The map was simple. The Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy was divided into three major areas: the teaching area, the dormitory area, and the experimental area.
The experimental area alone took up more than two-thirds of the academy's total space, with several sections marked off. At the center of the experimental area was a region outlined in red, labeled Illustrious Virtue Hall.
This was the most important place in the entire academy. Only the true elites of the academy could enter Illustrious Virtue Hall. The soul tools produced there were highly coveted by the outside world. As the saying goes, "If it's made in Illustrious Virtue Hall, it must be top-quality," which attested to its reputation.
The maps for the teaching and dormitory areas were more detailed. The teaching area had twelve buildings, two for each of the six grade levels. The academy had a large student body, especially in the first grade, which had the most students—32 classes in total. However, as students advanced, their numbers dwindled. By the sixth grade, there were only a few dozen students.
The academy's grading system differed from that of other schools. Here, grade levels were determined by a student's level as a soul engineer, not by age. A beginner who wasn't yet a Level 1 soul engineer would be placed in the first grade. Once they became a Level 1 soul engineer, they could advance to the second grade, and so on, until reaching Level 5 and advancing to the sixth grade. Outstanding students in the sixth grade could take the Illustrious Virtue Hall entrance exam, and those who passed would become members of Illustrious Virtue Hall. This was the academy's promotion system.
The dormitory area, located behind the teaching area, was quite large. The first-grade dormitories were the most numerous, with four buildings in total. Su Yu's dormitory was in the first-grade area, Building 1, Room 212.
"Student, in two days, the academy will post the class assignments for new students on the bulletin board. Please keep an eye on it," the teacher in charge of registration reminded him.
"I understand. Thank you, teacher," Su Yu replied before heading to the dormitory buildings, following the map's directions.
The path was lined with towering trees, each tens of meters high, casting ample shade. The walk was pleasant and refreshing. Su Yu walked quickly and soon found the dormitory area as indicated on the map.
"Room 212," Su Yu muttered as he found his dormitory. He took out the key and opened the door.
The dormitory was about 20 square meters, with a bed and a wardrobe on each side. It also had a private bathroom, allowing for showers and other necessities—quite convenient compared to Shrek Academy, where an entire floor had to share one bathroom.
Su Yu lightly brushed his hand across the bed, finding it covered in dust. He frowned slightly. Though not obsessed with cleanliness, he liked things to be tidy. Grabbing a broom and a cloth, he began cleaning the room.
...
Meanwhile, Director Lin Jiayi, who had received Su Yu's registration form, was in shock. Without saying a word, he rushed toward Illustrious Virtue Hall.
Illustrious Virtue Hall was a spacious hall with a metallic interior, primarily in light gold tones. It wasn't overly luxurious, but it exuded a sense of quality. A plaque hung above the entrance with large, dark-gold characters that read "Illustrious Virtue Hall."
In the center of the hall sat a man who appeared to be in his forties. He wasn't tall but broad, best described as short and stout. His stocky build didn't suit long hair, yet a mane of brownish-red hair cascaded down his back, making his short, thick neck almost invisible. He seemed somewhat unremarkable, like a short, chubby man.
However, appearances can be deceiving. This short, stout man was none other than Jing Hongchen, the head of Illustrious Virtue Hall and patriarch of the Hongchen Family—one of the most influential figures in the Sun Moon Empire. He was a veteran Level 9 soul engineer. Despite having a soul power rank of only 93, his soul tools made him a match for the likes of Xuanzi. As long as the distance wasn't too close, even Xuanzi would struggle to defeat him easily.
Jing Hongchen was sipping tea when Lin Jiayi hurriedly burst in.
"Hall Master!"
"Jiayi, what's the rush?"
Jing Hongchen asked with a smile as he set down his teacup.
"Hall Master, take a look at this. We've recruited a monster student this time, and his identity is quite special. I'm not sure what to do."
Lin Jiayi handed the registration form to Jing Hongchen.
"Oh?"
