Since the promotion matches were to be held in Spirit City, the Tian Dou Empire specially arranged for Crown Prince Xue Qinghe to lead the group to the city. Accompanying him were many high-ranking officials of the Tian Dou Empire, including the three senior council members of Tian Dou Imperial Academy, who stayed close to Prince Xue Qinghe.
Additionally, Dugu Bo, a guest elder of the Tian Dou Empire, also joined the group, as his granddaughter, Dugu Yan, was participating in the finals.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was represented by Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Lin Gong, along with other accompanying members, all of whom appeared quite powerful.
Under the protection of armored knights, the group traveled to Spirit City in carriages. Each carriage was large and luxurious, offering a ride as smooth as walking on flat ground.
Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong did not travel with the main group but instead accompanied Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and others. This journey would not be peaceful, and staying close to Sword Douluo ensured safety. Of course, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe was also in the carriage.
Yang Xiong and Xue Qinghe had interacted countless times in recent years. On the surface, they appeared familiar, but both enjoyed throwing subtle jabs at each other.
Yang Xiong would often introduce girlfriends to Xue Qinghe, even guaranteeing his full support if Xue Qinghe took an interest in someone.
In return, Xue Qinghe teased Yang Xiong about having a girlfriend at such a young age, joking that he might grow up to be a playboy and should focus more on cultivation.
…
However, this time, as they headed to Spirit City, Xue Qinghe seemed genuinely pleased. Even the corners of his eyes revealed excitement, a stark contrast to his usual composed demeanor.
Seeing this, Yang Xiong couldn't help but chuckle: "Your Highness, judging by your cheerful expression, one might think you're returning home. It seems you're quite fond of Spirit City."
Xue Qinghe's face darkened momentarily before regaining its calm: "I've spent most of my life within the palace, with few opportunities to venture out. This trip to Spirit City is a chance to see the holy land of soul masters. As a soul master myself, I'm naturally excited."
Yang Xiong sighed: "Spirit City is indeed the holy land of soul masters, but it has become overly profit-driven over the years, losing its former angelic luster."
Xue Qinghe forced a smile: "It seems you have fond memories of the old Spirit Hall."
Yang Xiong sighed again: "It's just unfortunate. It's said that the Angel Clan no longer has any successors. Moreover, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Spirit Hall follow different paths."
Xue Qinghe replied: "Who knows? Perhaps the Angel Clan still has hidden successors."
Yang Xiong laughed: "That's unclear. After the previous Pope, Qian Xunji, was killed by the Hao Tian Douluo Tang Hao, the Angel Clan vanished from the soul master world."
Seeing their conversation growing more intense, Ning Fengzhi finally interjected: "Qinghe, Xiao Xiong, the Angel Clan is not so simple. Their leader, Qian Daoliu, was recognized as one of the strongest on the continent. Legend has it that Qian Xunji had a daughter, though she supposedly died young."
Yang Xiong quickly chimed in: "Sect Master, according to what you're saying, this girl must be the last hope of the Angel Clan. Surely she wouldn't have perished so easily. How old would she be now?"
Ning Fengzhi thought carefully before replying: "By age, she should be around Qinghe's age. However, there's no specific information. The Spirit Hall hasn't released any news about her."
Yang Xiong smiled: "If Sect Master's words are correct, this girl might be the same age as participants in this year's Soul Master Competition. Could she possibly appear? Surely the Angel Clan's talent isn't mediocre."
Xue Qinghe then spoke: "Teacher, Xiao Xiong, based on the information I've gathered, there's no girl with the Angel martial soul among the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation. Perhaps this girl truly perished."
Yang Xiong studied Xue Qinghe closely: "Your Highness, why does your personality and appearance seem increasingly feminine? Is there something troubling you that you can't share?"
Xue Qinghe, who had been sipping tea, choked: "Xiao Xiong, you jest. My personality has always been like this, thanks to Teacher's guidance."
Indeed, Xue Qinghe's refined demeanor bore some resemblance to Ning Fengzhi, suggesting a shared lineage of influence.
After exchanging a few playful jabs, Yang Xiong and Xue Qinghe resumed their cultivation.
The journey passed pleasantly enough, at least on the surface. They appeared harmonious, like respectful brothers. Even Ning Fengzhi seemed satisfied.
Privately, however, Yang Xiong couldn't help but roll his eyes. Despite his subtle hints, Ning Fengzhi showed no suspicion, indicating how much he valued this disciple.
After more than ten days, Yang Xiong was meditating with closed eyes when a deafening explosion echoed in the distance.
When Yang Xiong and his group stepped out of the carriage, countless black-clad attackers suddenly emerged, targeting various carriages. However, it was clear that Shrek's carriage was the primary focus.
In the distance, an enormous emerald-scaled snake appeared—it was none other than Dugu Bo, the Tian Dou Empire's guest elder, with his granddaughter, Dugu Yan, by his side.
Whether it was Ning Fengzhi, Xue Qinghe, or even Sword Douluo, their expressions grew grave. This attack was clearly no ordinary matter, given that Dugu Bo himself had stepped in.
Sword Douluo said gravely: "Only shadows, no soul rings visible—this must be Gui Mei."
