Two weeks later, a large crowd gathered in front of the main gate of Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
The three members of the Education Committee personally came out to welcome them, with Qin Ming following half a step behind.
Following them were Lin Yang leading Heaven Dou Team 1 and Heaven Dou Team 2.
Among the group, Xiao Wu whispered in Lin Yang's ear,
"Just a few academies—why all the fuss?"
Lin Yang smiled. "It's not that simple."
If it were simply a group of students and teachers, there would naturally be no need for all three Education Committee members to appear at the same time.
However, the fact that the deans of all five academies had gathered together this time carried a different meaning.
At least on the surface, these five academies seemed to attach great importance to this exchange.
Of course, Heaven Dou Royal Academy couldn't afford to be arrogant.
"They're here!"
With Meng Shenji's whisper, five teams appeared in the distance on the official road.
These five academies were easy to distinguish. One could fairly accurately guess which academy they belonged to just by looking at the color of the students' uniforms.
Leading the way was Thunder Academy, with dark purple uniforms and lightning patterns embroidered on the collars.
Next was Blazing Fire Academy. Their uniforms were all deep red, like raging flames.
Next was God Wind Academy. The students wore flowing blue academy uniforms.
Leading the group was a tall, slender silver-haired youth—Feng Xiaotian. He was the undisputed number one student at God Wind Academy.
When Sky Water Academy approached, low gasps of amazement could be heard from the surroundings one after another.
The reason was that Sky Water Academy was filled with astonishingly beautiful girls. Their elegant and mysterious beauty was further accentuated by their light blue academy uniforms.
Many students were completely captivated by them.
However, Lin Yang looked straight ahead.
If he dared to look, he felt three small hands would immediately appear on his body.
Finally, Elephant Armor Academy brought up the rear. All members had sturdy builds and imposing presences. Every step they took exuded an oppressive aura.
Even the shortest among them looked over two meters tall.
It was truly a waste that they weren't working at a construction site carrying bricks.
The teams from the five academies stopped in order.
A lean middle-aged man with flaming red hair was the first to step down from Blazing Fire Academy's carriage.
He wore a deep red robe, from which bronze-colored skin could be seen.
Seeing the three Education Committee members, he laughed heartily.
"Brother Meng, Brother Bai, Brother Zhilin—long time no see. I hope all three of you are in good health."
Meng Shenji chuckled. "This tyrant has become much calmer after all these years."
"It's been a long time since three Education Committee members changed at once."
The speaker was a middle-aged man from Thunder Academy. Faint lightning crackled around him.
Afterward, the other deans appeared one by one and exchanged greetings with the three Education Committee members.
Qin Ming took a step back and stood beside Lin Yang, introducing them in a low voice.
"Dean Huo Chong of Blazing Fire Academy. Martial soul: One-Horned Flame Dragon."
"Dean Lei Jinghong of Thunder Academy. He is a collateral descendant of the Blue Thunder Tyrant Dragon. His martial soul is the Purple Thunder Thorn Dragon. Although not as powerful as the Blue Thunder Tyrant Dragon, it is still a top-tier martial soul."
"Dean Feng Cang of God Wind Academy. Martial soul: Azure Eagle."
"Dean Shui Binyue of Sky Water Academy is the only woman among the five deans."
"But don't underestimate her. Sky Water Academy is one of the top five prestigious academies, and most of its achievements are thanks to her."
Lin Yang's gaze fell on the beautiful woman. She wore a veil so her face couldn't be seen, but her noble bearing was unmistakable.
Unaware of Lin Yang's gaze, Qin Ming's eyes fell on a middle-aged man with an exaggeratedly sturdy build. His tone carried a trace of seriousness.
"Dean Hu Yanzhen of Elephant Armor Academy is also the Sect Master of the Elephant Armor Sect. His martial soul is the Diamond Mammoth."
"His strength is extremely powerful. It's said that even a Titled Douluo cannot break through his defense in a short time."
Hu Yanzhen slowly stepped forward. Every step was steady and powerful. His voice resonated deeply like a bell.
"It's been a long time since three Education Committee members changed at once!"
