They finally returned to Heaven Dou City.
Both Heaven Dou Royal Academy and the entire city eagerly awaited the return of every member of the Heaven Dou Royal Team, their triumphant champions.
Ever since the Continental Elite Soul Master Tournament began, Spirit Hall had claimed the championship in nearly every competition.
On the rare occasions it had not, the Star Luo Empire had taken the title.
Now, for the first time, the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy Team had won the Continental Elite Soul Master Tournament.
It was a first for Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and a first for the Heaven Dou Empire as well.
As the heroes of this campaign, every member of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy Team received an understandably grand reception.
Ning Chen, who had contributed the most to their victory, was not only granted the rank of imperial earl by Xue Ye himself, but also given a title based on his martial soul: Earl of Starlight.
An imperial earldom carried considerable weight within the empire. Normally, only soul masters at the Soul Sage level or above had any chance of receiving such a title.
This showed just how highly Xue Ye regarded Ning Chen, though Qian Renxue's efforts on his behalf had also played a part.
Whatever the case, Ning Chen accepted all the resources, titles, and other rewards that came his way.
He also attended quite a few banquets arranged by Qian Renxue, firmly marking himself as a member of the crown prince's faction.
Since he would need Qian Renxue's help later, it was only natural to reassure her now.
The nobles attending those banquets were also exceedingly courteous to him, the empire's rising star.
The crown prince's faction was already powerful within the empire, and Ning Chen's demonstrated talent all but guaranteed that he