It could be said that Seven Treasure Academy's entry into the Grand Finals was thanks in large part to Yang Dianfeng and Yu Tianlong.
However, both of them were now utterly exhausted. The constant soul duels had taken a heavy toll on their bodies, and the injuries they had sustained had no time to properly heal.
Had it not been for Ning Rongrong and Oscar, the team's two support-type spirit masters, they would've collapsed long ago. Any other team would have fallen apart already.
Chen Feng's gaze swept across the room. As expected, every teammate bore thick bandages hidden beneath their clothing.
Yang Dianfeng was even coughing repeatedly—a sign that his lungs had been damaged by soul power backlash. It was not something that could be healed in a day or two.
"And what about Niu Zhen? What's his condition?" Chen Feng asked again.
Hearing his question, Ning Rongrong's expression darkened.
"Niu Zhen… he was severely injured during the match against Star Luo Royal Academy.
To protect me and Oscar, he threw himself in front of the enemy's Martial Soul Fusion Skill—Nether White Tiger."
Chen Feng nodded. He remembered that when he had left a year ago, Niu Zhen was only at Spirit Power Rank 37. His talent wasn't exceptional, and he likely still hadn't broken through to the Spirit Ancestor level.
But the Nether White Tiger was a terrifying fusion technique with strength far beyond its level. Even Spirit King-level experts could be easily overwhelmed by it.
Niu Zhen, with his Heavy Armor Giant Rhino, was a pure defense-type soul master—tough and durable—but even so, he was no match for such overwhelming power.
"He's not… in critical condition, is he?" Chen Feng asked again, this time more solemnly.
"We don't know if he'll survive…" Ning Rongrong's voice grew soft.
The team fell into silence. Everyone's expression turned heavy.
Yang Dianfeng, especially, looked as though he was ready to murder someone. His fists clenched, his body shaking with restrained rage.
He and Niu Zhen had been childhood friends. Their bond was incredibly deep. With Niu Zhen's fate unknown, how could he not be frantic?
No one spoke. The room fell into an oppressive silence.
Chen Feng let out a cold laugh. Though he tried to restrain his Killing God Domain, a bloodthirsty urge still surged within his heart.
To him, Niu Zhen had always been that honest, dependable member of the team.
He had the weakest talent. When others received powerful immortal herbs, all Niu Zhen got was a simple Diamond Flower.
And yet, he had never complained, always standing at the front, shielding Ning Rongrong and Oscar without hesitation.
And now… that person's life hung by a thread.
While the Star Luo Royal Academy was the direct culprit, Spirit Hall's manipulation behind the scenes had played no small part.
"Spirit Hall, is it? Their seeded team, huh?"
Chen Feng's eyes glinted with killing intent.
If before, he had been determined to win the tournament to pass the second Shura God Trial, now he had another reason:
To crush Spirit Hall's seeded team—to avenge Niu Zhen.
"His fate is uncertain? Then let all of them pay for it—with their lives."
"The match against Spirit Hall is the day after tomorrow, right?" Chen Feng asked.
"Yes, it begins at 9 a.m. sharp," Ning Rongrong replied.
"Good."
"Then in two days, we fight."
Pope's Palace – Assembly Hall
Pope Bibi Dong sat solemnly on her throne. Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo stood on either side of her.
Seven figures stood in front of them—the seven spirit masters representing Spirit Hall in the Grand Finals.
At the front stood Xie Yue, Yan, and Hu Liena.
"Do you all understand the instructions I just gave?" Bibi Dong asked coldly, her voice regal, like an empress commanding her subjects.
"Understood, Your Holiness!" the seven replied in unison, bowing respectfully despite their elite status.
"That Chen Feng may be strong individually," Bibi Dong continued,
"But his teammates are already worn down.
Xie Yue, Hu Liena—you two must unleash your Martial Soul Fusion Skill as soon as the match begins.
As long as you combine your powers, even Chen Feng won't be a threat."
"Yan, the rest of you—focus on taking down the remaining teammates.
But make sure to protect Xie Yue and Hu Liena long enough to fully execute their fusion skill."
"Yes, Your Holiness!"
Ghost Douluo's deep voice echoed beside them.
"You all understand the importance of this battle.
It's not just about personal glory—it will also determine the ownership of three soul bones.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and countless academies are watching.
If you lose, we'll have no excuse to keep those soul bones.
Failure is not an option.
Lose, and I'll throw all of you into the 迷踪大峡谷 (Lost Mist Grand Canyon) for three years of 'training'."
At that, the seven trembled. That place was inhospitable to life. Even the mention of it was enough to make their hearts go cold.
Their expressions turned steely.
Ghost Douluo's voice dropped even lower:
"Let me make this clear—if you get a chance during the match, don't hold back.
Kill Chen Feng at all costs.
He's the key to their team's strength. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal clear!"
"Good. You may go." Bibi Dong waved them off.
The seven left quickly through a side entrance.
As their footsteps faded, Bibi Dong gently tapped her fingers against the table, her eyes narrowed in thought.
"Your Holiness, is something bothering you?" Chrysanthemum Douluo asked.
Bibi Dong sighed.
"Xie Yue and the others may be talented, but their real combat experience is too limited.
Compared to Chen Feng, they're still on different levels.
And if he emerged from Slaughter City alive…
Then I suspect he's already awakened the Killing God Domain."
Ghost Douluo's voice rumbled ominously:
"He poses a serious threat to us. We must eliminate him."
Chrysanthemum Douluo added:
"That may be true, but Xie Yue and Hu Liena's fusion skill—'Demonic Enchantment'—is no joke.
We shouldn't be overly pessimistic.
Besides, most of the Seven Treasure Team are either injured or out of commission.
If they can fight at even 70% of their peak strength, that's already impressive.
The odds are still in our favor."
Ghost Douluo sneered:
"If you ask me, the safest option is for me to personally take Chen Feng out."
"Take him out?" Bibi Dong snorted.
"The Sword and Bone Douluos from the Seven Treasure Sect are both here.
Bone Douluo rarely leaves Ning Fengzhi's side. And as for Sword Douluo... where do you think he is?"
Ghost Douluo's body flickered for a moment, then fell silent.
No further words were necessary.
It was obvious.
With the Grand Finals just days away, how could the Seven Treasure Sect not protect their people?
And Chen Feng was Sword Douluo's grandson.
With Sword Douluo on guard, even Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo together wouldn't stand a chance.
Sending Ghost Douluo alone to assassinate him?
Don't even think about it.