"I'm going to teach that brat a lesson."
Dugu Yan nodded, glaring fiercely at Xu Yang.
Before long, a teacher walked in—a rugged-looking middle-aged man in his forties with a scruffy beard.
*Cough cough…* "Since we have new students this semester, let me reintroduce myself. My name is Wallace, a level forty-three power-type battle soul master, and I will be your teacher responsible for Class Tianwei Level," the middle-aged teacher said, clearing his throat to attract the students' attention. His voice was surprisingly gentle compared to his rough appearance.
However, this was understandable; after all, the students in this class were all descendants of nobility or major sects and Title Douluo families—none of whom he could afford to offend.
Even if he wanted to act tough, he couldn't. It was best to keep a low profile as a teacher; as long as he didn't cause trouble, he could ignore whatever these noble descendants wanted to do.
"Teacher, when will we have practical combat classes?! I want to see the level of the new students!" Just as Wallace was about to say something, Yu Tianheng—sitting at the back—raised his hand and shouted loudly while casting a mocking glance at Xu Yang.
*So childish!*
Xu Yang felt speechless; kids would always act impulsively.
He raised his own hand and responded, "Teacher, I also want to see the level of the academy's older students, so let's have practical combat classes!"
Wallace glanced at Yu Tianheng before shifting his gaze to Xu Yang. He had reviewed the enrollment materials and knew that Xu Yang was Ning Fengzhi's direct disciple. He understood that this was a clash between two major sect disciples and realized he couldn't stop it.
Knowing he couldn't intervene, he decided not to. "Since everyone wants to have practical combat classes, let's gather at the training ground. I'm also curious to see how much progress everyone has made during the break."
With that, he led the students toward Heaven Dou Royal Academy's training ground.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy lived up to its reputation as an aristocratic academy; even a training ground designated for one class was half the size of a football field, equipped with various training tools and weapons. There were also dedicated healing soul masters and physicians on standby to treat any injuries sustained during practical combat classes to prevent irreversible hidden injuries.
"Before we start practical combat classes, I need to explain some rules: First, do not attack vital points or endanger your opponent's life; second, once one party admits defeat, the other must cease attacking; third, if anyone encounters danger, I will intervene immediately but will also declare them defeated. These are the three main rules—do you all understand?"
Upon reaching the training ground, Wallace turned to face the students and earnestly reminded them. He couldn't afford to be careless; these students were all from influential backgrounds. If anyone suffered serious injuries, their respective powers would come knocking on his door.
"So who wants to go first?!"
At this prompt, all eyes in the room turned toward Xu Yang and Yu Tianheng. To put it plainly—the focus of this practical combat class was on their confrontation; it was a showdown between Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. They didn't want to get involved.
"Let's go!"
Seeing everyone looking at him, Xu Yang shrugged at Yu Tianheng before walking toward the center of the arena—the designated area for soul master battles.
Yu Tianheng cracked his knuckles, producing popping sounds as he followed with a cold smile on his face. He didn't believe he would lose against someone of equal rank; he was confident he could easily win this fight.
"Remember what I said: don't attack vital points!"
Watching the two stand opposite each other, Wallace still felt somewhat uneasy and reminded them once more.
"Got it! You're being overly repetitive!" Yu Tianheng impatiently interrupted Wallace before turning seriously toward Xu Yang and stating coldly: "I'm Yu Tianheng from Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—a twenty-fourth-level power-type Great Soul Master. Please show me your best."
As he spoke, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul instantly manifested. A brilliant blue light erupted from his forehead before rapidly spreading throughout his body—blue-purple lightning crackled like small snakes around him while a blue lightning symbol appeared on his forehead.
Two yellow soul rings rose beneath him, radiating dazzling light.
"I'm Xu Yang—a twenty-three-level power-type Great Soul Master with the Sun martial soul. Please guide me!"
In accordance with battle etiquette in this world, Xu Yang shared part of his information as well. While speaking, a sun appeared behind him; golden flames flickered around him while two yellow-purple soul rings encircled him—drawing everyone's attention particularly toward that striking purple soul ring.
"Indeed! A thousand-year second ring! Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School truly deserves its reputation as one of the Upper Three Sects."
Upon hearing Dugu Yan praise Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School—Ye Lengleng—who had some resentment toward them—felt slightly uncomfortable. The surrounding crowd began discussing Xu Yang's thousand-year second ring.
This was their first time witnessing such an occurrence; previously they had only learned about it through intelligence reports. Many among them were still first-ring soul masters themselves and would soon absorb their second soul rings; seeing that purple soul ring stirred their ambitions.
"Hey, Eric! Do you think if I choose a thousand-year second ring I could become stronger? Do you think I could earn a title by graduation?"
"Morr! If you can reach Soul Sect level by graduation—I think getting a title shouldn't be an issue!"
"Great! I'll ask my father for some thousand-year Whale Gel when I get home!"
"…"
In this world of nobility—titles were inherited by eldest sons—hence noble families would send younger children who couldn't inherit titles to Heaven Dou Royal Academy. This wasn't just due to quality education but also because becoming an outstanding graduate here could lead them to gain titles and opportunities for nobility.
"First Soul Skill: Thunder Dragon Claw!"
Yu Tianheng didn't want to waste time talking further; spreading his hands apart he activated his first soul skill. The bright yellow soul ring lit up as terrifying thunder energy gathered in both hands—transforming into two fierce dragon claws. The thunder raged through the air as it approached Xu Yang with crackling sounds that made one's heart race.
Compared to Yu Tianheng's display of power, Xu Yang remained calm without using any soul skills. He simply gathered soul power within his body and condensed it in his hands before punching out against the incoming thunderclaw attack.
"You fool! You dare take my thunder head-on without using a soul skill? Just wait until your body goes numb from my attack!"
Yu Tianheng scoffed disdainfully; in his eyes, Xu Yang was just an inexperienced rookie who thought he could withstand thunder without using any skills—the only outcome awaiting him would be defeat!
But then in the next moment—he found himself frozen in place.
(End of Chapter)