Skywater Academy was built beside a lake, its buildings arranged in a ring around the shimmering waters.
The outermost ring housed the students' dormitories and daily living facilities.
Closer to the lake was the inner ring, designated for training. Cultivating near the lake provided superior results compared to artificial water attribute environments.
Upon entering the academy, Xue Han spoke respectfully, "Teacher Qi Lin, I'll take you to see the Headmistress first."
Qi Lin nodded.
The Headmistress of Skywater Academy was a stunning woman in her early thirties. She wore an elegant ice-blue palace gown, her figure graceful and curvaceous, her demeanor mature and charming.
After Shui Bing'er and Xue Han introduced him, the Headmistress' gaze became solemn as she looked at Qi Lin.
"Welcome to Skywater Academy, Teacher Qi Lin."
"Also, thank you for assisting Bing'er and Teacher Xue Han in the Extreme North. I still have a rare medicinal herb, the Snow Ganoderma, in my possession."
"I'll retrieve it later and present it to you as a token of gratitude."
Qi Lin chuckled and glanced at Shui Bing'er. "There's no need for a thank-you gift. Someone's already prepaid me."
The Headmistress blinked in surprise. Xue Han glanced at Shui Bing'er, a teasing light in her eyes, and chuckled knowingly.
Shui Bing'er's face flushed crimson.
Xue Han smiled. "Headmistress, since Teacher Qi Lin has said so, let's go with his decision."
The Headmistress looked between Qi Lin and Shui Bing'er and seemed to sense something.
"Very well."
She nodded, then turned to Shui Bing'er. "Bing'er, I'll leave it to you to give Teacher Qi Lin and Miss Gu Yuena a tour of the academy."
Caught by the Headmistress's gaze, Shui Bing'er felt as if all her thoughts had been laid bare. Embarrassment flashed across her face.
But she still answered, "Leave it to me, Headmistress!"
Outside the office, Shui Bing'er finally exhaled in relief and turned to smile at Qi Lin and Gu Yuena.
"Senior Qi Lin, Sister Yue Na, allow me to be your guide around Skywater Academy."
Qi Lin lazily replied, "Then I'll trouble you."
"It's no trouble at all!"
Shui Bing'er led the two through the academy. Compared to the grand, mountainous Heaven Dou Academy, the water-side Skywater Academy had a tranquil, natural charm.
Everywhere they looked, youthful and radiant girls strolled about, many dressed in short skirts, exuding energy and beauty.
Among the students, Shui Bing'er held great prestige. Every student they passed greeted her with genuine respect.
Though young, she had earned everyone's admiration through her strength.
As for Qi Lin, he drew plenty of curious—and even worshipful—stares.
Children of the Douluo Continent matured early, and those admitted into advanced soul master academies were usually around fourteen or fifteen, right in the midst of adolescence.
Now, with a handsome boy suddenly appearing in their midst, it was only natural for many girls to become interested.
"Big Sis?"
"You're back from hunting spirit beasts?"
As Shui Bing'er led them to a spacious training ground, a surprised voice rang out.
A tall, voluptuous young woman with fair skin looked over, eyes filled with curiosity. When she noticed Qi Lin, her gaze lit up, and she instinctively licked her lips.
This guy is so handsome!
Xue Wu, who had never dated in her eighteen or nineteen years, had her heart race at the sight of him.
"Xue Wu," Shui Bing'er greeted with a faint pause.
Though she was younger than Xue Wu and the others, her strength meant they all acknowledged her as "Big Sis."
She turned to Qi Lin. "This is Xue Wu, a rank 38 Soul Elder and the vice-captain of our Skywater Team."
Xue Wu strode over with bold energy, her face splitting into a wide grin.
"Big Sis, you went on a soul hunt and came back with a pretty boy?"
"And who's this gorgeous lady?"
She examined Qi Lin and Gu Yuena with unabashed curiosity.
Gu Yuena's flawless beauty stunned her, while Qi Lin's handsome face made her heart flutter.
Shui Bing'er cleared her throat. "Xue Wu, don't act so forward in front of Senior Qi Lin."
"He's a Heaven Dou Academy instructor of the Heaven Dou level."
"And this lady is Miss Gu Yuena, a powerful soul master in her own right."
"Huh?"
"You're telling me this pretty boy is a Heaven Dou Academy teacher?"
"Big Sis, are you messing with me?"
Xue Wu's eyes widened in disbelief.
Shui Bing'er shook her head. "I'm not joking. Senior Qi Lin is the real deal."
"In the Extreme North, he not only saved me, but also rescued Teacher Xue Han. His strength far exceeds what you can imagine."
Hearing Shui Bing'er confirm it again, Xue Wu finally accepted the truth, though her eyes still flickered with confusion.
Qi Lin looks way too young to be a teacher...
Still, she trusted Shui Bing'er, and her attitude toward Qi Lin became visibly more respectful and cautious.
"Teacher Qi Lin!"
Just then, several beautiful young women with differing temperaments arrived from afar.
"Big Sis, you're back!"
It was clearly the rest of the Skywater Team.
From their appearance, they had just finished combat training—clothes slightly disheveled and cheeks flushed.
Naturally, they experienced the same reaction as Xue Wu: from teasing to shock, and finally to cautious awe.
Qi Lin smiled. "No need to be so reserved. I'm not some terrifying beast."
"Besides, I'm a Heaven Dou Academy teacher, not yours. Just treat me like a regular peer."
What?
Peer?
The girls of the Skywater Team exchanged wide-eyed glances.
They had assumed he was either stuck at a youthful appearance due to some flaw, or had used a beauty-preserving technique to maintain a childlike look.
Never had they imagined Qi Lin might actually be their age.
Based on his looks alone, he seemed no more than thirteen or fourteen.
Could he really be that young?
The girls all turned to Shui Bing'er with faintly aggrieved expressions.
Clearly, she'd known the truth but hadn't shared it.
How wicked!
Was Big Sis planning to keep him to herself because he was young, handsome, talented, and powerful?