The Shrek team's victory over the Star Luo Royal Academy was considered a somewhat surprising upset. After all, the Star Luo Royal team members were all Spirit Ancestors and even possessed a powerful Spirit Fusion Technique. On average, their spirit power was five levels higher than Shrek's.
Anyone with discerning eyes could see that it was Yang Xiong's external spirit bone that turned the tide. Without it, Shrek simply wouldn't have been able to withstand the assault from Davis and Zhu Zhuyun's Nether White Tiger.
Everyone's eyes burned with desire as they stared at the external spirit bone on Yang Xiong's body. In terms of value alone, it far surpassed even the three spirit bones awarded in the tournament.
In the Hall of the Pope, Bibi Dong smiled and spoke, "Sect Master Ning, your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has produced quite the talent. His combat skills are outstanding, and he even has a top-tier external spirit bone. I must say, I'm a little envious of such a treasure."
Ning Fengzhi responded calmly, "You flatter us, Your Holiness. Yang Xiong is still young and has only just become a Spirit Ancestor. His martial soul is special, and who knows what the future holds."
"But this spirit bone was obtained through his own fortuitous encounter, and he has already fully fused with it. Even outsiders can't take it from him. I believe no one would dare make a move on him."
Though the two spoke softly, nearly everyone in the hall was a spirit master, and the status of both individuals was extremely high. They were naturally the center of attention.
Bibi Dong nodded, "That's true. At least here in Spirit City, no one would dare try anything. Still, with a genius like this, it's best to remain cautious. Some people just can't keep their eyes off such treasures."
Ning Fengzhi smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Your Holiness. One of our Bone Elders has already taken Yang Xiong as a disciple. I trust that no one would be foolish enough to try anything now."
The two exchanged a glance and said no more. Though their tone was light, their words carried hidden meaning.
Sword Douluo, usually composed, swept his gaze across the hall. His eyes were like sharp blades.
The entire hall instantly quieted down. Known as the number one offensive Douluo on the continent, Sword Douluo was not someone to be taken lightly.
From the earlier conversation between Bibi Dong and Ning Fengzhi, it was clear that Yang Xiong had already completely absorbed the external spirit bone. Even in death, it couldn't be taken. Other than envy, there was nothing else anyone could do.
Yang Xiong left the arena with the rest of the team, marking the end of the battle. With this victory, Dai Mubai had gained the upper hand over Davis and was, for the time being, safe from any life-threatening danger.
But Yang Xiong had done what he could. Helping once was enough as a classmate and an old acquaintance. From here on out, Dai Mubai would have to face things on his own.
Their relationship wasn't close enough for Yang Xiong to gift him any immortal herbs. Besides, Yang Xiong had never planned on revealing such things, especially not to outsiders. Helping Dai Mubai would even require two such herbs.
After leaving the arena, the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy quickly sent spirit masters to heal the wounded. Even Crown Prince Xue Qinghe personally arrived. The battle had drained nearly everyone. Except for Yang Xiong, everyone was seriously injured. The Spirit Hall team had conserved their strength.
Xue Qinghe spoke with an air of significance, "Xiao Xiong, I didn't expect you to be hiding such a top-tier external spirit bone. Seems I underestimated you."
Yang Xiong replied with a faint smile, "Brother Qinghe, you flatter me. It's just a spirit bone. Given your status, obtaining one should be easy. I wonder, how many do you have now?"
Originally, Xue Qinghe had just meant to tease a bit, as they'd often exchanged jabs over the years. But upon hearing this, his expression changed slightly, a sign of tension.
"Spirit bones are known as the treasures of the blood. Even as crown prince, though I've seen many, I haven't found one truly suitable for me. So for now, I still don't have any."
Yang Xiong sighed, "That's a shame. But with your eye for quality, I imagine only top-tier bones would interest you. What kind would suit you, I wonder?"
"I think the three spirit bones offered as prizes in the tournament are excellent. For someone like you, acquiring one of those shouldn't be too difficult."
Ning Fengzhi, normally unfazed by the way Yang Xiong and Xue Qinghe bickered, suddenly seemed intrigued.
