Sedimentation, Heaven Dou

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the glazed dome of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's Battle Soul Arena, scattering mottled shadows across the stage where a battle had just ended.

Lin Yao held the Star Sword, the silver glow flowing across its blade not yet fully faded, like crushed starlight clinging to its surface.

He shifted slightly to avoid a patch of light falling on his shoulder, his calm gaze sweeping over the boiling crowd below.

His clear eyes carried a composure far beyond his age, as though the battle that had ended in an instant had merely been an ordinary sparring session.

Below the stage, discussions surged like a tide, mixed with amazement, envy, and a few traces of barely concealed wariness.

Some stood on tiptoe, trying to get a clearer look at the still-youthful boy on the stage.

Others leaned close and whispered to one another, their fingers unconsciously pointing at the Star Sword Martial Soul in Lin Yao's hand, which radiated a faint pressure.

Although its two Thousand-Year Soul Rings had already vanished, the earlier sight of him instantly defeating the owner of the Blue Sky Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul had still left everyone utterly stunned.

This Sword Martial Soul had never appeared anywhere on the continent before.

It might not possess the deep foundation of a millennium of inheritance like the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul, but in the previous clash, it had suppressed Yu Tianheng's Thunder Dragon Claw with the force of Thunderous Strike. Its sharpness was enough to silence anyone who dared look down on it.

"Is this what a true top Heavenly Pride of the continent looks like? He's so young, but his Martial Soul is ridiculously powerful!"

Among the crowd, a girl in academy uniform clasped her hands together, her eyes shining like those of an obsessed admirer.

"Look at the way he's standing there. He's obviously still just a child, but he has more aura than the upperclassmen. He's so cool and adorable—I really want to rush up and hug him!"

The companion beside her laughed and gave her a shove.

"Stop swooning. Haven't you seen who's backing him? The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and His Excellency Sword Douluo—which one of them can we casually approach?"

Those words instantly sobered everyone nearby.

Everyone knew the strength of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, while Sword Douluo Chen Xin was publicly acknowledged as the Title Douluo with the strongest offensive power on the continent.

If anyone dared harbor ill intentions toward Lin Yao, Sword Douluo's Seven Kill Sword would probably descend before they even had a chance to act.

"With talent like that and such a background, Lin Yao will definitely become someone standing at the peak of the continent in the future."

Someone sighed.

"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect really found a treasure this time. Before Sword Douluo and His Excellency Bone Douluo grow old, Lin Yao might become an even stronger guardian Douluo for the sect."

"By then, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's status will probably rise another level."

At the edge of the crowd, several geniuses who had initially looked displeased because Lin Yao had stolen the spotlight could only swallow their resentment.

They looked at the figure on the stage and recalled how Lin Yao had defeated Yu Tianheng, one of the Twin Stars of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, with a single strike. All that remained in their hearts was helplessness.

Before such a monster, any dissatisfaction seemed pale and powerless.

Some had even begun considering how to take the initiative and befriend him. Building a good relationship with such a promising talent could only benefit their future paths.

Just then, a somewhat flustered figure suddenly rushed to the edge of the stage. It was Osler.

He gripped the railing at the edge of the stage with both hands, leaning forward slightly. His face was filled with a fawning smile, and he paid no attention to the strange looks around him as he shouted at Lin Yao.

"Brother Lin Yao, those Flower Path News stories about you and Brother Yu Tianheng weren't something I deliberately made up."

"I just wanted to make your match more talked about. You're a magnanimous man, so please forgive your little brother this once!"

As he spoke, he repeatedly cupped his hands toward Lin Yao. There was none of his usual lively manner left, only a desperate desire to survive.

Before Lin Yao could speak, a faint sound came from behind him. Yu Tianheng, who had fallen and been declared defeated by the referee, slowly rose to his feet.

Several tears had been cut into his white training outfit by the wind from the Star Sword, exposing the close-fitting clothes beneath. A shallow bloody mark remained on the back of his right hand.

