Heaven Dou Team

After leaving the Eastern Palace where Qian Renxue resided, Lin Yao left Heaven Dou City and headed straight for Heaven Dou Royal Academy outside the city.

Sunlight pierced through the clouds and spilled gently over the White Marble Railings of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, bathing the pale stone in a warm golden glow.

A light breeze swept through the courtyard, carrying several freshly fallen tender leaves with it. The air was filled with the faint fragrance of grass and trees, mixed with the damp scent of earth, making even each breath feel refreshing.

Lin Yao strode along the neatly paved Bluestone Road, the hem of his deep-blue robe fluttering lightly in the wind and revealing exquisite Cloud Pattern embroidery on his cuffs.

He stood tall and walked steadily, showing no sign that he was not yet seven years old. Instead, he carried a composure far beyond that of his peers.

Before long, he arrived at the office of the three education committee members.

It was an antique wooden building, with Copper Bells hanging beneath the eaves and swaying gently in the breeze, chiming crisply.

The moment he pushed open the door, a faint fragrance of Sandalwood washed over him, mingled with the elegant aroma of Pre-Rain Tea.

The room was simply furnished yet refined. A heavy Rosewood Table stood in the center, with a Celadon Tea Set placed atop it.

Freshly brewed tea still sent up curling wisps of steam, its pale jade liquid gleaming softly in the cups.

Meng Shenji, Bai Baoshan, and Zhi Lin, the three education committee members, sat around the table, speaking quietly about something.

When they saw Lin Yao enter, their conversation stopped at once. Three gazes focused on him in unison, their eyes brimming with anticipation.

"Yao, you're finally back."

Meng Shenji was the first to set down his teacup. A warm smile spread across his face, smoothing even the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes.

"Looking at how spirited you are, with eyes bright as if polished by light, I imagine your soul-hunting trip with Sword Douluo Chen Xin must have yielded quite a harvest?"

He paused, lightly tapping the tabletop with his fingers, his tone certain.

"Given the talent you displayed before, now that you've broken through to become a Two-Ring Soul Master, you must already be far ahead of others at the same level.

Tell us, what level has your Soul Power reached now?"

Because they valued Lin Yao highly and wished to give Chen Xin due respect, the three education committee members had never used Soul Power to probe his condition.

Now, taking the opportunity to ask, they waited eagerly for his answer.

Lin Yao stopped before the table, bowed slightly in greeting, and smiled gently.

"Education Committee Member Meng flatters me. This soul hunt went fairly smoothly, and I was fortunate enough to break through to level twenty-five."

"Level twenty-five?!"

Bai Baoshan abruptly sat upright. The hand that had been stroking his goatee froze in midair, his eyes filled with surprise.

"You just gained a Soul Ring and already broke through to level twenty-five. Just as we expected, your second Soul Ring must be another one beyond the usual limit—and by quite a margin."

Zhi Lin nodded as well, pushing up his glasses. Behind the lenses, his gaze was filled with scrutiny.

"Yao, would you be willing to display your Soul Ring configuration and martial soul state?

Our strength may be far inferior to His Excellency Sword Douluo, but after living this many years, we do have some experience.

Perhaps we can help identify any shortcomings and see how well your Soul Rings suit your martial soul."

"Thank you for your concern, seniors. Of course I am willing."

Lin Yao answered, then slowly circulated the Soul Power within his body.

As his Soul Power flowed, two Soul Rings glowing with deep purple light rose from beneath his feet and slowly revolved around him.

The purple of the first Soul Ring was still somewhat gentle, but the radiance of the second was nearly solid, like a flawless Amethyst gleaming brilliantly beneath the sunlight.

Anyone with a discerning eye could tell at once that even among Thousand-Year Soul Rings, this one was no weak specimen.

The three education committee members, who had still been somewhat mentally prepared, erupted the instant they saw it.

Meng Shenji's Celadon Tea Cup struck its saucer with a clatter. Several drops of scalding tea splashed onto his bluish-gray sleeve, leaving dark stains.

Yet he did not notice at all. He merely stared wide-eyed at the Soul Ring, his voice trembling.

"This... this second Soul Ring is nowhere near two or three thousand years! Judging by the density of that purple glow, it has likely reached four or even five thousand years.

I have lived nearly a century, yet this is the first time I have seen a Soul Grandmaster absorb a Soul Ring of such an age. It is simply unheard of!"

Bai Baoshan's fingers tightened slightly, his knuckles turning pale. He stepped closer and carefully examined the glow of the Soul Ring, disbelief trembling in his voice.

