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Compared to the average spectators, both the teachers of the soul master academies and the talented individuals observing the match gained a wealth of insights from this battle.
While Tang San's unveiling of the Hao Tian Hammer was shocking, they seemed more intrigued by Yang Xiong, the defensive-type soul master—especially within the Five Elements Academies.
Feng Xiaotian, Huo Wushuang, Shui Bing'er, and the captains of several other teams gathered together, their expressions unusually serious.
Feng Xiaotian was the first to speak: "Huo Wushuang, how much of their strength do you think Shrek Academy displayed during your previous victory over them?"
Huo Wushuang responded with equal seriousness: "Feng Xiaotian, I'm not sure about that. The Yang Xiong we saw today was clearly much stronger than he was back then. My strength is roughly on par with Yu Tianxin's, yet Yang Xiong completely suppressed him and even held off multiple opponents simultaneously. That's not something an ordinary defensive-type soul master could achieve. Notably, despite losing matches, no one has seen him use a single soul skill."
Feng Xiaotian nodded: "I feel like we've encountered a kindred spirit. Yang Xiong's self-developed soul skills are quite impressive. Perhaps I can exchange ideas with him about creating self-developed techniques."
Beside him, Huo Wu chimed in with disdain: "Feng Xiaotian, your Stormwind Demon Wolf's Thirty Six Successive Chops is overly complicated. Yang Xiong's self-developed soul skills are simple and direct. Especially that final move he used to defeat Yu Tianxin—it rivals the power of a top-tier thousand-year soul skill."
"I was puzzled before when he withstood my Blazing Sun. He must have used the same technique he used to block Yu Tianxin's soul skill."
Feng Xiaotian quickly interjected: "Young Sister Huo Wu, don't worry. I'll personally defeat this Yang Xiong and avenge you."
Everyone stared at Feng Xiaotian strangely. Huo Wu had only made a casual comment—why did he seem so sensitive?
Shui Bing'er smiled and added: "Let's not say too much. Shrek Academy's soul power levels are too low, especially with Blue Silver Grass as their control-type weapon, which is easily countered. That's probably why they lost to Fiery Fire Academy."
Huo Wu snorted: "Just Blue Silver Grass—it would turn to ashes under my flames."
These geniuses, all direct competitors, were quick to identify Shrek Academy's weaknesses.
---
After some treatment, everyone attended a grand banquet hosted by Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. All three Elder Committee members were present, along with Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo. The level of attention shown was so high that even Flender felt somewhat overwhelmed.
Xue Qinghe frequently raised his glass during the banquet, clearly showing strong interest in recruiting Tang San and Dai Mubai, the team captain and vice-captain. Especially toward Tang San, it was evident that both Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe held him in high regard.
After all, twin martial souls were considered unparalleled in talent, and Tang San's second martial soul being the Hao Tian Hammer made him particularly noteworthy.
In contrast, Xue Qinghe's attitude toward Yang Xiong was unusually indifferent, almost tinged with resentment.
Since their last meeting, Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong had interacted with Xue Qinghe multiple times under Ning Fengzhi's guidance. Ning Rongrong's relationship with Xue Qinghe was especially close.
However, every time they met, Yang Xiong loved to tease Xue Qinghe about his advanced age and unmarried status. Ning Fengzhi, as Xue Qinghe's teacher, even joked about arranging a marriage for him, leaving Xue Qinghe thoroughly embarrassed.
For someone of Xue Qinghe's stature—the crown prince of the Tian Dou Empire—marriage and heirs were crucial matters. Yet, Xue Qinghe seemed entirely indifferent, with no romantic rumors to speak of, which was highly unusual.
Although Xue Qinghe harbored some resentment toward Yang Xiong's remarks, Yang Xiong continued to bring it up every time they met. On the surface, their two families were incredibly close, almost like family. As Xue Qinghe was Ning Fengzhi's disciple, he was practically like a son. It wasn't worth creating enmity over such trivial matters.
At the banquet, Xue Qinghe frequently raised his glass to toast, but when he encountered Yang Xiong again, his smile faltered slightly.
Yang Xiong was the first to speak: "Brother Qinghe, we've known each other for a while now. We're practically family—don't be so distant."
Beside him, Ning Rongrong scolded Yang Xiong playfully: "Little Bear, what nonsense are you spouting? How could Brother Qinghe ever be distant? You think everyone is as petty as you?"
Yang Xiong feigned ignorance: "If Brother Qinghe isn't offended, that's good. By the way, Brother Qinghe, what do you think of the suggestion I gave you last time?"
Xue Qinghe immediately looked awkward but forced a smile: "I'm still considering it. No need for you to worry, Younger Brother Yang. You're still young—focus on cultivation instead of these trivial matters."
…
Both exchanged subtle jabs, but to outsiders, they appeared to maintain a respectful sibling-like relationship. Ning Fengzhi seemed particularly pleased.
Yang Xiong inwardly sighed: 'You fake Xue Qinghe—I wonder how long you can keep up this act.'
---
When Yang Xiong returned to his dormitory, someone knocked on his door. To his surprise, it was Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing.
Yang Xiong invited them into the living room and casually poured them tea. As the saying goes, "No one visits without a reason." Though Yang Xiong and Dai Mubai were teammates, their relationship wasn't particularly close, so he wondered why they were here.
"Dai Mubai, shouldn't you be training? What brings you here?"
