The Teaching Committee building of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was nestled halfway up the mountain, separated from the main teaching area by a winding marble path.
From a distance, the Board of Education looked imposing and majestic, occupying a vast area. Its outer walls shimmered with the pale brilliance of golden spirit jade, polished to a gleaming luster. The entire structure resembled a grand imperial palace, more reminiscent of a noble estate than a mere administrative building.
Inside, the decor lived up to the exterior's grandeur. Elegant gold-inlaid columns supported a dome ceiling, chandeliers hung like frozen waterfalls of crystal light, and imported velvet curtains lined the walls. Every ornament—from the porcelain vases to the embroidered tapestries—radiated wealth and taste.
The level of luxury was not merely ostentatious. From the ancient soul master relics on display to the rare ores embedded in the architecture, it was clear that Heaven Dou Imperial Academy had deep pockets and powerful supporters.
In the central hall, surrounded by layered spirit-seal arrays for privacy, sat a large mahogany meeting table, accompanied by several intricately carved soulwood chairs.
At the head of the table sat an elderly man in ceremonial royal robes, silver hair slicked back, his posture upright and full of vitality. A jade token hung from his waist—the same style as the one worn by Prince Xue Beng—indicating his status.
There was no mistaking his identity: Prince Xue Xing, uncle to Emperor Xue Ye and one of the most influential nobles of the Heaven Dou Empire.
To his right sat three individuals, each exuding an aura unique to powerful soul masters. Closest to Prince Xue Xing was a robust, noble-looking elder with white eyebrows and a goatee, dressed in luxurious attire embroidered with a dark lotus pattern.
"I am Dream God Machine," the man said with a nod when addressed, "Chairman of the Education Committee, Wuhun: Black Demon Staff, Control System—Level 86, Spirit Douluo."
Next to him, on the right, were two more soul masters: one portly and kind-faced, the other lean and sharp-eyed, both garbed in formal academy robes lined with soul beast fur.
"Second Seat: Bai Baoshan," said the heavier of the two, his voice calm and deep. "Wuhun: Celestial Furnace, Defense System—Level 85, Spirit Douluo."
"Third Seat: Zhi Lin," the thin elder added succinctly. "Wuhun: Sky Blue Vine, Control System—Level 83, Spirit Douluo."
To Prince Xue Xing's left, however, sat a figure that stood out from the rest—not just because of his lack of ornate clothing, but because of the aura he radiated.
He wore a simple gray robe, but his long green hair and dark green beard made him appear almost otherworldly. His face was expressionless, his emerald eyes sharp and venomous. A foul scent of toxins subtly filled the room, unnoticed by no one.
This man was none other than Poison Douluo—Dugu Bo, the famed Titled Douluo with a Wuhun Serpent Emperor. His presence alone sent a chill into the hearts of even seasoned Contras.
He sat silently, not bothering to acknowledge anyone, yet the aura of his Level 92 Titled Douluo cultivation kept the entire room cautious.
As the doors opened, Flander, dean of Shrek Academy, entered with the Shrek teaching group and students behind him. Wearing his usual wide cloak and eagle-like eyes, he stepped forward and gave a respectful bow.
"Shrek Academy's Flander, Wuhun: Four-eyed Owl, Level 78 Spirit Saint of the Agility Attack System."
"I greet the esteemed Education Committee."
Prince Xue Xing stood slightly in response, a polite smile on his face, though his gaze flicked toward the youth standing beside Flander.
"The Golden Iron Triangle of the Spirit Master Realm is well-known across the continent," Xue Xing said mildly. "It is an honor to receive you all."
As he spoke, Dream God Machine, Bai Baoshan, and Zhi Lin stood one after another and introduced themselves with grace.
However, Dugu Bo merely lifted his eyelids slightly, casting a cold glance at the group before lowering his head again. His silence was a statement in itself.
After the committee members introduced themselves, Flander led the rest of the Shrek faculty and students in offering respectful bows. With three Spirit Douluo before them—and one Titled Douluo—the etiquette could not be overlooked.
"No need for such formality. Please, be seated," Prince Xue Xing gestured magnanimously.
The group followed his motion and took their seats. The hall fell quiet as Xue Xing opened the leather scroll in front of him—the application submitted by Shrek Academy for promotion to Advanced Spirit Master Academy status.
"Dean Flander, this visit is to apply for promotion, correct?"
"With the strength your institution has shown, both in faculty and curriculum, it's not an unreasonable request."
He paused deliberately, flipping a page.
"However, I also heard that your students defeated our academy's elite—Team Heaven Dou—in a recent official exchange. Is this true?"
Flender smiled politely but answered with care.
"Only a fortunate outcome. Your academy's elite team is exceptional, and our victory was entirely circumstantial."
Prince Xue Xing narrowed his eyes, lips curled with intrigue.
"Oh? Circumstantial?"
"But I also heard rumors of a young genius among your students—someone known as the 'Nine Heaven Azure Dragon'. I wonder who that might be?"
As if on cue, all eyes turned to a calm youth standing beside Flender. With composed steps, Yu Chen walked forward, the dragon emblem on his collar catching the light. His gaze was steady, meeting Prince Xue Xing's without fear.
"It's me. I was only lucky that day."
The committee elders raised their eyebrows slightly. Even Dream God Machine leaned forward with interest.
"To defeat Yu Tianheng at such a young age..." Bai Baoshan muttered. "His talent must be monstrous."
"We were told a genius led that team, but I hadn't expected someone this young," Zhi Lin added.
Prince Xue Xing's smile deepened, but a hint of calculation flickered in his eyes.
"Very well. Since you're here... and since Senior Dugu Bo has graced us with his presence today... how about we let him personally assess your abilities?"
He looked toward the silent gray-robed elder beside him.
"Let Poison Douluo judge your talent. If you are as strong as they say, you have nothing to fear, do you?"
A subtle pressure suddenly filled the air as all attention shifted to Dugu Bo.
And for the first time since the start of the meeting, the Poison Douluo's lips curled into a faint, cold smirk.
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