Chapter 004: Yin-Yang Sorcerer

Ji Dong asked: "When can I enter the Academy of Leaving Fire?"

"The graduation rate is only 30%, yet you are so proud? May I ask, by what standard are you graduating?" Ji Dong asked in confusion.

Ji Dong raised her head and looked directly into Yang Bing Tian's pressure-filled eyes, saying: "You want to say, what right do I have to negotiate terms with you, right? Rest assured, I will not take advantage of you in the slightest. What I can obtain from you will be repaid to you with more than double. To put it simply, the cup of 'Flame of Passion' that I concocted today is still garbage."

At this moment, Yang Bingtian's mindset had stabilized. He smiled slightly and said, "That is because Lord Du Sikang himself is a six-crowned Yangmian Ren Water System Celestial Master, a renowned Yin-Yang Sorcerer of the Northern Water Empire, a contemporary powerhouse, and his cultivation is even above mine. Moreover, the distinction between five crowns and six crowns is significant, so I naturally must address him as 'Lord'. Now, please state your conditions."

Ji Dong nodded and said: "The third condition is, according to what you said, I will enter the Li Huo Academy to study. Therefore, I need you to assist me as much as possible in completing my studies and in condensing the Yin Yang Crown you mentioned, so that I can graduate successfully. If during these six years I find that it is impossible for me to condense the Yin Yang Crown, I will leave at any time."

Yang Bingtian said: "The abilities of a Yin-Yang Sorcerer are exceedingly broad. Firstly, in terms of combat power, a scholar-level Yin-Yang Sorcerer capable of condensing the Yin-Yang Crown can defeat at least ten adult warriors. The most powerful Yin-Yang Sorcerers are even more extraordinary; they possess the ability to easily destroy a city. The levels and theories of Yin-Yang Sorcerers are too extensive to cover in a short time. If you are willing to stay, there will naturally be people to teach you in the future. Do you remember I mentioned to you that I am the president of the Li Huo Academy? The Li Huo Academy is specifically dedicated to training fire-element Yin-Yang Sorcerers. Your affinity for alcohol and the aura you exude both indicate that your true nature is of fire. Regardless of your aptitude, I can allow you to study at the academy. You can mix drinks for me, and even if you are a work-study student at the academy, all expenses for food and accommodation will be covered by the academy. What do you think?"

He patted the thin hand of Ji Dong and said, "Then we have a deal."

Ji Dong raised his right hand and extended it in front of Yang Bingtian

Yang Bingtian smiled and said: "I hope so too, let us wait and see. When it comes to conditions, you are definitely the youngest one."

Ji Dong stopped in his tracks and said without looking back: "The graduation rate is only 30%. I have spent six years mixing drinks, and all I have gained is this small chance. If I only want to live without worrying about food and drink, why not work in a bar?"

Yang Bingtian said: "Before condensing the Yin-Yang Crown, you will not possess any magical skills. Only by obtaining the Yin-Yang Crown can one have the possibility of cultivating magical skills. In essence, magical skills are techniques that harness one's own Yin-Yang magical power. Generally speaking, after a Yin-Yang Mage condenses the Yin-Yang Crown, they will either seek a master to learn magical skills or spend a high price to purchase some magical skill books for study. However, the most suitable magical skill for oneself is the most useful, and spending money rarely guarantees the acquisition of powerful magical skills. Of course, you can also create your own magical skills, and if successful, they will undoubtedly be the most compatible with you, but that requires extensive refinement and practice."

What are you doing?" Yang Bingtian glanced at his hand

Ji Dong made a concerted effort to cast aside his memories of his past life, silently telling himself, "You are now Ji Dong, no longer the former God of Wine, Li Jiedong. Since you have arrived in this world, you must live according to its ways and strive to reach the pinnacle once again"

Yang Bingtian said: "You are now within the Fire Academy. As the dean, I naturally reside in the academy. This is one of my lounges; however, it will belong to you from now on. I will have someone build a wine cabinet and send it over. I will prepare everything you need as soon as possible. The school opens in two days, so take these two days to rest and recuperate."

Ji Dongdao: "As a wine lover, this may be the wisest decision of your life"

Having solidified his beliefs, the light in Ji's eyes became clearer as he said: "I have three conditions. First, I need a dedicated cocktail mixing room. You must purchase all the available spirits on the market for me, so that I can ensure the highest quality cocktails. Without my permission, no one other than you is allowed in the mixing room. I will be frequently working there, and I cannot be disturbed. You are responsible for replenishing any missing spirits, and you will cover all expenses."

