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At this moment, everyone present—yes, even the members of the Spirit Hall—found their breathing quickening.
Though they knew such treasures would never belong to them, merely laying eyes on these soul bones was enough to leave them feeling fulfilled for life.
At this point, Qian Renxue spoke slowly: "I know that due to yesterday's match, many have doubted whether the Spirit Hall would revoke the originally promised precious soul bone rewards. But let me make one thing clear:
"You underestimate the Spirit Hall far too much. For thousands of years, our strength has not only come from overwhelming force but also from our unwavering credibility—a promise worth a thousand gold.
"Therefore, everyone, look closely!
"This is the reward originally planned for the champion of this tournament. These three soul bones are: the Mind Condensing Wisdom Skull Bone, the Immolation Flame Right Arm Bone, and the Wind Chasing Left Leg Bone.
"All three soul bones come from ten-thousand-year spirit beasts. In particular, the Mind Condensing Wisdom Skull Bone originates from a Sacred Illusion Demon Ape with over fifty thousand years of cultivation.
"None of you should be unfamiliar with this spirit beast—it is one of the most powerful spiritual-type spirit beasts in the Great Star Dou Forest. Being a head-type soul bone, its rarity needs no further explanation."
Xiao Wu, who had been disinterested until now, suddenly darkened her gaze upon hearing Qian Renxue's words. The carefree girl finally recalled the scene of her mother's death.
She had witnessed Bibi Dong hunting down this very spirit beast.
Hatred began to fester within Xiao Wu's heart as she glared directly at Bibi Dong.
Ye Wen, with his acute perception of his surroundings, immediately noticed Xiao Wu's unusual behavior and pulled her back firmly.
If Ye Wen remembered correctly, in the original storyline, Xiao Wu had been cursed at this moment, completely ignoring the vast disparity in power, and impulsively attempted to assassinate Bibi Dong on the spot. She was subsequently struck down, causing her Yearning Heartbroken Red to fall and expose her identity.
Though Xiao Wu had now fully assimilated the Yearning Heartbroken Red and no longer risked exposure, attempting to assassinate the Pope in broad daylight was still an unforgivable crime!
Ye Wen made his movements appear as natural as possible before subtly whispering into Xiao Wu's ear.
"Calm down, Xiao Wu. We'll talk about everything after we return to the dormitory. I'll figure something out for you. Don't get agitated."
The soft, soothing voice instantly brought some rationality back to Xiao Wu's tear-filled eyes. She remembered that she was currently in Spirit City, surrounded by the continent's strongest individuals. Her heart raced with fear, but she quickly regained her composure and softly murmured in response.
By this time, Qian Renxue had finished introducing the other two soul bones, allowing all spectators to truly grasp how precious the tournament's prizes were—even among Blood River Treasures, these ranked among the finest.
Qian Renxue's lengthy explanations, rather than immediately awarding the prizes after the match, were deliberate. Due to Bibi Dong's years of neglectful governance, corruption had seeped into the Spirit Hall, damaging its credibility. Qian Renxue intended to use this opportunity to reestablish the Spirit Hall's positive image through these extravagant rewards.
Despite knowing they couldn't win the championship, the Spirit Hall still displayed such priceless treasures. In Qian Renxue's view, this act alone would help restore the Spirit Hall's reputation. After the tournament, she could proceed with reforms more smoothly.
Having memories of the original timeline, Qian Renxue, as an observer, could clearly see just how chaotic the Spirit Hall had become during the era of the Spirit Empire. This chaos was a key reason why the Spirit Hall's downfall hadn't elicited much sorrow from the common people afterward.
To outsiders, this was simply a routine opening ceremony. However, Ning Fengzhi, the cunning old fox, immediately thought deeply. His gaze toward Qian Renxue grew more wary—he naturally understood that she was using this move to win hearts.
Still, why did this tactic feel so familiar?
After concluding her opening remarks, Qian Renxue swept her gaze across the crowd and declared loudly:
"I, the current Pope of the Spirit Hall, hereby announce the official start of the finals for the Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament.
"Now, let the Tian Dou Imperial Team and Shrek Academy determine the ultimate champion of this competition."
Others stepped aside, but as Ye Wen's team prepared to ascend the arena, Tang San's group remained rooted in place.
Tang San's expression shifted repeatedly. If Bibi Dong hadn't been replaced, he could've acted recklessly under the pretense of Yu Xiaogang's influence. However, after being harshly disciplined earlier, Tang San realized that the Spirit Hall wasn't a place where he could act without consequences.
As everyone wondered what Tang San's group intended to do, Tang San gritted his teeth. Thinking that, at worst, he'd be scolded again, he decided to press ahead with his plan. If successful, it would increase his chances of victory.
With a respectful bow, Tang San addressed Bibi Dong, seated on the Papal Throne:
"Your Holiness Pope, I have something to say. May I request permission to speak?"
Instantly, all eyes turned to Tang San. Many wore amused smiles, as the earlier spectacle involving Shrek Academy had been broadcast live throughout Spirit City. They were eager to see what kind of trouble this eccentric academy would stir up next.
Even Qian Renxue felt curious. If she remembered correctly, the match should proceed normally. What was Tang San planning?
However, recalling how she had already altered the plot's progression, Qian Renxue reasoned that some deviation was inevitable.
Moreover, as a wise Pope, she couldn't lack tolerance. Thus, she replied indifferently:
"What is it? Speak."
Her tone was calm and detached, leaving no one feeling uneasy—except for Yu Xiaogang, whose expression darkened completely. He now understood that Bibi Dong had truly let go of the past.
Under the weight of countless gazes, even Tang San, who prided himself on his mental fortitude, couldn't help but feel nervous. Yet, having seized the opportunity, he didn't hesitate further. Bowing in Ye Wen's direction, he declared:
"Your Holiness Pope, I and Ye Wen, the captain of the Tian Dou Team, hail from the same junior academy. We know each other well, and I admit that relying solely on soul master techniques, I am no match for him."
Upon hearing this, the gazes of all the soul masters in attendance turned odd. At this moment, making such a statement—was Tang San planning to surrender?
But just then, Tang San's tone abruptly shifted, taking on a note of determination.
"But I refuse to accept defeat!"
Turning to face Ye Wen across the distance, Tang San pointed at him and declared:
"Ye Wen! Are you willing to gamble on an unrestricted team soul master battle? If you win, I will acknowledge your superiority for life—and—"
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