"How old are you, child? You're not even seven! With talent like this, even the Clear Sky Douluo of old probably could not compare to you at your age!"

Zhi Lin directly rose to his feet and hurried over to Lin Yao. He circled him twice, his eyes seeming ready to pierce through the Soul Rings as he muttered repeatedly.

"Unheard of, truly unheard of... The compatibility between the Soul Rings and martial soul is actually this high. The Soul Power flows so smoothly, without the slightest obstruction. This child... he is simply a monster!"

Watching their shocked reactions, Lin Yao remained composed and explained softly.

"Seniors, my second Soul Ring came from a Molten Demon Bear in the Star Dou Great Forest.

That demon bear was strong, but with my master's help, it was easily slain. And since I managed to hold my own, I was able to absorb it successfully."

"Fortunate?"

Meng Shenji finally came back to his senses. Pointing at the Soul Ring, he shook his head with an amused, helpless smile.

"Yao, this 'fortune' of yours is not something just anyone can have.

Ordinary Soul Masters would flee at the sight of a five-thousand-year soul beast, yet you had a Title Douluo protecting you, managed to absorb it, and even made the Soul Ring perfectly compatible with your martial soul.

How is that fortune? Exceptional talent, along with help that is itself part of one's strength—this was plainly the result of your talent and ability. You are simply too modest, child."

After their amazement subsided, the three education committee members exchanged looks. Each saw the same thought in the others' eyes: they had to deepen their connection with Lin Yao.

When Lin Yao became renowned across the continent, the three old men—and Heaven Dou Royal Academy—would share in some of that glory.

With that thought, Meng Shenji raised his hand and pressed the summons bell on the table. Its clear ring passed through the doorway and echoed through the courtyard.

A moment later, steady footsteps sounded outside. Each step was even and firm, carrying an air of capable efficiency.

Then, a tall figure wearing the silver-gray uniform of a team leader pushed open the door.

He had broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and an upright bearing. The silver-gray uniform bore the golden emblem of Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

His collar was impeccably arranged, and his eyes held the resolute determination of someone who had struggled his way up from humble beginnings.

It was Qin Ming.

"Greetings, three education committee members."

Qin Ming strode to the table and bowed respectfully, his voice calm and powerful.

When his gaze swept over Lin Yao standing nearby, his brows furrowed slightly in confusion.

This child looked so young. Why was he in the office of the three education committee members?

Meng Shenji pointed at Lin Yao and got straight to the point.

"Qin Ming, this is Lin Yao. He recently broke through to the Soul Grandmaster realm. He has two Thousand-Year Soul Rings, and the second one is a full five thousand years old. The three of us have discussed letting him join the second team. What do you think?"

Qin Ming followed Meng Shenji's finger toward Lin Yao. When he saw the two deep-purple rings and heard the words "five thousand years" and "Soul Grandmaster," his pupils suddenly contracted. It was as if he had been struck by Thunderclap, and his face filled with shock.

"A... a Soul Grandmaster? Two Thousand-Year Soul Rings? How... how is that possible?"

He paused, forcibly suppressing the shock in his heart before adding.

"Actually... I was just thinking that if little brother Lin Yao's talent is sufficient, perhaps he could try joining the first team? After all, the first team has better resources and more intense training, which would allow him to grow faster."

Bai Baoshan shook his head, regret coloring his voice.

"We considered that as well, but you know the situation in the first team. The members' strength is uneven, and several older members have restless minds. They are always looking for shortcuts, but their strength cannot keep up.

Lin Yao has not fully grown yet. If he goes to the first team, those people may drag him down, and this Soul Master tournament will be hard-pressed to yield results.

He would be better off in the second team. You lead with rigor, and the team members are grounded. Let him hone himself in the second team first—it would be more reliable."

Hearing this, Qin Ming fell silent in thought for a moment.

He naturally understood the problems of the first team and the painstaking intentions of the three education committee members. He then nodded.

"Education Committee Member Bai has considered everything thoroughly. I understand."

He turned toward Lin Yao, a sincere smile appearing on his face, his tone full of admiration.

"Little brother Lin Yao, I am Qin Ming, leader of the second team. Welcome to join us.

Speaking of which, I graduated from Shrek Academy. With your talent, if you were at Shrek Academy, you would absolutely be considered one of the strongest monsters—far more formidable than our group was back then."

When Lin Yao heard the words "Shrek Academy," his heart stirred, but he said nothing more.

He knew that Qin Ming would eventually break through to the Soul Fighting Douluo level in the original story. He himself was a rare genius.

Thus, he smiled and replied, "Teacher Qin flatters me. I am new here, so I will need much guidance from you and the senior brothers and sisters on the team."

