Headmaster Hans

Biodata

Background / History

Hans attended an advanced soul master academy in his youth, where he became friends with a fellow student who later became a Heaven Dou Empire Earl and a Spirit Emperor residing in Heaven Dou City. His own talent was limited; by Qi Dao's early graduation, he had reached Level 42. 26

As headmaster of Notting Academy, Hans welcomed former students Qi Mingyuan and Wang Rou when they enrolled their son, Qi Dao. He recognized Qi Dao as unusually steady, wise, and polite, but initially pitied him after reading that his Iron Sword martial soul had suffered a malignant mutation and that he possessed only half-rank innate soul power. 2

Believing that Qi Dao's circumstances resembled Yu Xiaogang's, Hans attempted to introduce Qi Dao to Xiaogang as a potential disciple. Xiaogang refused after reading Qi Dao's awakening certificate. 2 3

Personality

Hans is warm and encouraging toward students. He praised Qi Dao's composure upon their first meeting and continued to support him despite his poor innate soul power. After Qi Dao defeated Xiao Haijie, Hans expressed confidence that diligent cultivation could still make him a renowned Soul Master. 2 9

He is also principled in his administration. Hans permits ordinary disputes between students of the same grade, but strongly opposes upperclassmen using their age and strength to bully younger pupils. 8

Hans is protective of Qi Dao's autonomy. When Yu Xiaogang sought to accept Qi Dao as a registered disciple in exchange for studying his martial soul, Hans rejected the proposal as an attempt to treat the boy as an experimental subject. 11

Abilities & Skills

Spirit Elder Cultivation

Hans is a Level 42 Spirit Elder. He considers himself capable of assisting with soul-ring acquisition in Soul Hunting Forest, but inadequate for the higher-level spirit beasts Qi Dao seeks beyond it. 26

Academy Administration

As Notting Academy's headmaster, Hans disciplines students, oversees serious conflicts, and works with Director Su to enforce academy rules.

• Intervened when Xiao Haijie and other upperclassmen surrounded lower-grade students. 8
• Rebuked Xiao Haijie for bullying Qi Dao and threatened to report the incident to the city lord. 9
• Restricted Qi Dao from using his dangerous killing-oriented sword move in future academy spars. 14

Relationships

• Qi Dao — Student whom Hans consistently encourages and protects. He provides Qi Dao with a letter of introduction to an Earl and Spirit Emperor in Heaven Dou City after supporting his early graduation. 2 9 11 26
• Yu Xiaogang — Friend and guest advisor at Notting Academy. Hans initially tried to match Xiaogang with Qi Dao as mentor and student, but later condemned Xiaogang's desire to study Qi Dao as an experiment. 2 3 11
• Qi Mingyuan and Wang Rou — Former Notting Academy students and parents of Qi Dao; Hans receives them warmly when they return to enroll their son. 2
• Director Su — Fellow academy administrator who assists Hans in responding to student conflicts and supervising Qi Dao's duel with Xiao Haijie. 8 14
• Xiao Haijie — Sixth-year student reprimanded by Hans for using his seniority and strength to bully younger students. 8 9
• Unnamed Earl and Spirit Emperor — Hans's former advanced-academy friend in Heaven Dou City, to whom Hans writes a letter of introduction for Qi Dao. 26

Story Role / Major Arcs

Qi Dao's Enrollment

Hans receives Qi Dao and his parents at Notting Academy, reviews Qi Dao's awakening certificate, and tries to arrange for Yu Xiaogang to mentor him. 2 3

Xiao Haijie Conflict

Hans and Director Su intervene after Xiao Haijie attacks Qi Dao. Hans ensures Qi Dao receives treatment, disciplines Xiao Haijie for bullying, and commends Qi Dao's ability to overcome a stronger opponent. 8 9

Dispute with Yu Xiaogang

When Yu Xiaogang becomes interested in researching Qi Dao's martial soul, Hans refuses to permit it. He argues that Xiaogang is seeking an experiment subject rather than a student. 11

Qi Dao's Second Duel

Hans observes Qi Dao's rematch against Xiao Haijie and believes that Qi Dao can create another miracle despite the apparent gap in their cultivation. After Qi Dao wins, Hans agrees that Qi Dao's lethal sword technique must be barred from ordinary academy sparring. 13 14

Early Graduation

After Qi Dao reaches Level 20, Hans supports his plan to leave Notting Academy for Heaven Dou City and seek the Crown Prince's patronage. He gives Qi Dao an introduction to his powerful friend as protection and potential assistance in obtaining a second soul ring. 26