches of Taoism or Buddhism to have the chance to understand it.

But in North City County… even an utterly ordinary server could discuss it in detail.

It was a glimpse into the wider world from a narrow view, impressively enlightening.

Yet, startled too often, he had become numb to it, so Liang Xiao maintained his composure.

Until the dishes were served.

“Hmm!?”

After just one sip of Spiritual Wine, Liang Xiao’s expression changed, his eyes filled with astonishment.

Wuhua noticed his reaction, “What’s wrong?”

“This wine…”

Liang Xiao stared at the cup in his hand, somewhat in disbelief, “It seems to have increased my Mana a bit.”

Wuhua frowned upon hearing this.

Mana-enhancing Spiritual Objects were not uncommon, and all the great Taoist branches had relevant Mana Points producing a variety of these items, like the Bean Fasting Fruit from his White Dragon Temple, which was well-known for its effects.

However, such Mana-enhancing objects were largely ineffective for those of the imperial family, as they carried Dragon Qi, which naturally repelled the cluttered thoughts and Mana of the common populace.

Forget Mana-enhancing Spiritual Objects, they couldn’t even practice magic cultivation.

Liang Xiao himself had tried to cultivate Mana just like other Cultivators by reciting Taoist Scriptures.

But whenever he looked at the Scriptures, his mind became flooded with distracting thoughts, making it impossible for him to meditate and focus. Not only was he unable to cultivate Mana, it was fortunate he didn’t suffer demonic possession from the attempt.

This was an inevitable plight for the imperial family, a rule of iron from ancient times to the present, countless emperors wishing to defy the heavens and change their fate, but all failed to break this ultimate barrier.

Yet now…

This sip of Spiritual Wine had actually increased his Mana a bit.

Even though it was just a bit, negligible, almost non-existent, Mana was still Mana.

The breakthrough from zero to one signified what?

Liang Xiao was terrified, restless in his seat.

“Your Highness… please calm down!”

Wuhua too was heavy-hearted, but he managed to soothe him down.

To the two of them, no longer concentrating, the delicious food tasted as dull as wax.

A short while later, the two descended from the tavern and joined the coachman, heading towards the main buildings indicated on the map.

“That material of reinforced concrete, used to build high-rise buildings for people to live in, could accommodate a population of a million while preserving the farmland even within a single county.”

“Truly, it’s an instrument of great importance to the nation!”

In the midst of their admiration, they finally reached the gate of the main compound.

But they were stopped.

A young man dressed like the previous patrol student barred their way, “Are you not scholars of the academy?”

The two exchanged glances, then nodded, “No, we are not!”

“Do you have invitations?”

“No!”

“Any proof?”

“That… we don’t have either!”

Watching the three with nothing to show, the young man shook his head and said indifferently, “If you’re not academy scholars and have no invitations or proof, you cannot enter to attend the lectures. You may go register to enroll, or send a visiting card. Once approved, you will be received accordingly.”

“This…”

Liang Xiao hesitated for a moment, ultimately deciding not to reveal his identity and could only ask, “Where do I register, and what are the requirements?”