Jing Hongchen raised an eyebrow.
"A student that even you aren't sure about?"
His curiosity piqued, he glanced at the form. When he saw the words "Ice God Palace," his eyes narrowed. The Ice God Palace was a superpower on par with the Body Sect, but far more mysterious.
"I didn't expect someone from the Ice God Palace. I'd better take a good look," Jing Hongchen said, chuckling as he continued reading. When he saw Su Yu's astonishing data, he nearly spat out his tea.
"Is this kid 11 years old?"
Even Jing Hongchen was shocked.
"Where did this monster come from?"
"Yes, Hall Master. He's indeed 11 years old, with a soul power rank of 37. His talent is extraordinary," Lin Jiayi confirmed.
"But what's most remarkable is his physical condition, which has already reached the level of a Soul Sage. The soul testing machine only measures up to Rank 70, so we still don't know the full extent of his abilities. His soul bone data is scrambled, and I suspect he has an external soul bone."
As Lin Jiayi spoke, he watched Jing Hongchen's reaction. Even as the academy's director, he had never encountered such a situation.
"This kid is a rare little monster. Have you learned what his martial soul is?"
Jing Hongchen asked after regaining his composure.
"Not yet. He hasn't revealed his martial soul," Lin Jiayi replied.
"Since he's from the Ice God Palace, there's no way his martial soul is ordinary. With such talent, I doubt his status within the palace is insignificant," Jing Hongchen mused.
"So, Hall Master, should we accept this student?"
Lin Jiayi asked.
Jing Hongchen picked up his teacup again and replied calmly, "Of course, we'll accept him. Why wouldn't we? If he dares to come, I dare to take him."
"The Ice God Palace, this mysterious ancient force, is finally stepping into the spotlight. In the past, they never interfered with the continent's affairs, but now they're sending a disciple to study at our academy. This is an opportunity—an opportunity to form an alliance with the Ice God Palace."
"If we can win over the Ice God Palace, Shrek Academy will be nothing to worry about."
"Back then, if it weren't for Shrek Academy getting in the way, our Sun Moon Empire would have unified the continent long ago."
"Those people have always been the greatest enemy of our Sun Moon Empire."
When mentioning Shrek Academy, a cold glint flashed in Jing Hongchen's eyes. Over the years, the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy and Shrek Academy had clashed both openly and covertly many times. But they had never gained much of an advantage.
Although soul tools were powerful, Shrek Academy had too many strong soul masters. In terms of top-tier power, the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy was still slightly inferior.
"Didn't the Empire already ally with those people?"
Lin Jiayi asked in a low voice.
To counter Shrek Academy and support the expansion of the Sun Moon Empire, many preparations had been made in secret.
"That group of people are a bunch of heartless bastards," Jing Hongchen replied coldly.
"If it weren't for the Empire's grand cause, who would even want to deal with them?"
"Even so, they remain a hidden danger. Although they appear to be allied with the Empire, they cannot be fully trusted," Jing Hongchen continued, setting down his teacup.
No normal person would like that group of people. But unfortunately, that group was frighteningly powerful. Although the Empire worked with them, Jing Hongchen always remained cautious. Those bastards couldn't possibly have good intentions.
In comparison, he was more inclined toward the Ice God Palace. This ancient and mysterious force, which even the Body Sect avoided, was incredibly powerful. If they could win over the Ice God Palace, the Empire would be unstoppable.
"The Hall Master is right, but the Ice God Palace won't be easy to ally with either," Lin Jiayi remarked.
"After all, they are aligned with the three original nations of the continent."
"The Ice God Palace has never involved itself in the wars between the three original nations and the Empire, and they've never shown hostility toward the Empire. Saying they are loyal to the three nations is unlikely," Jing Hongchen replied thoughtfully.
"Of course, the Ice God Palace won't be easy to sway either, and we don't know their true intentions yet, so there's no rush. Since this kid from the Ice God Palace has come to our academy, we'll make sure he receives a proper education. We'll observe him secretly in the meantime," Jing Hongchen spoke slowly and methodically.
