293 Elitess Academy (2/2)

”Posturing…” Wang Baole muttered. He didn't know what to say. He felt like a beggar standing outside the imperial palace. There was some strange power that prevented his imagination from running wild.

A dazed Wang Baole continued to be shocked by the sights that he came across and continued his slow acclimatization to the alien environment as he was brought to the dean's office. As soon as he stepped inside the office, he saw an old man with a significant paunch—like his doppelganger but twice his size—lifting himself from the couch with great difficulty. He had a wide smile on his face.

The old man was the current dean of the Dao Mountain Mist Academy.

Wang Baole knew that standing before him was the man who would be his superior for the entirety of the next year. Despite his dissatisfaction towards his appointment, he had indeed been bowled over by the grandeur of the school. He instinctively followed the teachings he had gleaned from the high officials' autobiographies as well as lessons he had learned from Liu Daobin, and put on an appearance of respect.

The old dean was encouraged by Wang Baole's arrival. He welcomed Wang Baole with great enthusiasm, then pulled Wang Baole down to sit with him. After noticing that Wang Baole only took up half the seat and that his expression remained respectful towards him, displaying none of the arrogance one might have gained from a recent spike in popularity, the dean's smile grew warmer.

He chatted casually with Wang Baole and shared a bit about the school. Then, he finally said earnestly.

”Baole, I'm an old man. I no longer have the energy to manage the academy. Your responsibilities from now on will be great. But you're young and a graduate from the Ethereal Dao College, so this shouldn't be any problem for you.

”The kids in our school are either from rich families, have parents who are in the upper management of the Martian Colony administration, or have ancestors who made great contributions to the colony. In other words… they all come from impressive backgrounds. Their parents have great hopes for them. They want their kids to grow up excellent…

”Our responsibilities are great. Our school's mission is to groom them to become future talents. This will be the main focus of your work. The school also has more than eight hundred teachers who fall under your supervision.”

After another round of encouragement, the old dean brought Wang Baole around and introduced him to the rest of the school management. He affirmed Wang Baole's appointment. Regardless of their true thoughts, the rest in the management team appeared to be respectful and polite towards Wang Baole. He was after all a Primary Rank Five Noble. Excluding the old dean, he was the highest ranking and the one with the most authority in the school.

Before the old dean left, he requested Wang Baole to help with something.

”Baole, something happened a while back to the teacher in charge of the Dharmic Armament class. The teacher has since left. The replacement hasn't yet arrived. Could you help to take over the teaching of the class in the meantime?”

The old dean treated Wang Baole with kindness and friendliness throughout their entire exchange. Part of it was because of Wang Baole's reputation and his background, while a great part of it was due to the dean's character and age.

Wang Baole was someone who reciprocated kindness with kindness. He agreed to the dean's request.

”It's good to be young.” The old dean patted Wang Baole on the shoulder, then left smiling.

Wang Baole watched the old dean's rotund figure wobble down the corridor. He seemed like he might trip and fall at any moment. After the dean reached the end of the corridor and disappeared, Wang Baole turned around started to familiarize himself with the school. This was after all his first day at work. He had an obligation to do what was necessary, even if his heart wasn't in it.

A department head of the school soon located Wang Baole. He made arrangements for Wang Baole's accommodations and also asked if he might need an assistant.

There were also many personal records belonging to teachers and students, as well as many other administrative tasks, that required Wang Baole's attention. Wang Baole was busy for the rest of the day, and it was nightfall when he finally had a moment to catch his breath.

After a whole afternoon's work, Wang Baole got a greater understanding of the inner workings of the Dao Mountain Mist Academy.

This is a school where the students reign supreme… they're not interested in learning at all, and the teachers have no control over them. After all, there's the troublesome political backing behind each student that the teachers have to consider. It's enough to give them a migraine… Wang Baole could feel a headache coming as he placed the files down.

The old dean said that our mission is to groom them into talents… that's an impossible task. Wang Baole frowned. He felt that the Dao Mountain Mist Academy was more a childcare center than an actual school…

The teachers here aren't teachers. They're nannies! Wang Baole had already been dissatisfied with his appointment. At present, after learning more about the school, the displeasure in his heart grew.