Official Enrollment at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy

Meng Shenji's smile faded somewhat. Stroking his grizzled beard, he showed a hint of difficulty. "Your Highness the Crown Prince, naturally we must give you face... It's just that this young friend's age seems a little too..."

Though he did not finish, his meaning could not have been clearer. The academy's admission rules were there for all to see: before turning twelve, one had to reach level fifteen Soul Power and be born into at least the noble class. The child before them looked no more than six or seven. Even with the Crown Prince personally recommending him, his age truly put them in a difficult position—surely they could not break rules the academy had upheld for years for one person.

Yet Xue Qinghe seemed to have expected this. Unconcerned, he waved his hand and said to Wang Chuan, "Xiao Chuan, release your Soul Power and let the three teachers have a look."

Wang Chuan nodded. He gave the three committee members a slight bow, his voice clear yet carrying unquestionable certainty. "Three teachers, this junior is Wang Chuan. I am seven years old this year." Before his words had even faded, a faint halo of Soul Power quietly spread from within him. Gentle yet pure Soul Power rippled outward like waves. "My current Soul Power Level is nineteen."

"Wh-what?!" Meng Shenji's pupils contracted sharply. Instinctively, he released a thread of Soul Power to sense it. Once he confirmed that the fluctuations were indeed at level nineteen, he could not help but draw in a sharp breath. Bai Baoshan and Zhi Lin, beside him, also revealed shocked expressions. They exchanged glances, each seeing disbelief in the other's eyes.

Seven years old? Nineteen levels?

This was no genius—it was practically a monster! An ordinary soul master would be doing well just to awaken their martial soul at seven, and having one or two levels of Soul Power would already be rare. Yet this child was charging straight toward level twenty. Calling him a once-in-a-century talent would be an understatement. Meng Shenji clicked his tongue inwardly. With talent like this, even those geniuses in Spirit Hall would likely fall short by several degrees.

Seeing the expressions on their faces, Xue Qinghe's lips curved into a knowing smile. His tone carried just the right amount of confidence. "What do the three committee members think? Does Xiao Chuan's aptitude qualify him for admission?" He paused, then added, "Besides, he is not only my junior brother, but also Sword Douluo's personal disciple. I presume there is no need to say more about his status?"

"Qualified! More than qualified!" Meng Shenji was the first to recover. The difficulty on his face instantly vanished, replaced by an eager smile. "Anyone recommended by Your Highness the Crown Prince is naturally a one-in-ten-thousand talent! We'll handle the admission procedures at once and make sure there isn't a moment's delay!"

Bai Baoshan and Zhi Lin hurriedly echoed him. There was no trace of hesitation left on the three men's faces, only unconcealed delight. What a joke—this was a seven-year-old level nineteen soul master, the Crown Prince's junior brother, and Sword Douluo's personal disciple. With someone like that delivered right to their doorstep, never mind that he met the requirements; even if he fell a little short, they would have to find a way to make an exception and accept him! Anyone who dared turn him away would be a true fool.

As they spoke, the three committee members had already hurried into the administrative office. Their steps were noticeably lighter than before, as though they had stumbled upon some priceless treasure.

"Xiao Chuan, as the Crown Prince, I am usually tied up with the Eastern Palace's numerous affairs and truly cannot spare much time to keep you company." Xue Qinghe placed a golden token engraved with a luan-bird pattern into Wang Chuan's hand. It felt warm and smooth to the touch, its edges inlaid with fine silver threads. One look was enough to tell it was no ordinary item. "This is a token of my Eastern Palace. Keep it safe. Whether you encounter difficulties in cultivation and wish to seek my guidance, or grow bored and want to visit the Eastern Palace, this will grant you free passage. No one will dare stop you."

He gave a few more reminders, telling him to focus on cultivation after enrolling and to seek help from the committee members if anything came up. Only after seeing Wang Chuan agree to each one did he turn and board the carriage that had long been waiting nearby. Its wheels rolled over the bluestone road with a steady rumble, gradually disappearing at the end of the academy's tree-lined path.

Meanwhile, in a side hall of the administrative office, a young woman in a plain teacher's uniform stood with her hands lowered at her sides. She was Lin Wanqing, who had only recently joined the academy. Seeing her gentle and refined demeanor, Bai Baoshan took the initiative to ask, "Lin Wanqing, you are teaching the newly enrolled students this year, correct?"

"Yes, Committee Member." Lin Wanqing bowed slightly, her voice soft yet clear. "This junior has just reported to the academy this year and is in charge of this year's new student class."

Bai Baoshan nodded, his tone somewhat solemn. "Then that works out perfectly. We have just exceptionally admitted a seven-year-old child and are thinking of assigning him to your class. What do you think?"

Lin Wanqing froze for a moment upon hearing this, her delicate brows knitting slightly. Her tone held some hesitation. "Seven years old? Committee Member, isn't this child a little too young?" She instinctively looked toward Meng Shenji and Zhi Lin beside her. Only when neither committee member spoke did she continue, "This junior has only just arrived and fears that my lack of experience might leave me unable to care for such a young student properly, delaying his future..." Though these words were a tactful refusal, they were also sincere. A seven-year-old child was likely still at the beginning of their education. How could he cultivate alongside teenagers in their teens?

"You need not worry." Bai Baoshan waved his hand, sounding rather pleased with himself. "The three of us old fellows personally tested this child's aptitude. Do not be fooled by the fact that he is only seven—his Soul Power has already firmly reached level nineteen."

He paused and deliberately lowered his voice, though his words carried undeniable weight. "Furthermore, this child's identity is far from ordinary—he is both His Highness the Crown Prince's junior brother and Sword Douluo's personal disciple. Entrusting him to you is also because we value your attentiveness."

Lin Wanqing's heart jolted, and the hesitation on her face vanished in an instant. Level nineteen? The Crown Prince's junior brother? Sword Douluo's personal disciple? This was no ordinary student. He was clearly an unpolished gem concealing the might of thunder! She hurriedly drew her sleeves together and bowed, her tone becoming much more respectful. "Thank you, esteemed sirs, for your trust. This junior will certainly teach him with all my heart and never fail your expectations."

After watching the three committee members leave, Lin Wanqing finally let out a quiet breath. Yet turmoil had already risen in her heart—level nineteen at seven years old, with such an illustrious background. This was no genius; he was practically a once-in-a-century monster! Being able to personally teach such a student was pressure, but it was also an opportunity others could only dream of. She took a deep breath and secretly made up her mind to take good care of this special "little new student."