"What's going on? Why are all the elemental academies trying to recruit Qin Jian?"
"Sure, his potential is boundless, but aren't these elemental academies supposed to admit only those with specific elemental Martial Souls? Have they abandoned their principles now?"
"Well, not everyone's abandoned principles. Look at Skywater Academy—they've stayed put, haven't they?"
"Skywater Academy wouldn't make a move. After all, they only admit beautiful female students…"
"…"
The entire venue was abuzz with discussion.
"Teacher, what should we at Skywater Academy do?" Shui Bing'er looked up, her curiosity piqued.
To her surprise, her teacher waved her off and said, "Bing'er, hold your tongue for a moment. Teacher is organizing her thoughts…"
Shui Bing'er's eyes widened. "Teacher, are you planning to extend an invitation too? But we're Skywater Academy!"
The atmosphere abruptly grew quieter—no one had expected Skywater Academy to step forward as well.
"Hey, hey! Skywater Academy, what are you doing here? This doesn't make sense—Qin Jian isn't a female student!" the instructor from Elephant Armor Academy exclaimed.
The teacher from Skywater Academy chuckled softly, covering her mouth. "True, Qin Jian isn't female, but his looks more than qualify…"
"This… this counts?"
Everyone was dumbfounded.
The teacher from Skywater Academy smiled warmly, her demeanor as gentle as a spring breeze.
"Qin Jian, I know you are the direct disciple of Sword Douluo from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. I understand you might have concerns about joining an academy, but Skywater Academy imposes no conditions on you—only that you be willing to join us…"
With her first sentence, she earned Ning Fengzhi's approving nod, leaving the other academy instructors in awe of her insight.
She then turned to Ning Rongrong. "Not only do we invite you, Qin Jian, but we also extend our invitation to the daughter of your sect master. We will provide the most abundant cultivation resources and ensure optimal Soul Ring allocations."
This second statement widened the eyes of the other instructors even further.
They hadn't thought about Qin Jian's true concerns, focusing only on offering him benefits. But the truth was, everything Qin Jian had just done wasn't for himself—it was for Ning Rongrong, who stood by his side!
"In addition, in the upcoming Continental Advanced Academy Elite Soul Master Tournament, our academy will make you the captain of Skywater's team. You will have a say in selecting the six other team members…"
This move made it clear she was prepared to let go of Shui Bing'er's role, aiming to recruit Qin Jian as their new leader.
She leaned in closer to Qin Jian, her voice low and teasing: "Oh, and by the way, the other team members would all be beautiful girls."
Qin Jian: "…"
"This is outright cheating!"
The other instructors shook their heads in resignation.
They could compete with Skywater Academy on many fronts, but when it came to having an academy full of beautiful female students, no other institution could compare.
"Well, Qin Jian, what do you say? Would you like to join Skywater Academy?"
After a moment of thought, she added, "Not only will we make no demands of you during your time with us, but even after you graduate, the academy won't impose any conditions on you."
This was essentially offering him complete freedom.
Finally, Qin Jian raised his head—not to respond to Skywater's teacher, but to ask Meng Shenji, "Sir Dean, did we secure the Special Region qualification?"
No one had expected that to be his priority at this moment.
Meng Shenji stepped forward, nodding. "You've earned the Special Region qualification. Tomorrow, you'll enter the Soul Hunting Grounds to hunt for Soul Beasts…"
He hesitated, then added, "Also, on behalf of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, I'd like to invite you to join us. You'd undoubtedly have a place on our future Imperial Battle Team…"
Before he could finish, Qin Jian's vision darkened, and he collapsed to the ground.
"Ah! Brother Jian—!"
Ning Rongrong scrambled to support him, barely managing to steady his body before Ning Fengzhi arrived.
Sword Douluo picked up Qin Jian's unconscious form, then turned to Meng Shenji. "Dean Meng, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is the first to be disqualified. I've made the decision for Qin Jian."
Meng Shenji froze, quickly asking, "But why?"
"Because you altered the test parameters without authorization. Originally, the assessment only had nine levels, but you used your Martial Soul power to create five additional levels…"
Sword Douluo's gaze was icy. "Furthermore, I, Dustheart, formally challenge you to a duel!"
The entire venue fell silent at his words.
Meng Shenji paled visibly, his soul almost escaping his body. He waved his hands frantically. "Sword Douluo, I meant no disrespect, nor was I deliberately making things difficult for Qin Jian. I merely wanted to test his limits."
"My disciple only came here to help Rongrong obtain a Soul Ring. He had no interest in testing his limits."
Sword Douluo's frustration was palpable.
Qin Jian absolutely could not afford to deplete his Soul Power. Had there been another Titled Douluo present, Qin Jian's identity as a Soul Beast might have been exposed!
Though Sword Douluo could conceal his aura, such a situation still carried significant risk.
Thus, his anger toward Meng Shenji was understandable.
"If you don't dare face me alone, then the three of you together—it makes no difference!"
At that moment, Sword Douluo's overwhelming presence silenced everyone.
"After tomorrow's Soul Hunting, we'll have a match. Let's see who reaches their limits!"
Sword Douluo took off with Qin Jian in his arms, his Seven Kill Sword Martial Soul appearing beneath his feet, propelling them skyward with a thunderous departure.
Ning Fengzhi sighed softly, shaking his head. "Uncle Jian's temper…"
He then stepped forward, addressing the teachers from the five elemental academies. "Dear instructors, regarding Qin Jian's future academic path, the decision will ultimately rest with him. If he truly wishes to join your academies, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will not stand in his way. Rest assured."
After a brief conversation with the instructors and a few consoling words to the deans, Ning Fengzhi finally left with Ning Rongrong, fulfilling his role as a sect master impeccably.
"Rongrong, if Qin Jian does decide to attend an academy, will you go with him?"
Holding Ning Rongrong's hand, he walked alongside her.
"Wherever he goes, I'll go," Ning Rongrong replied without hesitation.
Ning Fengzhi glanced at her before asking slyly, "And what if he chooses Skywater Academy?"
Ning Rongrong blinked and replied, "Then I'd follow him even more closely—can't give others the chance!"
Ning Fengzhi chuckled, patting her head. "Rongrong, have you truly set your heart on Qin Jian?"
Caught off guard by her father's question, Ning Rongrong blushed. "Father, why are you suddenly asking this?"
She fidgeted, her gaze dropping to the ground.
Ning Fengzhi smiled gently. "Because your happiness is all that matters to me. If you're certain about him, I'll ask Uncle Jian to arrange an engagement for you both."
"Engagement?"
Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up, though she hesitated. "Father, isn't it a bit too early to talk about engagement?"
Ning Fengzhi chuckled softly, patting her head again. "Think it over, Rongrong. Whenever you're ready, it will happen…"
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