"God of Wine?" The corners of Ji Dong's mouth twitched slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and said, "I have nothing to do with him. Didn't you say that the Yin-Yang Sorcerer is the noblest profession in this world? Then why do you still address a bartender as 'Sir'?"

Ji Dong said lightly: "The second condition is that I will only prepare one cup of wine for you each day. Apart from the cost of making the wine, all additional expenses will be your responsibility"

Yang Bingtian was truly shocked. The child before him was exceedingly arrogant, but if what he said was true, then he certainly had the capital to be so proud. He suddenly thought of someone and instinctively asked, "What is your relationship with the master of the Bartenders' Guild, Lord Du Sikang, the God of Wine?"

Yang Bingtian, upon hearing Ji Dong's question, could not help but say: "It seems that your family truly finds solace in wine, oblivious to external affairs. On our Five Elements Continent, there exists a unique profession, which is also the most important profession on the continent. Regardless of whether it is in the military or political realm, the primary criterion for evaluation is based on the standards of this profession. This profession is known as the Yin-Yang Sorcerer"

Yang Bingtian truly lives up to his title as the dean, demonstrating an exceptionally high level of efficiency. Within just one day, the wine cabinet was fully equipped. Yang Bingtian resides on the top floor of one of the two teaching buildings, where he is the sole occupant. There are plenty of rooms available, and naturally, Ji Dong does not need to stay in the dormitory; he simply occupies the modest lounge. Of course, this lounge has now been fitted with a complete bar, stocked with a wide variety of fine wines and all the necessary bartending tools, many of which are part of Yang Bingtian's personal collection.

Ji Dong said: "So, are you unwilling to take me as your disciple?"

Yang Bingtian's eyes revealed a hint of pride similar to that of Ji Dong, as he said: "One thing is one thing. The wine you brewed is indeed good, but if you wish to become my disciple, you must demonstrate sufficient talent. The Yin-Yang Sorcerer is extremely strict in accepting disciples. So far, I have only one named disciple."

The area of the Fire Departure Academy is not very large. After staying here for two days, Ji Dong has basically figured out the situation of the academy. The entire academy consists of two teaching buildings, two dormitory buildings, two playgrounds with a diameter of one hundred and fifty meters, and ten testing grounds. Ji Dong is unclear about the purpose of those testing grounds; they appear to be large rooms resembling warehouses, arranged in a circular layout.

Ji Dong asked somewhat anxiously, "What specific abilities does this Yin-Yang Sorcerer possess?"

When had the once glorious God of Wine ever been openly questioned? Although Ji Dong was striving to accept his new identity, the pride ingrained in him still prevented him from bowing to anyone. Even knowing that the person before him might change the fate of this new identity, he remained resolute. It was akin to when he was a beggar, never once begging for alms, merely relying on the meager rations accumulated by this body to barely survive. The pride ingrained in him still prevented him from bowing to anyone, even knowing that the person before him might change the fate of this new identity, he remained resolute. It was akin to when he was a beggar, never once begging for alms, merely relying on the meager rations accumulated by this body to barely survive.

A hint of pride flashed in Yang Bingtian's eyes as he said: "Of course, there are countless people who would break their heads just to enter our Li Huo Academy. So, does this mean you have agreed?"

Ji Dong stood up and said, "Thank you for your hospitality." With that, he walked directly towards the door

After two days of good meals, Ji Dong felt much better compared to when he was brought back by Yang Bingtian. Two days ago, when he first looked at his reflection in a polished metal mirror, he finally saw his appearance after the rebirth. Compared to his previous life, it could only be described as worlds apart, utterly ordinary. The only consolation for Ji Dong was that at least the parts were still intact and complete.

"Yin-Yang Sorcerer? So, does that mean you are a Yin-Yang Sorcerer?" Ji Dong asked in confusion, his curiosity thoroughly ignited.

Yang Bingtian furrowed his brows and said, "So what do you want? Money?"

Yang Bingtian nodded and said, "Indeed, I am a Yin-Yang Mage of the Fire Element. The level and strength of a Yin-Yang Mage determine a person's future. This is true for military officials, and even civil officials are required to at least reach the level of condensing the Yin-Yang Crown; otherwise, they will not be given important positions. This is the case in the five great empires on the continent and in the *Tu* *Shu*. Now you understand why I was surprised that you were unaware of the profession of Yin-Yang Mage."

