"Sorry for the inactivity. I haven't been sleeping well and I've been dealing with vertigo these past few days, so I apologize."
"P.S.: I've been debating whether to upload another Douluo novel because it's not very good, but I decided to post it tomorrow anyway. The chapters aren't long, so it can be a nice option for those who want something to read when they're bored. That's all, thanks :)"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xu Xueyu's identity was now clear.
She was Xu Yan's mother, the former Title Douluo who possessed the Star Crown Martial Soul. Through years of diligent cultivation and the nourishment of a large amount of precious resources, she had now broken through to the Title Douluo realm. However, she usually kept a low profile and only taught classes at the academy, so her presence was quite low. Not many people on the entire continent knew her exact strength.
A level of ninety-two was considered the bottom tier among Title Douluos, but the special nature of the Star Crown Martial Soul gave her extraordinary abilities in support, control, and most importantly, combat.
It could be said that Xu Xueyu was not necessarily the strongest Title Douluo below the Super Douluo realm, but she was definitely the most balanced one. She was involved in every field. Moreover, she had mastered the vast majority of the Star Crown Sect's secret techniques and ultimate skills. One should not underestimate the foundation of the Star Crown Sect. The sect had been passed down for thousands of years, and almost every successive sect leader had been a Title Douluo, with quite a few Super Douluos among them. Although the Star Crown Sect had few disciples, its inheritance remained stable, largely thanks to the power of the Star Crown Martial Soul and the existence of these secret techniques.
Dai Mubai, standing at the very front, visibly stiffened.
Although the person before them had a gentle and soft temperament and spoke with a consultative tone, the domineering aura swirling around her already made it clear that there was no room for discussion in this matter. In other words, this was merely a slightly softened command.
Dai Mubai struggled to turn around, his gaze sweeping across the three others one by one, a deep sense of helplessness flashing in his eyes.
They had still been too naive. In the territory of Element City, every person could be an informant for Heavenly Water Academy. Looking back now, the fact that the other party hadn't noticed their intentions earlier seemed somewhat laughable. Most likely, they had simply been busy with other important matters at the time and couldn't be bothered to deal with the few of them…
Oscar and Ning Rongrong slowly stood up. Ning Rongrong wiped the tear stains from the corners of her eyes, then lowered her head and followed behind Oscar.
Zhu Zhuqing also walked to Dai Mubai's side. The two held hands, a trace of a smile flashing in both their eyes.
Xu Xueyu continued to look at the four of them gently. Only after turning around did she say softly:
"A very correct decision…"
As soon as her words fell, Xu Xueyu began walking downstairs, and the four quickly followed.
…
Since Heavenly Water Academy was an all-girls institution, Xu Xueyu did not choose to bring the four in through the main gate. Instead, she directly wrapped them in her soul power and flew in from the sky above. Under her intentional concealment, almost no students noticed anything unusual.
Arriving in front of the administrative building, Xu Xueyu landed slowly with the four, then said calmly:
"The Dean's office is on the top floor. You can go up by yourselves later. Remember not to look around randomly. Some of the teachers in the academy have bad tempers. If you provoke them, you'll probably get a good beating…"
The four inexplicably got goosebumps all over. They quickly nodded and then walked into the building.
After entering the building, the four carefully observed their surroundings, amazement flashing in their eyes.
The main structure of this building was made of a glass-like mineral. The surrounding walls were almost entirely transparent, allowing clear views of the outside scenery, yet nothing inside could be seen from the outside.
The spiraling staircase leading upward was covered with luxurious water-blue carpet. Walking on it gave a faint sense of coldness, and it was precisely this chill that kept the temperature inside the building stable. There was a faint refreshing fragrance in the air, coming from a small formation above.
Oscar swallowed hard and whispered:
"This Heavenly Water Academy is really rich. From the air earlier, their campus scale looked at least nearly three times the size of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Even picking any single building, it's more luxurious than the imperial palace. So this is the boldness of the North's overlord…"
Ning Rongrong's gaze swept across the surroundings, amazement also flashing in her eyes. Girls always have a natural fondness for beautiful things, and Ning Rongrong was no exception. The former Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School had been like that, luxurious with an indescribable beauty. However, after seeing Heavenly Water Academy's decorations now, it still fell slightly short.
