The pass, Ming Baozhai had in his possession was a special grant bestowed upon him by the scholars, it was a special privilege that allowed him to come and go as he pleased.
This was not uncommon though, it was an already established system that awarded certain benefits to the top students of the college. The idea behind it was to reward the efforts of the high scorers, and at the same time encourage the bottom of the barrel students to buckle up.
"Master, why are you on the fence?" The old gates keeper cried out in fright, the alchemist smiled then threw his apple to him.
"Isn't it fun to watch how things unfold? You there!" The alchemist rudely pointed at Ming Baozhai, "you say your knowledge will surpass the Emperor's?" He asked, stretched out on his left side on the fence.
Ming Baozhai looked away, "yes, and so what if I did?" The youngster spat out with trembling shoulders.