Yang Xiong was startled and immediately focused all his mental energy to observe the distant battle.
Dugu Bo moved swiftly, his massive emerald-scaled snake attacking rapidly while releasing green toxic fog, instilling fear in those who witnessed it.
But his opponent was a ghostly figure, appearing and disappearing without revealing any soul rings. Clearly, this was no ordinary foe.
Even with Dugu Bo's formidable Title Douluo strength, he seemed somewhat disadvantaged. The ghostly figure moved like lightning, forcing Dugu Bo into a defensive position. It seemed this person merely wanted to restrain Dugu Bo, as neither side was going all out.
Elsewhere, while the battles appeared intense, the black-clad attackers seemed more focused on restraining everyone rather than delivering fatal blows.
In contrast, the situation around Shrek's carriage was dramatic. Multiple top-tier experts appeared, including the Four-Eyed Cat Owl and the Fire Dragon martial souls, likely belonging to Liu Erlong and Flender.
At this moment, a colossal Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon emerged, towering and possessing eight soul rings.
The man roared furiously: "How dare you lowly scum provoke my Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family!"
But the attackers showed no hesitation, seemingly ignoring the deterrence of this Soul Douluo.
Yang Xiong frowned: "Sect Master, I've never seen this Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon soul master before."
Ning Fengzhi explained: "An elder of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family, secretly protecting Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin. It seems Yu Yuanzhen prepared well in advance."
Yang Xiong asked: "Sect Master, could their target be Tang San? Should we go check?"
Ning Fengzhi hesitated: "It's possible. Tang San's performance in this Soul Master Competition has been too dazzling. The conflict between the Hao Tian Sect and the Spirit Hall has long been irreconcilable. Traveling to Spirit City now is unwise."
Even with multiple Soul Douluos present—including Dragon Duke, whom Yang Xiong spotted—Dragon Duke wasn't guarding Tang San as in the original storyline but instead protected his own academy's students.
As everyone deliberated, a golden figure appeared in the sky, accompanied by countless chrysanthemum petals. It was Ju Douluo.
With a slight gesture, Ju Douluo enveloped Flender in countless chrysanthemum petals. Each petal was razor-sharp, resembling a blade.
Yang Xiong stared intently at Ju Douluo. He had always wondered how a plant-type soul master could become a powerhouse attacker. Especially seeing the massive Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, Yang Xiong's gaze grew even more intense.
Among the immortal herbs, Yang Xiong's favorite was this Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. Though he hadn't planned to consume it yet, watching Ju Douluo's battle was intriguing.
Around Yang Xiong and the others, many black-clad attackers surrounded them, though their overall strength was relatively low, far inferior to Sword Douluo. Thus, Sword Douluo remained calm, standing quietly beside Ning Fengzhi.
Now, with Ju Douluo's sudden appearance, even Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo were startled. The Spirit Hall had sent two Title Douluos—clearly intending to kill Tang San.
As Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo prepared to rescue Tang San, a blood-red giant hammer descended from the sky, smashing directly toward Ju Douluo.
The hammer's speed was astonishing. Even Ju Douluo struggled to react in time. Despite summoning countless petals to counter it, he was still sent flying dozens of meters.
At this moment, a tattered black figure appeared in the sky, adorned with nine soul rings, the final one a blood-red ring exerting immense pressure.
Gui Douluo was equally shocked, instantly summoning a black hole to attack Dugu Bo before transforming into a ghostly shadow and speeding toward Shrek's team.
But just then, a deep-blue giant sword descended from the sky, blocking the ghostly figure's path. It was Sword Douluo and Ning Fengzhi.
Ju Douluo seethed with anger: "Tang Hao, I didn't expect you to dare show yourself."
"Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, I didn't expect you to oppose us."
Tang Hao's face darkened: "A flower and a little ghost—the Spirit Hall only knows how to act covertly."
Ning Fengzhi ignored Ju Douluo and turned to Tang Hao in the distance: "Brother Tang, it's been a long time. Despite the years, you remain as impressive as ever."
Tang Hao's face twisted in self-mockery: "I'm just a broken man. But the Spirit Hall will never harm my son."
Hearing this, Ning Fengzhi said nothing more. Though Ju and Gui Douluo were visibly angry, the appearance of three Title Douluos rendered their plan impossible. With parting threats, they retreated.
Tang Hao and Ning Fengzhi exchanged glances, though their conversation—if any—remained unknown. Without further ado, Tang Hao turned and left, as if nothing had happened.
Yang Xiong seemed to recall something and quickly glanced at Xue Qinghe. Gone was the prince's usual refinement; his eyes now burned with hatred, fixed on Tang Hao's retreating figure.
However, Xue Qinghe seemed to notice Yang Xiong's gaze. His hateful expression suddenly paled, but he quickly regained composure.
Afterward, the convoy regrouped and assessed the situation. There were no significant losses, and the participants sustained only minor injuries, which would heal soon.
Xue Qinghe consoled the students, displaying the demeanor of a crown prince while showing humility and respect.
Once everyone returned to the carriages, Yang Xiong spoke solemnly: "Brother Qinghe, why did you look at that Title Douluo as if he were your father's murderer? Do you harbor some grudge against him?"
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