Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 59: Heaven Dou Imperial Academy

Seeing that Yang Potian had fully integrated the external soul bone into his body, Yang Zhentian and the two grandfathers finally breathed a sigh of relief. Potian himself felt a surge of ease as he checked this task off his list, leaving him ready to focus on attending Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.

Three days later, it was finally time for the academy to start. Before he left, Potian's mother busied herself preparing all kinds of supplies—everyday items, training herbs, materials for medicinal baths, and even an array of clothes, many of which she had sewn herself. She packed so much that it nearly filled half of his soul tool, even including a generous 100,000 gold coins in case he needed it. Yang Ping'an, his younger brother, received a similarly overflowing soul tool.

Potian hadn't wanted to be escorted, but his parents insisted on accompanying him. His little sister, Yang Tianyue, was even more eager, excited to visit her brother's future school. His grandfathers also prepared a collection of resources, mostly herbal ingredients and medicine manuals, as well as various healing pills.

With everything in place, the family of five set off in a carriage toward Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, with Tianyue thrilled as though she herself were the one attending.

The academy lay just 20 kilometers outside Heaven Dou City, occupying a vast area with its main campus built on a mountain. It was conveniently located near the Breaking Clan's base, a mere 40 kilometers away, although in a slightly different direction.

After about an hour's ride, they arrived. Before them stood a towering mountain even higher than Qingyuan Mountain near the Breaking Clan's home. A grand, wide road stretched up the slope, flanked by lush greenery. The atmosphere was serene and scenic.

At the foot of the mountain, guards stopped their carriage. "Halt! State your business at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy," one guard demanded.

Yang Zhentian presented the academy's admissions letter. Seeing this, the guards immediately granted passage. They were likely soul masters as well, able to recognize the kind of families that would enroll their children here—typically noble or highly influential. None of these students were people to be trifled with.

Disembarking, the family began their journey up the mountain. The white marble steps featured intricate carvings of various soul beasts, and in the soft light of the setting sun, shadows cast delicate, rosy patterns on the stones, adding to the tranquility.

After a ten-minute walk, they finally reached the academy's main gates halfway up the mountain. Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's campus resembled a fortress, enclosed by five-meter-high golden walls topped with glazed tiles that sparkled in the sun, giving a sense of opulence. The academy's architecture and atmosphere showcased the vast resources that the Heaven Dou Empire had invested here.

Once inside, academy staff promptly arrived to guide them to registration. Potian spotted Talon, Niu Meng, and Bai Xiaofei there, accompanied by their families as well.

Registration was meticulous. Each student had to undergo soul power testing, bone age verification, and other assessments. These results would determine their class placement and dormitory assignments.

The academy's students were divided into three levels. New students or those below level 25 entered the Tianwei level; those between level 25 and 30 joined the Tianzhi level; and those above level 30 advanced to the highest, Tiandou level. Each level also had teachers of corresponding ranks: Tianwei-level teachers were those between levels 40 and 50; Tianzhi teachers ranged from levels 50 to 60; and Tiandou-level teachers were level 60 and above, with some reaching even higher ranks.

Potian and Ping'an queued up for their enrollment testing while their family waited nearby. Talon, Bai Xiaofei, and Niu Meng had already finished their assessments and were assigned to Tianwei classes, though it was unclear if they'd all be in the same class.

Potian observed the students ahead of him in line. Most appeared to be Tianwei-level, with an occasional Tianzhi-level student who was promptly led away by excited teachers—no doubt for priority training. The students generally wore luxurious attire, clearly from well-off families, which reinforced the academy's reputation as a noble-only institution.

Finally, it was their turn. Ping'an went first.

The test instructor took Ping'an's admissions letter, confirming his identity before a teacher stepped forward to conduct the bone age test. After examining Ping'an's wrist, the teacher announced, "Yang Ping'an, age 12, bone age confirmed."

Next, the teacher said, "Yang Ping'an, please summon your martial soul."

Ping'an quickly summoned his Breaking Spear, which stood tall beside him. After a moment's observation, the teacher produced a crystal sphere. "Yang Ping'an, Breaking Spear martial soul, confirmed. Please place your hand on the crystal for your soul power test."

Ping'an complied, focusing his soul power into the crystal. A soft glow spread across the sphere, and the teacher's face lit up. "Yang Ping'an, soul power level 27. Congratulations! Yang Ping'an, you will enter the Tianzhi level."

Since the clan gathering, Ping'an had indeed managed to reach level 27. The academy valued students with such potential. Reaching level 27 by age 12 was uncommon, marking him as a strong candidate for the next Soul Master Tournament.

It was no wonder the instructor seemed thrilled.

(End of Chapter)

Happy New Year friends, thank you for your support this year, I hope to continue counting on your support this new year.