Chapter 48

These past two days have been a bit busy, so I'm a little late, but I shouldn't be discontinuing updates. I'm still hoping for more recommendations, favorites, and clicks. The number of recommendation tickets is a bit disappointing...

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The night passed in this way.

The next day, after everyone woke up, they started preparing various items for Ji Ran and Lydia to use when they started school.

"I did some inquiries. There are three types of dormitories at Azure Wind. Each type has different costs and benefits. To prepare the necessary items, we need to first decide which type of dormitory to stay in."

Lai Si clearly had already prepared for this. He casually took out a piece of paper and placed it in front of everyone.

"The first type of dormitory is the most common one. Four people share a room, and you get a set of bedding, pillows, and toiletries upon check-in. The management is relatively strict, with dedicated teachers maintaining order. There's also a large magic array set up below the dormitory to help increase the amount of battle qi and mana gained during cultivation. This type of dormitory costs five gold coins per month."

Five gold coins is not a small amount, but Ji Ran and the others can afford it. In fact, most of the candidates taking the exam can afford it. The biggest advantage of staying in this type of dormitory is the peace of mind; you don't have to do much yourself and can focus on cultivation, which is why it's the choice for most new students.

"The second type is the high-end dormitory... it's not even really a dormitory, more like a villa. It's a separate building where you can live alone or with others. It's luxuriously decorated, with excellent service, including dedicated maids for cleaning and housework, and even famous chefs to prepare various delicacies. Privacy is respected, and even teachers can't enter without permission. There's a more powerful magic array to aid in cultivation... of course, the price is also exorbitant."

Lai Si paused for a moment before giving a number.

"One hundred gold coins per month."

"…The gap between the rich and the poor is indeed a major social issue." Ban's mouth twitched.

"Rich people should all be burned to death." Beck gritted his teeth.

"That's right... These high-end dormitories are mainly for the children of wealthy families. Not only is the monthly cost one hundred gold coins, but other expenses are also staggering. It's said that the actual cost often reaches around two hundred gold coins per month." Uncle Lai Si shrugged.

Ailin smiled wryly, "Those who are willing to spend one hundred gold coins per month on a high-end dormitory won't mind spending another hundred for better enjoyment."

Ji Ran smiled bitterly, "We can't afford this type of dormitory. Let's talk about the others."

Lai Si nodded, "Actually, the occupancy rate of these high-end dormitories isn't very high. After all, most students come to school to learn, not to show off... but those who do stay there are from wealthy or influential families. Even if we don't get involved with them, it's good to know about them."

After that, Lai Si introduced the third type of dormitory.

"The third type of dormitory is the old dormitory from the college's early days. It's in a quiet location and rarely disturbed. However, the security is average, with only occasional night patrols. Additionally, there's no magic array below this type of dormitory, so the cultivation efficiency is lower than the other two. But it has its advantages, such as more freedom and fewer restrictions. As long as you don't cause too much trouble, the college generally turns a blind eye. And the main advantage is the low price."

Lai Si smiled and raised a finger.

"One gold coin per year."

"Damn, that's a huge difference..." Ji Ran couldn't help but exclaim. The common dormitory costs five gold coins per month, the high-end dormitory costs one hundred gold coins per month, and this old dormitory costs only one gold coin per year? How bad could it be?

"Don't look down on the old dormitory. Azure Wind has a long history, and the common and high-end dormitories were only built in the past few decades. Before that, all students lived in the old dormitories, so the building quality is definitely not a problem... Apart from being less convenient and lacking the magic array to boost cultivation, the old dormitory is not much worse than an outside inn." Lai Si explained.

"That's true. After all, this is Azure Wind, and they won't skimp on money. I think the old dormitory exists mainly to help students who are financially struggling." Ji Ran pondered and seemed to understand.

Lai Si nodded approvingly, "That's right. Azure Wind is located in the commercial capital of Pers, so it has a commercial atmosphere, like the high-end dormitories. However, there are also people in the college who believe that students from less wealthy backgrounds should have opportunities... of course, their goal can be seen as investing in potential, not without expectations."

"That's not bad... but we don't necessarily have to stay in the old dormitory, as it has many drawbacks. By the way, Uncle Lai Si, which dormitory allows us to cook our own meals?" Ji Ran suddenly thought of a question.