It was the wound left when he had used Thunder Dragon Claw against the Star Sword.

A particularly stubborn blend of Wood Attribute and Fire Attribute energy lingered within it, something even his thunder power struggled to wear away.

It would take time to grind it down before the wound could heal.

After hearing Osler's words, Yu Tianheng frowned and looked at him. Confusion flashed through his eyes before realization dawned, followed by a trace of anger.

"So you were behind it! No wonder those female students kept looking at me strangely when I came to the Battle Soul Arena earlier. You made up all sorts of nonsense!"

Despite being defeated by a single strike, Yu Tianheng held no resentment.

He clearly remembered that Lin Yao's sword could have struck his vital point directly, yet Lin Yao had pulled back at the final moment and only knocked him away with the flat of the blade.

That mercy made Yu Tianheng admire Lin Yao even more. Looking at Lin Yao bathed in sunlight, he secretly sighed.

He had previously felt unwilling to accept Dugu Yan being closer to Lin Yao, but now it seemed that he had merely been narrow-minded.

Lin Yao's talent and character both deserved this attention.

Taking a deep breath, Yu Tianheng suppressed the complicated emotions in his heart and silently made up his mind.

If he could not compare now, then he would cultivate desperately. One day, he would win back against him, even if only once. And even if he could not win, he absolutely could not allow himself to fall too far behind.

Seeing Yu Tianheng confront him, cold sweat instantly broke out across Osler's forehead. He forced a smile at Yu Tianheng while hurriedly explaining.

"Brother Tianheng, those female students are into your type. I was only trying to earn more Gold Soul Coins—I had no choice."

"When we get back, I'll split half the earnings with you. No, more than half!"

After saying that, he immediately turned to Lin Yao, lowering his voice with a pleading tone.

"Brother Lin Yao, you're an important person. You definitely won't hold such a small matter against me. I'll give you nearly all the profits. Please take pity on me and forgive me this once!"

"It's not that I want to hold it against you, but what you did was indeed inappropriate."

Yu Tianheng shook his head, his tone stern.

"Junior Lin Yao only just joined the academy. What if he thinks our academy has bad values and forms a bad impression because of the nonsense you spread? You have no sense of propriety at all."

Just as Osler was about to argue, a fair and slender hand suddenly reached out from behind him and lightly tapped his shoulder with its fingertips.

Osler's heart tightened. He spun around and found Ye Lingling standing there.

She wore a light green dress, her long hair smoothly draped over her shoulders. Her face was beautiful and moving, yet she showed little expression, her calm eyes looking at Osler as though he were something unrelated to her.

"Osler, I've already calculated it. You earned more than thirteen thousand Gold Soul Coins from those stories and cartoon albums."

Ye Lingling's voice was soft, yet it carried unquestionable force.

"Those stories damaged Junior Lin Yao and Yu Tianheng's reputations. A few words of apology aren't enough."

"Since you did it for money, then compensate them with money. Tenfold compensation. But considering you're a teammate on the Heaven Dou Team, I'll round it off to a whole number—two hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins."

She paused before adding.

"This is only a small lesson, so you remember that some things cannot be touched. Once they spread, the harm they cause is far greater than this amount of Gold Soul Coins."

Osler's face instantly fell. He opened his mouth, wanting to refute her, but then saw Lin Yao nod slightly. It was clear that Lin Yao agreed with Ye Lingling.

Left with no choice, he turned his attention to Yu Feng nearby and shouted into the crowd.

"Yu Feng! Stop hiding! You helped make up the stories and print the albums too. You can't make me pay alone!"

However, before his words had even faded, a green figure leaped from the crowd. Yu Feng summoned his Wind Chime Bird Martial Soul, flapped his wings, and swiftly flew into the distance.

"You're the boss. I'm just an employee. This has nothing to do with me!"

His teasing voice drifted down from the air, and in the blink of an eye, he vanished from everyone's sight.

Watching Yu Feng flee faster than a rabbit, Osler felt like crying without tears. That guy had sold out his teammate without even hesitating.

