Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 117: Return to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy

When Yang Potian returned home dressed in simple attire, his mother, Niu Jinfeng, greeted him with joy. "Potian, how are you feeling now? Have you managed to control your killing intent?"

Yang Potian smiled lightly. "Yes, Mom, I'm completely fine now. I'm planning to head back to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy tomorrow. It's been a long time since I've seen my team."

"You're right; you've been away for almost three years now. It's about time to go back and see everyone," she replied.

"Also, I'll bring Tianyue with me," Yang Potian added, "so I can help her enroll. I think it would be best if she stayed with Sister Yan and Sister Lingling; it would be safer that way."

After spending a day at home, Yang Potian and his younger sister, Yang Tianyue, set out for Heaven Dou Imperial Academy early the next morning. Tianyue was excited throughout the journey, marveling at everything once they entered the academy.

Wasting no time, Yang Potian took Tianyue to the administration office for her enrollment and then showed her around the academy, including the dining hall, simulated cultivation environments, and dormitories.

In the afternoon, he brought her to the training grounds, where the other six members of his team were in the middle of training. Their instructor, Teacher Li Xiang, and the others were overjoyed to see him. Especially Ye Lingling, who was visibly moved and nearly cried as she tried to contain her emotions.

Yang Potian greeted them warmly. "It's great to see all of you again. I spent three years on my training journey, and I missed you all. I hope you've been diligent with your cultivation."

Teacher Li Xiang, beaming, replied, "Don't worry, Potian. Everyone's been working extremely hard. They're close to meeting your standards now."

Following a prompt from Teacher Li, each team member reported their spirit power levels. To Yang Potian's surprise, Yang Ping'an had the highest level, now at 47. Dugu Yan had reached 46, Ye Lingling 45, Niu Meng 41, while Tailong and Bai Xiaofei were at 39. Compared to when they first formed Heaven Dou Academy's first team four years ago, the average increase in spirit power exceeded ten levels, with Yang Ping'an making the greatest progress at 12 levels, while Dugu Yan had advanced the least, gaining 10 levels.

With nearly a year remaining before the next Spirit Master Tournament, they were all on track to become Spirit Elders, and Yang Ping'an might even reach the Spirit King level. Dugu Yan, however, would likely struggle to make that breakthrough in time.

Yang Potian then turned to Teacher Li. "Teacher, this is my younger sister, Yang Tianyue. She just enrolled, so I'd like her to join our Heaven Dou Imperial Academy second team."

Teacher Li appeared slightly hesitant. "There's only a year left until the tournament. Isn't it too early for her to join the team? She'll only be 13 by then."

Yang Tianyue stepped in confidently. "Teacher Li, I'm Yang Tianyue. My martial spirit is the Po Soul Spear, and my spirit power is at 33."

Teacher Li was taken aback. "Twelve years old, and already at level 33? Understood. I'll arrange for her to join the team."

Yang Potian addressed the others, "My sister Tianyue is joining us starting today. She's 12 years old, with spirit power at level 33. I expect all of you to step up and ensure she doesn't surpass you."

Everyone was left speechless. As if having a powerhouse like Yang Potian wasn't enough, now his younger sister turned out to be just as monstrous.

Even Teacher Li Xiang couldn't help but think, What kind of family produces these monsters? A big monster and a little one!

Teacher Li finally spoke up. "Potian, the first team recently went on a training mission, traveling to various regions to spar with other strong teams. Should we do the same with the second team? It would give them valuable experience."

Yang Potian shook his head. "There's no need for that, Teacher Li. The second team will be entering both the qualifiers and promotion tournaments. That will provide plenty of practical experience. Traveling across the continent just to spar would waste valuable time.

"As for real combat training, I plan to lead the team on a training trip to the Spirit Hunting Forest once Tai Long and Bai Xiaofei reach Spirit Elder level. I think they'll be ready in a month."

Teacher Li hesitated. "Isn't the Spirit Hunting Forest too dangerous for students?"

"They're still students, yes, but they're all nearly Spirit Elders now. The only thing they lack is combat experience. If there's any real danger, I'll arrange for one of the academy directors to provide backup to ensure their safety."

That afternoon, Yang Potian joined the others in their physical training, though his own regimen was far more intense, with weights that added up to thousands of pounds, leaving everyone in awe.

Yang Tianyue, in her first group training session, managed to complete it despite the high difficulty, leaving Niu Meng and two others feeling defeated. After years of hard work, they had almost been outdone by a 12-year-old—a humbling realization.

