Douluo: Shadow Sovereign

Mo Ling's P.O.V

We had finally reached the gates of Nuoding Academy, right in the center of Nuoding City. This was my initial destination in this world—a fresh start. My grandfather and I stood before the grand gates of the academy, taking in the scenery, only to be greeted by the disdainful stare of the gatekeeper.

The moment his eyes settled on us—especially our humble attire—his face contorted in a scowl.

"Where do you think you're headed, beggars? This is an academy. Nobody gets in without a certificate from spirit hall ."

Listening to his words, I had my fists in a tight grip. Immediately, my mind brought back a famous words from our ever pure mc Tang San ,"The Third Rule of the Tang Clan's Xuan Tian Record:Determine whether the opponent is an enemy. If they are, then aim to kill. Otherwise, you shall only increase your worries."

I was ready to advance and speak up, but my grandfather smoothly drew out a handful of silver coins and offered them to the gatekeeper with an even smile.

"Good young fellow, don't be rude. Take a look—this is a document issued by the Spirit Hall."

The gatekeeper's eyes darted at the money. In a matter of seconds, he quietly pushed the coins into his pocket as he cleared his throat, and his tone changed almost immediately.

"Ah, sorry, uncle. A lot of people have been attempting to come in using counterfeit certificates since it's enrollment week. I have to check if a certificate is real or not… Let me see… ah, yes, yours is real."

His prior smugness was gone the second he verified the validity of the certificate. Yet the second his eyes fell on my Spirit Rank, a flash of surprise passed through his eyes.

"Ah! Young man, I will let you into the academy," he stated, his tone now clearly courteous. "If you proceed straight and turn right, you'll see a building where you must present your certificate. There, you will be given your working quota, a uniform set, and be allocated a dormitory."

I smiled slightly at his change in demeanor. A Spirit Rank of 5 was not exactly top-notch in the capital or elitist academies, but clearly so in an academy as small as Nuoding.

My grandfather retrieved the certificate from the gatekeeper, and then took me aside. Gravely serious, he pushed a small bag of coins into my hand.

"Hey brat , don't spend money on something you don't need, and above all, don't annoy any nobles or instructors here in this academy," he instructed, his tone stern. "If you need more money ever, just write a letter to the village, and I'll see to it that you get it. Look after yourself."

I smiled and said, "I know, old man. Don't worry—I will surely become famous and take you to lots of places so you can spend your retirement with your grandchildren."

Upon hearing my words, my grandfather chuckled, shaking his head in amusement.

"Just get stronger first, kid."

According to the gatekeeper's instructions, I proceeded through the grounds of the academy, keeping my eyes open. The campus was enormous, with imposing stone buildings and tidy courtyards crowded with students in academy uniforms. Some stared at me curiously, while others paid me no attention whatsoever.

A few minutes later, I reached the administration building. A middle-aged man wearing glasses sat behind a wooden desk, writing something on a scroll. He really works very hard unlike a certain freeloader from this academy . He hardly glanced up as I approached.

"Name?" he said indifferently.

"Mo Ling," I said, handing him my certificate.

He took it and examined the official seal of the Spirit Hall before glancing at my Spirit Rank. A brief look of surprise crossed his face, but he quickly masked it with indifference.

"Hmm, Spirit Rank 5. Decent for a working student," he muttered before pulling out a ledger. "You will be assigned to Working Dorm 7. Since you're a working student, your daily routine will include training, studying, and chores within the academy. Understood?"

I nodded.

He then handed me a set of blue-colored academy uniforms and a small booklet.

"This booklet has the rules of the academy. Read it well, or you will be in for it. You can pick up your daily chores at the dorm supervisor. Dismissed."

With no more said, he went back to his paperwork, apparently not caring to talk any more.

Grabbing my stuff, I left the building and proceeded on the path to the working students' dormitories.

In contrast to the primary student dorms, the working students' quarters were visibly older and less cared for. The buildings were smaller, and portions of them appeared somewhat worn. Nonetheless, it was preferable to nothing.

Standing outside Dorm 7, I breathed deeply before shoving open the door.