Chapter 22: Meeting Qin Ming - Douluo's spirit bead sword

**Chapter 22: Meeting Qin Ming** After bidding farewell to the three committee members, Zhou Yan left the academic office with Tian Lin in tow. "Ms. Zhou, where are we headed now?" Tian Lin asked. "I'm taking you to your dormitory first. From now on, you'll be living here. Today, you'll get familiar with our Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, and tomorrow you can officially start classes," Zhou Yan replied, her tone warm and friendly. She couldn't help it; after all, Tian Lin was quite the promising student. As they walked, many male teachers greeted Zhou Yan enthusiastically. It seemed she was quite popular at the academy. That wasn't surprising—at not even 28 years old, she had achieved a soul power level close to crossing into the Soul King rank. Coupled with her beauty and the mature charm of a woman in her prime, it was hard not to be popular. However, she seemed rather indifferent to most, only exchanging polite greetings. But when she came across a young man, her eyes lit up, and she proactively approached him. "Teacher Qin Ming, you're back from hunting soul beasts!" she exclaimed. The young man was even younger than Zhou Yan, incredibly handsome, with a confident demeanor that spoke volumes of his exceptional prowess. "Is this Qin Ming, a graduate of Shrek Academy from the original novel?" Tian Lin thought as he sized up the newcomer. Qin Ming appeared much younger than when he was introduced in the novel, likely having not yet reached the rank of Soul Emperor. From Zhou Yan's words, it seemed Qin Ming had recently gone to hunt soul beasts, which likely meant he had just broken through to Soul King. "Indeed, Ms. Zhou, I was fortunate this time. As soon as I entered the Star Dou Forest, I encountered a 9,000-year-old Fire Wolf. I am now a Soul King and am preparing to register as a Heaven Rank teacher," Qin Ming responded warmly. A fifth soul ring at 9,000 years wasn't the optimal combination. Typically, the limit for an average person's fifth ring is 12,000 years, and there's a significant difference between ten-thousand-year and thousand-year rings. Tian Lin thought it was unfortunate that someone with Qin Ming's talent was hampered by his soul ring. Yet, for most people, a 9,000-year ring was already impressive. Zhou Yan was certainly thrilled. "Nine thousand years! Wow, Teacher Qin Ming is truly outstanding. To reach the level of a Soul King at just 26—the three committee members all say that with your potential, you might break through to Soul Emperor by 32, making you the second youngest Soul Emperor on the continent." Anyone could see that Zhou Yan was fond of Qin Ming. He was evidently someone with the potential of becoming a Title Douluo, possibly reaching that rank around sixty—a true prodigy of his generation. Qin Ming modestly deflected the praise. "The committee members overrate my abilities. By the way, who is this child?" "Oh, let me introduce you. This is my new student, Jun Tian Lin. He's seven years old and already an 18th level Battle Soul Master. Quite the prodigy, don't you think?" Zhou Yan introduced Tian Lin, sensing that this child might become the bridge to close the gap between her and Qin Ming. She had felt somewhat inferior when faced with Qin Ming, but teaching a top-tier genius could instantly bring her closer to him. "Seven years old and 18th level!" Qin Ming was surprised. Such talent was almost unheard of, even during his time at Shrek Academy. "Congratulations, Ms. Zhou, on having such an outstanding student. I have some experience with teaching. Maybe we can exchange insights in the future." Qin Ming, influenced by Flender and Zhao Wuji, had a passion for teaching, which led him to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. "That would be wonderful!" Zhou Yan's face flushed with happiness. Tian Lin was indeed her lucky star, bridging the gap with her ideal prince charming. This was the first time Qin Ming had ever taken the initiative to suggest such an exchange. "Well, I must go meet with the three committee members. Please excuse me," Qin Ming said with a polite gesture before leaving. Watching her beloved's retreating figure, Zhou Yan was lost in thought, while Tian Lin teasingly remarked, "Ms. Zhou, you like Teacher Qin, don't you?" Innocent words from a child. Instead of anger, Zhou Yan openly admitted, "Yes, you see how interested Teacher Qin is in you. You must help me in the future, okay? If I can win his heart, I'll buy you sweets every day." 'Sweets every day? Does she really think I'm a kid?' Tian Lin mused. How absurd to ask a seven-year-old to help her pursue a man! 'Ms. Zhou, are you a teacher or just lovestruck?' he inwardly mocked. No wonder the atmosphere in the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was the way it was. 'Tsk, my master is really trusting, sending me here to temper my heart. Aren't you worried I'll pick up bad habits?' Before long, Zhou Yan led Tian Lin to the dormitory area. His room was on the third floor, and surprisingly, it was single-occupancy, with luxury comparable to his accommodations at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Reflecting on Tang San's likely cramped dormitory shared with a dozen others, there was no comparing a typical primary academy to a noble academy like Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. However, Tang San had a little rabbit companion by his side. The thought of this made Tian Lin somewhat envious. Just then, Zhou Yan took two books from the shelf. "Little Tian, I have to go now. Your student ID will be delivered shortly. Here are two books for you: one covers school rules, and the other introduces the academy. Study them well today to get acquainted with us." "Alright, teacher." Tian Lin accepted the books obediently, but after Zhou Yan left, he carelessly tossed the school regulations book aside. He couldn’t be bothered with rules—what's the point when matters among soul masters were often settled with fists? These rules seemed intended to be broken and held little appeal to him. The academy introduction, however, was worth a read. It detailed the student body, the cafeteria, and various simulation training grounds. Currently, the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy enrolled 557 students across three levels of classes: Sky Minor (soul power 15 to 25), Sky Mid (soul power 25 to 30), and the highest level, Heaven Dou (soul power above 30). The teachers also had similar rankings: 40 to 50 for Sky Minor, 50 to 60 for Sky Mid, and above 60 for Heaven Dou. The academy was divided into fourteen classes, each with about forty students. There was only one Heaven Dou class, three Sky Mid classes, and ten Sky Minor classes. This meant that the entire academy had only around forty students with soul power above 30. The rest made up 70% of the student body at the Sky Minor level—a disheartening ratio. "Sigh, expecting this academy to produce top-tier talent is a pipe dream!" Tian Lin scoffed. He casually threw the academy introduction aside and sat on the bed to meditate. He had to work hard; he couldn't afford to become just another mediocre student among them.