Thinking of this, Ning Rongrong's expression dimmed a few degrees. Her family had been destroyed, her flesh-and-blood relatives had all passed away. The current her was no longer the little demoness who could run wild in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School. She was just a pitiful person who could only survive by relying on others.
The group followed the spiraling staircase all the way up. Along the way, they encountered quite a few teachers hurrying by with teaching plans in hand. Although those teachers were somewhat curious, they didn't say much.
"This was already the core area within the core of Heavenly Water Academy. Any youngster below the Soul Emperor level, unless brought in by the academy's higher-ups, would likely be directly kicked out by patrolling personnel shortly after stepping onto the campus."
Only after reaching the top floor did they discover that the entire top floor was extremely spacious. The surroundings were almost all transparent glass. The harsh sunlight shining through the glass became softer. The temperature was slightly cool. A large office desk made of crystal was placed in front of them, covered messily with many documents.
On the lounge chair beside it, Shui Ningbing was looking at the four with a trace of teasing amusement.
"Senior Shui…"
The four respectfully bowed according to etiquette. They had met Shui Ningbing a few times before and weren't strangers, but seeing her again now, the aura on her body felt even more terrifying. Even just sitting there quietly, it nearly suppressed them until they couldn't breathe.
"Find your own seats. We met back in Heaven Dou City, so there's no need for so many formalities between old acquaintances."
Shui Ningbing said.
The four didn't stand on ceremony either and each found a place to sit. At a time like this, doing whatever the other party said was usually the safest option.
Shui Ningbing slowly sat up, her gaze sweeping over the four one by one before she spoke:
"The purpose of inviting you here this time is very simple. You are rare young geniuses. Although there were quite a few unpleasant incidents before, that's all in the past. The continent is currently in an era of rapid change, and you happen to have nowhere to go. Therefore, I am willing to give you a choice. Rongrong and Zhuqing can join Heavenly Water Academy to study. As for you two, although you cannot enter Heavenly Water Academy, you can follow the powerhouses affiliated with the academy to gain experience…"
"How about it? Consider it?"
Shui Ningbing's voice carried a sense of certainty.
She was very clear about the current situation on the continent. Heavenly Water Academy had no ambitions to dominate the world. The unification by the Spirit Hall was inevitable. The Star Luo Empire would inevitably fall in the future, and at that time, the Star Luo imperial family and even the Duke's Mansion of the Netherworld would be wiped out. The two bloodlines of the White Tiger and the Netherworld Spirit Cat would thus be severed. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing, who remained in Heavenly Water Academy, would naturally become the sole inheritors of these two noble bloodlines.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda and the Sausage Martial Soul were also top-tier auxiliary and food system Martial Souls. Especially the powerful support ability of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, almost everyone on the continent wanted it. This was exactly what the academy currently lacked. Even if these four were unwilling to fully belong to the academy in their lifetime, their bloodline inheritance might not be the same. If they were unwilling, Shui Ningbing felt she should forcibly keep these four as breeding tools. Shui Ningbing believed that no matter how this deal was done, they would not lose out…
Upon hearing this, the four fell into silence.
Their current situation couldn't be said to be good, but it was at least very bad.
Each of them clearly understood their own position and what they might face in the future. Facing Shui Ningbing's nearly "flawless" way out, the four were undoubtedly somewhat tempted.
However… the four also inexplicably felt that something was strange, a feeling that was hard to describe…
But Shui Ningbing clearly didn't give them much time to think. A moment later, Ning Rongrong suddenly stood up and said:
"I am willing to join Heavenly Water Academy. Little Ao, what about you?"
Oscar didn't hesitate and also stood up behind Ning Rongrong, his voice firm:
"I am also willing to join… uh, anyway, I'll listen to Rongrong…"
The two of them had no way out anymore. Joining Heavenly Water Academy had no disadvantages for them. Even knowing that this pie falling from the sky might not be a good thing, they still went for it without hesitation.
Dai Mubai looked at the two, gently squeezed Zhu Zhuqing's hand, and then the two stood up together, saying:
"Senior, we are also willing."
Shui Ningbing lightly clapped her hands and smiled:
"A wise decision."
