After returning to the academy, the first person to seek Chen Ming out was the headmaster.
Although Nuoding City's Spirit Master Academy was only a junior-level institution, its teaching staff was actually stronger than that of most similar academies in remote areas. And all of that was thanks to its headmaster—a power-type Battle Spirit Master whose cultivation had reached the rank of Spirit Ancestor.
Inside the headmaster's office, Chen Ming sat quietly in his chair, his gaze fixed on the middle-aged man across the desk, whose face carried an unmistakable hint of excitement. Meanwhile, Chen Ming's mind was already racing, analyzing the man's intentions at high speed.
The headmaster, on the other hand, simply smiled warmly.
"You're exceptional—truly exceptional." He picked up the teapot beside him, poured a cup for Chen Ming, and then one for himself.
Looking at the boy before him—so composed, so unlike others his age—the man's expression softened with a sense of satisfaction.
"I've been waiting twenty years for an opportunity," he said slowly, "and yet now, all at once, three talents like you have appeared."
"Don't be nervous—I mean no harm. When I say 'opportunity,' I'm not talking about anything dangerous. I'm referring to the chance for Nuoding City's junior academy to be promoted into an intermediate academy."
He paused briefly, as if recalling the past.
"When I was young, I was just a child from a nearby village who was fortunate enough to awaken Spirit Power. I enrolled here, at this very academy, and by sheer luck, I was taken in as a disciple by the previous headmaster."
"After graduating, I continued my studies at an intermediate academy. But my talent was limited. Although I later entered a higher academy, I ultimately failed to graduate. After wandering the continent for several years, I returned here to take over my teacher's position."
He let out a quiet breath, his gaze turning distant.
"My teacher and I shared the same dream—to elevate this academy into an intermediate-level institution. But over the decades, we were always missing something. Either the faculty wasn't strong enough… or we lacked truly outstanding students."
"And now—you, Tang San, and Xiao Wu… each of you has that kind of potential."
His eyes sharpened slightly as he looked back at Chen Ming.
"I know what you might be thinking. You could graduate early and go straight to an intermediate academy for further study. But I believe I can offer you something better."
"Have you heard of the Imperial Academy of the Heaven Dou Empire?"
"That's the highest institution in the empire," Chen Ming replied honestly. "A place that only accepts the children of nobles."
"Correct—but not entirely," the headmaster said with a faint smile. "Those 'noble children' don't necessarily have to be blood relatives. Nobles are allowed to recommend individuals without familial ties. Originally, it was a privilege meant for adopting protégés or heirs, but over time, it has become a relatively stable pathway."
He leaned back slightly, his tone turning more deliberate.
"I am the headmaster of this academy, and also a baron of the Heaven Dou Empire with real authority. I may not compare to the great nobles, but I do possess one such recommendation slot… though in my lifetime, I can only use it once."
"My own son did not inherit my talent. His future achievements will never surpass mine, so I've already sent him to another intermediate academy. But you—your talent is sufficient, your Martial Soul is outstanding, and most importantly, you obtained a hundred-year Spirit Ring through your own ability. That alone sets you apart."
The headmaster stared straight at Chen Ming, his gaze burning with intensity.
"Are you willing to take a gamble?"
"Reach level fifteen before the age of ten. With your talent, that shouldn't be difficult. If you can do it, I'll push forward the academy's promotion—and when the time comes, I'll use my only recommendation slot to send you to the Imperial Academy of the Heaven Dou Empire."
Chen Ming narrowed his eyes slightly before asking, "Headmaster, I don't understand. Why me? Why not Tang San or Xiao Wu? Both of them have innate full Spirit Power—that should mean they're more talented than I am."
The headmaster shook his head.
"Xiao Wu does have innate full Spirit Power, but I've had people look into her background. She's not from any nearby village. I suspect she has some kind of family backing, but my influence isn't enough to uncover the truth. I'd rather not invite that kind of trouble."
"And more importantly," the headmaster continued, "I can't be sure whether she's just here to play around for a while or if she'll actually stay and behave like a proper student."
"As for Tang San…" He shook his head. "Setting aside the fact that he's already been taken in as a disciple by Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang—so he hardly needs a baron like me to worry about him—even if I were to recommend him… his Martial Soul is still just Blue Silver Grass. No matter that he has innate full Spirit Power, a Martial Soul like that simply wouldn't catch the Imperial Academy's interest."
Back then, the headmaster had agreed to take in Yu Xiaogang and let him remain at the academy without contributing, precisely because he had been taken in by the man's reputation as a "Grandmaster." He had believed Yu Xiaogang to be highly capable and had hoped to use his knowledge and connections to elevate Nuoding City's junior academy into an intermediate one.
What he hadn't expected was that, while Yu Xiaogang lived off the academy's resources, he didn't hold the headmaster in particularly high regard either. The headmaster had once hoped he could at least provide some instruction, but Yu Xiaogang repeatedly refused on the grounds that no one there was worthy of being taught by him, and over the years, he had done virtually nothing for the academy.
By now, the headmaster had long since abandoned any hope of relying on Yu Xiaogang to help upgrade the academy. Most days, he simply treated the man as if he didn't exist.
"So," the headmaster said, his tone firming, "are you willing to make this wager with me? If you agree, I swear on my Martial Soul—so long as you can reach level fifteen before the age of ten while studying here, I will stake everything I have to send you into the Imperial Academy."
Chen Ming studied him for a long moment, analyzing every shift in expression and nuance in his voice, before finally nodding.
"You're quite an ambitious man, Headmaster," he said calmly. "But I believe I can do it—perhaps even better than you expect."
The Heaven Dou Imperial Academy offered two major advantages. First, its teaching resources were abundant, and as an academy rather than a faction, it provided far more flexibility and freedom. Second, it would give him easier access to Dugu Bo—the so-called "Delivering Treasure Douluo"—and through him, a chance to obtain the legendary immortal herbs.
"Good. Then let's seal it with a pact."
The headmaster smiled and extended his hand.
One large hand and one small met in midair with a firm clap, and just like that, the agreement was made.
Seeing that Chen Ming had accepted, the headmaster no longer held anything back.
"Chen Ming," he said, gesturing toward the bookshelves lining the room, "do you see these? Every book here was collected by me and my teacher at great cost."
"I may not be wealthy enough to provide you with abundant cultivation resources, but I will do everything I can to support you. You're free to come here anytime to read and build your theoretical knowledge. And if you encounter any problems in your cultivation, I'll guide you personally."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Your Heavy Armored Earth Dragon Martial Soul is one that can gain additional benefits from training within mineral-rich environments. As it happens, the academy has a suitable location. The mineral content there is limited, and the cost of mining exceeds its value, but I can arrange for further excavation and turn it into a proper mimic training ground for you."
"Work hard. Train well. The future of this academy… rests on you."
He placed a hand on Chen Ming's shoulder in encouragement.
"Thank you, Headmaster."
Chen Ming cupped his fists in respect as he replied.
Though the headmaster was not truly his master, in Chen Ming's eyes, this was already the conduct of a worthy teacher.
...
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