"The common dormitory doesn't allow it. Four people share a room, so you have to consider living habits. Therefore, cooking in the dormitory is not allowed, and you have to eat in the cafeteria. By the way, I also inquired about the cafeteria prices at Azure Wind. A meal costs about three to four silver coins, which is about three to four gold coins per month."

"So expensive?" Ji Ran gasped.

"It's not that expensive. After all, the college cafeteria provides very nutritious food, even with alchemical potions added. It's said to taste good and helps improve strength... of course, it can't compare to your food, but it's worth the price." Lai Si smiled.

"…What about the financially struggling students who live in the old dormitory?"

"So the old dormitory allows students to cook their own meals. They can buy ingredients from the market and cook themselves. Of course, the high-end dormitory also allows cooking, but most people there use the chefs... just at a higher cost." Lai Si had clearly done thorough research.

"…It seems the old dormitory is suitable for me. But Lydia, you should stay in the common dormitory."

Lydia immediately opened her eyes wide, "Why? If Ji Ran-gege can stay in the old dormitory, I can too!"

Ji Ran smiled at her, "It's not that simple. First, the security in the old dormitory is not as good. A girl should pay more attention to safety, and the common dormitory is safer. Also, staying in the common dormitory won't attract too much attention... I don't mind, but girls should be more careful in this aspect."

Lai Si nodded, "That's right. Although Azure Wind has a relatively free atmosphere, there are still class distinctions. If a girl appears too poor, it can cause trouble. You should stay in the common dormitory. We have enough money now."

Ji Ran continued to comfort her, "You can come over for breakfast with me every morning. It won't affect your cultivation, and with the magic array, your cultivation speed might even be faster. Plus, you can make more friends, and I'll feel more at ease."

Lydia was still a bit unhappy but understood that Ji Ran and Lai Si were doing this for her, so she nodded slightly.

"Ji Ran, although the old dormitory is more free, it's not a highly valued area on campus. You need to be careful about your safety. If something happens, the campus patrol might not arrive in time... it all depends on you." Lai Si was a bit worried about Ji Ran's choice of the old dormitory.

"Don't worry, Uncle Lai Si. Think about it, I lived alone in the Blue Pine Forest for half a month. Can't I handle it at Azure Wind? No problem!" Ji Ran's optimistic mood returned.

"That's not certain... sometimes, people can be more dangerous than monsters..." Lai Si sighed.

Next, everyone went out to buy some necessary supplies. Lydia didn't need much, just some personal items. But Ji Ran had a lot to buy.

For example, various seasonings. This world has a rich variety of products, and although it doesn't have soy sauce or vinegar, there are some substitutes. With various spices, Ji Ran bought a large amount.

To carry these items, Ji Ran also bought a magic bag. The good ones are expensive, but Ji Ran didn't need the best, so he bought a used one at a cheaper price.

Actually, Ji Ran had a game backpack that could hold a lot of items—items of the same type can stack in one slot in the game. But Ji Ran found it hard to explain the space in his backpack, so he decided not to show it to others.

He decided to use the backpack space for important items... like the branch Ailin gave him. He also planned to keep some consumables that he needed to use frequently, as the backpack space was extremely convenient, and he could access items with a thought.

There were many others shopping for the same reason, as many candidates had been admitted to Azure Wind. However, few were buying the same things... who would prepare a large amount of food for school?

Ji Ran also bought some food, but not too much. The magic bag had limited space, so he decided to save it. After all, these items were available outside the school, so he didn't need to prepare too much.

The magic bag generally doesn't preserve items, so he didn't need to prepare items with a short shelf life. Then there were pots, pans, and other kitchenware... Ji Ran didn't expect the old dormitory to provide these.

He even considered buying some fuel... but bringing a pile of firewood to school was too silly, so he finally gave up on the idea.

In the future, he could create a magical tool that could produce fire for cooking. Ji Ran comforted himself with this thought.

After a day of shopping, everyone returned happily. Pers, the commercial capital, was bustling and lively, with various commercial promotions and performances, making people reluctant to leave. Beck was particularly excited and wanted to stay in Pers for a few more days.

After hearing Pers's words, Ji Ran felt it was time to consider where the others would stay during this period.

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