Chapter 26: My Grandfather Wants to Meet You

Soul bones—the most precious treasures in the world of Douluo Continent. 

They are the stuff of dreams for soul masters, so rare that even some soul masters may never encounter one in their lifetime. For example, the three Education Committee members of Heaven Dou Royal Academy—if they each possessed one soul bone, it would already be considered extraordinary.

There is even a historical precedent of near-war between the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire over a single soul bone. Such is the value of this treasure.

Qin Ming deliberately lowered his voice, aware of the lethal allure of soul bones. You never know who might covet them.

The three committee members were not outsiders. They held Ye Hao in high regard and were also the administrators of the academy. They had guided Ye Hao in his cultivation on multiple occasions. The three exchanged knowing glances, silently agreeing that this secret must remain confidential. Ye Hao was still young, and for now, cultivation should take priority. No matter how powerful a soul bone might be, it was ultimately an external aid. On the Douluo Continent, soul power levels were the only true measure of strength.

Of course, while soul bones were auxiliary in nature, they were indispensable tools for soul masters, often proving critical in life-or-death moments. However, possessing one could also make someone a target—there were plenty of people willing to kill for the chance to claim a soul bone.

"Ye Hao truly has great fortune," Meng Shenji chuckled heartily, his spirit lifted. "With him on our team, our chances of claiming the championship in next year's Advanced Soul Master Continental Tournament have significantly increased."

Qin Ming seemed to recall something and added, "Chief, I plan to take the team out for some continental training soon. I'd like your approval."

As one of the most outstanding teachers in the academy after the three Education Committee members, Qin Ming's teaching abilities were beyond dispute. At only 30 years old, he had already achieved the rank of Soul Emperor. It was only a matter of time before he became a Title Douluo. Entrusting the team to him gave the committee members great peace of mind.

"Rest assured, Teacher Qin. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to let us know. We'll make sure it's taken care of," Meng Shenji replied with a smile. 

He then added seriously, "By the way, before you leave with the team, there's a matter that will require the cooperation of the Royal Battle Team. Tomorrow afternoon, the Elephant Armor Clan, one of the four lower clans, will send representatives for an 'exchange.' In reality, it's just a test."

Pausing, Meng Shenji continued, "Our intelligence indicates that the Elephant Armor Clan has officially allied with the Spirit Hall. Their leader, Huyan Zhen, will personally lead the team. Their intentions are obvious. For the honor of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Teacher Qin, we're counting on you."

Seeing the rare solemnity on Meng Shenji's face, Qin Ming understood the gravity of the situation. The Spirit Hall, Heaven Dou Empire, and Star Luo Empire were like fire and water. As the Advanced Soul Master Continental Tournament approached, open and covert conflicts were bound to intensify. The tournament's winner would attract the attention of the entire continent, bringing immeasurable benefits to their faction.

With a meaningful glance, Qin Ming nodded firmly and, after bidding farewell to the committee members, departed.

The sun rose high, its warm rays bathing every corner of Heaven Dou Royal Academy. By mid-morning, the academy bustled with activity. Groups of well-dressed students—sons and daughters of royalty, nobles, and dukes—formed cliques, reflecting their social status.

Amid the crowd, a cluster of sycophants surrounded a single individual. This young man, though average in appearance, exuded an air of arrogance and dominance. He was dressed impeccably in the academy's uniform, and his presence carried an undeniable aura of authority.

This was Xue Beng, the fourth prince of the Heaven Dou Empire and the academy's most untouchable figure—until Ye Hao arrived.

Before Ye Hao joined, Xue Beng was the unchallenged "boss." But after Ye Hao's arrival, this dynamic began to shift subtly.

Xue's first encounter with Ye Hao was memorable. Spotting Ye Hao in plain clothes, he dismissed him as a commoner. Moments later, it was Xue Beng who lay on the ground, while Ye Hao nonchalantly dusted himself off and walked away as if nothing had happened.

"Didn't the royal family punish him for attacking a prince?" you might wonder. 

Absolutely not. 

Xue Beng's reputation made it unlikely for Emperor Xue Ye to intervene. Ye Hao was undeniably a genius, and when forced to choose between pride and utility, Emperor Xue Ye opted for the latter. Regarding the incident, the emperor simply waved it off as harmless scuffling among children.

Meanwhile, Ye Hao was sprawled across his dormitory bed, snoring loudly as sunlight streamed in through the window. The brilliant light did little to rouse him from his deep slumber.

Suddenly, the door creaked open. In stormed Dugu Yan, her hands on her hips, glaring at the sight of the still-sleeping Ye Hao. Her frustration was palpable.

"Get up! The sun's already high in the sky!" she barked, shaking him vigorously.

Groggily, Ye Hao sat up, shielding his eyes from the blinding sunlight. "Good morning, Sister Yan," he mumbled sleepily.

Dugu Yan: …

"Enough of that. Get dressed. Teacher Qin has an important announcement, and you're the only one we're waiting on."

"Got it!" Ye Hao's attitude instantly shifted. He had deep respect and gratitude for Qin Ming, knowing that without him, he might have ended up in the Spirit Hall instead.

As Ye Hao dressed, Dugu Yan adjusted his wrinkled collar, casually remarking, "My grandfather wants to meet you."

Ye Hao froze mid-motion. "Dugu…"

Before he could finish, Dugu Yan shot him a warning look, and he swallowed the rest of his sentence. 

"Sister Yan, why does Senior Dugu want to see me?"

As they walked out of the dorm, Dugu Yan replied nonchalantly, "He's interested in you. That's all."

"Interested in me?" Ye Hao shuddered, suppressing the urge to laugh awkwardly. Knowing the notorious "Old Poison" Dugu Bo's reputation, this "interest" wasn't exactly comforting.

"Are you feeling unwell?" she asked, noticing his reaction.

"No, no! Just curious—what kind of 'interest' are we talking about here?"

Dugu Yan pondered for a moment before answering, "I overheard my grandfather saying he's looking for a successor. It might be about that."