Chapter 27: Exchange Meeting
Three years later.
While Tang San and Xiao Wu were still at Notting Academy, Mu Ci, thousands of miles away treating diseases, was drafted by his grandfather to lead the newly selected plant team from the Botanical College to Tiandou Royal Academy for an exchange and study program.
Initially, Mu Ci had no interest in attending college exchange meetings, viewing them as a waste of time.
But when Mu Changsheng mentioned that the event would be held at Tiandou Royal Academy, Mu Ci reconsidered.
Calculating the timeline, Dugu Yan would be around thirteen or fourteen years old now. Meeting her could pave the way for accessing the Yin-Yang Eyes of Ice and Fire ahead of schedule.
Seated in the Botanical College's carriage, Mu Ci tugged at his green school uniform with a helpless expression, feeling uncomfortable.
"Grandpa, do I really have to wear this green suit to the exchange at Tiandou Royal Academy?"
Each college's uniform reflected its unique traits. For instance, Elemental College uniforms indicated attributes at a glance—ice blue for Tianshui, golden red for Blazing, and emerald green for the Botanical College, symbolizing life and plants.
Mu Ci didn't mind the color, as it aligned with his soul power and skills, but it was eye-catching. He preferred subdued tones like black, white, or gray in daily life.
Mu Changsheng, smiling at his grandson whom he hadn't seen in a while, said, "It's just a school uniform. Don't you look good in it?"
"Besides, the Tiandou Empire's high-level college exchange meeting only happens irregularly every few years. Our Botanical College has always been mid-tier, neither standout nor obscure. This time, I'll show those old guys what we're capable of."
Mu Ci raised an eyebrow, looking at his grandfather helplessly. "Grandpa, once you reveal your Titled Douluo cultivation, the other deans will call you 'Your Majesty the Immortal' and be completely outclassed."
As they spoke, the carriage approached Tiandou Royal Academy, nestled in the distant mountains. Mu Ci's thoughts wandered.
Tiandou Royal Academy? We're meeting earlier than expected.
Since plans can't keep up with changes, I'll go with the flow.
Mu Changsheng, stroking his now-beardless chin, chuckled. Years ago, his crowning as a Titled Douluo in Wuhun City had caused a stir in the Tiandou Empire, leaving his old friends in disbelief.
This wasn't an era where Titled Douluo were common. With only about ten known across major forces, his sudden rise from the Botanical College shocked everyone.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Sect, Tiandou Empire, and soul master families sent gifts. Even Emperor Xue Ye invited him to be the royal priest, an offer he declined.
"That's different," Mu Changsheng said. "Surpassing them with my cultivation isn't enough. As dean of a high-level soul master academy, I need to outshine them with my students."
Mu Ci shrugged. "Grandpa, to be honest, our team this time is only above average among high-level academies. One or two members are decent, but the rest are just fillers."
He wasn't optimistic about his teammates. Geniuses like Shui Bing'er, Huo Wu, and Feng Xiaotian shone brightly, while his team was lackluster, as evidenced by their poor performance in the original story's competition, even accounting for attribute disadvantages.
Mu Changsheng grinned. "Don't we have you? With your strength, you could reach the finals of the elite competition, let alone an exchange meeting."
As they spoke, the convoy entered Tiandou Royal Academy, wheels rustling over its lavish grounds.
The empire had invested heavily in this exchange meeting, making it the grandest in centuries.
Guided by staff, the Botanical College group disembarked, and the younger female students gasped at the magnificent campus.
As a royal academy, its luxury was unmatched in the Tiandou Empire.
However, the teachers and senior students exchanged glances of disdain. Tiandou Royal Academy, catering exclusively to nobles, was synonymous with extravagance rather than strength.
In the Tiandou soul master academy circle, it was quietly looked down upon. Without guaranteed promotion round spots in the Continental High-Level Academy Soul Master Competition, its noble students might not even pass the preliminaries.
As they proceeded deeper, curious eyes turned their way. Deans and teachers regarded Mu Changsheng with respect, while students eyed Mu Ci, the team leader.
A blond young man in royal attire, accompanied by several Tiandou Royal Academy education committee members, approached to greet them.
"Your Majesty Changsheng, Qinghe and the education committee have been awaiting your arrival."
"Greetings to His Majesty Changsheng."
Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, executed her role flawlessly, bowing to Mu Changsheng with impeccable royal etiquette.
Meng Shenji and the others followed suit, though their gazes toward Mu Changsheng carried envy.
Most Tiandou high-level college deans were of the same generation, old friends for decades. Yet, while they remained Soul Douluo, Mu Changsheng had become a Titled Douluo, sparking envy and jealousy.
Mu Changsheng, reveling in their reactions, smiled faintly. "Your Highness, there's no need for such formality. I'm here as the dean of a soul master academy, leading my students to the exchange meeting. I should be treated as an equal to the other deans. You're too polite."
Xue Qinghe replied, "Reports indicated your arrival with many students today. The palace and the Meng Shenji Education Committee have prepared everything. As a Titled Douluo, Your Majesty Changsheng deserves our welcome. My father instructed me to show utmost respect and avoid any oversteps."
Xue Qinghe bowed again, emphasizing the royal family's deference to a Titled Douluo.
Then, his gaze shifted to Mu Ci, and he froze, momentarily stunned.
[end of the chapter]