Since the advancement competition was being held in Spirit City, the Heaven Dou Empire specially arranged for Crown Prince Xue Qinghe to lead the delegation to Spirit City. Many high-ranking officials from the empire accompanied them, especially the three Grand Elders of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, who followed closely at the Crown Prince's side.
The empire's guest elder, Dugu Bo, also joined the convoy. His only granddaughter, Dugu Yan, was among the contestants for the final rounds.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was represented by Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Lin Gong, along with several other powerful followers.
The group traveled to Spirit City in carriages escorted by royal knights. Each carriage was exceptionally large and luxuriously furnished, making the ride as smooth as walking on flat ground.
Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong didn't ride with the main group but instead shared a carriage with Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and the others. Given the likelihood of trouble along the way, staying close to Sword Douluo ensured better safety. Crown Prince Xue Qinghe was also in the same carriage.
Over the years, Yang Xiong and Xue Qinghe had interacted countless times. On the surface, they appeared very familiar with each other, though both enjoyed tossing subtle barbs at one another.
Yang Xiong would often introduce potential girlfriends to Xue Qinghe, promising to do everything in his power to help if the prince showed interest in anyone.
Meanwhile, Xue Qinghe frequently teased Yang Xiong about having a girlfriend at such a young age, saying that if he continued on this path, he'd grow into a heartbreaker, and that he should focus on cultivating for now.
This time, however, Xue Qinghe seemed particularly cheerful about the trip to Spirit City. There was even a faint excitement in his eyes, quite unlike his usual reserved demeanor.
Seeing this, Yang Xiong chuckled and said, "Your Highness, you look so happy that one might think you're heading home. Seems like you're quite fond of Spirit City."
Xue Qinghe's expression darkened briefly at those words but quickly returned to calm. "I grew up within the palace walls and rarely have the chance to go out. Visiting Spirit City, the sacred ground of soul masters, naturally excites me as a fellow soul master."
Yang Xiong sighed. "Spirit City is indeed sacred ground, but in recent years, it's become too driven by interests, losing the divine aura it once had."
Xue Qinghe responded with a forced smile, "It seems you rather admired the old Spirit Hall."
Yang Xiong nodded with some regret. "Yes, it's a pity. I heard that ever since the previous Pope Qian Xunji was killed by the Clear Sky Douluo Tang Hao, the Angel Clan hasn't reappeared in the soul master world."
At this point, Ning Fengzhi joined the conversation. "Qinghe, Yang Xiong, don't underestimate the Angel Clan. Qian Daoliu is still considered one of the strongest on the continent. It's said that Qian Xunji had a daughter, though rumor has it she died young."
Yang Xiong quickly followed up. "If that little girl was the last of the Angel Clan, it's unlikely she died easily. Do we know how old she might have been?"
Ning Fengzhi thought for a moment before replying. "She should be around the same age as Qinghe. But there hasn't been any official word from Spirit Hall."
Yang Xiong smiled. "If that's the case, then it's possible she might show up in this year's Soul Master Tournament. With Angel bloodline, her talent should be extraordinary."
Xue Qinghe added, "Teacher, Yang Xiong, according to my sources, there are no girls with angel spirits among Spirit Hall's Golden Generation. Maybe she really did perish."
Yang Xiong stared at Xue Qinghe for a few moments. "Your Highness, I must say, your personality and demeanor are becoming more and more feminine. Is there something you're not telling us?"
Xue Qinghe happened to be drinking tea at the moment and ended up choking slightly. "You jest, Yang Xiong. I've always had this temperament. I owe much to my teacher's guidance."
Indeed, Xue Qinghe had a gentle and refined demeanor, reminiscent of Ning Fengzhi's own.
After some light-hearted banter, Yang Xiong and Xue Qinghe returned to cultivating.
The journey continued smoothly, at least on the surface. Everything appeared harmonious and respectful, with even Ning Fengzhi expressing satisfaction with the atmosphere.
Yet in Yang Xiong's heart, he was constantly sighing. Despite all his subtle hints, Ning Fengzhi hadn't shown the slightest suspicion. Clearly, he had deep trust in his disciple.
More than ten days later, while Yang Xiong was meditating, a loud explosion rang out in the distance.
Rushing out of the carriage, Yang Xiong and the others were shocked to see a swarm of black-clad figures launching attacks on various convoys. Oddly, they seemed to be targeting the Shrek team specifically.
In the distance, a giant green-scaled serpent appeared, the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, it was Dugu Bo, accompanied by his granddaughter Dugu Yan.
Both Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe, along with Sword Douluo, wore serious expressions. This ambush was clearly not simple, especially if it prompted a Titled Douluo like Dugu Bo to take action.
Sword Douluo said gravely, "Only the ghost, no soul rings, that must be Ghost Douluo."