After training, Yang Potian entrusted his sister Tianyue to Dugu Yan's care. Since they were both girls and Dugu Yan had a fearsome reputation as well as a Titled Douluo grandfather, no one would dare trouble Tianyue with her around.

He advised Dugu Yan to keep any suitors away. "If anyone tries to pursue my sister, or even bothers her, just poison them. I'll handle whatever comes next."

As for anyone trying to bully Tianyue, Yang Potian had no concerns. Though she was only 12, her 33 levels of spirit power qualified her for the Heaven Dou class. Moreover, she'd trained intensively with her spear; few Spirit Elders could match her attack power.

When it came to underhanded tactics, few could rival Dugu Yan—coming from a family of poison masters.

After training, Yang Potian took Ye Lingling aside for a long-awaited conversation. They exchanged stories about his experiences over the past three years, his journey to the City of Slaughter, and the feelings they'd both harbored over this time apart.

Ye Lingling also shared recent news, from the academy's latest events to the noteworthy developments in Heaven Dou City.

Yang Potian simply gazed at Ye Lingling's beautiful face, unable to resist leaning in to kiss her. After three years apart, meeting again ignited a spark between them, and they shared a passionate moment, expressing the depth of their longing for each other.

News of Yang Tianyue's enrollment at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy quickly spread throughout the school. When she showed up to her first class with Dugu Yan in the elite Heaven Dou level class, students were shocked. No one could believe the academy had admitted another student who immediately qualified for the top class—the last one to do so had been her older brother, Yang Potian.

Though only 12, Yang Tianyue's spirit power had already reached level 33, marking her as a prodigious talent with limitless potential. Besides her talent, she was already nearly 1.7 meters tall and, while her face still had a youthful softness, she had the makings of a striking beauty with a poised figure. Within days, she had become the academy's new goddess. Rumor had it that she received baskets of love letters, as many mistook her for an innocent, naïve girl.

Heirs from prominent clans, seeing her as the perfect marriage candidate, approached her eagerly, thinking a union with her would connect them to the Titled Douluo-level family of the Yang clan. Some leaders even hoped that such an alliance might give their family a chance to produce a future Titled Douluo.

Among those captivated by her was Prince Xue Beng. He gathered his friends and arranged a public confession, even bringing lavish gifts. But Dugu Yan, standing nearby, merely sneered before releasing a wave of green poison gas, paralyzing Xue Beng and his friends. The poison was so potent that they collapsed on the spot, foaming at the mouth and convulsing, turning the confession scene into a chaotic mess and leaving the teachers speechless.

Dugu Yan's poison, the potent Jade Phosphor Serpent venom, was difficult to cure with typical healing abilities, especially at her Spirit Elder level. Only due to the background of Xue Beng and his friends did she relent and administer an antidote, though she warned them that the poison's aftereffects—muscle spasms and soreness—would linger unless they sought out a true expert.

After witnessing this incident, other students dared not approach Yang Tianyue or Dugu Yan. Dugu Yan even threatened that if anyone else persisted, she'd have her grandfather personally "visit" their families.

In the days following the incident, Prince Xue Beng remained subdued. Eventually, he sought out his uncle, Prince Xue Xing, to demand justice.

"Uncle, I was poisoned by that Dugu Yan! Can't you help me get revenge?" Xue Beng demanded.

Prince Xue Xing looked at him as though he were a fool. "Xue Beng, do you think anyone in all of Heaven Dou Empire could, or would, take revenge on Dugu Yan?"

Reflecting, Xue Beng realized no one—not even his father—would risk offending Dugu Bo over such a minor grievance. His misfortune was his alone to bear.

Unwilling to give up, Xue Beng continued, "Uncle, what if I pursued Yang Tianyue in earnest? What do you think?"

Prince Xue Xing shook his head. "Xue Beng, given your reputation, do you honestly believe Yang Wudi would allow his cherished granddaughter to marry you? Do you think Niu Gao would give his consent?"

"I suggest you stay out of trouble while you're at the academy. Although you're a prince, neither the Yang clan nor Dugu Bo are people you or I can afford to provoke."

Still unconvinced, Xue Beng muttered, "But Uncle, Dugu Bo owes you a favor, doesn't he?"

Prince Xue Xing sighed. "True, but he's already repaid it in various ways over the years. He only serves Heaven Dou Empire as a guest official out of courtesy for that favor. One day that debt will be paid in full, and when that time comes, we'll be left without any leverage or protection."

Frustrated, Xue Beng lamented, "Uncle, I'm a prince, and you're a prince, yet we're still held back. How can things be this way?"

His uncle's expression turned somber. "And yet, look at your two brothers—they were both princes, too, and they both died, each under mysterious circumstances."

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