Dai Mubai's expression turned serious: "Yang Xiong, I want to discuss something about the Soul Master Competition with you."
Yang Xiong was puzzled: "What's there to talk about? If we participate normally, we should be fine. Besides, we still have a chance in the promotion rounds."
Dai Mubai replied: "Yang Xiong, I know you haven't been using your full strength since the beginning. I'm asking for your help—for me and for Zhuqing."
Yang Xiong chuckled: "What do you mean? If you really have any problems, just say so. We're a team—we'll help solve them together."
After a brief silence, Dai Mubai spoke: "You probably already know about Zhuqing and my background. This Soul Master Competition is crucial for our future. I must win, and I must shine in the finals."
Yang Xiong took a sip of tea: "I've heard a bit about the situation in the Star Luo Empire. But whether in the competition or otherwise, I've done my part for the team and contributed as much as I can."
Dai Mubai continued: "Yang Xiong, have you heard that the champion's reward is three soul bones? I'm willing to give up everything—I just want us to focus on defeating Star Luo Imperial Academy."
Yang Xiong laughed: "Soul bones may be valuable, but you need the strength to claim them. As for the team's performance, I'll do my best. However, winning the championship or defeating Star Luo Imperial Academy seems far-fetched for us right now."
Seeing Yang Xiong's dismissive response, Dai Mubai sighed helplessly: "Yang Xiong, we've been teammates for years. I know your strength better than anyone. Even if Tang San and I teamed up against you, I'm not confident we could win. And you've never even used your soul ring skills."
Yang Xiong replied directly: "I've already explained why I don't use my soul ring skills. Have you ever wondered why a prince of the Star Luo Empire like you ended up at Tian Dou Imperial Academy? There's more to it than meets the eye."
After some discussion, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing left. Watching their retreating figures, Yang Xiong couldn't help but shake his head.
Yang Xiong understood well that Dai Mubai, as a prince of the Star Luo Empire, likely wanted to return and compete for the throne. For that to happen, he needed to defeat Dai Weisi. However, Dai Weisi was already at Level 49—far beyond Dai Mubai's current capabilities.
Without the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, Dai Mubai's combat strength was far weaker than in the original storyline. Additionally, Zhu Zhuqing lacked the Daffodil Jade Flesh Bone, making her soul power significantly lower compared to Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun's combined strength.
---
Shortly after Dai Mubai left, another group arrived: Ning Fengzhi, Yu Xiaogang, Tang San, and Bone Douluo.
After the banquet, Tang San had met privately with Xue Qinghe and Ning Fengzhi, likely discussing the origins of the Hao Tian Hammer and Tang Hao's situation. But Yang Xiong didn't care about these matters.
Seeing Ning Fengzhi, Yang Xiong quickly asked: "Sect Master, why are you here? Rongrong is in the building next door."
Ning Fengzhi's expression darkened: "Xiao Xiong, don't be so nervous. We're just here to discuss something."
Yang Xiong was puzzled: "If it's sect business, you could've come directly to me. Why bring Yu Xiaogang and Tang San?"
After a pause, Ning Fengzhi spoke: "Xiao Xiong, do you understand the significance of this Soul Master Competition, especially the meaning of becoming the champion?"
Yang Xiong thought for a moment: "I heard the champion's reward is three soul bones. Those soul bones must be extraordinary, right?"
Ning Fengzhi nodded: "The Spirit Hall has put forth three soul bones because they're confident in their team. According to my information, their team is called the 'Golden Generation.' They have three Soul Kings, and everyone else is above Level 45."
Yang Xiong fell silent: "Sect Master, I've heard about this too. With our team's current strength, we're far behind the Spirit Hall team. There's no hope of victory."
Ning Fengzhi sighed: "I know the gap between us is vast, and I understand the Spirit Hall's intentions. They aim to crush everyone with an overwhelming victory, cementing their prestige in the soul master world. Our position among the upper three sects will become precarious."
Yang Xiong frowned: "Sect Master, aren't you exaggerating? Though the Spirit Hall is powerful, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has close ties with the Tian Dou Imperial Family. We're not afraid of them."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "The current Pope of the Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong, is exceptionally talented and ambitious. In recent years, she's used iron-fisted tactics to rapidly expand their influence. Nearly all promising young talents have been absorbed into their ranks. Their strength might exceed even my expectations."
"Especially Bibi Dong herself—she's ruthless in dealing with both external and internal matters. I fear she'll eventually target us. At that point, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect might struggle to stand alone."
Yang Xiong sighed helplessly: "Sect Master, I don't think there's much I can do about this. I'm only a Soul Elder right now. Give me five more years, and I might have a chance to fight them."
"What does this have to do with Tang San and Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled: "Of course it's related. Yu Xiaogang hails from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family, and Tang San is from the Hao Tian Sect. Together, this represents cooperation among the upper three sects. Effectively, our three families are united against the Spirit Hall. Yu Yuanzhen has already written to me, and we've even established contact with the Hao Tian Sect."
Yang Xiong was speechless. Ning Fengzhi seemed thrilled to take the lead, seemingly unconcerned about future retaliation from the Spirit Hall. After all, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family had gone into hiding, and the Hao Tian Sect had withdrawn. Only the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect remained relatively active.
"Sect Master, even if the upper three sects cooperate fully, defeating three Soul Kings still seems impossible. I can't think of a solution."
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