Douluo Continent: Tonight, a Fairy Tale Descends

Lin Wan spent most of her time in the residence arranged by the Spirit Hall, staying indoors without going out.

He needs time to digest the gains from this competition, not only in terms of reputation points, but also in terms of experience fighting against masters like Qian Heng and Jin Chuan.

Occasionally, he would feel a faint gaze fixed on the direction of his residence, scrutinizing and probing.

He knew it came from the Spirit Hall, from the Pope who sat high on the throne.

But he didn't care.

A few days later, the Tiandou delegation set off to return home.

The atmosphere was much more relaxed along the way than on the way there.

Yu Tianqing and Yan Xin, arm in arm, boasted about their heroic performance in the finals. Ye Qing also smiled more. Song Yi's injuries had mostly healed under the treatment of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.

Even Qian Renxue, who was disguised as Xue Qinghe, seemed to have shed some burdens, and the gloom between her brows had faded a little.

Snow White sat quietly in the carriage, watching the scenery rushing past the window, lost in thought.

Lin Wan leaned against the carriage wall, pondering her next plan after returning to Tiandou City.

The carriage rumbled monotonously along the official road. The closer they got to Tiandou City, the more the solemn yet oppressive aura of imperial power seemed to intensify in the air.

After a long journey, the majestic outline of Tiandou City finally appeared on the horizon.

At the city gate, the honor guard, which had already received the news, stood in neat formation with banners waving.

Many people spontaneously gathered on both sides of the road, eagerly anticipating the chance to see the champion team in action.

As the delegation's carriages, escorted by royal knights, slowly entered the city gates, a wave of enthusiastic cheers surged forth.

"Long live the Heavenly Dou!"

"Champion! Champion!"

Yu Tianqing and Yan Xin excitedly leaned out of the car window and waved to the crowd, eliciting screams from the crowd.

Ye Qing and Song Yi also showed shy smiles. Ning Zetian maintained her elegant demeanor and nodded slightly.

Lin Wan didn't peek out; she just looked at the excited crowd outside through the car window, her face expressionless.

He didn't dislike the feeling of being the center of attention, but he didn't particularly like it either. He was more concerned about how much reputation points these cheers could translate into.

The carriage did not linger on the streets and headed directly towards the palace.

In front of the Council Hall of the Imperial Palace.

Emperor Tiandou, along with his civil and military officials, had already been waiting on the white marble plaza.

He was dressed in a grand imperial robe, with an irrepressible smile on his face and bright eyes.

When Lin Wan and his group of seven walked to the center of the square, led by Xue Qinghe, all eyes turned to them.

Emperor Xueye stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the seven young faces that were already showing promise, especially lingering on Lin Wan for a moment, his eyes filled with admiration and joy.

"Good! Good! Good!"

He said "good" three times in a row, his voice loud and clear, carrying the majesty of an emperor and revealing his heartfelt excitement.

"You have defeated formidable opponents and won the championship in this Continental Elite Tournament of Advanced Soul Master Academies, bringing glory to our Heavenly Dou Nation! How magnificent! This is an unparalleled achievement!"

He paused, his gaze becoming even more solemn.

"Rewards for merit and punishments for transgressions are the laws of the empire and my consistent principle. You have rendered such great service to the empire, and I am greatly pleased! Therefore, I hereby decree to grant you imperial titles in recognition of your merits!"

The square was silent, with only the voice of Emperor Xueye echoing.

Yu Tianqing, Ning Zetian, and the others showed a hint of surprise on their faces, which quickly turned into calm.

Given their background, titles were not unfamiliar to them, but they never expected that their victory in the Soul Master Competition would bring them imperial titles.

Lin Wan looked up at the snowy night, waiting for him to continue.

Xue Ye's gaze fell on Lin Wan again, his tone carrying an undeniable decisiveness: "Lin Wan, with unparalleled talent and strength surpassing his peers, turned the tide in the finals and made a great contribution! He is hereby granted the title of Imperial Viscount, and bestowed with a mansion in Tian Dou City and 100,000 Gold Soul Coins!"

Viscount!

Although it was not the highest title, it was an exceptionally generous reward for a sixteen-year-old boy with no background.

In particular, the fact that he was granted a mansion in Tiandou City meant that the royal family truly regarded him as a core force that could be won over and relied upon.

Xueye continued to announce: "Yu Tianqing, Ning Zetian, Yan Xin, Song Yi, and Ye Qing, for your valiant fighting, are hereby granted the title of Imperial Viscount and awarded 50,000 Gold Soul Coins!"

After bestowing the rewards, Emperor Xueye's smile widened. Looking at the group of young people who represented the future of the empire, especially Lin Wan, he said gently, "I hope you will all guard against arrogance and impetuosity, cultivate diligently, and continue to serve the empire in the future!"

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" the seven men said in unison, bowing in greeting.

Yu Tianqing and the others all wore expressions of joy. Although their titles were not high, the honor they received was genuine.

Lin Wan also bowed slightly, her tone calm: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

His face remained expressionless, as if being granted the title of viscount, the mansion, and the large sum of money were nothing more than trivial matters.

Xueye saw his reaction and, far from being displeased, was even more satisfied.

Remaining calm in the face of both honor and disgrace is the composure that those who achieve great things should possess.

After the conferment ceremony, Emperor Xueye offered a few more words of encouragement before dismissing everyone to rest.

The group left the palace and returned to the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy.

At the entrance of the college, the three education commissioners, Meng Shenji, Bai Baoshan, and Zhilin, had been waiting for a long time.

