In early spring, as March arrived and tender shoots sprouted, the new semester approached. All major academies grew lively again, and Yunhai Academy was no exception. Early in the morning, the academy was already bustling with people. Students moved about the plaza, preparing for the day's grand event.
About half an hour later, a loud announcement rang through the air:
"His Majesty has arrived! Sect Master Ning of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has arrived!"
One after another, luxurious carriages stopped outside the academy. Guests were warmly welcomed by neatly dressed female students, while male students took charge of checking gifts, moving supplies, and maintaining order. Though still a little unrefined, the students' unity, orderliness, and courtesy won praise and nods of approval from the arriving guests.
"Captain!"
Ye Lingling and her teammates arrived with their elders, immediately spotting Yang Yunhai, who smiled as he came to greet them.
"Go on," the elders said with smiles.
Ye Lingling and the others nodded and quickly walked over.
"Captain, what kind of medicine did you take? You've become even more handsome!" Yu Feng couldn't help but click his tongue, then turned his head.
"Zhuqing and Sister Yan have become even prettier too."
"It's practically a complete transformation!" The other teammates were also astonished at the dramatic change in Yang Yunhai's hair and eye color.
"Just a small gain," Yang Yunhai smiled.
"Alright, come with me to your seats first. Almost everyone is here. The opening ceremony should begin soon."
"Okay." They nodded and followed Yang Yunhai to the seating area by the examination grounds.
At that moment, a loud announcement came from afar, mixed with some noise:
"Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo have arrived!"
"Hm?" Sitting in his seat, Ning Fengzhi turned to glance at Salas, his expression filled with doubt.
"Yue Guan, Gui Mei, what are you two here for? I don't recall inviting you!" A cold snort rang out, and a tall figure shot from a building at the front of the plaza, intercepting Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo as they approached.
With a smack, he landed directly in front of them.
"Old poison, we're not here to cause trouble today," Chrysanthemum Douluo said calmly.
"Hmph, uninvited guests—who knows what you're here for." Dugu Bo frowned. "I'm warning you, today is my academy's joyous occasion. If you dare stir up trouble, don't blame me for being ruthless."
"Rest assured, if I wanted to deal with your Yunhai Academy, I wouldn't have come so openly. Besides, Gui Mei and I have already left Spirit Hall. We have no more ties." Chrysanthemum Douluo's tone was indifferent. "But you… you still have many attachments."
'Left Spirit Hall…' The crowd was shocked, even Salas. He truly hadn't received this news.
Ning Fengzhi shot him a glance, his suspicions deepening.
Even Dugu Bo looked surprised before frowning. "So, what business brings you here today?"
"To resolve past grudges." Chrysanthemum Douluo spoke directly. "As for why I hunted you in the past—you know well. And over the years, you've constantly sought to trouble me. Frankly, I'm tired of it. I think you, too, no longer want more problems. So why not turn hostility into friendship, and agree never to interfere with each other again?"
"Hmph, sounds to me like you're just afraid." Dugu Bo sneered.
"Old poison, I admit you're strong now, but defeating both Gui Mei and me together… you're still lacking." Chrysanthemum Douluo's tone remained calm. "But for us to kill you—it wouldn't be difficult." His Soul Power surged, a terrifying aura flashing briefly.
"With our current strength, if we used our Martial Soul Fusion Skill, do you really think you could escape?" His eyes locked onto Dugu Bo's.
"Ninety-seven…" Bone Douluo's face shifted slightly. Sword Douluo was rank 96, yet Chrysanthemum Douluo's aura surpassed even his.
That meant only one thing—Chrysanthemum Douluo had reached a higher rank.
Dugu Bo's face also grew more serious. "I'm curious. With such cultivation, why leave Spirit Hall?"
"We thought it through… and grew tired of it." Chrysanthemum Douluo's tone was calm.
"It's because of the Soul Master Tournament, isn't it?" Dugu Bo's brows rose. "Think about it. After all our battles, I've never once seen you use a soul bone skill."
