Chapter 37

Time flowed like water, gone never to return.

In the blink of an eye, a year had passed since Dugu Chen joined Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Now, it was enrollment season once again.

During his time at Heaven Dou Academy, Dugu Chen spent every day either browsing books in the library—texts such as A Hundred Answers on Soul Beasts, surviving lone copies, and legends and historical tales from across the continent—or helping Oscar and the Shi Brothers hone their skills.

He had even spent less time with Dugu Yan. Fortunately, she had gotten to know Ye Lingling. Although they had not found a way to resolve the issue with Ye Lingling's martial soul, Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling had become very close, so Dugu Yan was not too lonely.

Dugu Yan had not suggested trying an Immortal Herb, and Dugu Bo would never agree to waste one of his Immortal Herbs on someone they had only known for a few days.

Although his cultivation had slowed somewhat compared to before, he had still risen three ranks within a year, reaching level forty-seven and entering the ranks of a Senior Soul Ancestor.

Oscar, meanwhile, had reached level thirty-eight. The Shi Brothers had each advanced three levels, and even Ye Lingling had broken through to the Soul Elder realm and entered Heaven Dou Class One.

Only Dugu Yan was somewhat regretful that she had not entered the Soul King realm. It was a major bottleneck as well, but in Dugu Chen's view, she would break through within the month.

It was enrollment season at Heaven Dou Academy, and word had it that an important figure would be arriving, so the school gates were rather noisy.

However, those were all students from other classes. The students of Heaven Dou Class One were comparatively calm. The most heavyweight figure was already in their class. They did not believe there was anyone stronger than that freak.

Did they know how practical combat classes had gone over the past year? They had been nothing short of a massive horror scene. More than half the students had lost interest in cultivation because of it, and so many parents had pressured the Three Education Commissioners that Dugu Chen was eventually exempted from practical combat classes.

Upon hearing that he no longer had to attend practical combat classes, Dugu Chen could not help but sigh. Back then, I stood with my hands in my pockets, not knowing what an opponent was.

Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School.

Ning Fengzhi looked at the letter in his hand, a faint smile on his face.

"Fengzhi, what are you reading so intently?" asked the elderly man beside Ning Fengzhi, whose hair and beard were both white and whose entire body radiated sharp Sword Intent.

"Sword Uncle, a letter just arrived from Heaven Dou City. It says that Yu Tianheng, one of the Twin Stars of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's younger generation, has gone to enroll at Heaven Dou Royal Academy. I wonder what sort of sparks he and Dugu Chen will create."

The elderly man, Sword Douluo, one of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School's two Titled Douluo, revealed a trace of disdain in his eyes. "That brat from Old Dragon's family isn't worthy of comparison with that kid. This time, let's see how he still has the face to call himself the Number One Beast Martial Soul Under Heaven."

The Top Three Sects were said to share the same spirit and stand united, but anyone who took that seriously was a fool. If Spirit Hall had not dominated alone, the three sects would likely have gone to war long ago. Ning Fengzhi did not refute Sword Douluo's attitude.

Clearly, he too believed that Yu Tianheng would likely suffer a setback at Dugu Chen's hands.

"Sword Uncle, Rongrong has already reached level twenty-two. I plan to send her to Heaven Dou Royal Academy," Ning Fengzhi said.

"Because of that kid?" Sword Douluo asked with a frown.

"Not just because of him. Intelligence from the city says that Oscar, who is with them, was already a Soul Elder at only eleven when he enrolled. As an auxiliary-system Soul Master, I am certain that even someone with full innate Soul Power could never cultivate that quickly."

As the continent's foremost auxiliary-system Soul Master, Ning Fengzhi's words were unquestionably authoritative in the auxiliary-system field.

Sword Douluo frowned. "You think he took Immortal Herbs."

"Whether he did or not no longer matters. Dugu Bo has also insisted that there are none left. All we can do is send Rongrong to try. Even if there truly are none left, being able to befriend three future Titled Douluo would still be an excellent outcome."

How could someone as shrewd as Ning Fengzhi ever make a losing deal? If he could bring Dugu Chen into the fold, then twenty years from now, he would have the confidence to stand against Spirit Hall. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School would be making an absolute killing.

"Do as you wish! But if Rongrong suffers any grievance, this old man will tear Heaven Dou Royal Academy apart."

Leaving behind that killing-intent-filled declaration, Sword Douluo departed on his sword.

Seated above, Ning Fengzhi shook his head with a wry smile. Ning Rongrong had simply been spoiled too much. With two Titled Douluo protecting her in the sect, he could not discipline her. He could only send her outside to experience some hardship.

Heaven Dou Royal Academy was especially lively today, because it was said that one of the Twin Stars of the Number One Beast Martial Soul Under Heaven would be enrolling today.

The school gates were surrounded by students who had come to watch the excitement. Of course, quite a few powerful students with hostile intentions were also present. After all, the title of Number One Beast Martial Soul Under Heaven was simply too eye-catching.

There was no first in literature, nor second in martial arts. Before fighting, who would admit they were inferior to another? If it were that freak, then fine—but who did Yu Tianheng think he was? Did he think a title alone could intimidate them?

"He's here, he's here."

"Where?"

"Hmph, who's he putting on that face for?"

As a tall, straight figure appeared, the surroundings instantly erupted into noise.

"Hehe, Tianheng, it seems your classmates are welcoming you quite enthusiastically," Yu Xiaolong said with a smile. She was a Soul Saint, tasked with protecting Yu Tianheng on the journey.

"Hmph. They're all useless trash."