After a pause, Lin Yao recalled why Qin Ming, despite having good talent in the original story, had chosen a Soul Ring of around nine thousand years rather than a ten-thousand-year ring for his fifth ring. He then smiled.

"By the way, I once happened to hear someone mention that Teacher Qin broke through to the Soul King realm before reaching thirty, and is already not far from the Soul Emperor realm.

Yet your fifth Soul Ring is only a nine-thousand-year Soul Ring, which is quite unexpected. I presume that Soul Ring must be exceptionally compatible with your martial soul.

Otherwise, with your strength, you certainly would not have made such a choice."

Qin Ming was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting Lin Yao to pay attention to his Soul Ring configuration. Then he laughed.

"That is true. The skill of that nine-thousand-year Soul Ring happened to make up for a weakness in my martial soul.

My martial soul is the Blazing Flame Wolf. It excels in frontal assaults, but is somewhat lacking in agility. The skill of that Soul Ring, Swift Burning, happens to enhance my speed.

Although some people did say I was 'wasting my potential' at the time and believed I should have chosen a ten-thousand-year Soul Ring, I have always felt that what suits you is best. Blindly pursuing age limits can instead hinder your growth."

"Teacher Qin is absolutely right."

Lin Yao agreed.

"It is better to achieve greatness later than to fall midway. Many geniuses pursue high-age Soul Rings too early, only to suffer obstructed Soul Power because the Soul Rings are incompatible with their martial souls. It is truly a pity."

The two smiled at each other, and the sense of distance born from unfamiliarity vanished without a trace.

Afterward, Qin Ming led Lin Yao toward the training grounds of the second team.

The Training Ground was on the western side of the academy, a broad grassy field surrounded by waist-high wooden fences. Clearly marked spirit-fighting boundaries had been drawn on the ground.

The moment they reached the fence, they heard fierce shouts and dull booms from colliding Soul Power.

Yu Tianheng was battling the Shi Family Brothers, while Yu Feng had unleashed his martial soul and circled overhead, launching sneak attacks from time to time.

"First Soul Skill, Thunder Dragon Claw!"

Yu Tianheng's shout echoed through the Training Ground. Blue-purple lightning coiled around his body.

The crackling of electricity rang without pause as sharp lightning gathered in his palms, forming a pair of energy constructs shaped like dragon claws.

He pushed off the ground hard and shot toward Shi Mo like an arrow. His claws carried a fierce Aura as they slashed down viciously.

The current scorched several thin black marks into the earth, and even the air seemed to tremble beneath the strike.

"Hehe, you want to break my defense? Not so easy! First Soul Skill, Mystic Turtle Shield!"

Shi Mo stood in place, a guileless smile on his face, completely unruffled.

As his Soul Power circulated, dense earthen-yellow light surged around him. The phantom of a massive Black Tortoise appeared behind his back.

The patterns on its shell were plainly visible, as if carved from bluestone, emanating an indestructible presence.

Bang!

A muffled explosion rang out as the Thunder Dragon Claw slammed into the Mystic Turtle Shield.

Blue-purple lightning burst apart like a blooming firework, yet the Mystic Turtle Shield did not budge in the slightest. Not even a crack appeared.

Instead, Yu Tianheng was forced back repeatedly by a powerful recoil. His heels carved two shallow trenches into the grass, and a flush rose to his face.

"Tianheng, stop for a moment!"

Qin Ming's voice rang out, carrying a note of sternness.

Hearing him, Yu Tianheng immediately withdrew his Soul Power and stopped. Wiping the thin sweat from his brow, he looked at Qin Ming with a touch of unwillingness in his voice.

"Teacher Qin, my attack power is clearly strong enough. Why can't I break through his defense? My Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul is obviously of much higher quality than his Black Tortoise martial soul."

Qin Ming walked into the Training Ground and stopped beside Shi Mo. Pointing at the Mystic Turtle Shield around him, he explained patiently.

"Your attack power is not the problem. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon is of exceptional quality, and its explosive strength ranks among the best of beast martial souls.

But the issue is that your power is dispersed. Look—your lightning spread over the entire shield just now. It was like punching cotton; naturally, you could not break through.

If you could concentrate the lightning at one point, such as the tips of the dragon claws, and break the surface with a single point, then even the Mystic Turtle Shield might not be able to block it completely."

He then turned toward Yu Feng in the air, his tone still stern.

"Yu Feng, the same goes for your attacks. Your martial soul is the Wind Spirit Bird. You are fast and capable of flight; you should have been Tianheng's surprise weapon.

