Ch. 21Enrolling at Heaven Dou
Chapter Summary: Enrolling at Heaven Dou
Key Plot Points and Events
- Ning Rongrong’s cultivation stabilizes after taking the Century Whale Rubber with Gu Feng’s help and undergoing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect’s medicinal treatments. Her Soul Power rises to level 27.
- Gu Feng and Ning Rongrong travel to Heaven Dou Royal Academy to enroll and join the academy’s Imperial Fighting Team.
- They are welcomed personally by Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo Chen Xin, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, and the academy’s three education committee members.
- Ning Fengzhi introduces Gu Feng as a twelve-year-old core disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect with level-36 Soul Power, shocking the academy officials because his cultivation nearly matches that of much older geniuses.
- Enrollment in the Imperial Fighting Team’s main squad is completed quickly due to Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe’s presence.
- Before departing, Xue Qinghe gives Gu Feng his personal Crown Prince token, allowing him to seek imperial assistance if he encounters trouble at the academy.
- Qin Ming, the Imperial Fighting Team’s instructor, escorts Gu Feng and Ning Rongrong to the team’s private Soul Fighting Arena, where the team is training.
- The chapter ends with Qin Ming formally announcing Gu Feng and Ning Rongrong as new members of the Imperial Fighting Team.
Character Developments
- Gu Feng is established as an exceptionally talented twelve-year-old Soul Master with level-36 cultivation. He remains calm, respectful, and politically composed, especially when interacting with Xue Qinghe despite knowing the crown prince’s hidden identity as Qian Renxue.
- Ning Rongrong has become stronger and more emotionally attached to Gu Feng. She openly holds his sleeve and later takes his hand, showing trust and dependence uncommon for her normally spoiled personality.
- Ning Fengzhi continues to support and promote Gu Feng, presenting him as a major future asset of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
- Xue Qinghe/Qian Renxue becomes intrigued by Gu Feng after noticing both his extraordinary strength and his close relationship with Ning Rongrong. His gift of a personal token demonstrates unusual favor and creates a potential political connection.
- Qin Ming assumes responsibility for introducing the newcomers to the Imperial Fighting Team and integrating them into its training.
- Yu Tianheng, the Shi brothers, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling are shown training or observing at the team’s arena, preparing for their first interactions with the new teammates.
Significant Themes
- Exceptional talent and rising status: Gu Feng’s age and cultivation mark him as a rare genius, increasing the prestige of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
- Political influence and alliances: Enrollment is eased by the connections between the sect, the imperial family, and the academy. Xue Qinghe’s token symbolizes both protection and a developing alliance.
- Hidden identities and restraint: Gu Feng knows Xue Qinghe is actually Qian Renxue but carefully conceals his knowledge, emphasizing the importance of political caution.
- Growth through cooperation: Ning Rongrong’s advancement results from both Gu Feng’s assistance and the sect’s resources, reinforcing the value of teamwork and support.
- New beginnings and competition: Joining the Imperial Fighting Team begins a new stage for Gu Feng and Ning Rongrong, with their stated goal of winning the Soul Master Tournament in two years.
Character Interactions
- Xue Qinghe warmly greets Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin, treating Ning Fengzhi as his teacher.
- He examines Gu Feng’s relationship with Ning Rongrong and jokingly suggests that Gu Feng may become the sect’s son-in-law, embarrassing Rongrong.
- Gu Feng and Xue Qinghe exchange a polite handshake, while Gu Feng secretly remains aware of Xue Qinghe’s true identity.
- Xue Qinghe gives Gu Feng personal protection through the Crown Prince’s token, signaling trust and interest.
- Gu Feng and Ning Rongrong interact affectionately, openly presenting themselves as close partners.
- Qin Ming welcomes them to the academy and leads them to meet Yu Tianheng and the rest of the Imperial Fighting Team.
- The established team members pause their sparring to receive the newcomers, setting up future relationships and possible rivalries.