Meng Shenji smiled. "I heard Sect Master Hu Yan has been focusing on cultivation and aiming to break through to the Titled Douluo level. I didn't expect you to personally lead a team here this time."
Hu Yanzhen's expression remained unchanged as he said calmly,
"Exchange and learning are indeed important. In addition—"
His gaze passed over the three Education Committee members and stopped on Lin Yang and the others behind them. He glanced at them briefly before looking away.
"I had heard that Heaven Dou Academy has produced extraordinary geniuses, so naturally I wanted to come and see for myself."
This would also let his sons understand the meaning of being at a disadvantage and what it meant to have ability.
These words were straightforward and even carried an undisguised sharpness.
Meng Shenji, as if unaware of the deeper meaning, maintained a faint smile.
"We won't disappoint Sect Master Hu Yan. Everyone, please!"
Led by the three Education Committee members, the representatives from the five academies filed in one after another.
As they passed by Lin Yang and his group, various gazes were directed at them from the Five Elements Academies' teams.
Curious, observant, enthusiastic, but with a trace of hostility.
"Sister, look—that's Lin Yang, right? He's really handsome, but it's a pity he already has someone."
Shui Bing'er whispered sharply, "Hurry up and leave! Don't embarrass yourself!"
When Feng Xiaotian passed by Lin Yang, a voice transmission came through.
"Lin Yang, right? I'm really looking forward to fighting you."
Lin Yang remained unmoved. "I'm ready anytime!"
The welcoming ceremony for the exchange students from the five academies was held in the auditorium.
The three Education Committee members gave speeches in turn. The deans of the five academies also spoke, ensuring that the content was perfect.
It was nothing more than learning from each other and progressing together. Only they themselves knew what each of them was really thinking.
After the welcoming ceremony, the students from the five academies were guided to a special accommodation area with dedicated staff.
The coming week would be dedicated to observation and learning.
Although called a "study tour," it was actually meant to help the students get accustomed to the academy environment and give both sides a grace period.
This work was guided by enthusiastic teachers, so Lin Yang and the others didn't need to worry.
However, to Lin Yang's surprise, the people from the five academies seemed even more anxious than he was.
The next day, as soon as Lin Yang appeared at the academy, someone blocked his path.
Feng Xiaotian, wearing a light blue robe with short hair slightly tousled by the wind, had eyes full of arrogance and fighting spirit.
"Lin Yang, I am Feng Xiaotian."
Lin Yang nodded lightly. "Yes, I know. The genius of God Wind Academy is said to be among the very few in his generation."
Upon hearing this, Feng Xiaotian's smile deepened.
"Hmph… that's just rumor. At least for now, I'm no match for you at all."
He spoke extremely frankly, but the fighting spirit in his eyes grew stronger and his tone became more serious.
"The reason I came here this time is to see how strong the person who led Heaven Dou to victory in the last Spirit Master Tournament has become now."
"Lin Yang, do you have the courage to accept my challenge?"
Lin Yang shrugged and put on a troubled expression.
"If I don't accept when you say it like that, won't I become a laughingstock at the academy?"
"Let's go to the training ground. It's more spacious there."
Feng Xiaotian's smile grew even bigger and he burst out laughing.
"Good!"
News that Feng Xiaotian had challenged Lin Yang quickly spread throughout the entire academy.
Upon hearing this news, all the students from the five academies headed to the first training ground.
They all wanted to see just how strong Lin Yang had become.
"Big Brother, how many moves do you think Feng Xiaotian can last?"
Huo Wu stood solemnly in the spectator seats.
In reality, when it came to Feng Xiaotian, who was praised as a genius by those around him, the discussion wasn't "whether he can win" but "how evenly he can fight against Lin Yang."
As a core member of the Blazing Fire team, she understood the meaning of the name "Lin Yang" more deeply.
He had already reached level 48 in cultivation in the previous generation and had even faced a Soul King from Spirit Hall.
Frankly speaking, even if she had faced Lin Yang three years ago, Feng Xiaotian would have had no choice but to kneel.
Let alone three years later.