Jian Long's time on the Researcher had expired, so he and Zhou Quan left the café and began walking through the bustling streets of Yanmen City.
As they made their way through the crowds, Zhou Quan suddenly spoke.
"Well, since you're impressively ignorant when it comes to the cultivation world, how about I become your teacher?"
He raised seven fingers.
"Only seven primeval stones a week."
Then he added proudly:
"Keep in mind that's cheaper than the cultivation schools. Most of them charge between ten and twenty primeval stones."
However, what caught Jian Long's attention was not the offer itself, but something else.
"Cultivation schools?"
He stopped walking and looked at Zhou Quan in surprise.
"For whom?"
"For ordinary people?"
"Does the Kong Clan actually allow commoners to become Gu Masters?!"
Zhou Quan looked at him strangely.
"Of course they do."
"Any ordinary person can take an awakening test at one of the Spirit Springs owned by the Kong Clan for ten primeval stones."
Then he shrugged.
"And if they didn't, what Gu Master would want to live in a place that doesn't allow their children to become Gu Masters?"
He continued:
"Besides, the Kong Clan governs a massive empire."
"They need enormous numbers of Gu Masters to manage their cities, businesses, armies, and institutions."
"They simply can't rely on clan members alone, no matter how numerous they are."
Jian Long's astonishment was understandable.
In ordinary clans, awakening was a privilege monopolized by the clan itself.
They were reluctant to grant power to commoners, fearing that those people might one day turn against the clan after becoming Gu Masters.
The super clans, however, were completely different.
Their power was so overwhelming that they had no reason to fear such things.
Even if every resident of Yanmen City, numbering in the millions, were to rebel, they would not be able to shake the Kong Clan's foundation in the slightest.
The gap between the two sides was so vast that the very idea of rebellion seemed laughable.
At that moment, Jian Long once again realized the enormous difference between ordinary clans and super clans.
Ordinary clans were little more than villages struggling to survive.
Super clans, on the other hand Were true empires.
"Well, what do you think?"
Zhou Quan pressed once again, bringing Jian Long's attention back to him.
Jian Long thought for a moment before replying:
"And why should I do that?"
"I can learn on my own."
Zhou Quan laughed.
"Of course you can."
"Anyone can learn on their own if they have enough time."
Then he leaned slightly closer and added:
"But think about how much time, effort, and money you'll waste trying to figure out the correct path by yourself."
"How many mistakes will you make?"
"And how many opportunities will you miss because of your ignorance?"
Jian Long paused for a moment.
He didn't like admitting it, but Zhou Quan's words made sense.
Ever since entering the world of Gu Masters, he had relied mostly on luck and the help of others.
His actual knowledge of cultivation was still extremely shallow.
"Hmm..."
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Fine."
"I'll give it a try for one week."
"If you're not as good as you claim to be, I'll end it there."
A broad smile immediately appeared on Zhou Quan's face.
"Excellent!"
"Trust me, you won't regret this decision."
Then he directly extended his hand toward Jian Long.
"The payment."
Jian Long stared at the outstretched hand before letting out a sigh and taking out the primeval stones.
"Seriously..."
"At least act like a respectable teacher."
"Take the money in a manner befitting your status."
Zhou Quan burst into laughter as he quickly grabbed the stones.
"Hahaha!"
"It seems you've never met a real cultivation teacher before."
Then he waved the primeval stones in front of Jian Long's face.
"Those people take advantage of every possible opportunity to drain their disciples' wealth."
"Compared to them, I'm practically a saint."
Jian Long shook his head helplessly.
Meanwhile, Zhou Quan tucked the stones into his sleeve before turning around.
"Come on, follow me."
"Where are we going?"
Zhou Quan raised his index finger and waved it in front of Jian Long's face as though scolding a student who had made a serious mistake.
"From now on, I'm your teacher."
"You should address me as 'Teacher.'"
Then he smiled arrogantly.
"As for where we're going..."
"We're heading to the Beginner Cultivators' Market."
"If you want to become a true Gu Master, there are many things you still need to learn."
...
The Beginner Cultivators' Market was one of the liveliest areas in Yanmen City. Its streets and alleys were packed with all kinds of cultivation schools.
Some of these schools were extremely small, consisting of nothing more than a single room measuring twenty square meters. Some instructors did not even own a building, teaching their students directly in the streets or beneath public shelters. Most of these schools were run by Rank One or Rank Two Gu Masters, and as such, they could teach little beyond the fundamentals of cultivation and the use of common Gu worms.
In contrast, there were larger schools with dozens or even hundreds of students. These institutions taught more advanced concepts and usually specialized in one or two paths, allowing their students to develop a deeper and more focused understanding of cultivation. Most of them were managed by Rank Three Gu Masters.
The alleys were filled with banners and advertisements designed to attract prospective students:
"Water Fist School of Master Nan Gong Yuan — The Water Path is the most flexible and versatile path for all situations."
"Heavenly Sword School of Master Wang Xizhi — Be as noble and upright as the sword itself."
Above even these stood the truly massive academies.
These institutions possessed vast estates and enormous educational complexes capable of accommodating thousands of students. In reality, they were not merely schools, but the public faces of ancient organizations and sects with deep foundations. They were usually overseen by Rank Five experts or other highly influential figures.
Unlike the smaller and medium-sized schools, these academies could teach a wide variety of cultivation paths according to a student's interests, while maintaining one primary path for which they were famous. They possessed profound inheritances and accumulated knowledge across numerous fields, granting their disciples opportunities and resources that ordinary schools could never hope to match.
Naturally, they did not accept just anyone.
Only the most talented and outstanding individuals were qualified to enter their ranks.
Scattered among the various schools were countless shops and stalls selling everything a beginner Gu Master might need: common Gu worms, feeding materials, cultivation manuals, hunting maps, and all manner of tools related to the cultivation world.