"Osler, pay up."

Ye Lingling urged him again, her tone still calm.

"Otherwise, the next time you get injured during training, I won't use Nine Heart Begonia to heal you."

She had an excellent relationship with Dugu Yan and had long heard Dugu Yan talk about Lin Yao. Combined with their earlier brief conversation, she had formed quite a favorable impression of this talented and steady young man.

As a Support Type Soul Master, she understood very well that befriending such a genius would bring enormous benefits to her future.

Osler pulled a miserable face and looked pitifully at Lin Yao and Ye Lingling.

"Boss Lin Yao, Big Sister Ye Lingling, can I write an IOU? I really can't afford that many Gold Soul Coins right now."

Although he had decent talent and his family held the status of minor nobility, cultivation resources were extremely expensive, and he normally had little pocket money.

If his family learned that he had offended geniuses like Lin Yao and Yu Tianheng by making money from gossip, his legs would probably be broken.

Ye Lingling looked at Lin Yao. Seeing that he did not object, she nodded. "Fine."

She had never intended to make things truly difficult for Osler. After all, he was a teammate. She only wanted to teach him a lesson.

Soon, she brought over a sheet of paper and a box of ink paste. "I've already written the IOU. Press your fingerprint."

Osler looked at the IOU that read, "Owes Lin Yao and Yu Tianheng two hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins." Despairingly, he extended his hand and allowed Ye Lingling to press his fingerprint onto it, officially becoming a member of the Debt Clan.

Not far away, Dugu Yan watched Osler's dejected expression, and the corners of her lips could not help curving upward.

Osler had always been the most restless member of the team. Being properly "disciplined" this time would help him remember the lesson.

After this battle, Lin Yao's name completely spread throughout Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Unlike Yu Xiaogang's cowardly nature, Yu Tianheng did not choose to leave after his defeat. He remained with the team, but the team's core naturally shifted from him to Lin Yao.

Even so, no one dared underestimate Yu Tianheng. Among geniuses of the same stage, aside from the "anomaly" that was Lin Yao, he remained in a class of his own.

Not long afterward, Qin Ming officially announced that the Heaven Dou Team would be rebuilt around Lin Yao as its core.

When the news reached the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Rongrong was sitting in the courtyard, playing with her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul.

When a maid told her that Lin Yao had become the center of attention at Heaven Dou Royal Academy and had plenty of pretty girls around him, her eyes lit up. She immediately ran to Ning Fengzhi, tugged on his sleeve, and acted coquettishly.

"Dad, I want to go to Heaven Dou Royal Academy too! Brother Lin Yao is there, and I'm so bored all alone in the sect!"

Ning Fengzhi looked at his daughter's charming appearance, then glanced at Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo beside him before asking with a smile, "What do you two think?"

Sword Douluo Chen Xin held his sword and spoke indifferently. "Let her go. That boy Lin Yao has a steady temperament. If Rongrong follows him, she may learn to restrain herself."

Bone Douluo Gu Rong nodded as well.

"Besides, with Lin Yao there, no one will dare bully Rongrong. It will be good for her to broaden her horizons at the academy instead of always staying in the sect as a little princess."

With all three agreeing, Ning Rongrong immediately cheered. She packed her luggage that very day and eagerly set off for Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Lin Yao was also quite expectant when he learned Ning Rongrong was coming. Through his ability to Connect All Realms, he possessed a great deal of knowledge beyond this continent's understanding.

He had previously considered that, if given the chance, he would help the Support Type Soul Masters of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect break free from traditional cultivation frameworks without relying on soul tools. As the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Rongrong was undoubtedly the first to try it.

Several days later, when Ning Rongrong arrived at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Lin Yao specially brought Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling to welcome her at the entrance.

It was early morning then, and sunlight shone across the white jade bridge at the academy gate. The river beneath the bridge glittered with rippling light.

Ning Rongrong wore a pink dress and had her hair tied into playful twin ponytails. Two sect disciples carrying luggage followed behind her. From afar, she looked like a blooming peach blossom, charming and lively.

