SL—Chapter 162: Return to Heaven Dou, Dugu Bo Leads the Team Personally
For some unknown reason, it took Ling Qianyao and the other two more than ten days longer to return to Heaven Dou from Spirit City than it took to go there.
They traveled back and forth, with the time spent setting up camp each night gradually increasing, while the mornings they rose became progressively earlier.
Along with this, the speed of the carriage was deliberately slowed down by Qian Renxue, who charmingly claimed, "How can one rush past such exceptionally beautiful scenery along the way? One must savor it carefully."
Even though the scenery was just ordinary, Qian Renxue insisted that she had been undercover in Heaven Dou Empire for so long—what was wrong with enjoying herself properly? It was unclear what exactly she was enjoying.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
After Zhu Zhuqing and Ling Qianyao said goodbye to Qian Renxue in front of the Crown Prince's Mansion, they went to the academy's Education Committee to inform Meng Shenji about their general experience during the trip to Spirit City.
Meng Shenji nodded slightly, his eyes full of smiles. "A purple record medal? I didn't expect Pope Your Majesty to bestow such a great honor upon you."
"This purple record medal is of extraordinary significance in the Soul Master world. It not only represents the high recognition you've received from Spirit Hall but also serves as strong proof of your strength and talent.
You know, this is something that generally only internal members of Spirit Hall and the Golden Generation can obtain.
Good, really good."
He stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes full of approval. "The two of you defeated the three of them. It seems the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation is nothing special. With Qianyao and Zhu Zhuqing here, our Heaven Dou Royal Academy will shine brightly in this Soul Master Competition."
"Maybe we can even contend for first place. Haha."
Meng Shenji laughed heartily. The gloom that had accumulated in his heart due to Qin Ming's inexplicable resignation and departure for the new Shrek Academy had dissipated considerably at this moment.
Looking at Ling Qianyao and Zhu Zhuqing, he praised his wise decision to take the two of them in even more.
Just then, a voice that was slightly unrestrained yet carried a hint of majesty sounded from outside the Education Committee. "Little brat Qianyao, little girl Zhuqing, you just came back. Why did you come to this old fellow, Meng Shenji, first instead of coming to see this cheap teacher of yours?"
Before the words had completely fallen, a figure strode into the room.
The person who arrived was none other than Dugu Bo. He was wearing a dark green robe. After this period, his white hair from when his martial soul had just transformed had now turned grey and white, adding a touch of time's precipitation.
It felt like a combination of the unrestrained temperament of Yang Guo in the later stages of The Legend of the Condor Heroes and the aloofness of Huang Yaoshi.
Meng Shenji's mouth twitched. He was an 86th-level Soul Douluo and the chief of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's Education Committee. In Heaven Dou City, and even on the entire Douluo Continent, he was considered a highly respected and high-status figure.
But in front of Dugu Bo, he could only be called an "old fellow."
"Greetings, Teacher."
"Greetings, Senior."
"Mm-hmm, good, good. It hasn't been long since you went to Spirit City, and your Soul Power has risen another level. Now one is level 45 and the other is level 43.
Considering your age—tsk tsk tsk—when I was your age, I didn't have this kind of ability."
Dugu Bo nodded in satisfaction, his face full of gratification. His originally somewhat aloof expression had softened considerably at this moment.
Meng Shenji teased from the side, "Your Majesty Dugu, looking at your expression, it's as if Qianyao is your prospective grandson-in-law. You're smiling so much your eyes are almost narrowed into slits."
"I wish," Dugu Bo coughed. "But I don't know about that. It's a matter for the young people. I can't control it. If they're willing, I will naturally be happy to see it happen."
Zhu Zhuqing raised her eyebrows and gave Dugu Bo a kind smile.
'Sorry, Senior, things are a bit messy at home right now. Suddenly, there's a spider girl stealing food, and a Blue Silver Emperor showing signs of deep affection. Sister Yanzi will have to be put on hold for a bit.'
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing's eyes, Dugu Bo looked away without a trace. 'Tsk, it's a bit difficult. Maybe I should just drug them~'
Meng Shenji said, "Your Majesty Dugu, you came here on your initiative. It shouldn't just be to see Qianyao and the others, right? Is there something else?"
Hearing this, Dugu Bo grew serious and said, "There is indeed something."
He sat down on a nearby chair and took a big gulp of tea. "Meng Shenji, I ask you—how are you managing as the chief of this Education Committee? You can't even keep an eye on a teacher at the academy."
"This Qin Ming," he continued, "could be persuaded by Shrek in just a few words to leave the academy, and he even took away the students' martial soul information.
When he was accepted into the academy, wasn't there a background check and a personality test?
In my opinion, this Qin Ming is just an insatiable wolf."
"Uh..." Meng Shenji's face darkened. Who knew Qin Ming would do such a thing? "This is indeed my oversight.
At that time, when Qin Ming applied to the academy, he performed excellently in all aspects, so we didn't have too many doubts. After all, he was known as the second youngest Soul Emperor on the continent and had some fame in the Soul Master world."
Dugu Bo sneered. "What is the second youngest Soul Emperor? It's just that others don't claim the title. A soul ring configuration of two yellow, three purple, and one black has blocked off part of his future path. I don't know how this Shrek teaches."
"Alright, I won't waste words," Dugu Bo stood up, his hands behind his back. "Have the temporary team leader you arranged step down. This Royal Fight Team will be personally led by me until the end of this Soul Master Competition."
Meng Shenji was stunned when he heard this. "A Title Douluo as the leader?"
Dugu Bo glared. "What, can't I? I am a guest elder of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, and this academy is subordinate to the Imperial Family. Naturally, I have this qualification."
"No, no, no," Meng Shenji waved his hand. "I certainly didn't mean that. It's just that, for this kind of competition, there's no need for a Title Douluo to personally lead the team."
"Most Title Douluo are busy with affairs or immersed in cultivation and comprehension. They wouldn't expend energy on such a small matter."
"It feels strange."
"Heh, I have a quick temper. What do you mean, you old fellow?" Dugu Bo rolled up his sleeves. "Are you saying I'm very idle?"
"Pfft—" Zhu Zhuqing pursed her lips, holding back her laughter.
"That's settled," Dugu Bo waved his hand. "This matter is decided. Starting tomorrow, I will take over the training of the Royal Fight Team."
"As for the nonsense about lowering my status, I won't care about that. Just assume I want to see Yanzi's growth more."
"...Everything is as Your Majesty wishes."
"Mm~" Dugu Bo nodded in satisfaction and beckoned Ling Qianyao and the two. "Let's go, you two little ones. We haven't seen each other for so long. Come sit at my place."
"Goodbye, Chief Meng."
Along the way, Ling Qianyao looked at Dugu Bo with some suspicion in his eyes. Why did it feel like this cheap teacher of his had other intentions for leading the team?
Strange.
Is it just to see Dugu Yan more?
End of Chapter