"Heh, you two have served Spirit Hall for decades, loyally working for two Popes. Yet after all these years, you never even received a single soul bone. Meanwhile, the so-called Golden Generation of Spirit Hall had three top-grade soul bones allocated to them early on. Oh, and that girl—wasn't she Bibi Dong's personal disciple?"
Then, as though realizing something, he smirked. "Ah, and there's also Yu Xiaogang."
"His disciple Tang San is the son of Tang Hao, enemy of Spirit Hall, and even has twin martial souls. By all rights, he should've been a top target for elimination. Yet Shrek Academy made it all the way to the top three without obstruction. Back then, I wondered why… And since when did Yu Xiaogang become an Honorary Elder of Spirit Hall? He even dared defy the Pope in public without consequence."
"So that's the truth, huh? No wonder!" His eyes brightened, lips curving into a mocking smile. "Turns out, in Bibi Dong's eyes, the two of you aren't even as important as an old lover she hasn't seen in over twenty years."
"Truly pitiful. Serving under such a Pope who confuses public duty with private emotions must be exhausting."
'Bibi Dong…' Qian Renxue's fingers tightened slightly, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.
Ning Fengzhi and Xue Ye both understood instantly. The most dangerous thing between people was comparison. From Yue Guan and Gui Mei's perspective—they had worked tirelessly for decades, yet gained nothing. In the end, the Pope they had supported valued them less than a junior… less even than an old flame from decades past.
Who could accept that?
They were Titled Douluo. Did they have no dignity?
This realization sparked joy in both their hearts. Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were both Super Douluo. Their departure would heavily damage Spirit Hall's strength and give them an opportunity to win them over.
"Is this true?" The uninformed spectators murmured in shock.
'If so, this Pope Bibi Dong truly wasn't fit to lead. If it were me, I'd leave too.'
Chrysanthemum Douluo endured Dugu Bo's taunts, not commenting further. He simply cupped his fists. "Since the matter is settled, we'll take our leave."
Without waiting for Dugu Bo's reply, he and Ghost Douluo exchanged glances, turned, and leapt into the sky, vanishing swiftly.
"Yue Guan, come have tea sometime! We can discuss pharmacology!" Dugu Bo waved and shouted.
"Old poison, you're still as shameless as ever!" Their voices echoed back from the air.
Salas sat frozen, his expression ugly. He didn't even know how he'd write his report.
Xue Ye and Ning Fengzhi both raised their brows slightly.
At this moment, Dugu Bo hopped forward to the front of the plaza and signaled to Meng Shenshou.
Understanding, Meng Shenshou stepped forward and announced the official start of the opening ceremony.
Boom, boom, boom—streaks of light shot from both sides, exploding into brilliant fireworks in the sky.
Students, new and old, began filing in. Soon, the plaza was filled.
After Meng Shenshou's opening remarks, Dugu Bo delivered his speech. His words were crude but practical: once you joined the academy, everyone was treated equally. After graduation, students could go wherever they wished. While studying, the academy would provide full support, even assigning soul rings. As long as students didn't provoke trouble, if they were bullied, they should report it—the academy would uphold justice. And if all else failed, he himself would step in.
The guests listened in silence, while the students were visibly moved.
Soon after, Dugu Bo finished and looked toward Yang Yunhai.
Yang Yunhai stood, walked to his side, and accepted the amplification Soul Tool. "I have only two announcements. First, the physical training methods I practiced at Heaven Dou Royal Academy will now be published openly."
"All academies may file with the Empire to build and train under official guidance."
Xue Ye's lips curved in satisfaction. Since it would leak sooner or later, better to announce it early, using it to win hearts and draw talent to the Empire. This was the outcome of prior discussions between Yang Yunhai and Xue Qinghe, and he wholeheartedly agreed.
"Second, the theory of surpassing normal limits to absorb higher-age soul rings—already proven with a fourth ring—will also be shared."
Having taken immortal herbs and gained the title of Child of Nature, Yang Yunhai knew this theory would not let others catch up to him. Thus, sharing it now would only build his prestige. Of course, he still held back, publishing only up to the fourth ring, in line with what others thought his current level to be.
