Xiao Che understood immediately.

Wasn’t this the elite “genius class” model of a top academy?

Resources prioritized. Comprehensive development. The goal wasn’t employment—it was breaking the boundaries of human understanding.

Just as the thought crossed his mind, Bai Ling suddenly turned around and winked at him.

“Oh, right. Let me tell you a little secret.”

Her tone was light, tinged with playful pride. “Senior Sister here may not have graduated yet, but I’m already the teaching assistant for your cohort of freshmen. So…”

She deliberately dragged out the last word, her smile unmistakable.

“From now on, at the Academy, you’d better listen carefully to Senior Sister—mm, I mean Assistant Instructor Bai.”

Xiao Che slowed slightly, a puzzled look on his face.

“Wait. Are you a teaching assistant? Then that Instructor Li earlier…”

“Instructor Li,” Bai Ling corrected smoothly, clearly pleased by his quick catch. “Junior Brother is sharp. That’s our Academy’s promotion system: teaching assistant, instructor, professor.”

Xiao Che nodded in understanding.

Teaching assistant, instructor, professor…

Familiar structure.

So, even this immortal cultivation academy followed something like the university system from his previous life.

He muttered inwardly, though outwardly he wore a look of realization.

“I see. Thank you for the explanation, Senior Sister.”

Bai Ling’s smile deepened at his knowing expression.

She turned and continued leading the way. As she walked, her slender waist swayed gently, the curve of her hips outlined beneath the pink-and-white flowing dress. The hem of her skirt fluttered lightly, adding a soft, alluring charm.

Her long, straight legs appeared and disappeared beneath the fabric with each step.

Xiao Che’s heart skipped.

…Senior Sister really does carry herself with dangerous charm. Ahem.

He cleared his thoughts and followed without missing a step.

As Bai Ling continued her introductions, Xiao Che listened carefully, gradually forming a clearer picture of the Academy’s structure and major courts.

Before long, they arrived at a quiet courtyard halfway up the mountain.

The courtyard was modest in size, with white walls and gray tiles. Above the entrance hung a plaque bearing three ancient characters:

Tianshu Court.

“Go in,” Bai Ling said. “Grandfather is waiting for you.”

Xiao Che took a deep breath and stepped inside.

Several old pine trees stood within the courtyard. Beneath one, beside a stone table, Bai Yuntian sat alone, sipping tea.

Seeing Xiao Che enter, he set down his cup and beckoned him over with a smile.

Xiao Che stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

“Student Xiao Che greets Dean Bai.”

“No need for formalities. Sit.”

He took a seat on the stone stool opposite.

“Did you bring the token?” Bai Yuntian asked gently. “Take it out.”

“Yes.”

Xiao Che retrieved the purple-gold Tianshu True Inheritance Token and placed it on the stone table with both hands.

Bai Yuntian nodded faintly and flicked his finger. A thread of light entered the token.

“I’ve removed the restriction. Now drip your blood and bind it.”

Xiao Che bit his fingertip and let a drop of blood fall onto the center of the token.

Purple light rippled across its surface. Besides the ancient character “Tian” on the back, two smaller characters gradually appeared as if ink spreading on parchment:

Xiao Che.

A faint sense of connection formed in his mind.

“Good.”

Bai Yuntian nodded in satisfaction.

“From this moment on, you are the fifth true inheritance disciple of Tianshu Court. With this token, you may enter most areas of the Academy, receive your monthly stipend, and exchange for techniques and pills.”

“One hundred contribution points per month, issued automatically at the start of each month. Your residence is on Tianshu Peak. The spiritual qi density there is three times that of the outer courts. Ling’er will take you there shortly.”

“Thank you, Dean Bai,” Xiao Che said respectfully.

Bai Yuntian paused mid-stroke of his beard, a hint of amusement in his tone.

“Still calling me Dean?”

Xiao Che reacted instantly, adjusting his form of address without losing composure.

“Yes. I understand now. Thank you… Teacher.”

Bai Yuntian smiled, clearly pleased.

“This year, including you, Tianshu Court has admitted seven students.”

His tone was calm but carried weight.

“And you are the only true inheritance disciple.”

Xiao Che’s heart stirred. He understood the implication immediately.

The only true inheritance.

That meant the highest expectations—and also the most visible target.

“Your residence is prepared.”

Bai Yuntian did not elaborate further and turned toward the entrance.

“Ling’er, take your junior brother to Tingzhu Pavilion.”

Bai Ling, who had been waiting outside, stepped in gracefully and winked at Xiao Che.

“Come on. Senior Sister will show you your nest for the next few years.”

After taking their leave, they exited the courtyard and followed a quiet stone path further up the mountain.

In less than the time it took to burn a stick of incense, an independent courtyard nestled among lush bamboo appeared before them.

A simple wooden plaque above the entrance read:

Tingzhu Pavilion.

Bai Ling pushed open the gate and led him inside.

The courtyard wasn’t large, but every detail spoke of careful design.

A two-story building made of fragrant spiritwood stood within. A small spring flowed through the yard, winding past a medicinal herb garden where spiritual qi gathered thickly, the soil itself faintly luminous.

There was even a separate artifact-refining room and a meditation chamber, with floors inscribed with stable Spirit Gathering Array patterns.

“This is the standard configuration for a true inheritance disciple of Tianshu Court,” Bai Ling said, leaning against the doorway with a smile.

“The main building is for living and cultivation. The herb garden for nurturing spirit plants. The meditation chamber for training. You can refine artifacts or talismans without disturbing anyone.”

“A branch of a spiritual vein runs beneath. Cultivating here is worth several times the effort elsewhere.”

She paused, her tone teasing.

“Of course, if Junior Brother finds it lacking—expanding the herb garden or upgrading the formation in the meditation chamber… contribution points. Fair pricing.”

Xiao Che surveyed the fully equipped, private courtyard.

For the first time since transmigrating, the tension he’d been carrying eased slightly.

Not bad at all. Detached villa. Garden. Private workshop. Premium academic housing.

True inheritance treatment indeed.

He turned to Bai Ling and bowed sincerely.

“It’s more than enough. Thank you, Senior Sister.”

He gestured toward the stone table under the garden corridor.

“You’ve worked hard. Please, sit and rest.”

Bai Ling’s eyes shimmered as she walked over gracefully, skirt brushing lightly against the stone steps.

Xiao Che sat across from her.

The stone table was small. Evening breeze drifted through, carrying her faint fragrance.

Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, her face appeared especially soft and radiant.

“Why so formal?” Bai Ling smiled sweetly.

She took out her own Tianshu True Inheritance Token and tapped it lightly. A thread of light linked to the token in Xiao Che’s hand.

“Come on—add me as a contact. It’ll make communication easier in the future.”

“Focus your mind and send a strand of consciousness into your token.”

She gave the instruction gently.