"Brother Lin Yao!"

The moment she saw Lin Yao, Ning Rongrong quickened her pace and ran over, a brilliant smile on her face.

"I finally made it! That journey exhausted me!"

Only after running up to Lin Yao did she notice Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling beside him. She immediately became somewhat more reserved and politely greeted them.

"Hello, Sisters. My name is Ning Rongrong. I'm Brother Lin Yao's friend."

Looking at Ning Rongrong's sparkling eyes, Dugu Yan could not help feeling a little fondness for her. She smiled in reply.

"Hello. I'm Dugu Yan, and I'm also Lin Yao's teammate."

Ye Lingling nodded as well and said gently, "My name is Ye Lingling. Like Dugu Yan, I'm a member of the Heaven Dou Team."

"So you're both Brother Lin Yao's teammates!"

Ning Rongrong's eyes brightened. Holding Lin Yao's arm, she asked curiously.

"Brother Lin Yao, is the team you mentioned before the Heaven Dou Team they're in? Can I join too? I heard the team is full of geniuses, so I can cultivate together with all of you!"

Lin Yao looked at Ning Rongrong's expectant eyes, then at Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling. Seeing neither of them object, he nodded.

"Of course, but the team's training is very demanding. You can't be lazy like you were in the sect."

Ning Rongrong immediately patted her chest and promised.

"Don't worry, Brother Lin Yao. I definitely won't slack off! I'm going to become the strongest Support Type Soul Master!"

Dugu Yan could not help laughing from the side.

"You certainly look motivated. But let me make this clear first: if you can't keep up during training, we won't go easy on you just because you're Lin Yao's friend."

Ning Rongrong puffed out her cheeks and replied defiantly, "Don't worry, Sister. I can definitely keep up! I'm from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and my Martial Soul is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. My support abilities are incredibly strong!"

Ye Lingling stepped forward and said gently.

"Your Martial Soul is indeed powerful, but a Support Type Soul Master on a team must do more than release soul skills. You also need to understand how to coordinate with your teammates. During future training, I can teach you some support techniques for actual combat."

Hearing that, Ning Rongrong immediately beamed. "Thank you, Sister Ling Ling! You're so kind!"

The group chatted and laughed as they headed into the academy.

Ning Rongrong was curious about everything in the academy. One moment, she pointed at ancient trees by the road and asked question after question; the next, she stared at the Soul Masters training in the distant Training Ground in amazement.

Dugu Yan patiently introduced the academy's layout to her, while Ye Lingling occasionally reminded her to watch where she stepped.

Lin Yao followed beside them. Seeing the three girls getting along so well, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

When they arrived at the team's training grounds, Osler, Yu Tianheng, and the others were already waiting there.

Seeing Lin Yao bring over such a charming and adorable little girl, everyone showed curious expressions.

Osler even stepped forward and asked with a smile, "Brother Lin Yao, who is this little sister? She's so cute."

Ning Rongrong immediately puffed out her small chest and declared proudly.

"My name is Ning Rongrong. I'm the young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and I'm here to join the Heaven Dou Team!"

When everyone heard the words "Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect," they could not help revealing looks of surprise.

They had not expected another genius from a top sect to join the team after Lin Yao.

Yu Tianheng stepped forward and nodded to Ning Rongrong. "Welcome. I'm Yu Tianheng. We'll be teammates from now on."

Over the next several days, Ning Rongrong officially began her training life with the team.

At first, she was still filled with novelty and trained exceptionally seriously, but before long, she began to struggle.

The Heaven Dou Team's training intensity far exceeded anything she had imagined while in the sect. Daily physical conditioning, Martial Soul cultivation, and team coordination drills left her so exhausted that she nearly collapsed to the ground.

That evening, after training ended, Ning Rongrong dragged her tired body to the stone steps beside the Training Ground. She sat down with her lips pursed, looking thoroughly aggrieved.

