While Yang Podi was cultivating in his dormitory, the three education committee members of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy visited the Crown Prince's mansion.
Upon their arrival, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe felt a bit surprised, "Honored education committee members, what brings you to my mansion today?"
Meng Shenji, the lead of the committee, was the first to speak. "Your Highness, today our Heaven Dou Imperial Academy has enrolled a genius student, and we came to share the good news with you."
Xue Qinghe immediately became interested. For all three committee members to visit together, this student must indeed be exceptional. "Meng Shenji, who is this person? How extraordinary are they?"
"Your Highness, today Yang Podi of the Breaking Clan enrolled in our academy. He is only twelve years old and has already reached level 35 in soul power. His talent is remarkable."
"Level 35 at just twelve? That's unbelievable! I don't think there's ever been such a talent in the history of our Heaven Dou Empire. The Breaking Clan is known for their expertise in alchemy. Could it be that his soul power was enhanced through the use of medicinal substances?"
"Your Highness, I closely observed Yang Podi, and his soul power is very solid. It does not seem to be the result of medicinal enhancement."
Xue Qinghe recalled his last encounter with the Breaking Clan and, after a moment of thought, responded, "A genius like that being born into the Breaking Clan is a bit unfortunate. With his current soul power, in two years, he should be able to participate in the Soul Master Tournament. In any case, he is a talent of our Heaven Dou Empire and must be cultivated and given attention."
The three committee members exchanged glances, feeling somewhat awkward.
Noticing their expressions, Xue Qinghe continued, "What is it? Is there some kind of problem?"
"Your Highness, Yang Podi has expressed that due to his lack of combat experience, he is unwilling to participate in this upcoming Soul Master Tournament. Instead, he intends to join the next tournament and has requested a spot in the academy's second team. He also insisted that the selection of the second team members be entirely under his control, without the need for an assigned teacher. Given the gravity of this matter, we came to seek your approval."
Xue Qinghe was a bit surprised. "He doesn't want to participate in this tournament? And he wants to form his own team for the next one? This Yang Podi is quite interesting."
"Very well, agree to his requests. As long as he is willing to serve the Heaven Dou Empire, that's all that matters. On second thought, don't say anything just yet. After the academy's opening ceremony tomorrow, I will meet him in person."
The three committee members quickly bowed to Xue Qinghe. "Your Highness is wise."
They had originally thought the prince would simply approve the request, but to their surprise, he planned to meet the boy personally. This showed just how much Xue Qinghe valued talent—a fortunate thing for the Heaven Dou Empire.
After the committee members left, Xue Qinghe spoke to the shadows, "Snake Spear, investigate this Yang Podi. A genius like that emerging from the Breaking Clan... I wonder if there's more to it."
A voice responded from the darkness, "Yes, Young Master," and then silence fell, indicating that the investigation had begun.
An hour later, the Snake Spear Douluo returned to the Crown Prince's mansion with a dossier in hand, which contained detailed information about Yang Podi.
After skimming through the documents, Xue Qinghe asked, "Snake Spear, what do you think of this Yang Podi?"
Snake Spear Douluo paused before replying, "Young Master, I visited the academy and observed Yang Podi while he was meditating. His breathing was steady, and his soul power was strong and pure, not something that could be achieved through medicinal enhancement. Moreover, according to internal sources from the Breaking Clan, he was born with an innate soul power of level eight and has been a dedicated cultivator, a rare talent indeed."
"Young Master, given the enmity between the Breaking Clan and our Spirit Hall, should we take action and eliminate him early?"
Xue Qinghe considered the suggestion for a moment before replying, "There's no need to act just yet. I'll decide after I meet him tomorrow. You may go."
After Snake Spear Douluo departed, Xue Qinghe let out a cold snort, "A genius, huh? I wonder just how talented you really are, Yang Podi."
The next morning, Yang Podi and Yang Ping'an headed to the academy's training grounds for their morning exercises. They were once again impressed by the academy's facilities. There were numerous training grounds, each designed to ensure privacy during training sessions.
Breakfast was served in the academy's cafeteria, which offered a wide variety of dishes, both nutritious and delicious. In fact, the cafeteria resembled a high-end hotel more than a typical dining hall, reflecting the luxuriousness of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
The morning's main event was the opening ceremony, which was attended by all of the academy's students.
The Heaven Dou Imperial Academy had about 500 students in total, all of whom were soul masters. Most of the students were above level 20, though the majority were soul grandmasters, with fewer soul elders, and it was unclear if there were any soul ancestors among them.
On the stage for the opening ceremony, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe made a personal appearance. Accompanying him were various nobles and imperial officials.
Standing beside Xue Qinghe was a refined-looking middle-aged man, holding the hand of a small girl who appeared to be about six or seven years old. Next to the middle-aged man was an elderly figure with white hair but a face as smooth as a baby's, exuding an aura of sharpness.
Yang Podi mused silently, "That middle-aged man must be Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and the little girl should be Ning Rongrong from the original story, one of the Shrek Seven Devils. The old man beside them must be the Sword Douluo, Chen Xin."
Yang Podi took a closer look at Ning Rongrong. She was about seven years old, with a face like carved jade, and her bright blue eyes made her appear quite cute. She wore a princess dress, embodying the image of a little princess and a future beauty.
As for Sword Douluo Chen Xin, despite his calm demeanor, his gaze radiated sharp sword intent. He seemed like a sword ready to be drawn at any moment. As expected, the title of the number one sword master on the continent was well deserved.
The opening ceremony was mostly filled with the usual speeches. Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi both gave motivational talks, but nothing particularly noteworthy was said.
After the ceremony ended, Yang Podi was approached by Teacher Li, who informed him that Crown Prince Xue Qinghe had summoned him to the education committee building.
Yang Podi couldn't help but think to himself, "What is Xue Qinghe—no, Qian Renxue—up to? Why would she want to meet with me privately? And I'm sure Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo will be present as well. In the original story, when Bone Douluo first met Tang San, he suggested eliminating him early. It's clear that even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, with its supposedly good reputation, doesn't hesitate to take out potential threats in secret. How am I supposed to deal with this group?"
Yang Podi sighed inwardly, hoping that the reputation of the Breaking Clan, or perhaps the alliance with the other single-attribute clans, would be enough to protect him.