Chen Chu bowed to the three as a junior. Without wasting time, six Soul Rings slowly rose around him—one yellow, two purple, and three black. King Sagros appeared behind him, its silver-green carapace gleaming as its scythe-like forelimbs swayed lightly, radiating murderous intent.
The committee members stared wide-eyed at this Soul Master's Soul Ring configuration. After composing themselves, they paused, put on an air of solemnity, and said, "A Mutated Mantis Martial Soul? Its speed and attack power both seem formidable. Young friend, congratulations on passing the assessment!"
The white-bearded old man at the lead hurried forward and clasped Chen Chu's hands. He looked at Chen Chu's face as though he had found a priceless treasure, while the other two elders also gazed at him with shining eyes.
"Ahem, I am Meng Shenji, chairman of the academy's education committee. My Martial Soul is Black Demon. I am a control-type Battle Soul Douluo, Soul Power Level eighty-six." The old man held Chen Chu's hand and led him to a sofa at the side, gesturing for everyone to sit as he introduced the other elders.
"This is Bai Baoshan, vice chairman of the education committee. His Martial Soul is the Heavenly Star Furnace. He is a defense-type Battle Soul Douluo, with Soul Power Level eighty-five."
"Zhi Lin, third seat of the education committee. His Martial Soul is the Sky Blue Vine. He is a control-type Tool Soul Douluo, with Soul Power Level eighty-three."
The two men Meng Shenji pointed to nodded and smiled at Chen Chu.
Chen Chu also rose and bowed to them as a junior.
Seeing how courteous and humble he was, the three grew even more satisfied.
"Chen Chu, since you chose Heaven Dou Royal Academy, I imagine you already know something about the academy." Once everyone had become acquainted, Meng Shenji finally got to business.
"Of course. I have long heard that the academy is the empire's training ground for talent, filled with geniuses and powerful experts. I have admired it for a long time."
Chen Chu kept praising the academy, but he did not think highly of it at all. There were indeed many geniuses, but there were also heaps of useless students shoved in through connections. No matter how good an academy was, it could not withstand that. Everyone knew this perfectly well, but no one could say it aloud.
After hearing Chen Chu's words, Meng Shenji gave him a surprised look. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly asked, "By the way, I still do not know where you are from. Do you have any family? Are you from a noble house?"
As the empire's foremost academy under direct imperial jurisdiction, Heaven Dou Royal Academy had strict requirements for its students, much less its teachers. If Chen Chu came from a noble or prominent family, their plans for him would have to change.
Chen Chu shook his head and explained, "I am not from a noble or prominent family. I am merely a commoner from Sylvis Province. I once studied at Exotic Beast Academy. I have also been an orphan since childhood, and I do not know whether my parents are still alive."
There was absolutely nothing to pick apart in his identity. He had no fear of an investigation by the Heaven Dou Empire.
After hearing Chen Chu's explanation, Meng Shenji and the other two showed looks of understanding. An orphan was good. There was no family background better than that. That was what they thought.
With that in mind, the three exchanged glances, delight hidden in their eyes, as if they had reached a decision. Meng Shenji said solemnly, "I am sorry. I did not expect you to have suffered such a tragic past. To achieve what you have today, you must have endured much hardship and pain. But do not worry. Since you chose Heaven Dou Royal Academy and chose the empire, treat the academy as your home. If you encounter any trouble you cannot resolve in the future, come find us."
"Considering that you have no teaching experience, go to a Heavenly Micro Class for a year first. It will also give you plenty of time to cultivate."
When Chen Chu heard the words "Heavenly Micro Class," his fingertips paused subtly. He then cupped his hands and replied, "Thank you, honored committee members, for your consideration. Chu will certainly gain experience in the Heavenly Micro Class and will not disappoint your expectations."
Seeing that he had no objections, Meng Shenji stroked his white beard with one hand and smiled even more broadly. Satisfied, he said, "It is good that you think so. Though the Heavenly Micro Class students are all low-level Soul Masters, teaching them will not take much effort. You have only just arrived at the academy, and your residence has not been arranged yet, correct? Bai Baoshan, see to this personally. Arrange a detached courtyard near the training grounds for Chen Chu, and assign two more servants for cleaning. Do not let such talent be slighted."
Just as Bai Baoshan nodded in agreement, Zhi Lin added, "There should be a Spirit Gathering Array in the courtyard, along with some Spirit Calming Grass. Young people can easily lose track of time while cultivating. With those, he can conserve some Soul Power."
As he spoke, he glanced at Chen Chu's Martial Soul. "Your Martial Soul looks quite extraordinary. Do you have any special requirements for your cultivation grounds? If so, come find me anytime. I can set aside a private cultivation room for you in the Mimicry Training Ground."
Chen Chu felt warmth in his heart. These men were truly generous. He promptly bowed and thanked them once more.
Meng Shenji waved it off indifferently. "There is no need to thank us. Just teach the students well. In the future, the academy and the empire will naturally not treat you poorly. Tomorrow morning, go to the Academic Affairs Office and find Director Li. He will give you the roster for Heavenly Micro Class One. That class has more than thirty students. The oldest is only fifteen, and the highest Soul Power Level is only twenty-four. Put some care into them."
By the time Chen Chu left the education committee hall, night had fallen. Just after turning past a moon gate, he saw a young man in gray cloth clothes run over, holding a room card in his hand. "Are you Teacher Chen Chu? I am from the personnel department. The education committee asked me to lead you to your residence."
The man did not look old, probably only in his early twenties. Chen Chu nodded and followed him westward. Along the way, the man introduced the small courtyard residence. "Your courtyard is among the academy's finest. No one has lived there for a long time, but do not worry, it is not dirty at all. We clean it regularly!
"There is also a small hot spring in the courtyard. It is very comfortable to soak in when you are tired."
Chen Chu listened to the man, responding now and then. Before long, they arrived at the entrance to the courtyard. The vermilion gates bore the words "Quiet Fragrance Courtyard." Beyond them was a small yard with two osmanthus trees, and the stone path led straight to the main house.
Chen Chu was very satisfied with the surroundings. To be honest, across both lifetimes, he had never lived in such a courtyard. He had truly stumbled into a heavenly palace.
The man handed him the room card. "This is the room card for the courtyard. Please keep it safe. If you need anything else, just ring the bronze bell by the courtyard gate."
After saying that, he pointed at the Soul Guidance Mailbox in the corner of the wall. "If there are any letters, the staff will place them directly here. Remember to check it."
After the man left, Chen Chu pushed open the main house door. Inside stood a Pear Wood Table, with a chair on each side. The inner room contained a soft couch and a bookshelf, which unexpectedly held several books on Soul Master theory.
Chen Chu went over and casually flipped through one or two. They were basically official publications from the major empires and Spirit Hall. Thankfully, there was none of that so-called top ten theory nonsense.
After settling everything in, Chen Chu looked at the hot spring outside, and a thought stirred in his heart. It was time to enjoy himself.
He had only just taken off his outer robe when soft footsteps sounded outside the courtyard gate.
"Knock, knock, knock."
"Is Teacher Chen Chu here? I am Lin Xi from the Academic Affairs Office. I have come to deliver your class roster."
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