"Qinghe, your cultivation is progressing well. Perhaps it's time to consider this. My Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has several excellent spirit bones that might suit you. Come visit sometime, consider it a gift from your teacher."
Xue Qinghe quickly replied, "Teacher, I'm still quite weak. I'd rather improve through cultivation first. I'm not thinking about absorbing a spirit bone just yet."
Ning Fengzhi said, "Qinghe, as your teacher, I have to look out for you. Spirit bones don't hinder cultivation, they can actually be a great help. I know you prefer to rely on your own strength, but sometimes it's wise to be more pragmatic."
Xue Qinghe: ...
At that moment, Xue Qinghe was silently cursing. Why did he bring up spirit bones with Yang Xiong? He almost tripped himself up. After all, he couldn't absorb normal spirit bones.
Yang Xiong, however, was inwardly delighted. That fake prince always loved sparring with him, now he'd been dragged right into a trap.
But before Yang Xiong could feel too pleased, a sharp pain shot from his waist. Ning Rongrong had pinched him hard.
With a pout on her face, she said, "Little Xiong, you really hid things well. Who would've thought you had such a powerful external spirit bone?"
Enduring the pain, Yang Xiong quickly said, "Rongrong, spirit bones are a big deal. I never planned to reveal it. If today's battle hadn't been so special, do you think I would've exposed it?"
Ning Rongrong pouted, "So you'd reveal it for Dai Mubai and Zhuqing, but not tell me? Are they more important than me?"
Yang Xiong said, "It's not about importance. If you were the one in danger, I'd reveal it without hesitation. Besides, I've fully absorbed the bone, it can't be taken."
Ning Rongrong finally looked somewhat satisfied. "Little Xiong, you better tell me, what other secrets are you hiding?"
Yang Xiong laughed, "Rongrong, you know me. I wouldn't hide anything from you. And if I do, it's only for your sake."
She gave him a strange look. "Is that so? Why do I feel like I understand you less and less? It's like you're hiding more and more. Either way, I don't care, whatever secrets you have, I want to be the first to know."
Yang Xiong replied, "You little rascal, I'll tell you everything. You won't lose out, I promise."
Internally, though, he thought, You have no idea how many secrets I'm hiding. This is just the beginning.
Seeing the two of them teasing each other, Ning Fengzhi simply smiled without comment. Even Sword Douluo, who usually disapproved of Yang Xiong, showed no reaction.
Compared to Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong's banter, the rest of the Shrek team, still being treated, could only watch in frustration. Yang Xiong seemed completely unconcerned about the spirit bone, making others feel it was hopeless to even compare.
At that moment, Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and Liu Erlong approached Yang Xiong. Their expressions were serious.
Yu Xiaogang spoke first, "Yang Xiong, did you break through to level forty on the stage?"
Yang Xiong looked confused, "Yes, I just broke through. Is there a problem?"
Yu Xiaogang said, "That's very important. If you can obtain your fourth spirit ring, your strength would greatly increase, and our chances of winning would improve."
Yang Xiong was speechless. "Master, don't underestimate the fourth spirit ring. We're in Spirit City, there aren't any suitable spirit beasts nearby."
Yu Xiaogang quickly responded, "Flender and Erlong can take you to the nearby forest. It's not impossible to find a spirit beast in one night. Once you become a Spirit Ancestor, we'll have a much better chance."
Yang Xiong shook his head. "You may be mistaken. I have very high standards for each spirit ring. Even in Sunset Forest I didn't find a suitable fourth spirit beast. I'd have to go to the Star Dou Forest, but with less than a dozen hours until the final, there's no way I'd make it back in time."
He had long made plans for his fourth spirit ring. Ordinary beasts weren't good enough. It had to be a top-tier one that matched his attributes, he wouldn't compromise just for a match.
Yu Xiaogang looked dejected. "I understand, Yang Xiong. Maybe I've become too obsessed with winning."
Flender and Liu Erlong offered quiet comfort. But at this point, there wasn't much they could do. The gap in strength was too large.
Yang Xiong didn't say more and left. After a brief discussion, Ning Fengzhi and the others also departed.
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