Dugu Yan walked over, handed her a bottle of water, and asked with a smile, "What's wrong? Do you think the training is too exhausting?"

Ning Rongrong took the water, drank a mouthful, and nodded, her voice a little hoarse.

"Yes. It's much harder than it was in the sect. I feel like I can barely lift my arms anymore."

Ye Lingling also walked over, sat beside Ning Rongrong, and said gently.

"It's like that at the beginning. You'll get used to it. Look at Lin Yao. He trains more than any of us every day, yet he has never complained."

Ning Rongrong looked into the distance and saw Lin Yao practicing swordsmanship alone. The Star Sword danced in his hand, tracing smooth arcs through the air.

The afterglow of the setting sun fell upon him, as though outlining him with a layer of gold.

"Brother Lin Yao is amazing."

Ning Rongrong murmured, admiration in her eyes.

"But can I really persevere like he does?"

Dugu Yan patted her shoulder and encouraged her. "Of course you can! You're the young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and your talent is so good. As long as you're willing to work hard, you can definitely keep up with us."

Besides, look at how much you've improved these past few days. During team coordination, you've been using your support soul skills much more flexibly than before—far beyond others your age."

Ye Lingling added:

"That's right. Your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul has enormous potential. As long as you polish it carefully, you'll definitely become a top-tier Support Type soul master in the future.

If you feel tired during training, just tell me. I can use Nine Heart Begonia to help ease your fatigue."

Hearing their encouragement, the grievance in Ning Rongrong's heart gradually faded away.

She stood up and gave Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling a determined smile:

"Thank you, Sister Yanyan, Ling Ling. I won't give up. I'll definitely become the strongest Support Type soul master. I can't bring shame to Brother Lin Yao or the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect!"

Just then, Lin Yao finished practicing his swordsmanship and walked over. Looking at Ning Rongrong, he smiled and asked, "What, worn out?"

Ning Rongrong shook her head and said seriously, "Not at all! Brother Lin Yao, from now on, I'll train a little longer every day like you do, and try to catch up with everyone as soon as possible."

Lin Yao nodded, approval in his eyes. "Good. It's enough that you have that resolve. But don't force yourself. Training needs to be gradual. If your body can't take it, speak up right away."

From then on, Ning Rongrong seemed like a completely different person. She never complained during training again. Even when she was drenched in sweat from exhaustion, she still gritted her teeth and persevered.

Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling often helped her as well, teaching her practical combat techniques and easing her fatigue.

Lin Yao would occasionally guide her in methods of martial soul cultivation, incorporating some cultivation concepts from his own world and giving her a new understanding of Support Type soul master cultivation.

As time passed, Ning Rongrong not only grew increasingly adept in training, but also became closer and closer with the team members.

She was no longer the spoiled little princess she had once been. She became more independent and resilient, while Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling cared for her like a younger sister.

Watching Ning Rongrong's changes, Lin Yao felt quite gratified as well.

He knew that Ning Rongrong's addition had not only raised the Heaven Dou Team's strength to another level, but had also made the team warmer.

A few days later, the academy's three education committee members summoned Qin Ming and all the team members.

Meng Shenji looked at everyone before him, especially Lin Yao and Ning Rongrong, his eyes full of satisfaction:

"Since Lin Yao and Rongrong joined, the team's strength has improved rapidly. We discussed it and decided to allocate a large portion of the cultivation resources to the nine of you. We hope you'll make good use of them and cultivate diligently."

He paused, then continued, "Also, your team's name has officially been decided. From now on, you will be called the 'Imperial Dou Team.'

We hope that in the next All-Continent Soul Master Elite Competition, you will make a stunning debut and bring glory to Heaven Dou Royal Academy!"

Upon hearing the name "Imperial Dou Team," Lin Yao and the others accepted it calmly. Their efforts had earned them such an honor.

It could be said that unless some deus ex machina intervened, the Imperial Dou Team with Lin Yao and Ning Rongrong could no longer possibly lose to Shrek Academy or Spirit Hall Academy.