Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 67: Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling

After hearing Dugu Yan's remarks, Yang Potian was speechless. They were all close friends, yet here she was, making a special visit late at night just to meet up.

Dugu Yan seemed to recall something and introduced the girl who had come with her. "Potian, this is my classmate, Ye Lingling. Your arrival caused quite a stir across the academy today, so Lingling was curious and wanted to meet you."

Yang Potian was somewhat surprised. So, this girl was none other than Ye Lingling, the Nine-Hearted Begonia spirit user and support soul master of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy team from the original story. Her healing abilities were renowned, but she had little further mention later on.

Yang Potian introduced himself, "Hello, Ye Lingling. My name is Yang Potian, I'm twelve years old, Spirit: Po Zhi Spear, Spirit Power: Level 35."

Ye Lingling appeared a bit shy. "Hello, I'm Ye Lingling, fourteen years old. My spirit is Nine-Hearted Begonia, and my spirit power is at Level 25. I'm currently in Class B of the Sky Tier."

Slightly puzzled, Yang Potian nevertheless replied warmly, "Nice to meet you, Sister Lingling. Welcome to my dorm. We're all soul masters here, so let's keep in touch and exchange ideas."

Noticing his surprise, Dugu Yan jumped in. "You don't get it, kid. Lingling's spirit is the Nine-Hearted Begonia, the top healing spirit on the continent. Although she's only Level 25, her healing skills are stronger than most Soul Elders."

"I'm sorry, Sister Lingling; I may have underestimated you. I didn't realize you were so skilled," Yang Potian said, genuinely impressed.

Dugu Yan then turned back to him. "Potian, what class are you in?"

"I'm in the Sky Tier, Class A," he replied.

"Sky Tier, Class A?" Dugu Yan sighed, a little envious. "You're lucky to enter the Sky Tier so soon. Now that you're at Level 35, are you planning to participate in the Soul Master Tournament in two years?"

"Actually, His Highness the Crown Prince spoke to me about that earlier today, but I declined. I plan to join the next Soul Master Tournament instead. And, as of now, I'm both the captain and team leader of the Heaven Dou Academy's second team for the next tournament."

Both Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling were visibly shocked. "No way! You're already planning for the next Soul Master Tournament? And you're going to be both the captain and team leader?"

"Yes," Yang Potian explained, "this was something I proposed to the Crown Prince and the deans because I feel my battle experience is still lacking, so I decided not to compete in the upcoming tournament. But I'm confident I'll be ready for the next one, and I already have five team members."

"Isn't that a bit soon, though? There's still seven years left, and you already have five people?" Dugu Yan asked, surprised.

Yang Potian chuckled. "It's actually not that early. Seven years may seem like a long time, but my teammates still have a lot of room for growth, so starting early is a must."

Dugu Yan's eyes lit up. "Potian, how about if Lingling and I join your team? That would make seven people exactly! What do you say?"

"I'd love to have you both on the team! If Sister Yan and Sister Lingling join, our team will be all the more complete," Yang Potian replied enthusiastically.

Before Ye Lingling could respond, Dugu Yan made the decision for both of them. "Alright then! Lingling and I will be part of the Heaven Dou Academy's second team for the next Soul Master Tournament."

Caught off guard, Ye Lingling seemed slightly flustered and unsure whether to agree or refuse.

Dugu Yan reassured her, "Lingling, you can relax. Potian here has a knack for coming up with unusual training methods. They're quite effective; I'm already at Level 29, thanks to his ideas."

Hearing this, Yang Potian couldn't help but mentally shake his head. Despite Dugu Yan's natural talent, her spirit power progression had been disappointing in the original story. She was seven years older than Tang San, yet her spirit power was only at Level 42 during the Soul Master Tournament, which was quite slow. At one point, her power was Level 38 at the start of her training, yet after nearly two years, she had only reached Level 42. Meanwhile, the Shrek team members advanced significantly faster, with some gaining around ten levels.

Putting those thoughts aside, Yang Potian smiled and said, "Well then, welcome to Heaven Dou Academy's second team! With both of you on board, our team is sure to stand out."

"Tomorrow afternoon, we'll have our first team meeting. Please meet us at Training Field #3—it's now exclusively reserved for our team," he added.

After discussing a few more details, Yang Potian saw the two of them out. As he returned to his dorm to resume his meditation, he reminded himself that his own cultivation was paramount; assembling the team could only take him so far.

The next morning, Yang Potian dressed in his academy uniform and inspected his reflection in the mirror, nodding in approval.

Heaven Dou Academy's uniforms were of white and gold, exuding a sense of nobility and royal elegance. The outfit was well-made, elegant, and likely expensive. Wearing it, he appeared somewhat more refined, his robust frame softened by the uniform's fit. Despite his sturdy physique, the uniform gave him a hint of a noble aura, even making him look a bit dashing.

Today would be his first class in the Sky Tier. Although he didn't place much importance on it, he decided to attend, curious to see what Heaven Dou Academy would teach its top-level students.

When he arrived at the classroom after his morning training and breakfast, many students were already seated.

The Sky Tier was the highest level at the academy, and only students with a spirit power level of 30 or above were eligible. Glancing around, Yang Potian noted that most of the students appeared to be over twenty, with only a few in their late teens, around seventeen or eighteen.

The students were scattered around the room, some chatting, others reading or meditating. Many of them exuded a certain pride, the aristocratic air that hinted at their high status.

Yang Potian ignored the glances directed his way, choosing a seat in a quiet corner. For him, these classmates were of little consequence; they were primarily imperial nobles, while he belonged to a soul master clan. Their paths were unlikely to cross in any significant way.

Still, some students eyed him with interest. Yang Potian's build, though tall at 1.7 meters, was paired with a face that was clearly youthful, unlike most twenty-year-olds.

News had already spread that a twelve-year-old, Level 35 Soul Elder had joined the Sky Tier, and some speculated that the young-looking student before them was the one making waves.

As time passed, the classroom filled with students. Yang Potian estimated that there were around twenty-five people in his class, which was one of two Sky Tier classes in Heaven Dou Academy, with about fifty students out of the academy's five hundred.

(End of Chapter)

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