Bestowing a Secret Technique, Martial Soul Academy

"Young Yang, show Your Holiness the Pope your Spirit Rings."

Chrysanthemum Douluo reminded him at the right moment.

"Yes."

Xia Yang did as instructed and circulated his Soul Power. Two Spirit Rings immediately rose beneath his feet.

One yellow, one purple.

"Your First Soul Ring is seven hundred years, and your Second Soul Ring is twelve hundred years... Very good."

Qian Xunji's voice carried a trace of approval.

"Thank you for Your Holiness the Pope's praise."

Xia Yang replied respectfully.

"However, there is still one shortcoming."

Qian Xunji abruptly changed the subject.

"Please enlighten me, sir. Where am I lacking?"

Xia Yang raised his head and boldly met Qian Xunji's gaze.

As their eyes met, Qian Xunji's lips curled slightly. "It is not truly a shortcoming."

"This Seat means that if you cannot conceal the colors of these two Spirit Rings, word of your absorbing Spirit Rings beyond your level will spread before long."

"When that happens, open and covert probing from Various Factions will likely come one after another."

"You should understand what a Thousand Year Second Ring means to a Soul Master, and how much covetous attention it will attract."

"May Your Holiness the Pope please instruct me on how to conceal the colors of my Spirit Rings?"

Xia Yang immediately caught the deeper meaning in his words.

"Clever!"

"Now, focus and look into my eyes."

Before Qian Xunji had even finished speaking, Xia Yang had already raised his eyes.

The instant their gazes met, a Golden Light shot from Qian Xunji's eyes straight into Xia Yang's pupils.

In an instant, an abstruse secret technique flooded into Xia Yang's mind.

Xia Yang immediately felt dizzy and lightheaded, his body swaying slightly. Seeing this, Chrysanthemum Douluo hurriedly reached out to support him.

"This is a secret technique bestowed upon you by This Seat. It can help you conceal the true colors of your Spirit Rings."

"This way, the matter of the Whale Rubber can remain undisclosed for now."

Qian Xunji said calmly.

"Thank you for Your Holiness the Pope's generous gift."

Xia Yang endured the dizziness and bowed in gratitude.

"Elder Ju, since you have already handled one matter, you may as well handle another. Take this child to Martial Soul Academy to enroll."

Qian Xunji waved a hand.

"By your command!"

Chrysanthemum Douluo bowed to accept the order, then supported Xia Yang as they slowly withdrew from the hall.

Afterward, Chrysanthemum Douluo led Xia Yang out of the Papal Palace and headed toward Martial Soul Academy.

Martial Soul Academy, located on the eastern side of Spirit City, covered an extremely vast area.

Not only did it occupy a large stretch of land in the eastern district, it even extended beyond the City Wall, encompassing an entire dense forest.

Xia Yang quietly followed at Chrysanthemum Douluo's side as they passed through the bustling streets of Spirit City.

At his side, Chrysanthemum Douluo explained everything in a gentle, clear voice.

"It is not currently the season for new students to enroll, so you will enter the academy as a Transfer student."

"However, since you were personally recommended by Your Holiness the Pope, your status as a Transfer student will not cause you any inconvenience."

"At the academy, you will enjoy the same rights and resources as the other students."

Chrysanthemum Douluo explained in detail.

"I understand, Senior Ju."

Xia Yang replied respectfully.

"Mm."

Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded slightly and continued, "After entering the academy, aside from completing your daily coursework, you must master the secret technique taught to you by His Holiness the Pope as soon as possible. Use it to conceal the true colors of your Spirit Rings."

"The fewer people who know about your absorbing Spirit Rings beyond your level, the better. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Senior Ju. I will master the secret technique as soon as possible."

Xia Yang nodded solemnly.

With the instructions complete, the two said no more and merely quickened their pace toward the academy.

Before long, a grand and imposing complex of buildings appeared before Xia Yang.

At the end of the main street in the eastern district stood an enormous, magnificent gate.

Above it hung a plaque with golden lettering on a black background, bearing the words "Spirit Hall Advanced Soul Master Academy."

Chrysanthemum Douluo did not enter through the main gate. Instead, he led Xia Yang in through a small side entrance.

When the Guards saw Chrysanthemum Douluo, not only did they not stop him, they all bowed respectfully.

Clearly, these Guards all recognized Chrysanthemum Douluo.

The moment he entered the academy, Xia Yang was stunned by the sight before him.

The architecture was solemn and elegant. Verdant trees surrounded the campus, sculptures were arranged throughout, and emblems and decorations related to Spirit Hall could be seen everywhere.

Compared to the ordinary university from his memories of his previous life, everything before him was incomparably luxurious.

The two walked forward along the clean stone-paved path.

"Though the academy covers such a large area, there are actually not that many students enrolled here."

Seeing Xia Yang's surprise, Chrysanthemum Douluo casually explained.

"Why is that? Doesn't Spirit Hall select Soul Masters from across the entire continent?"

Xia Yang asked in confusion.

"It is not as simple as you think."

Chrysanthemum Douluo sighed softly. "You must understand that Martial Souls are often inherited through bloodlines."

"Most Soul Masters with High-Rank Martial Souls come from sects or noble families."

"Among them, aside from those already within Spirit Hall's system, few others choose to join us."

"But Martial Soul mutations can also occur among ordinary people, can't they?"

"The odds may be small, but across the entire Douluo Continent, there should still be quite a few talented Soul Masters among commoners."

Xia Yang continued questioning.

"There are indeed talented commoners, but Spirit Hall is not the only force on Douluo Continent."

"The Two Great Empires, the Seven Great Sects, and countless Soul Master Academies are all competing with us for students."

"It is not easy to recruit the most outstanding commoners, either."

Chrysanthemum Douluo analyzed patiently.

"So, most of the academy's students come from families within Spirit Hall that have long-standing inheritances, while only a small number are talented individuals selected from among commoners?"

Xia Yang summarized.

"Precisely."

Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded approvingly.

"This is rather unexpected..."

"I had originally thought Martial Soul Academy would mainly consist of ordinary Soul Masters."

Xia Yang said thoughtfully.

"Hahaha, it certainly is a little counterintuitive."

Chrysanthemum Douluo laughed heartily.

While chatting, the two had already arrived before a magnificent teaching building.

At that moment, a bespectacled middle-aged man quickly emerged from the building.

Before he reached them, his enthusiastic voice had already carried over.

"Chrysanthemum Douluo, your honored presence graces us. Forgive me for failing to welcome you from afar!"

"If you have any business, you need only send someone with a message. I will certainly see it handled properly."

"Director Xuan, you are too courteous."

Chrysanthemum Douluo smiled faintly. "I came today under the orders of Your Holiness the Pope."

"Please give your instructions."

The director of studies—Xuan Jing—immediately straightened his back, his expression respectful.

Chrysanthemum Douluo gently pushed Xia Yang forward and introduced him. "This is a new Transfer student named Xia Yang."

"He was personally recommended for enrollment by His Holiness the Pope. Please have Director Xuan complete the necessary procedures for him as soon as possible."

"Yes, this subordinate understands."

"Does His Holiness have any other instructions?"

The director of studies—Xuan Jing—asked.

"I have no other matters. I will have to trouble Director Xuan to take greater care of him."

After speaking, Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded at Xia Yang.

Then he turned and left.

Chrysanthemum Douluo's figure soon disappeared at the end of the academy path.