After the Qualifiers' Opening Ceremony ended, Qi Dao took Xiao Chenyu and the other three around Heaven Dou City, then brought them back to Heaven Dou Academy.
Though they had only been casual acquaintances back at Notting Academy, he treasured that friendship.
Back then, Xiao Chenyu and the others had been little more than children, with not a trace of self-interest mixed into their friendship.
Once they reached Heaven Dou Academy, Xiao Chenyu and the others were like Granny Liu entering the Grand View Garden, exclaiming in wonder at every turn.
Compared with the academy they attended, Heaven Dou Academy was heaven and earth apart.
Three years earlier, the four of them had gained admission together to an obscure advanced Soul Master Academy in Fasinuo Province.
Of course, the academy they had entered was a second-rate school. It did not even qualify for the Soul Master Tournament; otherwise, it would never have admitted commoners.
Seeing their astonished, envious faces, Qi Dao smiled. "Heaven Dou Academy's atmosphere isn't the best, but it does have the Mimicry Cultivation Environment. That's a considerable help to Soul Masters."
"How about this? I'll arrange four exchange-student places for you. Officially, you'll still belong to your own academy, but you can study here."
The four froze. Once his words sank in, delight and surprise lit their faces, though their eagerness was tinged with hesitation.
Xiao Chenyu asked uncertainly, "Boss, is that really okay? It won't cause you any trouble, will it?"
The other three looked at Qi Dao too.
They all longed to study at Heaven Dou Academy, but if it would hurt Qi Dao in any way, they would rather refuse.
Qi Dao saw their expressions and smiled faintly.
"It's only four exchange-student places. I have enough pull for that!"
The four exchanged glances.
They