"From today onward, Rongrong and Zhuqing will officially become inner court disciples of Heavenly Water Academy. According to the inner court rules, you can choose a teacher as your mentor. You can go to her for any problems afterward. Monthly subsidies and cultivation resources will be distributed on time, but you must complete the tasks issued by the academy according to the rules. Additionally, if you can break through to Soul Emperor before the age of eighteen, you can freely choose a Title Douluo to become your master…"
"Of course, the academy currently doesn't have many Title Douluos, and most already have disciples. However, if you two are lucky enough to be noticed by those more powerful existences…"
"Mmm… never mind. In any case, it depends on your own fortune. If you perform well enough, it's not impossible to obtain some other opportunities, such as breaking the Martial Soul shackles or evolving your Martial Soul…"
Shui Ningbing's last sentence almost laid everything bare. A gleam suddenly rose in Ning Rongrong's previously dull eyes, this was exactly what Shui Ningbing wanted to see.
She didn't care how deep the hatred in the other party's heart was. She only cared about the other party's state. If a lifeless girl were mixed into the academy, it would affect the overall atmosphere.
Of course, Bai Nian was an exception. Bai Nian was just a bit low in emotional intelligence and a bit ruthless and cold, but she was fine in other aspects, at least that's what Shui Ningbing thought.
After settling the arrangements for Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, Shui Ningbing then turned to look at Dai Mubai and the others.
After a slight hesitation, Shui Ningbing decisively called for someone.
A strand of spiritual power slowly spread out. Not long after, a figure walked up somewhat helplessly. Xu Yan was stunned upon seeing the situation on the top floor, then suddenly thought of her own busy fate and silently accepted reality.
"My dear Dean, what arrangements do you have this time? Just say it. You old folks rest every day, and half of this year's enrollment work has fallen on me. I haven't had a good night's sleep for over a month already…"
Xu Yan's tone was full of resentment. The academy's higher-ups were initially diligent and hardworking people.
But later, as the academy gradually developed and grew, these high-ranking leaders spent their days either resting leisurely or making grand speeches about ruling the world. Shui Ningbing, standing before them, was a prime example of this. As a result, the heavy burden of actually running the academy naturally fell on these poor workers. In Shui Ningbing's words, this was all "training" preparation for them to take over the academy in the future. But anyone with eyes could see what it really meant…
Shui Ningbing looked a bit embarrassed. After coughing lightly, she said:
"Take these two little guys to meet Commander Li Hu and the others. This is all for training you. If it really doesn't work, at the end of this year during the holiday, I'll give you a soul bone as a result of your hard work this year…"
Xu Yan's eyes brightened slightly. She leaned forward, somewhat expectantly saying:
"Dean, are you sure? It's not that I don't believe you, it's mainly that your reputation here is indeed a bit…"
Xu Yan didn't finish the last part, leaving Shui Ningbing some final dignity.
Shui Ningbing said somewhat angrily:
"My word is my bond. This time, your mother definitely won't make any empty promises. A soul bone is a soul bone. You're at least a high-ranking member of the academy. How could I possibly wrong you? If it really doesn't work, I'll go ask Bing'er and the others for support…"
Xu Yan's eyes brightened again. Shui Ningbing might not have many good things in her hands, but Shui Bing'er and the others definitely had plenty of good stuff. After all, look at who their lover is…
"Then it's happily decided. I'll take these two boys. Don't worry, I'll definitely train them well afterward…"
Dai Mubai and Oscar inexplicably shivered, vaguely having a bad premonition…
…
In the end, Dai Mubai and Oscar were taken away by Xu Yan. Shui Ningbing did not prevent them from meeting their lovers, though this could only be done outside the school. Men generally did not have the qualifications to enter the Heavenly Water Academy campus.
Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong also changed into the standard uniforms of Heavenly Water Academy and were led by a Soul Saint-level teacher to familiarize themselves with the campus.
Shui Ningbing overlooked the entire campus, her mood inexplicably improved.
She had watched Heavenly Water Academy grow bit by bit from its initial state. Its current prosperity had not yet reached its peak. The true peak would come with the arrival of the academy's second generation.
Time stretched endlessly. Shui Ningbing was confident she could continue guarding the academy and extend her life's work. If it really didn't work, Shui Ningbing figured she could only call for external help…
Bing'er, call your husband to help your little aunt…
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are the chapters for today (づ￣3￣)づ╭～
"Don't forget there are chapters available on Patreon."
"Douluo: Sword of Judgment and Eternal Ice 30 Advance chapters"
"From Douluo to Godhood by Defying the Heavens 30 Advance chapters."
"Douluo: Far North Invincible. The novel is already finished on Patreon."
[email protected]/facficmax10--------(@→a)