Chapter 26: Xue Ke

Tiandou City, located in the north-northeast of the Heaven Dou Empire, serves as the heart of the empire's political power. It is one of the two largest cities on the Douluo Continent, standing in prestige alongside the imperial capital of the Star Luo Empire. Within the city, crowds bustle through streets and alleys, creating a scene of vibrant activity.

On both sides of the streets, shops stand in rows, their shelves overflowing with an dazzling array of goods. Merchants call out loudly, soliciting the attention of passersby, who either hurry along or linger to select items that catch their fancy.

Xue Qinghe walked through the area with two companions. Ning Xi, filled with curiosity, looked around at the magnificent architecture of Tiandou City. Whether it was the palaces, temples, or the dwellings and shops of the commoners, everything displayed the glory and prosperity of the Heaven Dou Empire.

"My, my," she murmured.

However, enrollment was the priority, and they finally arrived at the gates of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. The majestic entrance stood tall and imposing, like a sacred gateway leading into a world of knowledge and power. Above the gate, a massive plaque was inscribed with the shimmering golden characters: "Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."

As they stepped inside, they were greeted by a rich atmosphere of culture and scholarship. The spacious paths were lined with lush trees and blooming flowers, making it feel as if they had entered a beautiful garden. In the distance, the teaching buildings rose magnificently, and the library towered into the clouds, as if every brick and tile contained endless wisdom.

"What a huge academy!" Ning Xi exclaimed, unable to take her eyes off the school. It was truly worthy of being a royal academy; everywhere she looked, there was an air of golden luxury.

"It is quite something. I am going to take you to meet three people now," Xue Qinghe said.

Walking further into the academy, one was immediately struck by the towering structures. The teaching buildings, library, and spirit master training grounds were all well-equipped, each edifice exuding an air of scholarly prestige that commanded respect.

Just then, a young girl with an elegant temperament and refined features approached them. She had a delicate face with perfectly proportioned features; her cherry-red lips and slim nose gave her a unique, exquisite beauty. Her eyes were long and bright, resembling those of a cat or a fox, filled with charm. Her somewhat messy short hair added a touch of spirited, heroic grace to her appearance.

Seeing them, she ran up to Xue Qinghe with delight and called out sweetly, "Big Brother!"

"Why are you here all of a sudden? And who are these two children?" The girl looked at Ning Xi and Jun Han with some confusion, but upon seeing their striking appearances, her eyes filled with amazement. *What beautiful children!*

"I am bringing them to enroll. Let me introduce you; this is my younger sister, Xue Ke." Xue Qinghe nodded to Xue Ke and turned to introduce the others to Ning Xi. "This is Miss Ning Xi of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and this is Jun Han, a new disciple of the clan."

After the introductions, Xue Ke understood and blinked curiously at Ning Xi. "Nice to meet you both, I'm Xue Ke. But, Brother, don't the enrollment requirements state that one must reach level fifteen spirit power before the age of twelve?"

Xue Ke grew even more puzzled. They met the noble status requirement, but did these two children really possess level fifteen spirit power? They looked to be only six or seven years old. If they were already level fifteen, that would be truly heaven-defying.

Xue Qinghe nodded. He patted Xue Ke on the shoulder and said, "That is correct. Both of them are already over level fifteen. They are four years younger than you, so you must work hard, my sister."

Upon hearing this, Xue Ke was stunned, staring at Ning Xi and Jun Han as if they were monsters.

"Hello, Sister Xue Ke," Ning Xi said politely. Jun Han remained silent, merely offering a slight nod.

Xue Ke was immediately intrigued and looked forward to their future interactions. "Alright then, Brother, you should take them to enroll. Since they are people you brought, I will certainly help look after them." Xue Ke winked playfully and quickly hurried away.

Xue Qinghe smiled and said to Ning Xi, "Let's go."

Ning Xi nodded and followed behind him. They crossed a vast plaza and arrived at a grand and magnificently decorated teaching building. Stepping into a room, they found three elders seated inside, all with kind expressions.

They seemed to be in the middle of a discussion, but upon seeing the arrivals, they immediately greeted them with smiles and bowed slightly to Xue Qinghe.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, we apologize for not greeting you sooner. May I ask what brings you here today?" the elder in the center asked respectfully. The three of them had naturally noticed Ning Xi and Jun Han, and though they felt some confusion, they waited patiently for Xue Qinghe to explain.

"Member of the Education Committee, Meng Shenji, I am here today to help these two children enroll. I would appreciate it if you could arrange it," Xue Qinghe said, pulling Ning Xi forward and glancing at Jun Han.

Meng Shenji and the others were filled with doubt. *Two children? They look like they are only six or seven.* Was His Highness the Crown Prince joking?

"Your Highness, are you certain you wish to enroll these two children?" Meng Shenji asked. Their requirements were strict: first, one must be of noble birth; second, one must have reached level fifteen spirit power before the age of twelve. *Do these children really qualify?*

Xue Qinghe smiled and explained patiently, "Yes, seniors. Both children are already above level fifteen, and they are from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan." He looked at Ning Xi and added, "This is the young lady of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and she has already awakened the Seven Kill Sword spirit."

"And this," he continued, gesturing to the boy, "is a new disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. His spirit is the rare 'Brain' body-type spirit, and his spirit power has reached level eighteen. They have only just turned seven this year."

Once Xue Qinghe finished the introductions, Meng Shenji and the others were dumbfounded, their expressions of suspicion replaced by shock.

"Are you still not at ease with the people I have brought, seniors?" Xue Qinghe asked.

*Hiss!* Such talent at such a young age. Meng Shenji and the others were momentarily stunned by the news.

"Haha, good, very good! I shall arrange their enrollment immediately!" Meng Shenji recovered and nodded with a smile. The other two followed suit, their previous doubts vanishing.

Xue Qinghe nodded in satisfaction and began to introduce the three men. "Xiao Xi, Xiao Jun, let me introduce you. This is the Chief of the Education Committee of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Senior Meng Shenji, a level eighty-six control-type Spirit Douluo with the Black Demon spirit."

"This is the second member, Senior Bai Baoshan, a level eighty-five defense-type Spirit Douluo with the Heavenly Star Furnace spirit."

"And finally, the third member, Senior Zhilin, a level eighty-three control-type Spirit Douluo with the Azure Vine spirit."

Meng Shenji, in the center, was an elder with a kind face and flowing white hair, wearing a light blue robe that gave him an ethereal quality. To his left was Bai Baoshan, burly and stern, with thick brows, large eyes, and a full beard, dressed in black martial attire. To his right was Zhilin, with a refined face, wise eyes, a green robe, and a feather fan, possessing an air of scholarly elegance.

A flash of surprise crossed Ning Xi's eyes. She had not expected all three seniors to be powerful Spirit Douluos. Their strength made her look forward to her time at the academy even more.

"Greetings, seniors," Ning Xi said in a clear, poised voice. Jun Han offered a polite greeting as well.

Their politeness and humility greatly pleased Meng Shenji and his colleagues. As expected of the young lady of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, her every action revealed nobility and grace.

Meng Shenji nodded slightly, a satisfied smile on his face. "Good! Very good!"