Yu Tianheng was fourteen this year. He had long black hair, a lean build, and looks that could not be called handsome. There was rarely any expression on his face, as though his facial muscles had stiffened.

If Dugu Chen had been here, he would certainly have sighed that the Yu family's poker face was hereditary too.

He wore a fitted blue outfit without any decoration. His entire person gave off a very simple impression. Yet that very simplicity made him seem dangerous.

He had already reached level thirty-five in Soul Power. With the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul, he indeed had the right to be proud.

"Ha, I heard Poison Douluo's disciple is here too! If you run into him, be careful," Yu Xiaolong reminded the arrogant Yu Tianheng that Heaven Dou Academy had its own exceptional talents. At the very least, judging by the family's intelligence, she could not help but marvel at the other party's monstrous talent.

Hearing news of Dugu Chen, Yu Tianheng furrowed his brow.

Based on the information he had received, he was not confident he could defeat Dugu Chen. Still, he believed that at the same realm, he was inferior to no one.

Yu Tianheng's enrollment naturally received great attention from Emperor Xue Ye. The Blue Lightning Sect had always remained neutral, yet it had now sent one of its two most gifted members of this generation here. That alone was a signal of goodwill.

Although it was not as extravagant as when Dugu Chen enrolled, with the Crown Prince accompanying him and the Three Education Commissioners receiving him, Zhi Lin, the second-ranking commissioner, had still been sent to show their regard.

With an Education Commissioner leading the way, Yu Tianheng's enrollment was handled swiftly. Before long, he became a member of Heaven Dou Class One.

When classes officially began the next day, Dugu Chen finally saw Yu Tianheng. Watching him introduce himself at the podium, he narrowed his eyes.

Rubbing the small, mutton-fat-jade-like hand in his right, Dugu Chen felt the urge to beat Yu Tianheng up. Though he knew Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng were no longer possible, men were sometimes just that petty.

While Dugu Chen was secretly planning to make a move against Yu Tianheng, Yu Tianheng was also staring intently at him. He badly wanted to challenge him immediately, but class had only just begun, so it was not the right time. Suppressing the impulse in his heart, Yu Tianheng casually found a seat and sat down.

As soon as the two-hour theory class ended, Yu Tianheng rose to his feet and walked toward Dugu Chen.

Class teacher Liu Ze had not yet left. He and the other students were all curious about what Yu Tianheng intended to do. When they saw him stop before Dugu Chen's desk, a thought suddenly sprang to mind.

No way!

Dugu Chen had originally intended to leave with Dugu Yan, but Yu Tianheng had come to him of his own accord, stirring up his fighting urge again.

Looking into Dugu Chen's mismatched eyes, Yu Tianheng suddenly felt a wave of oppression in his heart. He felt as though he were facing the entire world. If he did not speak now, he feared he would never have the courage to face Dugu Chen again.

How could this be? The gap couldn't possibly be this great.

"Ah!"

With a loud shout, Yu Tianheng spoke to Dugu Chen before him.

"Dugu Chen, I challenge you!"

Hearing Yu Tianheng's challenge, everyone present looked at him with admiration. The newcomer was still too young—he actually dared to challenge the Big Demon King.

"Fine, I accept. I've been wanting to see the power of the Number One Beast Martial Soul Under Heaven myself," Dugu Chen said calmly.

"No. Dugu Chen, you and Yu Tianheng are not Soul Masters of the same rank. Academy rules prohibit you from fighting in the Soul Arena."

At that moment, Liu Ze stepped forward to stop them. He truly did not want Yu Tianheng to be beaten into shutting himself off the moment he arrived at the academy. Otherwise, who would still send their promising young talents here to study? In his view, no matter how they fought, Yu Tianheng had no chance of winning.

No one understood Dugu Chen's strength better than he did. During practical combat classes, Liu Ze personally took the field against him. In his view, even without using his Fourth Soul Skill, Dugu Chen already possessed the strength of a Senior Soul King. As he was now, he could probably even take on a Soul Emperor.

"Then I won't use any soul skills at all. That should be fair, right?"

Dugu Chen proposed it. How could he possibly give up such a rare opportunity?

"Hmph! There's no need for you to go easy on me. I'll naturally prove that the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon is inferior to no one!"

Yu Tianheng felt that he was being looked down upon. After saying that, he turned and headed for the Soul Arena.

Dugu Chen shrugged at Liu Ze, took Dugu Yan's hand, and headed toward the Soul Arena.

"Damn, what a warrior!"

"From now on, I respect no one but Yu Tianheng."

"What are you standing around for? Hurry to the Soul Arena! If we get there late, I'm afraid Brother Chen will already be done beating him."

The news swiftly spread throughout the academy, and everyone rushed to the Soul Arena to watch this clash between top-tier beast martial souls.

Even the Three Education Commissioners were alerted. Committee Member Zhi Lin personally took the field to preside over the Soul Arena match.

It was the same time and the same scene as a year ago. Only the protagonists on the stage had changed.

Dugu Chen looked at Yu Tianheng across from him, a dangerous smile curling at the corner of his lips.

Committee Member Zhi Lin looked at the two of them and shook his head helplessly. All he could do now was try his best to keep things under control and prevent Yu Tianheng from getting hurt.

"Qinghe, it seems we arrived at just the right time. It's quite lively here!" Beside Ning Fengzhi stood Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. Behind Ning Fengzhi was an elderly man with silver-white hair, an upright build, and a sharp, imposing aura—the Sword Douluo.

And holding the Sword Douluo's hand was a young girl dressed in green, with lively eyes. She was none other than the little devil of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School, Ning Rongrong!