Chapter Eighteen: Enrollment (Part Two)

The Royal Tiandou Academy is located twenty li outside Tiandou City, nestled within a mountain range. The entire mountain, from its base to its summit, falls under the academy’s domain, encompassing numerous training grounds and various facilities.

The main campus is situated near the mid-mountain level, housing the library, cafeteria, classrooms, and other essential amenities. The residences for the academy staff and instructors, however, lie elsewhere.

Chen Ming and Qin Ming were conversing in a room at the foot of the mountain, while the three council members were stationed near the mountain’s peak—a distance that even a soul master’s pace wouldn’t cover swiftly.

The path leading to the summit was paved with stone steps meticulously carved by artisans, each slab etched with the image of a spirit beast. Every stone was worth several months’ income for an average family. Most people would marvel at such extravagance, and even Chen Ming couldn’t help but internally lament the vast sums squandered on these steps.

Once their martial souls were awakened, the physical qualities of the two men improved dramatically. Powered by their soul energy, they darted up the stairs like fleeting shadows.

Qin Ming, a soul king specializing in agility and offense, found the steps no challenge at all. Were it not for his concern for Chen Ming beside him, he might have dashed off without a second thought.

During the ascent, Qin Ming discreetly diverted some attention to observe Chen Ming’s condition.

“A twenty-third rank great soul master’s soul energy is hardly profound. Such a burst of speed will deplete soul energy considerably and severely test stamina. Once either stamina or soul energy falters, the consumption of the other will multiply. If he pushes himself recklessly, exhaustion is inevitable…”

Watching Chen Ming’s pace and the surge of soul energy around him, Qin Ming calculated silently.

“It seems Xiao Ming still lacks experience, but that’s no real issue.”

Though Qin Ming thought this, he refrained from correcting Chen Ming. He was yet unsure of the younger man’s exact condition, only forming a preliminary judgment. He intended to observe Chen Ming more closely throughout the climb.

Soon, fifteen minutes passed. Chen Ming’s complexion remained normal, and his speed showed no sign of slowing. Qin Ming nodded approvingly.

“Good endurance, solid physique. Though inexperienced, he’s clearly well trained.”

After another half-hour, Chen Ming’s breathing grew slightly rapid, yet his pace remained steady. Qin Ming was taken aback.

“The Emerald Scorpion isn’t known for endurance. For Xiao Ming to possess such stamina is astonishing. Could this be the amplification from the thousand-year soul ring, or is it an innate peculiarity allowing him to absorb a thousand-year soul ring at his second ring already?”

Another fifteen minutes later, Qin Ming and Chen Ming reached a vantage point where they could see the room of the three council members.

Chen Ming’s cheeks were flushed, faint beads of sweat dotted his forehead, yet fatigue was absent from his face. His speed remained unwavering. Even his previously hurried breathing had been regulated to a steady, rhythmic flow.

At this moment, Qin Ming had nothing more to say.

Was this training or talent? Qin Ming thought Chen Ming’s endurance was beastly—on par with a monster.

When Qin Ming was twenty-three, he was faster but could not sustain even one-third of Chen Ming’s stamina. Covering such a distance, even conserving energy, he would have needed at least one rest.

Chen Ming’s displayed endurance was comparable to Qin Ming’s own near level forty.

More importantly, Qin Ming noted the absurd rate at which Chen Ming’s soul energy was consumed.

A typical soul master who could use one unit of soul energy to achieve one unit of effect was considered excellent. Using one unit of soul energy as two units was genius. Many soul masters on the continent could only harness half a unit’s worth of effect from one unit of soul energy.

Chen Ming, however, seemed to wield one unit of soul energy as five or six, coupled with an innate rapid recovery rate, effectively minimizing consumption. His soul energy might even be more abundant than his physical stamina.

Though somewhat presumptuous, Qin Ming began to suspect that Chen Ming might be a shape-shifted ten-thousand-year spirit beast disguised among humans.

After all, such innate talent defied all logic.

Soon, the two arrived at their destination: an unassuming house.

The house was extremely modest, only two stories tall. Its stonework was ordinary, lacking any decorations or carvings, save for some flowers and plants nurtured in front.

In the Royal Tiandou Academy, where even the bricks were carved with spirit beast motifs, this house was plain—resembling a mere storage shed, perhaps even less conspicuous than one.

“Xiao Ming, this is where the three council members usually conduct their affairs. When you enter, be sure to make a good first impression. These three are soul lords of the Soul Douluo rank, pillars of the Tiandou Empire, renowned warriors across the continent.”

“Each council member commands the strength of an entire army. Together, they possess power rivaling titled Douluos. You must be mindful of your words and demeanor.”

Qin Ming’s emotional intelligence was lacking; his tone was more nagging than instructive. Any ill-tempered listener might have found him tiresome. Yet Chen Ming understood the good intentions behind the words.

Though their acquaintance was brief, Qin Ming had left a favorable impression as a gentle, responsible teacher.

“Thank you, Teacher Qin. I will be careful.” Chen Ming wiped the sweat from his brow, composed himself, and nodded with a smile.

Pleased, Qin Ming nodded back, stepped forward, and knocked on the door.

“Council members, I’m Qin Ming. While reviewing this year’s new students, I found a promising talent and brought him here directly. Please take a look at this student.”

“Qin Ming, come in,” came a deep voice from inside. As soul energy rippled through the air, the door was opened by someone within, seemingly lifted by invisible force.

Before entering, Chen Ming caught a familiar delicate fragrance in the air—the scent of lamp oil made from the fat of deep-sea whale spirit beasts, something he had often smelled in the basement before.

Qin Ming led Chen Ming inside. The room’s details unfolded before them: a spacious chamber lined with cabinets displaying various materials harvested from spirit beasts. On the walls hung numerous calligraphic paintings, their origins unknown.

At the center stood a large round table. Three elderly men sat around it, surrounded by an array of dishes and jars of wine at their feet. Two were flushed from drinking, and one reeked of strong liquor, yet all three had bright, clear eyes, showing no sign of intoxication.