The award ceremony had concluded, and the other academy teams had begun returning to their respective campuses. Gu Xuan also led his group of companions back toward the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Before the members of the Imperial Team parted ways, Gu Xuan held a private gathering with them. Although Yu Tianheng and the others hadn't received any Soul Bones, it didn't affect their bond; after all, they had already gained far too much from Gu Xuan.
Gu Xuan led Ye Lingling to a private room Yu Tianheng had booked at the Heaven Dou Grand Hotel. The brothers Shi Mo and Shi Mo, along with Osler and Yu Feng, were all present. Seeing Gu Xuan holding Ye Lingling's soft hand, the group couldn't help but feel a surge of envy, as they were all well aware of Gu Xuan's relationships with the other girls. Aside from "envy, jealousy, and hate," they had no other emotions to express the pain of being "single dogs."
However, those feelings were secondary to the fact that they were graduating as the most outstanding students in the history of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. The academy even planned to erect a statue of the seven of them to inspire future students—a well-deserved honor. This was the first time the Heaven Dou Empire had successfully defended a championship, and the glory was self-evident.
Because of this victory, the academy's future enrollment would surely skyrocket. However, since the Imperial Academy only accepted nobles, the Seven Treasure Academy—which had taken third place—would likely see an even greater surge. The Seven Treasure Academy had no such restrictions; as long as one's character passed the test, both commoners and nobles were welcome, with a "Genius Class" established for the elite.
The gathering was a farewell, and the atmosphere was tinged with reluctance. Though they were all from the Heaven Dou Empire, they belonged to different clans; once they parted, it was uncertain when they would meet again.
Seeing their somber moods, Gu Xuan smiled. "What's with the long faces? It's not like we'll never see each other again. How about this: let's make a Five-Year Promise. Every five years from today, we meet up. What do you say?"
The group cheered and agreed instantly. "Xiao Xuan, in five years, we will definitely keep up with your pace," Yu Tianheng vowed.
The others felt the same. With their families providing top-tier resources, they believed they wouldn't fall behind under normal circumstances. Of course, Gu Xuan wasn't "normal"—he was a monster. But Gu Xuan only offered encouragement: "Good! We'll meet at the summit."
They all raised their glasses: "To the summit!"
During the month-long return trip from Spirit Hall, everyone had been cultivating hard. Yu Tianheng was now Rank 52. Shi Mo had broken through from Rank 49 to Rank 50 and only needed a soul ring to become a Soul King. Shi Mo, Osler, and Yu Feng were all at Rank 49, just a step away.
Gu Xuan had also gained a rank. The battle with Qian Renxue had given him much insight, and with Ning Fengzhi's help and endless resources, he had restored his origin essence in just one week, reaching Rank 57. Of course, he kept this from Xue Qinghe, maintaining the ruse that he was still recovering.
Upon returning to the clan, more good news awaited: Elder You Mingluo had broken through to Rank 90.
Having been Rank 88 when he joined two years ago, the clan's resources had accelerated his growth. Zhang Jinyuan had reached Rank 89, just a step away from being a Titled Douluo. Ye Lingling's grandmother, Ye Haitang, had reached Rank 88; she was likely to become the second Nine Hearted Begonia Titled Douluo in history.
Furthermore, the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was thriving under Ye Haitang's care, providing a steady supply of herbs for the Alchemy Hall. Yang Wudi was now obsessed with alchemy, producing a constant stream of potent pills that bolstered the clan's foundation. Yang Wudi himself had reached Rank 87. Even without being a Titled Douluo, his combat power was already legendary—back at Rank 82, he could fight the Rank 92 Snake Lance Douluo. At Rank 87, he was terrifying.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's strength had surged. Beyond the Rank 98 and 97 Sword and Bone Douluos, they now had:
Rank 92 Wind God Douluo, Zuo Yi.
Rank 92 (Peak) Breaking Army Douluo, Mi He.
Rank 92 Earth Tyrant Dragon Douluo, Long Wu.
The soon-to-be Titled Douluo, You Mingluo.
Rank 94 Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo.
Ning Fengzhi himself had reached Rank 85 Peak. Within five years, he would hit Rank 89. With the improved Star-Moon Pill (now infused with the Sun-Burning Flower found by Ye Haitang), his breakthrough to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was practically guaranteed.
The clan was now so strong that if Bibi Dong launched a "Soul Hunt Action" today, the attackers would never return. Not only were the top powers formidable, but the middle-rank disciples were now equipped with mass-produced hidden weapons based on Tang San's designs.
The first thing Gu Xuan did upon returning was visit his grandfather, Gu Rong. When Gu Rong learned his grandson was not only marrying the daughter of the Star Luo Empire's Zhu family but also the daughter of Emperor Xue Ye, he didn't know whether to be happy or worried—these were women from two rival empires, after all.
Gu Xuan assured him that Emperor Xue Ye was already handled; they just needed to send the betrothal gifts. Since Gu Xuan was busy, Chen Xin (the Sword Douluo) had already agreed to make the trip to the Star Luo Empire, while Gu Rong and Gu Xuan would handle the business in Heaven Dou City.
Zhu Zhuqing decided to go with Chen Xin. Though she felt little belonging to the Zhu family, she couldn't leave her second sister behind. She wanted to see her one last time before focusing entirely on her cultivation to keep up with Gu Xuan's pace.
(End of Chapter)
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