Yang Xiong was startled, quickly focusing all his spiritual energy toward the distant battlefield.
Dugu Bo's massive serpent moved swiftly, enveloped in a green poisonous mist. But his opponent was a shadowy figure who didn't even reveal his soul rings, clearly a formidable enemy.
Even with Dugu Bo's strength as a Titled Douluo, he seemed at a disadvantage. The shadowy figure moved so fast that even Dugu Bo struggled to keep up. Clearly, the attacker aimed to stall him rather than strike to kill.
Elsewhere, fighting was intense but calculated. The black-clad attackers seemed more focused on holding people back rather than defeating them.
The battle around the Shrek team was most alarming. Top-level experts appeared, including the Four-Eyed Owl and Fire Dragon spirits, Flender and Liu Erlong.
Then, a towering figure with a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon spirit appeared, bearing eight soul rings and radiating fury.
"How dare you lowlifes challenge my Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!"
Yet the attackers remained unbothered, showing no fear of the imposing Soul Douluo.
Yang Xiong asked, "Sect Master, who is this Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Soul Master? I don't recognize him."
Ning Fengzhi replied, "He's a clan elder, likely assigned to protect Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin. Yu Yuanzhen clearly made preparations."
Yang Xiong asked, "Sect Master, is their real target Tang San? Should we go check?"
Ning Fengzhi hesitated. "Most likely. Tang San's performance in this tournament was too dazzling. Given the enmity between the Clear Sky Clan and Spirit Hall, going to Spirit City now was never wise."
Despite the presence of multiple Soul Douluo, including the Dragon Duke, he wasn't guarding Tang San like in the original story, his focus was on his own academy's students.
At that moment, a golden figure appeared in the sky amid countless flower petals, it was Chrysanthemum Douluo.
With just one strike, Chrysanthemum Douluo enveloped Flender in a barrage of sharp, petal-like blades, each resembling a deadly knife.
Yang Xiong kept his eyes fixed on Chrysanthemum Douluo. He had always been curious how a plant-type Soul Master could be classified as an assault type. The sight of the enormous Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum made Yang Xiong's gaze burn with desire.
Among all the immortal herbs, the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum was his favorite. He hadn't consumed it yet, but watching Chrysanthemum Douluo in action was fascinating.
Although many black-clad figures surrounded Yang Xiong's group, most of them weren't strong, certainly no match for Sword Douluo. Sword Douluo stood calmly at Ning Fengzhi's side, unfazed.
But with Chrysanthemum Douluo's sudden arrival, both Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo were startled. Spirit Hall had sent two Titled Douluo, their intent to kill Tang San was clear.
Just as Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo prepared to assist Tang San, a massive blood-red hammer suddenly appeared in the sky and smashed down on Chrysanthemum Douluo.
The hammer moved so fast that even Chrysanthemum Douluo couldn't react in time. Though he launched countless petals in defense, he was still sent flying dozens of meters.
Then, a ragged black figure appeared in the sky, his body glowing with nine soul rings. The last was a terrifying blood-red ring that radiated immense pressure.
Ghost Douluo was shocked and immediately summoned a black vortex to attack Dugu Bo, while his own body shot toward the Shrek team.
Just then, a massive azure sword descended from the heavens, blocking his path. It was Sword Douluo and Ning Fengzhi.
Chrysanthemum Douluo shouted in rage, "Tang Hao, I can't believe you dared to show yourself!"
"Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, you dare to oppose us too?!"
Tang Hao sneered. "A chrysanthemum and a ghost, is sneaking around all your Spirit Hall knows how to do?"
Ning Fengzhi ignored Chrysanthemum Douluo and looked toward Tang Hao. "Brother Tang, it's been a long time. You haven't changed a bit."
Tang Hao replied with a trace of self-mockery, "I'm just a cripple. But Spirit Hall will never harm my son."
Ning Fengzhi said no more. Though Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo were furious, the sudden appearance of three Titled Douluo had ruined their plan. In the end, they retreated after throwing out a few threats.
Tang Hao exchanged glances with Ning Fengzhi, it was unclear what passed between them, before turning and leaving, as though nothing had happened.
Yang Xiong glanced at Xue Qinghe and noticed that the prince's refined expression was gone, replaced by a flash of hatred as he stared at Tang Hao's figure.
Xue Qinghe quickly caught Yang Xiong watching and immediately composed himself. His pale face soon returned to calm.
After a bit of reorganization and confirmation, the convoy had suffered no major losses, just a few minor injuries among the students.
Xue Qinghe comforted the students with poise and grace, showing the composure of a crown prince and a courteous attitude toward talent.
Back in the carriage, Yang Xiong asked pointedly, "Brother Qinghe, you looked like you saw your worst enemy when that Titled Douluo appeared. Do you have some kind of grudge with him?"
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