But you kept attacking Shi Mo alone. His Black Tortoise shell may be slightly weaker defensively than Shi Mo's, but it excels at defending against attacks from every direction. Your attacks landing on it are nothing but wasted effort.

Next time, coordinate with Tianheng first. Use your speed to pin down Shi Mo and keep him from defending at full strength, then seek an opening in Shi Mo's weaknesses. That is how you can make use of your advantages."

Yu Feng descended from the air and withdrew his martial soul. He scratched his head, an embarrassed smile appearing on his face.

"Got it, Teacher Qin. I'll pay attention next time and stop fighting alone."

At that moment, Lin Yao received Qin Ming's signal and stepped into the Training Ground.

Looking at the familiar faces before him, Lin Yao wore a gentle smile and bowed slightly in greeting.

"Hello, senior brothers and sisters. My name is Lin Yao. I will be a member of the second team from now on. Please guide me well."

Everyone's eyes instantly focused on Lin Yao, their gazes filled with surprise.

This child looked only six or seven years old and was much shorter than everyone present. How could he be joining the second team?

Osler's eyes lit up, and his figure flashed to Lin Yao's side.

His martial soul was the agility-attack-type Eagle Owl, and he was naturally extremely fast. He circled Lin Yao twice like he had discovered a new toy, his eyes brimming with curiosity.

"Lin Yao? Then I'll call you Yao! You look so young, yet you got into Heaven Dou Royal Academy and joined the team right away. You must be a little monster too, right? What is your martial soul? What level is your Soul Power?"

Yu Feng also came over and looked Lin Yao over from head to toe, a teasing smile curling on his lips.

"You do look pretty cute, but you don't seem all that strong. After training, how about we spar? Let me see what this little monster can really do."

It's been a long time since I had such a tiny teammate. Perfect—I can 'bully' him a little and have some fun.

Just as Lin Yao was about to answer, a delighted female voice rang out. "Little brother Yao? Is that really you!"

Everyone followed the sound and saw Dugu Yan hurrying over, her face bright with surprise. Her eyes shone like stars, and even her usually cool tone had become intimate.

Ye Lingling stood nearby, her brows slightly furrowed as she looked at Dugu Yan in confusion. "Yan Yan, you know him?"

"Of course I know him!"

Dugu Yan grabbed Lin Yao's arm, her voice full of familiarity.

"The last time I went to Sunset Forest to hunt my second Soul Ring, I didn't want to trouble my grandfather. I nearly let it get away.

Luckily, little brother Yao helped hold it back and found a chance to ambush the Nether Wolf's eyes. Only then was I able to use my Soul Skill and claim that Soul Ring.

Without him, I have no idea how much longer I would have had to stay in the forest or how much more effort it would have taken!"

The moment she said this, everyone present was stunned.

Osler's mouth fell open and did not close for a long while.

"No way? Yao, you even helped senior sister Yan Yan hunt a Soul Ring? What level were you at back then? Senior sister Yan Yan had already broken through to Soul Grandmaster long ago. How could a little Soul Master like you hold back a Thousand-Year soul beast?"

Lin Yao smiled, his tone modest.

"I had only recently awakened my martial soul then, and my Soul Power was indeed not high. It hardly counted as help—I was just lucky."

"Lucky?"

Dugu Yan shot him a glare, then turned to the others, her tone carrying a hint of seriousness.

"Don't be fooled by how modest he looks! Back then, he was only at the Soul Master level, but his reaction speed was astonishing, and his grasp of combat timing was even more precise. He was better than many Soul Grandmasters!"

Just then, Yu Tianheng, who had been silently observing, walked over.

He looked at Lin Yao with a trace of scrutiny in his eyes, though his tone was utterly certain:

"Your current strength should be more than that of a First Ring Soul Master, right? Judging by the fluctuations of Soul Power around you, they're steady and condensed. You must have already broken through to the Soul Grandmaster level and obtained your second Soul Ring?"

The moment those words were spoken, Dugu Yan froze. Her mouth opened slightly, her eyes filled with disbelief:

"A... a Soul Grandmaster? Yao, it's only been a little over half a year since we last met, hasn't it? How did you break through to Soul Grandmaster so quickly? That rate of improvement is way too fast—it's practically monstrous!"

The others present were stunned as well.

Most of them knew when Dugu Yan had obtained her second Soul Ring. It had only been half a year ago.

In half a year, going from a First Ring Soul Master to a two-ring Soul Grandmaster—at that speed, even the geniuses of Heaven Dou Royal Academy might not be able to manage it!

Lin Yao merely smiled gently at their shocked expressions and said nothing more.