Lin Tan then explained, "In general, the academy's advancement system is divided into five levels: Miscellaneous Disciples, Novice Disciples, Outer Disciples, Inner Disciples, and Core Disciples."
"Novice Disciples are equivalent to the first year of university in the Lord system, Outer Disciples to the second year, Inner Disciples to the third year, and Core Disciples to the fourth year."
"Every time a disciple advances, an assessment is required. If they fail the assessment, they cannot be promoted. It is very strict, so there are many students who are held back at the academy."
"Of course, if you can't stand it, you can also withdraw from the academy, but you won't be given any certificates, and your diploma will only be equivalent to a high school diploma."
"These are nothing for Lords. Many students who cannot advance choose to withdraw each year."
"After advancing to Core Disciple, you can graduate smoothly."
"Of course, if you are particularly outstanding and are favored by certain elders, you might even become a True Disciple, or even become an academy instructor, steward, or elder."
"All of this depends on your future direction and your own efforts."
"Overall, Ziwei Academy has the most stringent admission requirements among the four major academies, yet it is also the most liberal. I chose the Farming Lord path, so the assessments will be much easier compared to Adventure Lords."
Lin Tan said many things that Zhou Yan didn't know. If Lin Tan hadn't told him all this, he probably wouldn't have understood it until the actual assessment.
This was the advantage of noble families, being able to collect information that ordinary people could not.
He believed that the scions of noble families knew much more than just this information, and there was still much that he didn't know.
But he also had his own trump card.
That was his cheat.
No matter how many protagonists there were in this world, or how powerful they were, in front of this cheater, they would all have to call him "Daddy."
Lin Tan had an outgoing and lively personality, and he got along very well with Zhou Yan.
Looking at the sky, Lin Tan said, "Let's go, let's call Ye Bufan out for a meal."
"You know him?" Zhou Yan was surprised.
"He was the one who helped me out yesterday, otherwise my injuries would have been much worse. Naturally, I got to know him. He's a nice person," Lin Tan explained.
However, Lin Tan was still cautious when he went out. He poked his head out, as if he were stealing, and after seeing that no one was around, he led Zhou Yan towards Ye Bufan's room.
Lin Tan knocked on the door and said, "Brother Ye, it's me, Lin Tan!"
Ye Bufan opened the door and asked, "What is it?"
"Brother Ye, tonight is Luoyang Festival, a grand event in Luocheng. There will surely be many beautiful women out. Shall we go take a look together?" Lin Tan said eagerly.
Ye Bufan's expression immediately turned serious upon hearing this. "Wait for me, I'll be right out."
Ye Bufan closed the door. Ten minutes later, the door opened again. Ye Bufan emerged, dressed in a sharp suit, exuding an extraordinary aura.
It had to be said, this Ye Bufan truly had the protagonist's aura. Coupled with his looks, which were only a tiny bit inferior to Zhou Yan's, he was quite passable.
"Brother Ye, are you going out to have fun or on a blind date? You're being too formal," Lin Tan said speechlessly.
Ye Bufan casually summoned three folding fans and gave one each to Zhou Yan and Lin Tan, saying, "Stop the nonsense and let's go."
After walking a few steps, he looked back at Lin Tan, took out a pill, and handed it to him. "Your current appearance will really affect my impression on the ladies. This is a Restoration Pill, worth tens of thousands. Use it."
Upon hearing this, Lin Tan quickly swallowed the pill. He soon felt his facial injuries rapidly healing. He took out a mirror and looked, finding his handsome face restored. He immediately said, "Thank you, Brother Ye."
Ye Bufan then said to Zhou Yan, "My name is Ye Bufan. What happened before is in the past. From now on, we are friends. Follow me, and you'll have good times."
"Hello, I'm Zhou Yan."
Ye Bufan's personality was also quite good. After shaking hands with him, the three of them became friends.
They walked and chatted, and Zhou Yan also shared some of his experiences.
Along the way, it was mostly Lin Tan asking questions and Ye Bufan answering, but Ye Bufan avoided many key points and did not reveal them.
For example, his territory's level, strength, troop types, and so on.
These were things that ordinary Lords would definitely not reveal easily. Only this young man, Lin Tan, dared to ask such questions.
He didn't answer and simply gave Lin Tan a perfunctory response.
At night, Luocheng became even more beautiful.
The streets were bustling with people, with vendors selling ancient crafts, hawking their wares. The sugar figurines, candied hawthorns, skewers, and snacks all emitted enticing aromas.
None of them were picky eaters, and Ye Bufan took it upon himself to cover all expenses for the night, including food and drinks.
They experienced every novel attraction they encountered, and it felt quite good.
There were indeed many activities in Luocheng. Ancient customs soon appeared on the streets. They observed them for a while and then headed towards another area.
The entire ancient city was vast. Even two days and two nights would not be enough to see it all.
They entered an ancient inn where a traditional shadow puppet show was being performed.
There were quite a number of people watching.
With no private rooms available, they found a spot, ordered a table of wine and dishes, and began watching the shadow play while chatting.
Then Lin Tan inquired about something, which piqued Zhou Yan's curiosity.
"Brother Ye, do you know where the Enlightenment Stone is in Luocheng?"
"I don't know either. I only know that ordinary people can't get into that place. Even I don't know where that thing is; it's very hidden," Ye Bufan replied.
Zhou Yan curiously asked, "What is the Enlightenment Stone?"
"I heard my elders talk about it. It's said that there are many things left behind by gods and demons there. Someone once obtained top-tier cultivation techniques, and someone else obtained top-tier skills. However, one needs very strong comprehension to understand the Way," Ye Bufan replied.
"Then how can one go there to comprehend? If one could comprehend a top-tier cultivation technique or skill there, they would be set for life."
Lin Tan was already fantasizing.
"There are naturally ways to access it, but you have to enter the academy first. I heard that within Ziwei Academy, there are many opportunities to come into contact with the Enlightenment Stone. Work hard when the time comes," Ye Bufan replied.
"Brother Ye, you're not here just for the Enlightenment Stone, are you?" Lin Tan asked.
Ye Bufan shook his head and said, "Your ambition is too small. The Enlightenment Stone alone cannot satisfy me. I have my sights set on all the good things within Ziwei Academy."
Lin Tan blinked and asked, "Including the beautiful women inside?"
Ye Bufan looked at him and said, "You fellow, you know, but don't say it out loud."
The three of them burst into laughter.
They were indeed kindred spirits.
Fireworks occasionally lit up the sky, adding to the beauty of this ancient capital.
Next, they watched the lantern festival, but none of the three were particularly refined scholars. They could only look at the literary aspects, but they didn't understand the underlying meanings.
However, they arrived at a river. This river was long and wide, and there was even an event happening: a dragon boat race. The winner would even receive a prize of one hundred thousand yuan.
The people present could also register to participate, but there was a registration fee of one thousand yuan.
Many people participated just for fun, but there were also teams that were genuinely competing.
They were very professional, and their attire was uniform.
Allowing outsiders to participate was merely to add to the festive atmosphere.
"Brother Ye, this is quite interesting. Shall we sign up too?" Lin Tan said.
"If we sign up, wouldn't we be bullying others?" Ye Bufan looked at the dragon boats.
Then Zhou Yan said, "I just like bullying others."
The other two looked shocked.
"That's right, I'd rather bully others than be bullied by them."
The three of them stepped forward, and Ye Bufan began to register.
However, the person in charge of the race said, "Only three of you? Why not find two more?"
"It's fine, we're just playing around," the three said.
The race official let them be, as allowing outsiders to participate was intended to enhance the lively atmosphere.