Bang!
With a single punch from Xu Yang, the iron training post before him shattered into sixteen pieces, which shot forward in all directions. Upon closer inspection, each fragment bore a fist imprint—every single one identical in size.
Achieving this didn't rely solely on the effect of his Split secret technique; it also required extremely precise control of soul power.
Withdrawing his fist, Xu Yang showed a satisfied smile, then summoned a wooden training blade and swung it forward. In an instant, dozens of blade auras shot out, carving deep trenches across the training field.
"Now that I've fully mastered the Split technique, I should inform my teacher."
After a simple tidy-up, Xu Yang went to find Ning Fengzhi, ready to head to Heaven Dou Royal Academy. If he remembered correctly, the semester was starting the day after tomorrow—it was time to begin his formal academy training.
Inside the main hall of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi was reviewing documents while occasionally glancing toward Ning Rongrong, who was playing gleefully with Sword and Bone Douluo. A soft smile hung on his lips.
With his high-level multitasking ability, managing both paperwork and watching over his daughter was second nature.
"Brother, hug!"
Just as Xu Yang stepped into the hall, Ning Rongrong ran up to him with outstretched arms, speaking in a soft, childish voice asking to be held.
"Rongrong!"
Xu Yang knelt, gently pinched her chubby cheek, and lifted her into his arms as he strode into the hall.
Seeing this, Sword and Bone Douluo both had dark lines on their faces. Despite spending far more time with Rongrong, she still preferred Xu Yang's company—always calling him "brother" and rarely ever calling them "grandpa." It left them both puzzled and a bit jealous. They'd already "taken it out" on Xu Yang several times, but it never felt quite satisfying.
Xu Yang, holding Ning Rongrong, walked straight to Ning Fengzhi, ignoring the glares of the two old Douluo.
"Teacher, I'm ready to depart for Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
"Mm. Have you packed everything?"
Ning Fengzhi set down his pen, smiling warmly. He was very pleased with Xu Yang—not just for his exceptional talent, but also for his diligence and independence. He believed that in a few years, Xu Yang could become a Title Douluo, perhaps even a Limit Douluo, ensuring the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's continued strength for centuries.
That's why he allowed Xu Yang complete freedom in his cultivation path, offering unrestricted access to the sect's resources—very different from how other disciples were closely managed by elders and given limited supplies.
"I packed everything long ago. Gold soul coins, bedding, and all the essentials are ready."
Xu Yang sat beside Ning Fengzhi, playing with the restless Ning Rongrong in his arms as he answered.
"Very good. Once you get to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, remember what I taught you—don't stir up trouble, get along with your classmates. But also, don't be afraid of trouble. If someone tries to suppress you with status or strength, fight back. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will always be your strongest support."
"I'll have Hai Yan accompany you. He's based at the Seven Treasure Hotel in Heaven Dou City—if anything happens, go to him directly..."
Like a concerned father, Ning Fengzhi gave a long list of reminders. Xu Yang listened carefully, knowing it all came from genuine care.
"Then I'll be heading out now," Xu Yang nodded, placing Ning Rongrong into Sword Douluo's arms. "Sword Grandpa, Bone Grandpa, I'm off now!"
After bidding farewell to the three elders, Xu Yang also went to see Madam Ning. After another round of warm but long-winded farewells, he finally set off for Heaven Dou City.
Clatter-clatter...
The carriage rolled forward. As time passed, Heaven Dou City drew closer.
Half a day later, at the Seven Treasure Hotel in Heaven Dou City, Xu Yang checked in.
Since Heaven Dou Royal Academy didn't begin until the day after tomorrow, Xu Yang decided to spend the next two days exploring the city. Though he'd visited Heaven Dou City several times before, it had always been for banquets or auctions—he'd never had the chance to really enjoy it.
Now, he could finally relax. With Ning Hai Yan accompanying him, he indulged himself—sampling street food, trying various entertainment activities, and enjoying a rare two-day break.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy main gate.
Xu Yang stood idly in the registration line, glancing around at the other students, hoping to spot some familiar characters from the original storyline.
Unfortunately, none of the faces rang a bell. Then again, even if they were canon characters, he wouldn't necessarily recognize them.
The line moved quickly. Before long, it was his turn.
"Xu Yang, eight years old, martial soul: Sun..."
He calmly stated his name, age, and martial soul to the teacher. His information had already been registered in the academy's database, so the staff member only needed to look it up.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy, being a noble institution, used a different enrollment process than ordinary schools. They pre-screened noble families and sent out invitations. Accepted students simply had to show up on registration day.
"Xu Yang, eight years old, martial soul: Sun, soul power: Rank 23... Class: Tianwei Level 1... Dormitory: Tianwei 103."
The teacher quickly found Xu Yang's profile. His pupils shrank slightly. An eight-year-old Grand Soul Master? He could hardly believe it. His voice trembled slightly as he handed over Xu Yang's student badge, uniform, and student handbook.
"Thanks."
Xu Yang stowed the items in his soul tool and walked toward the Tianwei Level dorms, flipping open the student handbook as he went.
At Heaven Dou Royal Academy, both students and teachers were categorized into levels. Students with soul power below Rank 25 were Tianwei Level, between Rank 25 and 30 were Tianzhi Level, and above Rank 30 were Tiandou Level. Advancing through these levels required hard work and persistence.
To aid student growth, the academy provided abundant cultivation resources and tailored curriculum. Students progressed through courses in combat drills, soul skill training, martial soul theory, and more.
Regular soul master assessments were held to test students' progress. Based on the results, students' levels—and their coursework—would be adjusted accordingly.
In this way, a student's level at Heaven Dou Royal Academy determined their learning path and resource access.