Heaven Dou Royal Academy!

Chen Xuanqing stood in the courtyard facing Bishop Salas. "I imagine you still have some doubts about my identity, Bishop Salas, so I won't waste everyone's time."

With that, Chen Xuanqing took a deep breath and activated his martial soul. A powerful aura erupted from his body, enveloping the entire courtyard.

Bishop Salas's eyes widened at the sight as an enormous figure gradually materialized beside Chen Xuanqing.

It was a gigantic crocodile a hundred meters long. Its body seemed to be formed from soul power made solid, and it crouched in the courtyard, radiating a pressure that made hearts tremble.

Meanwhile, eight black Soul Rings slowly rose around Chen Xuanqing. Each radiated an intense black glow that no one dared look at directly.

These Soul Rings were not merely symbols of Chen Xuanqing's strength, but proof of his talent. After all, eight jet-black Soul Rings had long since surpassed the limits of ordinary people.

Bishop Salas stared at the sight before him, his astonishment beyond measure.

He had never imagined that this seventeen-year-old Son of God had already broken through to the Soul Douluo realm. Such an achievement was enough to shake the entire Spirit Hall.

Salas also took a deep breath, striving to calm his shock before saying with a laugh, "Hahaha! I truly never expected that the Son of God had already reached the Soul Douluo realm. Such talent and strength are simply astounding. Unlike me, who only barely reached that level at this old age."

Chen Xuanqing smiled faintly at his words. "You're too modest, Bishop Salas. You've devoted decades to Spirit Hall and made enormous contributions to its growth. That's a fact no one can deny. The Pope and the Great Enshrined have always held you in high regard. They will remember your achievements."

Salas waved a hand. "A seventeen-year-old Soul Douluo-with talent like that, Spirit Hall's future belongs to you, Son of God."

For a while afterward, the two engaged in a round of mutual back-patting, praising each other's strength and accomplishments.

Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing stood quietly to one side, their gazes wandering around the courtyard as they grew rather bored.

They admired the courtyard's scenery, occasionally exchanging glances as though sharing their impressions.

Amid this peaceful atmosphere, Chen Xuanqing and Salas's conversation continued without pause.

The two traded compliments back and forth, their words carrying a measure of satisfaction and pride.

As time passed, however, their voices gradually grew hoarse. Clearly, their mouths and throats were getting dry.

Finally, Salas stopped singing his praises and asked politely, "May I ask what brings the Son of God to Heaven Dou City?"

His tone held both respect and curiosity. Clearly, the Son of God's arrival had come as quite a surprise.

Chen Xuanqing smiled slightly and replied, "I heard the Soul Master Tournament was about to begin, so I came to join in the fun. I was also hoping you could find me a place to stay, Bishop Salas, and I'd like to see the powerful figures of Heaven Dou City for myself."

Salas smiled at his words. "Those are all minor matters. Leave your food, clothing, lodging, and transportation to this old man, Son of God!"

His words brimmed with attentiveness and enthusiasm. Clearly, he was delighted by the Son of God's arrival.

Over the next little while, Salas thoughtfully arranged a spacious, comfortable room for Chen Xuanqing, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing.

The room was elegantly and luxuriously furnished. Chen Xuanqing was especially pleased with its large bed, which was soft and comfortable.

Chen Xuanqing lay on the bed, feeling the softness of Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing beside him, and a sense of contentment welled up in his heart.

The next morning, the first rays of sunlight had just spread across the land, and Chen Xuanqing was still lost in his dreams.

That peace did not last long, however, before a flurry of hurried footsteps and a sweet, alluring call shattered it.

"Brother Xuanqing, get up!" Xiao Wu's clear voice rang out like silver bells, carrying a hint of mischief and anticipation.

She gently shook Chen Xuanqing's arm, trying to rouse him from his sleep.

Chen Xuanqing groggily opened his eyes, and Xiao Wu's delicate, adorable face came into view.

Behind Xiao Wu stood Zhu Zhuqing. Both girls wore light dresses and looked full of energy.

"What's wrong? Why are you two coming to find me so early?" Chen Xuanqing rubbed his sleep-heavy eyes and asked in confusion.

Xiao Wu blinked and said excitedly, "Brother Xuanqing, we want to go out and have fun today. Will you come with us?"

Chen Xuanqing could not help smiling bitterly. Just a little shopping yesterday had left even a Soul Douluo like him with an aching back.

If I spend another whole day shopping today, won't my kidneys be ruined?

"Go out? Didn't we just spend all day shopping yesterday?" Chen Xuanqing said helplessly.

Zhu Zhuqing shook her head dismissively. "Did yesterday even count as having fun? We barely got to look around properly. Come with us and do some proper shopping today."

So Chen Xuanqing hurriedly finished breakfast and got up to prepare to leave.

He changed into light clothes and casually tied his hair behind his head, looking fresh and neat.

"I have something to do today. You two go shopping on your own!" Chen Xuanqing said to Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing from the doorway.

With that, Chen Xuanqing ran off without looking back.

Are you kidding? Shopping with women was a man's nightmare. Even as one of this world's powerful figures, he could not endure that endless cycle of browsing shops, trying on clothes, and haggling.

Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing watched Chen Xuanqing's retreating figure and stamped their feet in a huff.

The two could only discuss where to go themselves, deciding to enjoy this beautiful day on their own.

After leaving Spirit Hall, Chen Xuanqing raced toward the outskirts of Heaven Dou City like a streak of lightning.

His destination was none other than Heaven Dou Royal Academy, situated outside Heaven Dou City.

After an hour of swift travel, Chen Xuanqing finally arrived at Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

The entire academy stood atop a towering mountain, with clouds and mist curling among its slopes, giving it a dreamlike air.

Most of the academy's buildings were castle-like, each stately and elegant.

Their golden roofs gleamed in the sunlight, unmistakable symbols of noble glory.

Along both sides of the road, gardeners carefully trimmed the plants, making the academy's surroundings even more pleasant.

Chen Xuanqing stood before the academy's main gate, sweeping his gaze over it all, and could not help marveling inwardly.

The academy truly lived up to its name. Every corner exuded nobility and extravagance, befitting the Heaven Dou Empire's academy for aristocrats.

And so Chen Xuanqing resolved that he would overthrow the Heaven Dou Empire and bring down its utterly wicked feudalism.