The three Education Committee members' expressions changed drastically in unison.
They hadn't even settled the matter among themselves, yet someone had already stepped in to snatch the prize. Did they really think the three of them were made of clay?
Even clay figures had three parts fire in them!
"Title Dugu, do not go too far."
Meng Shenji shouted sternly. His body suddenly turned illusory, transforming into a pitch-black shadow as thick black mist rose from beneath his feet.
Two yellow, three purple, and three black—eight soul rings instantly filled the entire reception room with light.
At the same time, Education Committee members Bai Baoshan and Zhi Lin released their Martial Souls as well.
One was a golden, shining cauldron; the other was emerald-green vines like jade.
Dugu Bo snorted coldly. "You three old things—who are you trying to intimidate?"
Two yellow, two purple, and five black—nine soul rings spiraled upward.
A tyrannical pressure surged toward the three elders like a tidal wave.
The three Education Committee members' faces paled, but working together, they barely managed to withstand Dugu Bo's aura.
The confrontation between three Soul Douluo and one Title Douluo made the atmosphere in the reception room as heavy as a swamp, making it hard to even breathe.
Lin Yang was relatively fine, shielded by Meng Shenji. He only felt a heavy pressure in his chest.
The three Education Committee members truly valued Lin Yang and naturally refused to let anyone snatch him away.
Dugu Bo, however, had a strange temperament and was a Title Douluo.
Perhaps his initial offer to take Lin Yang as a disciple had been partly in jest, but given the current situation, it now involved his dignity as a Title Douluo.
It was impossible for him to back down voluntarily.
Just as a great battle was about to erupt, Lin Yang, who stood at the center of the storm, spoke up proactively.
"Three Education Committee seniors and Title Douluo Dugu, may this junior say a few words?"
As soon as his voice fell, four pairs of eyes shot toward him.
"Speak!"
Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes. His narrow gaze showed no clear emotion, but his oppressive aura lessened slightly.
The three Education Committee members also withdrew their Martial Souls.
The tense, sword-drawn atmosphere in the reception room instantly relaxed.
This allowed Qin Ming on the side to secretly wipe the cold sweat from his forehead. He had truly feared the four of them would start fighting right there.
Immortals fighting while mortals suffer!
Still, he hadn't expected Lin Yang to dare step forward in such a situation.
Lin Yang walked out from behind Meng Shenji. He first bowed to the three Education Committee members, then bowed to Dugu Bo, speaking neither humbly nor arrogantly.
"The three Education Committee seniors' high regard for this junior is something I will remember in my heart. Title Douluo Dugu's willingness to accept me as a disciple is also this junior's great fortune."
His words were watertight, careful not to offend either side.
Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Lin Yang continued,
"The reason the three Education Committee seniors wish to take this junior as a disciple is because they believe my aptitude is worthy. As for Title Douluo Dugu wishing to accept me, I wonder whether it is a momentary impulse or if there are other considerations?"
"Hmph, kid, are you questioning me?"
Dugu Bo looked at Lin Yang with a gloomy gaze and countered.
"I wouldn't dare." Lin Yang bowed slightly, yet his attitude remained steady. "This junior believes he does not yet possess the qualifications to make Title Douluo personally lower himself to compete. There must be a reason."
These words stunned all four powerhouses.
Geniuses appeared every year, but geniuses who had such a clear understanding of their own position were truly rare.
The appreciation in Meng Shenji's eyes grew stronger. Zhi Lin stroked his beard and smiled lightly, while Bai Baoshan looked astonished.
Dugu Bo stared at Lin Yang for a long time before suddenly smiling.
That smile, paired with his eerie green eyes, looked utterly strange.
"Good kid. Now I'm starting to see you in a new light. As for your earlier question…"
Dugu Bo paused, then flicked his wide sleeve with an arrogant posture.
"I, Dugu Bo, have always acted as I please. If I like what I see, I accept it. If I don't, I kill it. I find you pleasing to the eye. Is that reason enough?"
"Thank you for the high regard, Title Douluo." Lin Yang bowed, then turned back to the three Education Committee members.
"This junior is endlessly grateful for the three seniors' kindness. It's just that…"
Lin Yang raised his head, his gaze clear and resolute.
"This junior wishes to take Title Douluo Dugu as my master."
The three Education Committee members' expressions changed. Before they could speak, Lin Yang continued,
"If the three Education Committee seniors do not mind, this junior is also willing to contribute to Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
Although he didn't finish the sentence, everyone understood that Lin Yang was referring to the grand continental advanced soul master academy tournament a few years later.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy would have two slots, one of which was reserved for the seeded team.
However, in past tournaments, Heaven Dou had basically been eliminated in the first round.
While most champions came from Spirit Hall teams, even the Star Luo Empire had once won a championship.
Yet Heaven Dou Royal Academy had never won a single championship—hadn't even reached the top three. Their performance was abysmal.
"Lin Yang, you…" Meng Shenji waved his hand. The complicated look on his face gradually faded, replaced by a sense of relief.
"Since you've already made your decision, we three old fellows won't force the issue."
"But remember, you are already a student of our academy. If Dugu Bo bullies you, come back to us."
Lin Yang bowed solemnly. "Please forgive me, three seniors."
Dugu Bo snorted coldly from the side.
"Who do you take me for? Would I bully the weak?"
The three Education Committee members said nothing, merely letting out light snorts.
As if saying: Don't you know what kind of person you are?
Lin Yang nodded toward Qin Ming. "Teacher Qin, thank you for the recommendation."
Qin Ming hurriedly waved his hands with a bitter smile. "No, no, I didn't do anything…"
In truth, if he had known that Lin Yang alone would cause a conflict between the Education Committee and Title Douluo Dugu, he might not have rushed over so eagerly.
Lin Yang smiled, then turned and walked toward Dugu Bo.
Dugu Bo watched his composed demeanor, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.
This kid was young, yet he handled human relations and worldly affairs with remarkable skill.
"Let's go!"
He grabbed Lin Yang's shoulder. With a flash, both of them vanished from the reception room.
The reception room fell silent for a moment.
Bai Baoshan muttered, "Old Dream, you're just letting Lin Yang leave like that?"
"What else can we do?" Meng Shenji said helplessly. "Couldn't you tell? That child already has his own plans."
"Fortunately, his enrollment is settled. Little Qin, when the time comes, let Lin Yang join your class."
Qin Ming nodded slightly. "Understood, Chief Dream."
"With Lin Yang's talent, there's a real chance he could help our academy win a tournament championship." Zhi Lin said.
Meng Shenji and Bai Baoshan both nodded secretly.
A three-ring Soul Elder under nine years old with a solid foundation—the value was simply too high.
In a few years, during the tournament, Lin Yang might already be a Soul King.
Even if they lost the next one, there would be the one after that.
Youth itself was capital!
The three exchanged glances and smiled.
Yet within those smiles lingered a trace of regret.
What an excellent seedling… what a pity…