Qian Duoduo patted Zhou Sicheng on the shoulder. "Given that your strength is already sufficient to serve as a practical combat instructor for this group of students, the academy has decided to grant you a special Platinum-level Battle Soul Badge. Additionally, you will enjoy the benefits of an inner court special-grade teacher."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Sicheng felt a hint of joy. The title of special-grade teacher carried significant weight—Elder Xuan himself was a special-grade teacher in the inner court. Did this mean he was now on equal footing with Elder Xuan?
Of course, Zhou Sicheng wasn't naive. He had only just entered Shrek Academy, and even with the benefits of a special-grade teacher, his authority couldn't possibly be the same.
But this was already enough. Everything had to progress step by step.
Still, what exactly was this Platinum-level Battle Soul Badge? Zhou Sicheng had never heard of it before.
He voiced his confusion. "Dean Qian, aren't Battle Soul Badges categorized into five levels—white, yellow, purple, black, and red? Where did this Platinum level come from?"
Qian Duoduo chuckled and glanced at Teacher Zhou, who pointed to the golden Battle Soul Badge on his chest with a hint of pride.
"The Platinum level has always been exclusive. Only the special-grade combat training instructor of the Battle Soul Arena can possess it. With this badge, your status is equivalent to that of a special-grade teacher."
Zhou Sicheng raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't that mean I have overlapping statuses?"
Teacher Zhou laughed heartily. "No, no, their meanings are different. I rarely leave the arena precisely because this badge is too eye-catching—it carries extraordinary significance."
"With this Platinum Badge, you will be treated as an honored guest at any Battle Soul Arena across the continent. You'll slowly come to appreciate its benefits."
Zhou Sicheng now understood. This Platinum-level Battle Soul Badge wasn't just special within Shrek Academy—it was likely prestigious even in the broader world of Soul Masters and Battle Soul Arenas.
Qian Duoduo continued, "The academy will also inform the inner court students and teachers not to pry into your martial soul. This should help reduce unnecessary troubles for you."
Hearing this, Zhou Sicheng was delighted. "That's great! Otherwise, I'd have to explain it every time someone asked, and that would be far too tedious."
"But I've thought about this too. If anyone truly wants to know the secret of my martial soul, they can defeat me. If they do, I'll tell them everything."
Qian Duoduo and Teacher Zhou exchanged glances. Defeat Zhou Sicheng?
Before yesterday, that might have been possible. But now, with three ten-thousand-year soul rings, including the mighty Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear, who besides a Titled Douluo could claim to be able to defeat Zhou Sicheng?
Even Qian Duoduo himself, after witnessing Zhou Sicheng's battle with Yan Shaozhe yesterday, knew just how terrifying his Martial Soul Contract was. At this point, he wouldn't dare say he could confidently defeat Zhou Sicheng—let alone the other inner court students.
"You little rascal... well, that's certainly one way to handle it."
Qian Duoduo continued, "If you have any requests in the future, feel free to find me. Although I'm still some way from becoming a Rank Nine Soul Engineer, I can still assist you in your training with soul tools."
Zhou Sicheng nodded. "Thank you. I'll be sure to take you up on that."
With a flash of soul power, Qian Duoduo retrieved a small storage soul tool and handed it to Zhou Sicheng.
"This contains some academy-provided resources, a set of inner court teacher's special attire, and your Platinum-level Battle Soul Badge. From now on, you can use this identity to study in the inner court as well."
Zhou Sicheng accepted the attire and badge. "In the academy, I am still a student. Only in the Battle Soul Arena am I an instructor."
Qian Duoduo smiled. "That's entirely up to you. You've just entered the academy, so take this time to familiarize yourself with everything."
Zhou Sicheng nodded. "Thank you, Dean Qian."
At that moment, Teacher Zhou couldn't help but lean in closer. "How did you do it, kid? Yesterday, I clearly saw your three purple soul rings shining brilliantly, but today, they've turned into three ten-thousand-year soul rings? I asked Dean Qian, but he only said it was classified."
After a brief pause, Teacher Zhou chuckled awkwardly. "From now on, we're colleagues. Can't you satisfy my curiosity just a little? Even a tiny hint would be enough."
"But let me be clear—I won't be sparring with you. As a mere Soul Douluo, I wouldn't stand a chance against your Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear, Ice Jade Scorpion, and that terrifying Hell Phoenix."
Seeing Teacher Zhou's expression, Zhou Sicheng couldn't help but smile.
This teacher had quite a humorous personality. Moreover, his talent and strength ranked among the best of Shrek's instructors.
He had a high chance of reaching Rank 90 in the future and attaining the title of Douluo.
Zhou Sicheng chuckled. "I'm sure you've already guessed—my martial soul allows me to establish a master-servant contract with soul beasts, making them obey my commands."
"My primary ability is that any contracted soul beast can grow stronger alongside my soul power. This lets them bypass the slow growth limitations of soul beasts and cultivate at a human's pace while retaining their soul beast bodies."
Upon hearing Zhou Sicheng's explanation, Teacher Zhou finally felt at ease. "I see, I see!"
"Sicheng, you truly are a genius. With such a unique martial soul and your exceptional talent, the future of Shrek Academy lies in the hands of your generation."
Zhou Sicheng waved his hand. "You are the backbone of Shrek Academy. We support each other."
The two of them chatted for a while, gradually becoming more familiar with each other.
Qian Duoduo asked, "Do you have anything urgent to handle right now?"
Zhou Sicheng shook his head. "I was planning to fight in the Battle Soul Arena to earn my Red-level Battle Soul Badge as soon as possible. But now, it seems like I won't have to struggle through daily battles anymore."
Qian Duoduo's expression turned slightly odd. Earn a Red-level Battle Soul Badge quickly? With your strength, who in the inner court could possibly be your match?
Qian Duoduo said, "In that case, come with me to the Beast Arena. Old Gong is probably eager to see you by now."
Zhou Sicheng nodded. "Alright."
With that, he left the Battle Soul Arena with Qian Duoduo. Teacher Zhou watched them leave, recalling Zhou Sicheng's overwhelming power, and shook his head vigorously.
He couldn't compare himself to such a monster—otherwise, he'd only end up feeling crushed.
Soon, news spread throughout the inner court that Zhou Sicheng had become a combat training instructor at the Battle Soul Arena. Not only that, but he had also left behind his Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear. From now on, inner court students would have the opportunity for actual combat training against soul beasts!
When they saw that colossal, mountain-like terror, even Soul Kings and Soul Emperors couldn't help but tremble.
This was a true ten-thousand-year soul beast—one of the highest bloodline creatures among soul beasts. It could challenge ten-thousand-year beasts as a mere century-old soul beast and rival a hundred-thousand-year beast once it reached ten-thousand years.
Then came the academy's announcement: Every inner court student must engage in soul beast combat training once per week—failure to do so would result in expulsion from Shrek Academy...
If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (15+), consider checking out my pat.
patr*on.com/Salsita2k