Ji Dongdao: "Deal."

Yang Bingtian looked at Ji Dong with some surprise and said, "Kid, are you really only eleven or twelve years old? Your thoughts are so meticulous, you are almost on par with this old man. I can assist you during your cultivation, but aside from helping you condense the Yin-Yang Crown, I will not teach you any magical techniques. I need to make this clear in advance."

Ji Dong suddenly turned around and said: "I have mentioned before, do not measure my wine with money. I can agree to your arrangement, and I am indeed interested in the profession of the Yin-Yang Sorcerer, but I have a few conditions."

Yang Bingtian was taken aback for a moment and said, "Is that glass of wine also garbage"

Yang Bingtian was momentarily taken aback, but he quickly regained his composure and said, "Wait a moment, what do you mean?"

A trace of sorrow flashed in Ji Dong's eyes as he said, "The weakness of my body and the constraints of age prevent me from mastering higher bartending skills. In my heart, there are a total of 1,964 basic cocktail recipes and 3,162 special cocktail recipes. If given sufficient time and materials, this number will only continue to rise. The basis on which I negotiate with you is that within six years, I will never allow you to drink the same cocktail twice. The quality of each drink will only surpass that of the one served today. If I fail to do so, you can kick me out of here at any time. Now, am I qualified enough?" By the time he spoke the last sentence, his voice was filled with pride, even tinged with a hint of choking.

Yang Bingtian patted his forehead and said helplessly: "I forgot that you are not very familiar with the profession of Yin-Yang Sorcerer. The standard for graduating as a junior Yin-Yang Sorcerer is whether one can condense the Yin-Yang Crown during the study period. One must reach the level of a tenth-grade apprentice and successfully condense the Yin-Yang Crown to be eligible for graduation. Once you possess the Yin-Yang Crown, you become a true Yin-Yang Sorcerer. No matter what profession you pursue in the future, it will be much easier. Even if you do not work, the Empire will provide a certain amount of living expenses. As for the graduation rate you mentioned, if an ordinary junior Yin-Yang Sorcerer academy has a graduation rate of ten percent, they would be laughing in disbelief."

Yang Bingtian chuckled and said, "This is only right; I promise you."

Yang Bingtian smiled slightly and said with confidence, "Our Fire Academy is one of the top junior Yin-Yang Mage academies in the Southern Fire Empire. The program lasts for six years, and we only admit sixty ten-year-old students each year. Given your age, you should be within this range. Each year, over a thousand students apply to the academy, and the entrance examination is extremely rigorous. We only accept students with exceptional talent. The graduation rate is over thirty percent, which ranks among the top ten junior Yin-Yang Mage academies on the entire continent."

Yang Bingtian smiled, shaking his head with a hint of helplessness. As a five-time champion and a grand master of the Fire Element, he found it hard to believe that he had clearly suffered a loss in negotiations with a child. However, thinking of the thousands of cocktail recipes mentioned by Ji Dong, he could only suppress this slight displeasure in his heart

Yang Bingtian seemed to be infected by Ji Dong's strong confidence and said, "Alright, I believe you. I agree to this condition, but your expenses cannot exceed 20 gold coins per month, as my salary is also limited"

Yang Bingtian was taken aback and somewhat awkwardly said: "Why can it only be one cup?"

Ji Dongting listened to Yang Bingtian's words, and a glimmer of contemplation appeared in her eyes

Yang Bingtian also stood up, slowly walking in front of Ji Dong, looking down at him and saying: "Little friend, it has been many years since anyone has spoken to me in this tone." His voice was calm, but there was already a flicker of anger in his eyes. Yang Bingtian held a high position not only in this Li Huo City but also throughout the entire Southern Fire Empire. Being confronted by a little beggar he had picked up was something he found hard to accept. It seemed he was asking, what qualifications do you have to negotiate with me.

Ji Dong glanced at him and said: "Do you not know what it means that a delicacy should not be overindulged? A single cup of wine is enough to linger in your memory for a day. If you cannot achieve this, what use do I have for you?"

"Magic skills? What is that?" Ji Dong asked in confusion

Ji Dong nodded and said, "In other words, if I can become a Yin-Yang Mage with the Yin-Yang Crown through six years of study, I won't have to worry about my life in the future. This is indeed a very good arrangement"