Chapter 16: The Inevitable Transformation into a Butterfly

Several days later, the day of the entrance examinations for the advanced Soul Master academies across the Heavenly Dou Empire arrived.

Nottingham Academy had not had a student admitted to the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy for over a decade. This time, with Tang Xi’s appearance, the headmaster of Nottingham Academy was determined to succeed. Early in the morning, Tang Xi was dressed meticulously and sent off in a carriage bound for the examination hall. Nearly all the teachers gathered by the school, forming such a grand scene that even other students heading to class couldn’t help but stop and watch.

The headmaster watched the unbothered, smiling student in the carriage with deep concern, earnestly advising, “Tang Xi, the teachers over there won’t be as fond of you as we are. Don’t be too disappointed.”

“They’re all young masters and misses; don’t get into conflicts with them. If you’re unhappy, come back. Don’t wrong yourself.”

Among the crowd, Xiao Wu, sucking on a lollipop Tang Xi had given her, blinked curiously and asked Tang San beside her, “These teachers seem to care about Sister Xi so much, don’t they?”

Tang San said nothing. When Xiao Wu turned to look, she saw the expression on his face—a look of abandonment and grievance.

Alright, this brother is even more doting.

Tang Xi leaned against the carriage window, looking at Tang San hidden in the crowd, and extended her pinky finger, slightly curling it.

This was the secret pact between the siblings. Knowing he couldn’t persuade Tang Xi otherwise, Tang San left her with one sentence:

“If anything happens, prioritize your safety. Sister, I want to find Father with you.”

She remembered this promise.

Tang San’s heart ached slightly and he also extended his pinky finger. The siblings hooked their fingers together across the distance, and in that instant, all unsaid words passed silently into each other’s hearts.

The next time they met, she and Tang San would undoubtedly emerge transformed like butterflies.

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The carriage journey lasted two days and one night. On the morning of the third day, Tang Xi finally arrived at the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy.

It was early, the sun had just risen above the horizon, scattering pale golden light. The tall, grand gates of the academy stood solemn and imposing.

At the gate stood a young man, tall and graceful, hands clasped behind his back. A breeze stirred his jet-black hair, enhancing his refined and serene demeanor.

As the carriage stopped, the youth raised his eyes slightly and looked at the girl who had just jumped down. He spoke first:

“A student from Nottingham Academy?”

Tang Xi silently nodded.

The young man smiled with the same refreshing elegance that defined him and introduced himself: “I am your guiding mentor, Qin Ming. Judging by the time, you must have arrived.”

Compared to him, Tang Xi looked weary and dusty from travel. She tossed the luggage, larger than herself, onto her shoulder and introduced herself earnestly:

“I am Tang Xi. Thank you for your hard work, teacher.”

“Follow me. Almost all the other examinees have already arrived.”

Qin Ming turned to the side and casually took Tang Xi’s luggage, subtly reminding her:

“I heard from the admissions officer that you are a once-in-a-century talent from Nottingham Academy.”

Tang Xi smiled faintly without comment.

Qin Ming, with a knowing tone, held her luggage and leisurely advised:

“This year, geniuses abound. Everyone is giving their all to enter the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy. They all confidently claim to be once-in-a-century talents, but most of them end up fleeing in tears.”

Now Tang Xi finally caught the implicit warning in his words.

Seeing her determinedly bring all her belongings, he kindly reminded her not to be overly confident.

Qin Ming did not want these proud youths to suffer a crushing defeat, but this dusty young girl turned back with clear and gentle eyes, her voice bright and confident:

“Don’t worry. Not admitting me would only be a loss for the academy.”

Qin Ming was taught to be calm, reserved, self-disciplined, and courteous. This was the first time he’d met such a bright and straightforward girl. He shook his head slightly, realizing that further warnings were futile, and without more words, led her toward the examination site.

Practitioners tended to rise early. At the exam location, a group of children around Tang Xi’s age were already lined up, awaiting their mentors’ assessments. Qin Ming waved his hand, and someone immediately stepped forward to take Tang Xi’s luggage away.

Qin Ming explained, “If you pass the assessment, your luggage will be sent directly to the dormitory by a designated person.”

Tang Xi nodded slightly, as if she never doubted she would pass. She joined the line at the back of the assessment queue. Qin Ming, having nothing else to do, sat to the side and carefully reviewed the profiles of the incoming students.

“Dugu Yan, sixth-year student of Heavenly Dou Royal Academy, twelve years old, level 25 Control-type Soul Master, Martial Soul: Jade Serpent. Passed the assessment extraordinarily.”

Just then, the examiner’s voice rang out. The blue-haired, emerald-eyed girl being assessed let out a light laugh, proudly puffing out her chest as she glanced at someone in the queue behind her.

The students behind gathered and whispered among themselves:

“Oh my, level 25 at twelve years old—that cultivation speed must be top-tier among this year’s examinees, right?”

“That’s not necessarily so. The true top-tier is that one…”

As the chatter subsided, another youth stepped forward, equally proud despite his best attempt to hide it. His youthful vigor shone in his eyes as he extended his hand confidently to the examiner and spoke with a resonant voice:

“Yu Tianheng, sixth-year student of Heavenly Dou Royal Academy.”

Tang Xi found the name somewhat familiar. Several students around her eagerly discussed:

“That’s the newly appointed heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus clan, isn’t he?”

“Of course. He’s a solid genius, already designated as the successor of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus sect!”

The teacher responsible for evaluating levels quickly announced this prodigy’s power:

“Yu Tianheng, twelve years old, level 27 Peak-tier Offensive-type Soul Master, Martial Soul: Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus. Passed the assessment extraordinarily.”

Upon hearing this level, the on-site crowd erupted in awe:

“Good heavens, level 27 Peak?”

“Are the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus genes really that strong?”

Qin Ming had just come across Yu Tianheng’s profile and couldn’t help but admire this outstanding heir.

At this age, with such a level, Yu Tianheng would likely surpass his ancestors before long.

Each generation breeds even greater prodigies…

Yu Tianheng seemed accustomed to such praise. He nodded slightly to the examiner, walked over to stand beside the previously assessed Dugu Yan, and calmly accepted the envious gazes around him.

With Yu Tianheng setting the bar high, the next few top students from their respective schools appeared rather ordinary, repeatedly failing the assessments. The atmosphere gradually grew somber until the final name was called:

“Tang Xi, fifth-year student of Nottingham Academy.”