Gathering

"Teacher Bai, there's no need to worry. At this critical juncture, I'd guess they've gone to Heaven Dou City."

Yang Dong only had to turn the matter over in his mind slightly to know where the three had gone. With less than half a month left before the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament, and Heaven Dou City serving as the venue for this Preliminary Round, there was nowhere else they would go.

"Heaven Dou City?"

Bai Jiajia murmured, then nodded lightly. That was right—if they were going anywhere, it would only be Heaven Dou City. In that case, there was no need to worry too much.

"Yang Dong, get your things ready in advance. Since they've already headed to Heaven Dou City, we'll leave for Heaven Dou City tomorrow as well. We can take an early look at the competition venue, and there are still some things I haven't had the chance to explain."

After giving Yang Dong a few instructions, Bai Jiajia hurried off alone. Tang Hao and the other two's sudden departure had still disrupted some of her plans.

Yang Dong did not have much to pack, only a few changes of clothes. Before leaving for Heaven Dou City, he went to Yang Tianlang's room once more.

Yang Tianlang was still asleep as usual. No one knew when he would wake up.

"Uncle, when I go to Heaven Dou City this time, I'll definitely bring back a championship. Then I'll offer a Soul Bone as a reward and find a doctor to treat you."

After staying in Yang Tianlang's room for a while, Yang Dong slung his pack over his back and headed for the Clear Sky Sect's exit.

He did not wait long before Bai Jiajia appeared before him with two young men. Two carriages had arrived with them as well.

"Yang Dong, let me introduce you. This is Tyson from Tyson's Clan. His martial soul is the Armored Giant Rhinoceros, and he is a level forty-one defense-type Battle Soul Sect. This is Bai Yu. His martial soul is the extremely rare Pink Tremor Centipede. He follows a control-oriented path and is a level forty-seven control-type Battle Soul Sect."

"This is Yang Dong. I'm sure you have heard his name before—a level fifty-eight support-type Soul King!"

Bai Jiajia introduced the three of them. After Yang Dong and the other two exchanged greetings, they climbed into the carriages, which carried them toward Heaven Dou City.

"I'd long heard that Junior Yang Dong cultivated at an astonishing pace, but I never expected you to reach level fifty-eight before even turning seventeen. You truly put us to shame!"

Tyson was tall and powerfully built. Most striking of all was his bald head, which could even reflect dazzling light beneath the sun.

His words were filled with emotion. Compared to goods, some had to be thrown away; compared to people, some could infuriate others to death.

"Indeed."

The somewhat frail Bai Yu added a word. He and Tyson were not much older—one was nineteen, the other twenty-one. Neither had reached the Soul King realm, while not only the person before them but even the three who had already arrived in Heaven Dou City were Soul Kings.

"Neither of you needs to belittle yourselves. Cultivation depends on opportunity. Perhaps your opportunity will come this time?"

Yang Dong said with a smile.

"I'll take that as a good omen!"

The journey from the Clear Sky Sect to Heaven Dou City took two days. At noon on the third day, Yang Dong's group finally arrived within Heaven Dou City.

Compared to before, Heaven Dou City was now even more prosperous. The All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament had spread like wildfire through the two great empires and numerous kingdoms. On top of that, every major academy had announced its intention to participate, so Heaven Dou City, as one of the competition venues, was naturally exceptionally lively.

"You three should rest first. Then go find Tang Xiao, Tang Hao, and Ah Yin. Once you find them, tell them to gather at this residence."

As the leader of this group, Bai Jiajia quickly gave her orders.

"Teacher Bai, can Bai Yu and I look around Heaven Dou City? We promise to be back tonight!"

Tyson tugged Bai Yu along and looked at Bai Jiajia pitifully.

"Sure. Remember to come back early!"

Naturally, Bai Jiajia would not refuse such a request. As long as they returned that night, it was fine. Those who failed to return that night would face serious punishment.

"Thank you, Teacher Bai."

Tyson and Bai Yu immediately brightened. The two hurried out, afraid Bai Jiajia might change her mind the next second.

"Teacher Bai, haven't those two already graduated? Won't there be a problem bringing them to participate in this Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament?"

Yang Dong watched Tyson and Bai Yu leave, finally finding an opportunity to ask the question that had been bothering him.

"Graduated? Who said they graduated? If I say they haven't graduated, then they haven't graduated. Besides, aren't they still under twenty-five?"

Bai Jiajia looked at Yang Dong with a smile.

There was such a trick?

Yang Dong was stunned. This first tournament really was riddled with loopholes!

"Enough, don't dwell on that. Do you have anything to do later? If not, come with me to receive Ning Fengzhi from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."

Bai Jiajia waved a hand dismissively. This first All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament was meant for everyone to show off their strength. Besides, if you said they had graduated and she said they had not, no one had any proof anyway!

"I actually do have something to do."

Yang Dong scratched his head and said somewhat embarrassedly.

"Fine. Since you have something to do, go handle it. Just remember, you must return to the residence tonight. Otherwise, don't blame me for being harsh with you."

After giving Yang Dong a brief warning, Bai Jiajia left on her own.

Yang Dong asked the Clear Sky Sect personnel stationed here for the direction of the Wind Sword Sect's residence, then headed out alone.

This was Yang Dong's second time in Heaven Dou City. The last time, he had come here looking for Yang Tianlang. This time, he had come to compete.

The Wind Sword Sect's residence was easy to find, but all Yang Dong saw was a tightly shut door. Since Yang Tianlang, no one from the Wind Sword Sect had come to Heaven Dou City again.

Yang Dong stood silently outside the Wind Sword Sect's residence for a while before turning and leaving.

Things remained, but people had changed!

In this All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament, he had decided to collect a little interest on the debt from back then first.

Night fell without anyone noticing.

When Yang Dong returned to the Clear Sky Sect's residence, he could already hear three familiar voices talking inside.

"Do you think Yang Dong will blame us for not taking him with us?"

Tang Hao was restless, pacing back and forth.

"Scared now? When you were asked whether to bring him along, you were the one who said not to."

Ah Yin said with a smile. Heaven Dou City's prosperity had exceeded her expectations, and she had had a wonderful time these past few days.

"It's fine, it's fine. We brought gifts. If we say a few more nice things later, he won't blame us."

Tang Xiao scratched his head and spoke with little confidence.

Hearing this, Yang Dong walked in from outside with a smile.

"Gifts? If I'm not satisfied with the gifts, I won't be so easy to talk to!"