Four Elements City.
The former Tian Shui Academy had now been renamed Glazed Academy.
Apart from the recent changes in admissions—now accepting male students—the academy still largely retained its original structure, with female students forming the majority.
Though many of Tian Shui Academy's old rules had been abolished, some traditions remained.
For example, the captain of Tian Shui Academy's team was always the strongest member.
"I told you, I'm not the captain. Stop calling me that!" Shui Bing'er's face darkened as she glared at the two girls following her.
Yu Hairou and Shen Liuyu were both members of Glazed Academy's team preparing to participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament.
Yu Hairou was a 41st-ranked Soul Ancestor, while Shen Liuyu was a 39th-ranked Soul Elder. Both were devoted admirers of Shui Bing'er.
"A 51st-ranked Soul King at 18 years old—isn't that strong enough?" Yu Hairou said. "In all of Four Elements City's academies, you're probably the only one with such strength."
Though the Spirit Hall's team was formidable, and rumors suggested they had a Soul King this year, all their members were over 20 years old. Their talent couldn't compare to Shui Bing'er's.
"Ugh!"
Shui Bing'er was speechless.
Glazed Academy wasn't Tian Shui Academy. They couldn't keep judging things by the old standards!
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and the Spirit Hall were filled with powerhouses. The Spirit Hall even had a Soul Sage under 25. Compared to them, what was Shui Bing'er?
"Didn't the dean say yesterday? Our team's captain and vice-captain will arrive in the next couple of days. We'll see them soon."
"Just randomly inserting people into the team to participate in the tournament without even going through the qualifiers—that's so unfair to everyone else."
Shen Liuyu complained.
Shui Bing'er's lips twitched.
Making Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan participate in Glazed Academy's qualifiers? That would just be bullying.
Among the current team members, aside from the former Tian Shui Academy students who didn't know Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan well, the rest—including Ning Tian and Ye Lingling—had a rough idea of their strength.
Even if they didn't know Ning Rongrong's exact level, they knew Dugu Yan was a 67th-ranked Soul Emperor.
A suffocating rank, just like the Spirit Hall's Young Master Qian Renxue, who had once appeared at the Shui family.
From Ning Rongrong, Shui Bing'er had learned that Qian Renxue was currently 23 years old.
Previously, there were rumors that the Spirit Hall's team had been completely defeated by a mysterious participant. Most likely, it was Qian Renxue's doing.
"There's really no need to argue," Ning Tian said as he walked over with Ye Lingling. Compared to the taciturn Ye Lingling, Ning Tian was more talkative.
"Since we've inherited Tian Shui Academy's traditions, why not let our new captain and vice-captain fight those who aren't convinced? We'll see who ends up on the ground."
"Ning Tian, isn't that a bit too much?" Shui Bing'er's eyelids twitched.
"What's the problem? Don't forget, one of the two newcomers is a support-type Soul Master. But even so, if they can't even defeat us, what right do they have to lead us?"
"Support-type Soul Master…" Shui Bing'er's eye twitched again.
Ning Tian continued, "But I won't be participating in this fight. Going against my own sister is a bit too—"
"That's fine!"
"I don't mind. If Second Brother wants to fight me, I'd be more than happy to oblige!"
A sudden voice in the training field made Ning Tian freeze.
"Rongrong…"
Ning Tian turned stiffly to look behind him. No one had noticed how Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong had appeared—they were standing just a few meters away.
"Long time no see." Ning Tian forced an awkward smile as he scratched his head. "You're here so early? I thought you'd arrive in the afternoon."
"Right. If we hadn't come early, I wouldn't have known you were inciting others to challenge me." Ning Rongrong said softly,
"Don't forget, I'm your own sister. Having a brother like you can be quite a headache sometimes."
"Uh… That wasn't me! It's the rules! Yeah, the rules! The captain has to be the strongest!"
Ning Tian's scalp prickled.
He didn't know Ning Rongrong's current strength.
But two and a half years ago, Ning Tian had tested Ning Rongrong and reported the information to his father.
A five-ringed Soul King with a Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda—and that was two and a half years ago.
Now? Who knew what level she was at!
When Dugu Yan had lost control before, it was Ning Rongrong who subdued her.
If someone told Ning Tian his sister wasn't at least a Soul Emperor, he wouldn't believe it himself.
The thought of her being a Soul Emperor—or even a Soul Sage—at her age made Ning Tian shudder.
No wonder Ning Yun had gone to develop in Vast Sea City.
As the elder brother, living under his younger sister's shadow was too much pressure.
He hadn't felt it before, but after Ning Yun left, an inexplicable weight had settled on him.
Forget competing for the position of Young Sect Master. Even their father, Ning Fengzhi, and multiple Title Douluo elders were all firmly in Ning Rongrong's camp.
Ning Tian had also learned from Ning Fengzhi that after this tournament, Ning Rongrong would officially be named the Young Sect Master of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Moreover, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would be renamed the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. The implications were obvious.
Ning Tian's mind raced with thoughts.
"So, Second Brother, shall we fight? A battle between two support-type Soul Masters—sounds interesting, doesn't it?"
Ning Rongrong's voice snapped him back to reality.
A fight between support-type Soul Masters?
Looking at Ning Rongrong's earnest expression, cold sweat broke out on Ning Tian's forehead.
"Uh… That won't be necessary! I think you'd make a great captain!" Ning Tian laughed nervously, then glanced around at the other Glazed Academy team members who had gathered to watch.
"R-right, guys?"
"Actually… let's fight. But since you're a support-type Soul Master, if we win…" Yu Hairou hesitated before continuing, "It wouldn't feel like a fair victory."
Ning Rongrong looked to be in her early teens, even younger than Shui Bing'er.
It was hard to imagine her being very strong. The vice-captain, Dugu Yan, might—just might—be stronger than Shui Bing'er, but…
How should they phrase this?
As students of Glazed Academy, they were well aware of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's influence. They also knew that Ning Rongrong was highly valued by Sect Master Ning Fengzhi.
To some members of the Glazed team, Ning Rongrong was just here to gain prestige.
She might hold the title of captain, but in reality, she'd likely be a substitute—just a figurehead. The actual battles would still fall to them.
"Sister Yan, what do you think?"
Seeing that Dugu Yan hadn't spoken, Ning Rongrong turned to her.
"If you're the captain, I have no objections. If you're not up for fighting, I can take your place." Dugu Yan sighed.
"It's no trouble." Ning Rongrong smiled.
"If the captain can't prove her strength and subdue everyone, that wouldn't be ideal."
"Besides, if the Spirit Hall's Holy Maiden can do it, then I—"
"I'm not participating."
Before Ning Rongrong could finish, Dugu Yan shot her a look.