Douluo Continent: Angels Descend, Glory Reborn

director's office

Afternoon sunlight streamed through the large windows, bathing the office, which was carpeted in deep red velvet, in a warm and bright light.

Yan Shaozhe stood by the window, his back to the door, watching the endless stream of new students on the main academy road below, a satisfied smile on his lips.

As the dean of the Spirit Department at Shrek Academy and a level 95 Super Douluo, he bears a heavy responsibility. The annual enrollment season is not only a crucial time for the academy to replenish its ranks with fresh talent, but also a critical period for testing the academy's reputation and appeal.

This year, however, things seem to be going exceptionally well.

"Knock, knock, knock." A polite and regular knocking sound rang out.

"Come in." Yan Shaozhe didn't turn around; his voice was gentle yet carried an inherent authority.

The door was pushed open, and Du Weilun, dressed in a black teacher's robe and with a tall and straight figure, strode in. He stopped three steps away from Yan Shaozhe's desk and bowed slightly respectfully: "Dean."

"Viren, have a seat." Yan Shaozhe then turned around and pointed to the chair opposite the desk. He looked to be around fifty years old, but was actually much older. He had a refined face, bright and piercing eyes, and his black hair was neatly combed. His demeanor was calm and composed, with the ease of someone who had long held a high position.

Du Weilun sat down as instructed, but his posture remained upright. He opened the folder in his hand and began to report: "Dean, the registration and verification process for new students at the East Gate is basically complete today. As of noon, a total of 1,247 new students have completed their qualification verification and registration, of whom 43 meet the standards for direct admission without examination."

Yan Shaozhe sat back in his large leather chair, his fingers lightly tapping the smooth mahogany tabletop, his smile widening: "Not bad. The number of applicants has increased by nearly 10% compared to the same period last year. It seems that the talent pool across the mainland is quite good this year."

"That's true." Du Weilen nodded and continued his report, "Moreover, the proportion of high-quality students has also increased this year. It's especially worth mentioning that among the new students who registered today, three have a soul power level of 30 or higher, and all of them are from our Martial Soul Department!"

"Oh?" Yan Shaozhe's eyes lit up noticeably. "Three new Soul Masters? What's the specific situation?"

Reaching the Soul Master level at the age of twelve is absolutely a top-tier genius, even in the history of Shrek Academy! You have to know that many students are already considered excellent if they can break through level twenty and enter the Great Soul Master realm at the age of twelve.

Du Weilun clearly stated: "The first is Dai Huabin from the Dai family of the Star Luo Empire, 12 years old, with the White Tiger Martial Soul and Soul Power Level 33. The second is Ning Tian from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, 12 years old, with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul and Soul Power Level 31. The third is Xie Huanyue from the Heavenly Soul Empire, 12 years old, with the Pipi Elephant Martial Soul and Soul Power Level 31. All three have passed the bone age and soul power tests, and their talent is beyond doubt."

"Good! Very good!" Yan Shaozhe couldn't help but lightly pat the table, a genuine smile of joy on his face. Three new Soul Masters, all with powerful Beast Souls—what did this mean? It meant they had the potential to at least reach the Soul Douluo level, and even the possibility of reaching the Title Douluo level! This was of great significance for maintaining the dominant position of the Soul System and improving the overall strength of the academy.

"In addition," Du Weiren continued, "there are two other freshmen with soul power levels above level 20 who deserve attention today. One is a twelve-year-old named Wang Dong, with a soul power level of 24. According to the teacher who introduced him, this freshman seems to have an extraordinary background and is vaguely related to a powerful hidden force."

Yan Shaozhe nodded, his expression returning to calm: "Having a background is a good thing, but in Shrek Academy, ultimately it comes down to talent, character, and strength. Make a note of it and observe for now."

"Yes," Du Weilen replied, turning the page. "The other one is twelve years old, with a soul power level of twenty-seven, named Su Chen. He was brought back from the Star Dou Great Forest and introduced by two students from our academy's outer court, Bei Bei and Tang Ya."

"Twelve years old, level twenty-seven..." Yan Shaozhe pondered for a moment, his fingers continuing to tap rhythmically on the table. In previous years, this talent would indeed have been considered among the best of the new students, worthy of focused cultivation. But this year, especially in the shadow of those three Soul Master new students...

That doesn't seem quite enough.

A level 27 Great Soul Master and a level 30 Soul Venerable may seem to be only three levels apart, but they represent a vast difference in realms.

A Soul Master possesses a third Soul Ring, resulting in a qualitative leap in Soul Skills, total Soul Power, and physical strength. In true competition among geniuses, these three levels often represent an insurmountable chasm.

"Level 27, not bad." Yan Shaozhe finally gave his evaluation, his tone gentle but with a hint of barely perceptible indifference. "Bei Bei and Tang Ya recommended them, so they must have some exceptional qualities. Just proceed with the normal procedures; for now... there's no need to give them too much special attention."

"Our resources and energy should be directed more towards those with higher potential."

He was being very practical. Shrek Academy has many resources, but they are not unlimited. The attention and personal guidance from the academy's higher-ups and the elders of the inner courtyard are even more scarce resources.

With the three newly promoted Soul Masters already confirmed to attract the majority of attention, a level 27 Great Soul Master, no matter how outstanding, seems somewhat... "ordinary".

"I understand, Dean," Du Weiren replied respectfully, closing the folder. He naturally understood the dean's unspoken message. For the time being, Su Chen's name would only be recorded and wouldn't be added to the academy's higher-ups' priority observation list.

"Okay, you may leave. Continue to monitor the enrollment situation, and report any exceptional talents immediately." Yan Shaozhe waved his hand.

"Yes, Dean." Du Weilen stood up, bowed slightly again, and then quietly left the office, gently closing the door behind him.

Silence returned to the office. Yan Shaozhe stood up again, walked to the window, and gazed into the distance. He was pondering the allocation of the three new Soul Masters, considering which elder might be interested in them, and how to arrange things to maximize their potential.

…………

Room 108, freshman dormitory building

After having a quick meal at the college cafeteria, Su Chen returned to his dormitory.

When he unlocked the door to dormitory 108 with his key, he found the room was already lit. The Soul Guidance Lamp emitted a soft white light, illuminating half the room.

The bed on the right, which had been empty, was now covered with clean, tidy, and obviously high-quality light blue bedding. A simple yet exquisitely crafted dark leather suitcase sat beside the bed. On one side of the desk, several pieces of clothing and a few brand-new books were neatly folded.

The room's occupant was facing away from the door, slightly bent over, seemingly tidying up something on the bedside table.