To achieve great things, one must have patience.
"Understood, Hall Master. I'll take my leave."
"Hmm."
Jing Hongchen nodded and picked up his teacup again.
...
"All done!"
Su Yu clapped his hands and looked around at the spotless dormitory, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
"Now it looks much more comfortable," he muttered, exhaling deeply. He took care of the remaining dirty water, broom, and cleaning supplies, then washed his hands and laid his bedding on the bare bed frame.
Su Yu's bedding was exquisite, made from the finest soul beast fur—white as snow, with not a single flaw. It felt soft and smooth to the touch, incredibly comfortable.
After setting up his bedding, Su Yu pulled over a chair and sat down. As if remembering something, he suddenly muttered, "Time to check in."
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the check-in and acquiring the skill: Persuasion.]
[Persuasion: When using this skill, any words spoken by the host will become more convincing, making it easier to influence others.]
"Persuasion skill? Is the system trying to get me into a pyramid scheme?" Su Yu blinked. This skill would be perfect for running a scam.
[Ding! Reminder: The host's novice protection period is about to end. Please be prepared.]
The system's voice rang out, and the smile on Su Yu's face froze.
"The protection period is ending already?"
"Looks like I'll have to start outsmarting a certain God King soon."
Su Yu let out a cold laugh, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
...
In the Divine Realm, in front of a magnificent palace, a man dressed in a blue robe with delicate, feminine features gazed down at the world below. This man was none other than the enforcer of the Divine Realm, the Sea God, and Asura God—Tang San, the God King.
At that moment, Tang San was performing his routine search for new stars in the lower realms.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Tang San let out a sound of surprise. What had once been a foggy and impenetrable new star seemed to have opened up. Tang San effortlessly broke through the barrier, and by following the flow of fate, quickly locked onto a target.
"Found it, finally found it!"
His gaze swept over the location of his target, and a flicker of shock appeared in his eyes.
"How could this be? Why is this new star of the Douluo Continent in the Sun Moon Empire? Why isn't it at Shrek Academy? Everything's in chaos, completely out of order!"
"I knew it! The world consciousness of Douluo Continent has been intentionally hiding this to mess things up. It sent the Child of the Destiny to the Sun Moon Empire. Is it trying to corrupt the Child of the Destiny? The world consciousness is truly malicious!"
Tang San looked furious, cursing the world consciousness of Douluo Continent. He had always believed that he couldn't find the Child of the Destiny because of the world consciousness's interference. Now, the world's consciousness could no longer hide it, and everything was finally exposed.
"The Child of the Destiny is of great importance. In the future, they will surely become a god, perhaps even a God King. For the sake of the security and prosperity of the Divine Realm, it looks like I must step in and set things right."
"I must guide the Child of the Destiny onto the correct path. Although this will require a lot of my energy, for the future of the Divine Realm, I can't shirk this responsibility."
Tang San spoke with a sense of righteousness, then suddenly focused his gaze on a specific location, and a Divine Sense descended.
...
This was a towering mountain, its slopes incredibly steep. From a distance, it appeared that almost three sides of the mountain were vertical cliffs as if carved by a blade. Surrounding the steep peak were endless rolling hills, but even the tallest barely reached halfway up the mountain.
A sea of clouds drifted slowly above the hills, while the towering peak pierced through them. At the very top, above the sea of clouds, stood a majestic fortress. The gray fortress exuded an ancient aura as if destined to stand supreme.
Amidst the drifting clouds and sheer cliffs, building such a grand fortress here was a feat that defied human understanding. This was no ordinary construction.
On the mountaintop, the wind howled and carried heavy moisture. Yet, no matter how hard the wind blew, the fortress stood tall and unmoved. Above the fortress's arched gate were three large characters: Clear Sky Castle.
Hidden deep within the clouds, Clear Sky Castle—this was the headquarters of what was once the number one sect in the world, the Clear Sky Sect.