Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 62: The Start of Term

As Yang Potian cultivated in his dorm, the three deans of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy visited the Crown Prince's residence. Crown Prince Xue Qinghe greeted them with some surprise. "Three Deans, to what do I owe the honor of your sudden visit?"

Meng Shenji, the head dean, stepped forward and spoke. "Your Highness, we came to report a matter of great significance—a new prodigy has been admitted to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, and we thought you should know."

Xue Qinghe's interest was piqued. For something to warrant all three deans coming to him, this new student must be quite exceptional. "Dean Meng Shenji, who is this person, and what makes them so remarkable?"

"Your Highness, today, Yang Potian of the Breaking Clan enrolled at our academy. He's only 12 years old and has already reached the 35th rank—his talent is outstanding."

"A 12-year-old at the 35th rank? That seems nearly impossible. I don't believe anyone in the history of our empire has shown such remarkable progress. The Breaking Clan is known for their skill with medicinal enhancements. Could they have used something to artificially boost his soul power?"

"Your Highness, I observed Yang Potian closely, and his soul power is incredibly stable. It doesn't have the telltale signs of medicinal enhancement."

Xue Qinghe remembered his recent visit to the Breaking Clan and paused in thought before saying, "It's truly a shame that such a talent was born into the Breaking Clan. Based on his soul power now, he could likely participate in the Soul Master Tournament in two years. Regardless, he's one of our empire's brightest and should be a priority for cultivation and guidance."

The three deans exchanged a look, each appearing slightly awkward.

Seeing their hesitation, Xue Qinghe continued, "Is there a problem?"

Meng Shenji explained, "Your Highness, Yang Potian mentioned that, due to his lack of combat experience, he won't be competing in this tournament. Instead, he's expressed interest in forming his own team for the next Soul Master Tournament, requesting a spot on the academy's second team. He also insisted that he be allowed to select all the members himself, with no additional staff involvement. We felt it was best to consult Your Highness before agreeing."

"Yang Potian doesn't want to join this year's tournament? And he wants to form his own team for the next one?" Xue Qinghe chuckled. "It seems that Yang Potian has quite an independent spirit."

"Very well," Xue Qinghe continued. "Agree to his requests. As long as he's willing to serve Heaven Dou Empire, let him proceed. Tomorrow, I'll meet with him personally after the academy's opening ceremony."

The three deans were pleased. "Your Highness is wise."

After they departed, Xue Qinghe addressed the shadow in the corner. "Snake Lance, look into this Yang Potian. It's unusual for a talent of his level to emerge from the Breaking Clan. I want to know if there's anything… unusual about him."

A voice from the darkness replied, "As you command, my lord." With that, the figure vanished to carry out the task.

An hour later, Snake Lance Douluo returned with a dossier containing detailed information about Yang Potian. Xue Qinghe flipped through it. "Snake Lance, what do you think of this Yang Potian?"

Snake Lance Douluo thought for a moment. "My lord, I observed him while he was meditating in the academy. His breathing was steady, his soul power dense and pure, with no sign of artificial enhancement. According to Breaking Clan sources, he was born with an innate soul power of 8. He is disciplined and incredibly talented."

"Given the animosity between the Breaking Clan and Spirit Hall, should we take preemptive action to remove him?" Snake Lance Douluo suggested cautiously.

Xue Qinghe shook his head. "No need to act just yet. I'll decide after I see him tomorrow. You may go."

Once alone, Xue Qinghe chuckled softly. "A prodigy, is he? I'd like to see just how talented this Yang Potian really is."

The next morning, Yang Potian and Yang Ping'an headed to the academy's training grounds for their morning exercises. Both were impressed by the academy's facilities; each training area was private, which ensured that students could practice without fear of interruption.

After training, they headed to the dining hall for breakfast, marveling at the variety and quality of food provided. The place looked more like a grand hotel than a simple cafeteria, living up to the luxury expected of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.

Later that morning, they attended the academy's opening ceremony, which all students were required to join. Heaven Dou Imperial Academy boasted about 500 students, all soul masters of at least the 20th rank. Most students were at the Grandmaster level, with fewer at the Soul Elder rank, and it was uncertain if any Soul Ancestors were present.

On the platform above, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe appeared in person, accompanied by various officials, likely nobles or other high-ranking empire officials.

Beside Xue Qinghe was a dignified middle-aged man holding the hand of a young girl, likely about six or seven years old. Standing next to them was an older man with a head of pure white hair, whose face was nonetheless smooth and youthful, though his gaze carried a piercing sharpness.

Yang Potian immediately guessed that the middle-aged man was Ning Fengzhi, Sect Leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and that the girl was none other than Ning Rongrong from the original story. The elderly man with the fierce aura had to be Sword Douluo, Chen Xin.

Yang Potian observed Ning Rongrong with curiosity. She looked to be about seven years old, her delicate features and bright blue eyes giving her a charming, doll-like appearance. Dressed in a princess gown, she was indeed a beautiful little girl in the making. Sword Douluo, on the other hand, exuded a calm but sharp presence, like a sheathed blade—a testament to his title as the greatest swordsman in Douluo Continent.

The opening ceremony was filled with the usual speeches, with Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi offering words of encouragement. After the ceremony, Teacher Li approached Yang Potian and informed him that the Crown Prince had summoned him to the deans' building.

Yang Potian couldn't help but feel a surge of irritation. What exactly did Xue Qinghe—or rather, Qian Renxue—want with him? He could guess that Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo would likely be there as well. In the original story, Bone Douluo had once suggested eliminating Tang San, proving that even the well-regarded Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was no stranger to silencing rising talents. Yang Potian wondered how he should handle himself in the presence of these powerful figures.

With a sigh, Yang Potian could only hope that the reputation of the Breaking Clan—or the united strength of the four single-attribute clans—would offer him some protection.

(End of Chapter)