Upon seeing the two of them, Su Cheng's mind churned with some new ideas.
Being in the center of the vortex was surprisingly safe and stable. With Ning Fengzhi present, perhaps they could be more aggressive than planned today.
However, the gaze of the other party was somewhat peculiar. What was the deal with this old guy?
Su Cheng was aware of the relatively close relationship between the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, the Tian Dou Imperial Family, and the Tian Dou Royal Academy. After all, they were neighbors, and as the number one auxiliary sect in the world, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was wealthy. Ning Fengzhi was also a skilled diplomat, so it was normal for them to have a broad network.
Numerous thoughts quickly flashed through his mind, and Su Cheng temporarily ignored the two people, respectfully bowing to the three main seats. "Junior Su Cheng, greetings to the three seniors."
The three Spirit Douluo did not adopt a condescending attitude. The white-haired elder in the center, the Head of Administration at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, smiled at Su Cheng and spoke with a slightly sharp voice, but it was not unpleasant.
"I am the Head of Administration at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Meng Shenji. These two are the deputy chiefs of the Academy's Education Committee, Bai Baoshan and Zhilin. Child, how old are you this year?"
"I just turned eleven after the New Year."
Upon hearing this, the faces of everyone present showed a fleeting surprise.
During the golden cultivation period of Soul Masters in their youth, even a difference of one or two years represented vastly different talents.
Meng Shenji couldn't maintain his calm demeanor for a moment either. He stood up and approached Su Cheng, reaching out to grab his wrist.
Su Cheng didn't dodge, knowing that the other party wanted to test his bone age.
Meng Shenji pinched his wrist bones, then turned to nod confidently at the other people, confirming that what he said was true.
"Child, could you show us your Martial Soul?"
In fact, Sun Buyu had already mentioned Su Cheng's situation before.
But now that he knew his actual age, his attitude naturally changed.
Su Cheng complied without hesitation, extending his right hand and three soul rings—one yellow, two purple—appeared, with the Eternal Sword hovering above his hand.
"Impressive, impressive..."
*Cough.*
At this moment, a light cough interrupted Meng Shenji. Looking up, he noticed Zhilin giving him a meaningful look.
Only then did he notice that Ning Fengzhi, sitting as a guest, had been scrutinizing Su Cheng's sword Martial Soul with a pensive expression.
A thought flickered in the elder's mind, and he patted Su Cheng's hand, indicating he could put away his Martial Soul for now.
He warmly pulled him towards Ning Fengzhi and introduced, "This is Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. His Martial Soul is the legendary support-type Martial Soul, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."
"I greet Sect Master Ning." Su Cheng pretended to be surprised and quickly saluted.
Ning Fengzhi smiled gently, his face showing an inexplicable expression. "Have you heard of the title of Sword Douluo Chen Xin?"
Su Cheng's eyes flickered slightly. How could he not know about Chen Xin? Not only did he know, but he was also very familiar with it.
"The great name of Sword Douluo, I believe there are few Soul Masters with sword Martial Souls who are unaware of it, and I am no exception."
"I'll take you to meet him another day."
Su Cheng was surprised.
Ning Fengzhi had always liked to show favor to talented juniors, which Su Cheng understood. It was an old tradition of support-type sects.
But Chen Xin wasn't that easy to deal with. Ning Fengzhi had no reason to be so kind to a junior he had just met, even bringing up the title of Sword Douluo, the highest-ranking member of their sect.
"Strange, has there been any recent changes in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"
He wondered silently, but on the surface, he showed a hint of surprise and nodded in agreement. "It's my honor."
The three Spirit Douluo on the side also couldn't help but raise their regard for Su Cheng.
Regardless of how his relationship with Chen Xin would turn out in the future after joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, at least they would be closer. And even if they didn't consider the Sword Master, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was one of the major financial backers of the Academy, so they would certainly give him some face.
"Su Cheng, Sun Buyu has already shown you around the Academy. How do you feel?"
"The training environment couldn't be better, worthy of the name 'Royal'."
The Head of Administration smiled, "Are you sure you want to join the Tian Dou Imperial Academy?"
"I heard that the Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition will start in over three years?"
Su Cheng didn't immediately answer, instead asking another unrelated question.
However, Meng Shenji, being shrewd, instantly understood the implication in his words, and hesitantly said, "Are you considering competing for a spot in the Royal Academy's team?"
In his opinion, Su Cheng's strength was naturally sufficient. Even though he had just reached the thirtieth rank, there were still several years before the Soul Master Grand Competition, during which he could easily advance a few more ranks.
Moreover, sword-type Martial Souls were known for their formidable attack power, especially when they were at the level of full soul power at birth.
However, the problem was that team slots were not solely determined by strength. If several people were equally matched, factors such as background, age, Martial Soul attributes, and team cooperation needed to be considered.
And Su Cheng was still young, with another class to wait for. By then, his strength might even further improve. It was really unnecessary to compete with older students.
But, he definitely couldn't let go of this student. He couldn't help feeling a bit conflicted.
Su Cheng didn't bother to continue the verbal tug-of-war. He straightforwardly said, "In the world of Soul Masters, strength speaks for itself, Teacher Meng. Can you let me see the strength of the team's prospective members? If I'm not as good as them, I'm willing to give up."
Meng Shenji instantly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said, "Even if you lose, it doesn't matter. After all, you're still young, and waiting for the next term is completely feasible."
Su Cheng nodded, "Then please arrange it for me, Teacher Meng."
"Haha, it's also a good opportunity for you to see the talents of our Academy students."
"Students await your scrutiny."
Seeing that the two of them had almost finished discussing enrollment matters, Ning Fengzhi spoke up, "Rong Rong, you're more familiar with the environment of the Academy. Take Su junior around, and I have some matters to discuss with a few members of the Education Committee."
Ning Rongrong immediately stood up upon hearing this.
She had been impatient to leave here a long time ago. She had only stayed here for a while out of politeness. Now that she had the opportunity to leave, she naturally couldn't be happier.
Walking up to Su Cheng, she smiled, "Come, I'll show you around the Academy."
Ning Rongrong had two dimples when she smiled, making her look especially charming. Although she was young, her eyes carried a hint of charm.
Su Cheng naturally had no reason to refuse. He had already done what he needed to do, so he could just wait to beat up the members of the Academy team later. Thus, he greeted her and left the Education Committee with her.
It had to be said that the environment of the Tian Dou Royal Academy was really good. Because it was located in the mountains, the natural scenery was excellent, and the air was very fresh and humid.
Walking through the Academy like this, Su Cheng's mind felt much more relaxed.
He didn't have any particular feelings towards Ning Rongrong, nor did he have any likes or dislikes. However, he knew that Chen Xin valued this little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School very much.
After walking a certain distance away from the Education Committee, he planned to exchange a few words with her.