Originally, I thought that even if we caught a big fish, it would take some time. Who would have expected that before we were even ready, the big fish would jump out on its own.

"Teacher, please don't be angry. I didn't expect this either. Thank you for bringing the students to help. The Wu'an Army are all rough men; when it comes to treating the wounded and comforting the people, we still need the juniors from the academy."

"At least you still remember you're a student of Jiangbei Academy."

Charles Harris walked straight to the desk and said, "As it happens, I have something to discuss with you."

"You're still the martial training instructor at Jiangbei Academy, right?"

"Yeah."

Baldy Wood nodded and said, "What's up? We agreed from the start that I was just taking the position part-time. With so much going on in the Wu'an Army, I can't possibly stay at the academy every day."

"That's not it."

Charles Harris waved his hand and said, "Previously, you were the deputy battalion commander of the Wu'an Army, with a monthly subsidy of ten thousand. Now you've been promoted to squad leader, which is actually a demotion...

Let me calculate what level that is."

"So you're here to dock my pay."

Now, Baldy Wood understood.

This teacher of his was famous for being stingy—he could squeeze oil out of a stone.

"What are you saying? As the dean of Jiangbei Academy, I have to be fair. Now that you're a big squad leader, but still getting the old subsidy, as your teacher, I feel embarrassed for you."

"Fine, since you're my teacher, just say it—how much per month?"

"Two thousand."

"Docking eight thousand?"

Baldy Wood was stunned and said, "Why not just not pay me at all!"

"That's not right. You're still the martial training instructor at the academy. As the dean, how could I withhold staff pay? Of course, if you submit a written application to forgo it, I can, as dean, present you with a banner..." Charles Harris said, "It's not easy for me either. Every penny saved counts. Eight thousand is enough for a day's food expenses."

"So, you're just squeezing money out of your own student?"

Charles Harris made himself a cup of tea, adding a big handful of goji berries.

"Alright, that's settled. Let's talk about something else. I brought five hundred students to help out. The Wu'an Army should at least give some subsidy, right?"

"Old miser He, you're something else, really."

Baldy Wood rolled his eyes and said, "The unified cabinet assessment is coming up soon. Teacher, have you found any talented young people?"

At this, Charles Harris put down his tea, his old face wrinkling like a chrysanthemum.

These days, among all the academies, the top ones are Longcheng, Hengdao, and Qihuang. First-tier ones include Jiangnan and Jinshan. Second-tier...

Jiangbei is at the bottom.

Every year, during the unified cabinet assessment, students choose martial arts academies for further study based on their grades.

It's easy to imagine the student intake at Jiangbei Academy, not to mention that Jiangnan Province also has Jiangnan Academy.

Mention Jiangnan, and everyone praises it. Mention Jiangbei...

What is that?

"So, have you found a good seedling?"

Putting down his teacup, Charles Harris looked at Baldy Wood.

"Teacher, take a look at this."

Baldy Wood directly sent Charles Harris a file. After opening it, it was the profile of Samuel Thompson.

"Eighteen years old...

Suspected to be at the fifth level of Stone-Splitting...

Realm, possibly higher. Is it really that uncertain?"

After reading the profile, Charles Harris opened the video in the file.

It was footage of Samuel Thompson fighting the Blood God Cultist last night.

"His moves are calm and unhurried, and he knows how to finish off his opponent. Not bad. Still a gap from the top geniuses, but in Jiangbei, he's definitely top-tier."

"Quick, tell me, where is he now?"

Baldy Wood made himself a cup of tea, adding a handful of goji berries and red dates.

Hoo hoo~ Just like that, he leaned back in his seat, enjoying his tea.

"Teacher, is this your attitude when asking for a favor?"

Hoo hoo—blowing on his tea, Baldy Wood took a sip.

"Flat price, eight thousand. I'll tell you."

...

On the Jiang River in Lin'an.

Splash!

Waves surged, and then blood stained the water. Samuel Thompson quickly pulled back the chain.

At the end of the chain, the harpoon had pierced right through a one-meter-long demonized blackfish.

The blackfish hauled up was not quite dead yet. He grabbed the broadsword beside him and stabbed it through the blackfish's head, pressing his large hand over the wound.

The blackfish's bloodline was weak, and even after demonization, its strength was only about at the third level of Stone-Splitting.

At this level, demon beast blood no longer provided much improvement for Samuel Thompson.

However, it could still be used to further develop his Tiger-Subduing Fist and sword techniques.

"Shenzhi, you must be tired. How about I take over?"

Seeing Samuel Thompson tidy up the harpoon and stand at the top of the deck, John Clark walked over and spoke.

Because of last night's fierce battle, the Wu'an Army at the Lin'an outpost suffered heavy casualties, and today's patrol was understaffed.

John Clark himself had an injury on his arm.

"No need, Brother Qiang. A few little demon beasts can't stir up much trouble."

Samuel Thompson waved his hand and continued, "I'm enough. You all have injuries, so just rest. If we really run into a powerful demon beast, I'll just use my gun."

"Alright, if you run into trouble, call us."

John Clark smiled and shook his head, walking to the other end of the deck.

"Shenzhi is a really good kid—quick and efficient, always eager to help. He has a bright future."