The Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is located 20 miles outside Heaven Dou City, nestled within a mountain range. The entire mountain, from its base to its peak, falls within the academy's grounds, which include numerous training grounds and various facilities.
The main campus is situated near the mountainside, housing the library, cafeteria, classrooms, and other essential structures. The residences for students and instructors are in separate areas.
The place where Chen Ming and Qin Ming had their earlier conversation was at the base of the mountain, while the three board members were located near the mountain peak. Even for soul masters, the distance between these locations was considerable.
The path to the mountain peak consisted of steps carved from stone by craftsmen. Each step was adorned with soul beast carvings, and the cost of each stone was equivalent to several months of an average household's income. Anyone seeing it for the first time would be in awe, and even Chen Ming couldn't help but silently complain about the exorbitant expense.
With their martial souls activated, their physical attributes were greatly enhanced. Boosted by soul power, the two of them moved like shadows flickering up the staircase.
Qin Ming, a speed-type Soul King, barely felt any exertion from the climb. If he hadn't been mindful of Chen Ming's pace, he might have raced far ahead.
As they ascended, Qin Ming kept a subtle eye on Chen Ming's condition.
"A Level 23 Grand Soul Master—his soul power isn't exactly deep. Maintaining this speed will not only consume a lot of soul power but will also heavily test his stamina. If either starts to falter, the strain on the other will increase exponentially. A continuous push at this rate could easily lead to exhaustion," Qin Ming analyzed silently as he observed the fluctuations in Chen Ming's soul power.
"It seems Xiao Ming lacks experience, but that's not an issue," he thought. Qin Ming refrained from giving any instructions, as he still wanted to observe Chen Ming's performance during the climb.
Fifteen minutes passed, and Chen Ming's complexion remained normal, his speed unwavering. Seeing this, Qin Ming nodded to himself.
"Good stamina and excellent physical conditioning. Even if he lacks experience, his body has been well-trained."
After 30 minutes, Chen Ming's breathing grew slightly heavier, but his pace remained steady. This surprised Qin Ming.
"Emerald Scorpion isn't known for endurance. How does Xiao Ming have such stamina? Could this be due to the thousand-year soul ring's boost, or does he have some innate trait that allowed him to absorb a thousand-year soul ring at his second ring?"
Fifteen more minutes passed, and they reached a spot where they could see the building housing the three board members.
At this point, Chen Ming's cheeks were slightly flushed, and a faint sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead. However, his expression showed no sign of fatigue, and his pace remained steady. Even his previously heavy breathing had been adjusted, becoming rhythmic and controlled.
Qin Ming was left speechless.
"Training or innate talent?" Qin Ming mused. "This kid's stamina is beyond extraordinary—on the level of a monster."
At Level 23, Qin Ming's speed had been faster than Chen Ming's, but his endurance was only about a third of Chen Ming's. Even conserving energy, Qin Ming himself would have needed at least one break to cover such a distance.
Chen Ming's stamina, as demonstrated, was already comparable to Qin Ming's when he had been close to Level 40.
Moreover, the most astonishing discovery Qin Ming made during the climb was Chen Ming's utterly abnormal soul power consumption rate.
For most soul masters, using one unit of soul power to achieve one unit of effect is considered excellent. A soul master who can get the effect of two units from one unit of soul power is a rare genius. Meanwhile, many soul masters on the continent struggle to use even half a unit of power effectively.
But Chen Ming? He might as well have been using one unit of soul power to achieve five or six units of effect. Coupled with his impressive soul power recovery rate, his consumption was minimized to the extreme—so much so that his soul power seemed to outlast his physical stamina.
Though it felt bold, Qin Ming couldn't help but suspect in his heart that Chen Ming might be a 100,000-year-old soul beast that had taken human form to blend into the human world.
After all, such talent defied all common sense for a human soul master.
Before long, the two arrived at their destination—a house that appeared unremarkable at first glance.
The house truly lacked any grandeur. It had just two stories and was built from ordinary stone. There were no decorations or carvings on it, only a small garden with some flowers and plants in front.
In the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, where even the bricks featured carvings of soul beasts, this house was plain to the point of looking like a storage warehouse. Compared to the extravagance surrounding it, this house might have been even less conspicuous than a typical warehouse.
"Xiao Ming, this is where the three board members often conduct their work," Qin Ming said. "When you go in, make sure to leave a good first impression. The three board members are powerful Soul Douluo-level masters and pillars of the Heaven Dou Empire, famous across the continent."
"They are each as strong as an army, and it's said that together, their power rivals that of a Titled Douluo. Be mindful of your words and demeanor."
Qin Ming's tone, more nagging than instructive, resembled that of a parent rather than a teacher. A less patient individual might have found it annoying, but Chen Ming recognized the genuine concern in his words.
Although their interaction had been brief, Chen Ming's first impression of Qin Ming was positive—he seemed like a kind-hearted and responsible teacher.
"Thank you, Teacher Qin. I'll keep it in mind," Chen Ming replied, wiping the sweat from his forehead and steadying himself. He smiled and nodded.
Pleased with Chen Ming's response, Qin Ming stepped forward and knocked on the door.
"Board members, this is Qin Ming. During my assessment of this year's new students, I found a promising talent, so I brought him over right away. I'd like the three of you to evaluate this student."
"Come in, Qin Ming," a deep voice resonated from inside. Accompanied by a ripple of soul power, the door swung open by itself.
Before stepping inside, Chen Ming caught a familiar fragrance in the air—a scent he often smelled in his basement. It was the distinct aroma of lamp oil made from the fat of deep-sea whale soul beasts.
Qin Ming led Chen Ming into the room, revealing its contents. The spacious interior was lined with cabinets, each holding various materials obtained from soul beasts. The walls displayed unfamiliar paintings and calligraphy.
In the center of the room was a large round table, where three elderly men sat. The table was laden with dishes, and several jars of wine were placed at their feet. Two of the elders had flushed faces from drinking, while one reeked of alcohol. Yet, their eyes remained sharp and clear, showing no signs of intoxication.