At his words, the audience gasped. The theory of higher-age soul ring absorption! Everyone knew Yang Yunhai's fourth ring was a 10,000 year soul ring. But to think he would share the method behind it—this was beyond their expectations.
Yang Yunhai began explaining:
"For the first three soul rings, it is theoretically possible to absorb beyond standard limits. But starting from the fourth ring, things change. Once soul beasts surpass 10,000 years, they develop significant intelligence. Thus, their soul rings retain lingering remnants of consciousness, which can severely impact the absorber's spirit. To absorb such rings requires exceptionally strong Spiritual Power."
"Every soul beast differs in experience and origin, so their lingering spirit varies. At present, the only reliable way I can see is to have a high-level expert compare on site."
"As for how to strengthen Spiritual Power, there are two ways: through grueling physical training to temper willpower, or by absorbing soul bones. In short, absorbing 10,000 year soul rings is extremely risky, with many uncontrollable factors. I do not recommend it."
In other words, commoners had almost no chance. Noble families would have to decide for themselves.
"Thus, my testing method for higher-age absorption is only suitable for the first three soul rings. The instruments will be made available to all Yunhai Academy students, and the blueprints handed over to the Empire for unified production. All academies may apply through the Empire to obtain authorized versions."
"Additionally, Yunhai Academy will open testing services for fourth-ring absorption."
In plain terms: if you think you can handle a 10,000 year ring, come here for testing. If you attempt it alone and die, don't blame him.
"Ahem, if you want me personally to help, the fee is very high—100,000 gold soul coins per test. But for Yunhai Academy students, it's free." Dugu Bo added.
The students erupted in excitement.
'What a brilliant move,' Ning Fengzhi thought silently.
From today on, Yunhai Academy would become the first choice for countless commoner soul masters across the Heaven Dou Empire. For the poor, the chance—even a slim one—to receive free testing for a 10,000 year soul ring was irresistible.
Even if few succeeded, the possibility was enough to inspire them.
And since Yang Yunhai himself was the first to practice and publish this theory, no one could question its credibility. His reputation from the Soul Master Tournament further solidified this authority.
'So his second and third soul rings were also beyond standard age?' Ning Fengzhi thought.
"Detailed content will be posted on the academy bulletin board," Yang Yunhai concluded, handing the Soul Tool back to Meng Shenshou.
After a brief closing speech, Meng Shenshou announced the ceremony's end, and the students dispersed.
The guests were then guided into the rear building for a banquet.
"Young Nephew Yang, on behalf of the Empire, I thank you sincerely." Xue Ye raised his cup toward Yang Yunhai.
"Your Majesty, as a subject of the Empire, this is my duty," Yang Yunhai replied politely.
Ning Fengzhi also smiled, raising his cup. "Not only the Empire—today's contribution will be remembered by the entire Soul Master world."
In truth, he thought the greatest beneficiaries would still be the great clans. But Yunhai's actions did open a new path for commoners, and the academy he led could well become the most powerful force on the continent in the future.
'Their next target will surely be the Clear Sky Sect,' he speculated inwardly.
"Sect Master Ning, you overpraise me. I was only fortunate," Yang Yunhai smiled.
"Alright, enough polite words," Dugu Bo cut in. "Eat and drink well, everyone. I won't fuss over hosting."
The guests smiled, drinking with Dugu Bo before starting the meal.
After the feast, Xue Ye left first with "Xue Qinghe." Ning Fengzhi, accompanied by Ning Rongrong and Bone Douluo, followed, making no requests about enrolling disciples. He knew Dugu Bo would never allow Yunhai Academy to become a sect-linked school.
After the other guests departed, Yang Yunhai saw his teammates off and returned to his quarters.
Inside, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were already drinking tea.
Dugu Bo nodded slightly. "From here on, we just cultivate patiently and wait."
"Once our realms stabilize, let's head to Star Dou Forest," Chrysanthemum Douluo said with a smile. "That rabbit—we can't forget her."
"Agreed." Dugu Bo nodded. "We'll go after some time."
"Mm." Ghost Douluo gave a brief nod.
(End of Chapter)
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