"Senior Dugu prefers peace and dislikes troublesome matters. If we're establishing an advanced soul master academy, the role of the headmaster will likely fall to the two of you."
"Ahem ahem ahem! Old Rhino, I've still got a batch of medicines that need refining. You take the headmaster position for now!" Yang Wudi preemptively threw the task over.
"Old Goat, you're quick to toss the responsibility!" Niu Gao grumbled in dissatisfaction.
The two kept pushing the job onto each other — neither of them wanted it. Both preferred to work behind the scenes.
"There's no need for such hesitation from you both. The position of headmaster can be symbolic. The actual work can be delegated."
"Well, that's good, that's good. Old Rhino, you take it for now. When we find someone more suitable, they'll take over," Yang Wudi declared, assigning the role directly to Niu Gao.
"So, when are we founding the advanced soul master academy? And what about the teachers and students?"
Yun Yibai smiled mysteriously and said, "Isn't there already a ready-made advanced soul master academy in Haoyue City?"
"You mean that Haoyue Advanced Soul Master Academy where the headmaster is only a Soul Emperor?"
"That's right. It's that advanced soul master academy in Haoyue City named after the city itself. While it ranks low among all the advanced soul master academies on the continent, it's still an academy nonetheless."
"It's currently ranked low simply because it doesn't have us. Once we're involved, this academy will undergo a qualitative leap."
"Would the two seniors be willing to accompany me tomorrow?"
"This is all family business. No need to talk about inconvenience," Niu Gao said, waving his hand.
"For our shared cause, I offer tea in place of wine — a toast to both of you!" Yun Yibai raised his teacup.
"Hahahaha! Cheers!"
Just as Yun Yibai said, an academy is not like a sect. Decisions in an academy are shared, made through collective discussion and voting, rather than being dictated by a single authority like in most sects.
That said, in practice, suggestions from the strongest individual often go unchallenged — such is the privilege of strength.
The next day, Yun Yibai, Dugu Yan, Yang Wudi, and Niu Gao traveled to Haoyue City's Haoyue Advanced Soul Master Academy.
The Haoyue Academy was located in the southern part of Haoyue City. Due to its average overall standard and lack of backing from any major powers, the academy's grounds were relatively small — less than half the size of the Blue Tyrant Academy established by Liu Erlong for commoners.
Yun Yibai and the others smoothly found the academy's headmaster.
As for the newly moved-in Po Zhi Clan, Headmaster Li Changping was well aware of them. Over a decade ago, the Po Zhi Clan had been quite renowned, though it fell into decline after a major catastrophe. Only in recent years had it faded from public view.
Still, a starved camel is bigger than a horse. Li Changping wasn't sure of their current strength, but he remembered the Po Zhi Clan of over ten years ago — they certainly had at least Soul Sage-level experts. And a Soul Sage was not someone a Soul Emperor like him could contend with.
"To have the Clan Chief of the Po Zhi Clan and such honored guests visit our Haoyue Academy is truly our honor. Forgive us for not welcoming you from afar," said Li Changping, wearing a polite smile and speaking humbly, though his eyes couldn't conceal the flicker of surprise and wariness.
To be appointed headmaster of an advanced soul master academy, one had to be no ordinary person.
"Headmaster Li, you're too polite. We came without prior notice — if we've caused any disturbance, please forgive us," Yang Wudi stood tall and spoke in a deep, clear voice, showing a bit of courtesy. After all, they were here to acquire the place — it wouldn't do to be too aggressive. Still, being Yang Wudi, even when he tried to be polite, his tone remained rather direct and blunt.
"Clan Chief Yang, you flatter me. To receive your attention is our academy's honor."
Though Li Changping's expression remained unchanged, he was inwardly anxious. For the Po Zhi Clan's chief to personally show up — this was no small matter. He suppressed his shock and suspicion, maintaining a composed smile. After all, the power dynamic was clear — he was just a Soul Emperor.
His little academy barely allowed students to have a place to learn.
Among the many advanced soul master academies across the continent, his Haoyue Academy was just dust at the bottom.
Yang Wudi let his gaze linger briefly on Li Changping before slowly speaking. "Headmaster Li, this is our first meeting. If anything is lacking in our manners, I hope you can be forgiving."
"Let me give a proper introduction. I am Yang Wudi, Chief of the Po Zhi Clan, an eighty-second rank Power Attack–type Battle Soul Douluo." Yang Wudi directly revealed his strength.
He then turned slightly and gestured to the man beside him. "This is my old friend of many years — Niu Quan, Chief of the Yu Zhi Clan, also a Defense-type Battle Soul Douluo."
"These two are my juniors." Yang Wudi pointed to Yun Yibai and Dugu Yan, giving a brief introduction. The two nodded in greeting to Li Changping.
"Chief Niu, my apologies! To meet two such powerful seniors at once is a great fortune for me," Li Changping replied respectfully, though inside he was a storm of emotions. Two Soul Douluos! And they had never interacted before. This unexpected visit could only mean something major. He forced himself to stay calm and smiled: "You've traveled far, and surely come for something important. I may be slow-witted, but I'm all ears, Chief Yang."
Seeing that, Yang Wudi stopped beating around the bush and got straight to the point. "Headmaster Li, the purpose of our visit is to discuss one thing — we're interested in acquiring your Haoyue Academy."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Li Changping felt a jolt in his heart. Though he managed to keep a calm expression, a flicker of disbelief flashed in his eyes. "This..."
He was momentarily speechless, emotions churning inside. Shock, confusion, and worry about the future flooded his mind.
Still, as the saying goes — the situation was stronger than the man. He had no real power to refuse. Even if he declined verbally, he'd still have to face two Soul Douluos and the powerful clans behind them. As a Soul Emperor, he simply couldn't afford to offend such forces.
"Ahem~" Li Changping gave a dry chuckle.
"It's not a big deal. But I'm curious — what exactly is it about our Haoyue Academy that you two are interested in?"
He truly couldn't understand what value his ordinary academy held for them.
"Hahahaha!" Yang Wudi and Niu Gao exchanged glances and burst into laughter.
"We're entering the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament this time. We have the people — just not an academy to represent us."
Li Changping gave a bitter smile in his heart. So that was the reason.
"If that's the case, the juniors of your clans can just join our Haoyue Academy, can't they?" he offered one final attempt at resistance.
Yang Wudi replied coldly, "Heh... Headmaster Li, aren't you saying a bit too much?"
And with that, Yang Wudi and his group successfully acquired their first advanced soul master academy.