Five days later, the Douluo Continent welcomed its annual back-to-school season once again.
A new academy flag hung at the gates of Skywater Academy, and a long line formed at the registration desk.
Led by their parents, the new students timidly entered this renowned academy of the northern frontier.
The teachers handling admissions were run off their feet. Registration, soul power testing, class assignments—the entire process kept them busy from morning until night.
Returning students also arrived one after another, bringing the dormitories back to life. Bedding hung out to dry along the corridors, long lines formed outside the dining hall, and calls of "What treats did you bring?" and "Where did you go over the break?" rang out everywhere.
In the principal's office, Shui Qinghan sat behind her desk with a stack of new student rosters spread out before her.
Just then, Shui Yu pushed open the door, sat down across from her, and casually poured himself a cup of tea.
"How are admissions going this year?"
"Two hundred and fifty-three have reported in so far. Their caliber doesn't compare to last year's."
"Only a handful have soul power above rank twenty.
"Last year, we had Bing'er, Yue'er, and Changkong. Talents like those are impossible to find. Most of this year's intake will need to be taught slowly from the ground up."
Shui Yu lifted his teacup and nodded. "Last year really was special. One male student admitted as an exception managed to raise the level of the entire elite class by a huge margin. That sort of thing can only be stumbled upon, never sought out."
Shui Qinghan leaned back in her chair, worry showing on her face. "I'm just afraid Spirit Hall will come looking for trouble."
"I think that matter should be behind us by now,