Upon seeing their return, the three old men beamed with joy, especially when they saw Lin Wan, who was subtly surrounded by the crowd. Their eyes were filled with such eagerness that they looked at a priceless treasure.

"You're back! Good! It's good that you're back!" Meng Shenji stepped forward, patted Lin Wan's shoulder hard, and then looked at the others, nodding repeatedly.

"You've really brought honor to the academy and the empire this time!"

Bai Baoshan said with a smile, "Go in and rest. The academy has prepared a celebration banquet for you!"

Surrounded by three education commissioners, the group entered the college.

The students they encountered along the way all looked at them with admiration and awe, and whispers could be heard everywhere.

Chapter 214 Greed

The atmosphere at the victory celebration banquet was very lively.

The Heaven Dou Royal Academy had not felt so triumphant in a long time. Overpowering the Star Luo, defeating the Spirit Hall, and finally lifting the championship trophy, this glory was enough to make the entire academy stand tall for years to come.

The restaurant was brightly lit and bustling with people.

The trainees excitedly discussed the details of the finals, their eyes frequently glancing at the champion team, who were surrounded by admirers.

Yu Tianqing and Yan Xin clearly enjoyed the atmosphere, holding their wine glasses and chatting and laughing with familiar students and teachers, their faces showing relaxation and pride after a good time.

Ye Qing sat quietly next to Song Yi, speaking to him in a low voice. Although Song Yi's face was still a little pale, he was in good spirits and nodded from time to time.

Ning Zetian was surrounded by several disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. He remained elegant and composed, handling the situation with propriety.

Lin Wan also sat there, with exquisite food laid out in front of him, but he barely touched it.

People kept coming up to toast him and chat with him, but he just nodded slightly and occasionally responded with a word or two. His attitude was not cold, but it was by no means enthusiastic either.

The noise bothered him a bit. He preferred to go back earlier, take stock of the reputation points he had gained from the competition, and plan his next move.

As the banquet drew to a close, the three education commissioners exchanged glances.

Meng Shenji walked to Lin Wan's side with a kind smile on his face and said in a low voice, "Lin Wan, come to the Education Commission meeting room in a while. The three of us old guys have something we want to talk to you about."

Lin Wan glanced at Meng Shenji, then swept her gaze over Bai Baoshan and Zhilin, who seemed casual but whose eyes were actually fixed on him.

He nodded and didn't ask any further questions: "Okay."

He knew that what was meant to happen would happen eventually.

After the celebration banquet ended, the trainees dispersed, still feeling quite excited.

Lin Wan followed the three education commissioners into the familiar education commission meeting room, which was covered with a thick carpet.

There were only the four of them in the room. The soul-guiding lamp emitted a stable and bright halo, illuminating the subtle expressions on the faces of the three education committee members.

Meng Shenji's smile faded slightly. He walked to the main seat but did not sit down immediately. Instead, he looked at Lin Wan and said with a hint of solemnity, "Lin Wan, you've worked hard in this competition."

Lin Wan stood in the center of the room, his figure appearing somewhat slender in the spacious conference room, but his back was straight. He nodded without speaking.

Bai Baoshan chimed in, trying to maintain a relaxed expression on his round face: "With your current strength and reputation, there's really not much the academy can teach you anymore."

He rubbed his hands together, then changed the subject, "However, five years from now, in the next Soul Master Competition, your age will still meet the participation requirements."

Zhilin adjusted his glasses, his gaze behind the lenses calm and sharp. He spoke in his usual analytical tone, "By then, your strength will undoubtedly have improved further. If you can lead the team to compete again and defend your championship title, it will be of great significance to both the academy and the empire. This honor is immeasurable by any resource."

The three education commissioners all looked at Lin Wan with undisguised anticipation and even a hint of barely perceptible tension.

Although Emperor Xueye did not say it explicitly, his meaning had already been conveyed through them.

Such a young genius, with the halo of a champion, both the Empire and the Academy hope that he can stay and become a golden brand, continuing to shine in the next competition.

This concerns the reputation and influence of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy and even the Heaven Dou Empire in the Soul Master world over the next five years.

The conference room fell silent, with only the soul-guiding lamp emitting a soft hum, awaiting Lin Wan's reply.

Lin Wan raised her eyes, her gaze calmly sweeping over the three education committee members. Her tone was flat, yet carried an undeniable firmness:

"No."

He paused, and amidst the astonished gazes of the three education committee members, continued:

"I refuse."

As soon as Lin Wan finished speaking, the conference room became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Meng Shenji's facial muscles stiffened for a moment. He seemed not to have heard clearly, or rather, he couldn't believe what he had heard. He leaned forward slightly: "Lin Wan, what did you say?"

Bai Baoshan's chubby face jiggled, his small eyes filled with surprise and confusion: "Refuse? Lin Wan, do you know what you're saying? You'll be in your prime for the next competition! With your talent, plus the full support of the Empire and the Academy, you might even become a Soul Emperor! With you here, our Heavenly Dou Royal Academy has a very high chance of defending our championship!"

Zhilin frowned, his gaze behind his glasses sharpening as if trying to see through Lin Wan's true thoughts.

"Lin Wan, you need to think this through. If you stay at the academy, both the empire and the academy will pour resources into nurturing you. Your viscount title and future prospects are closely tied to the empire. Participating in the next competition is the best choice for you to gain both fame and fortune. If you leave the academy, you may lose all of these."

Lin Wan stood there, her figure still somewhat thin, but her back was straight, like a sapling unmoved by wind and rain.

He met the astonished, puzzled, and even somewhat anxious gazes of the three education committee members, but his face remained unwavering, his calmness unsettling.

“I know exactly what I’m talking about.”