Monsters known as "Fond Spirits" are ubiquitous in this world.
Demons, Savages, Insects, Nether, Witches, Mechanisms, Origins... It's survival of the fittest.
However, in this world, humans also possess a powerful force known as "Authority".
Masseuse, Bug Catcher, Magic Apprentice, Egg Hatcher, Encourager, Bird Speaker, Matchmaker, Swordsman, Knight, Scout, Assassin, Shepherd, Fashion Designer, Monk, Mechanic...
Either living or fighting, there is a diversity.
Whether actively or passively, once one awakens their Authority, they can acquire Contract Imprints and form new bonds by forging contracts with Fond Spirits.
And Ye Hanjun is one of the rare Authority wielders with dual roles.
While holding a higher hierarchy does not signify absolute strength but rather implies a challenging path of promotion.
Yet now is not the time to consider this, Ye Hanjun needs to prioritize resolving his identity issues.
...
"Mr. Han, you don't feel well, do you?"
"We've only been walking for three hours, I've seen you vomit blood thrice, on average every hour. Especially the last time was the most severe..."
Jia Pengpeng massages his broad palm, looking quite embarrassed.
Glancing around, Ye Hanjun's presence creates a vacuum in his vicinity; people and Fond Spirits deviate from their paths to avoid him, seemingly afraid of catching the 'plague'.
"It's not contagious, I was stung by a poisonous creature during my journey. It was a fortunate encounter with a helpful wild man who used the Medicine Beast's blood to detoxify me, which saved my life."
"As for the organs damaged by the severe toxin...the old pharmacist said that since I have awakened my Authority, I needn't worry. After resting and recuperating for a while, it'll heal."
Ye Hanjun comes up with an excuse to fend off the curious gazes.
Underneath his cloak, his hand tightly grips into a fist. Even though he feels significantly more fatigued than before, at least the severe pain that tormented his body and soul is now gone. His breathing became much smoother.
"Well, that's good then."
Jia Pengpeng is quite observant, secretly observing Ye Hanjun's subtle expressions and movements.
Seeing that he can walk and communicate normally, even though he assumes nine out of ten parts of the story are lies, he chooses not to delve deeper into the topic.
"Mr. Han, at three in the afternoon, I've arranged a matchmaking event for my Giant Sparrow. I must return home early to prepare."
"Regarding Canghai Pavilion, if there are any areas you're unclear about, I'd gladly clarify for you."
"I think I have understood most of it. Thanks for showing me around, Master Jia." Ye Hanjun bows his head in gratitude.
"Oh, no, my authority is 'Guide'. I'm best at this type of work, no need to be polite."
Jia Pengpeng puts on a sunny smile, happily takes out a bag from his carry-on:
"If there're no more questions, let's head to the recruitment office and complete your freshman enrollment process."
"Master Jia, have you misunderstood something?"
Ye Hanjun looks at Jia Pengpeng strangely:
"It seems that I never said that I came to the Canghai Pavilion to become a student here."
"...Huh?" Jia Pengpeng's hand, flipping through the contract, became rigid.
At first, he doubted his hearing, but once he fully comprehended, he raised his head and stared at Ye Hanjun incredulously:
"Mr. Han, we have no quarrels. You don't need to play me."
"I've worked hard to introduce everything to you. I've drunk five or six bottles of water."
"If you aren't serious, you could have made your intentions clear earlier. There's no need to put on this act and leave me hanging."
"Master Jia." Ye Hanjun shakes his head gently, looking at him straight:
"I am here to become a tutor, naturally, I would need a guide as well."
"Huh?" Jia Pengpeng's eyebrows twitch, with his eyes wide open in disbelief. He couldn't help but laugh:
"A tutor? You're joking. You can mislead people, but not like this."
Jia Pengpeng laughed for a moment; his lips curled as he erupted with laughter.
A new Patron, young and fragile...
Where does he get the confidence and courage to skip the essential growth process and teach those of his age?
"No, when you first entered the academy through the main gate, your bone age has already been passively detected."
"20 years old, which so happens to be the latest age to awaken Authority, pushing it back even half a year, you will never become a Patron in your life."
"I believe you are very clear, there's a four years gap between being 20 and 16, but one is considered a 'Dead-last qualification' and the other a 'Golden Physique'. The talents represented behind the two are vastly different."
"Under such circumstances, you only meet the very basic admission criteria of the academy."
"In the harshest years, you might have been rejected."
"If you said you wanted to go to the Tianyafu Residence next door, I might understand."
"But you just told me you want to be a new instructor at the Canghai Pavilion, this is the first time I've encountered such a situation..."
Jia Pengpeng is dumbfounded; looking at Ye Hanjun's pale but calm face, he can sense he's serious about this matter.