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Bibi Dong's sharp gaze swept over the seven Shrek members like a blade, and a cold glint appeared in her eyes when she saw them still standing tall. If even the younger generation dared to be so presumptuous, the attitude of the forces behind them towards Spirit Hall was self-evident.
When her gaze turned to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, she saw Feng Xiao respectfully bowing, and a hint of appreciation flashed in her eyes. "Not arrogant when in a superior position, no wonder that girl thinks so highly of him," Bibi Dong mused inwardly.
This hidden Tolerate (endurance/patience) made her feel as if she was looking at her past self. Everyone standing on this square was a prodigy, but only geniuses who knew how to assess the situation could truly go the distance.
As a perfectionist, Bibi Dong had endured for many years to achieve the most perfect spirit ring allocation for her second Spirit, not revealing the secret of her twin spirits until she inherited the position of Supreme Pontiff. It was this endurance and restraint that allowed her to deliver a fatal blow to Qian Xunji at his weakest moment.
The composure and wisdom Feng Xiao displayed at this moment were exactly like hers back then. The corners of Bibi Dong's lips curved up almost imperceptibly, and the gem on her scepter reflected a meaningful light.
The moment the seven Shrek members stood proudly, refusing to bow, the atmosphere of the entire square instantly solidified. All eyes belonging to Spirit Hall shot towards these seven figures like sharp arrows, burning with angry flames.
Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan, behind Bibi Dong, moved his lips slightly, and a spirit power transmission quietly entered her ear. The Supreme Pontiff's gaze immediately locked onto Tang San in the Shrek team like an eagle.
When that gaze, which seemed capable of piercing through the soul, fell upon him, Tang San felt his whole body tremble, and his soul seemed to be forcibly pulled out of his body. He had to fully activate Purple Demon Eye, and a burst of purple-gold light erupted in his eyes, forming an aura about a foot long in front of him. Only then could he barely resist that terrifying pressure. But this passive defensive posture, compared to Bibi Dong's effortless demeanor, immediately appeared greatly inferior.
"Presumptuous! How dare you disrespect His Holiness the Supreme Pontiff!" The Cardinal who had announced earlier shouted sternly, his voice containing the pressure of a Spirit Saint level. The entire Pope Mountain seemed to tremble with this angry roar, and even the air solidified.
Bibi Dong's eyes gradually returned to calm. She elegantly raised her right hand, and the Cardinal immediately fell silent, his face full of awe. This Supreme Pontiff was able to inherit the great lineage, certainly due to the former Supreme Pontiff's nomination and the support of the Elders, but what truly allowed her to firmly sit on this supreme throne was her iron-fisted methods and unfathomable strength.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile played on her lips, and her gaze, like water, rested on Tang San: "Are you Grandmaster's disciple, Tang San?"
Tang San's heart trembled slightly, but he still maintained a humble yet unyielding posture: "Replying to His Holiness the Supreme Pontiff, that is correct."
Bibi Dong nodded gently, the gem on her scepter shimmering with a mysterious glow: "Not bad, you indeed possess some of your teacher's Spirit from back then."
"This junior dares not compare himself to my esteemed teacher," Tang San respectfully replied, the light from his Purple Demon Eye having quietly receded.
Bibi Dong said no more, gently waving the scepter adorned with dazzling gems in her hand: "Rise." These two simple words, however, caused the tense atmosphere throughout the arena to relax. Her deep gaze had already moved away from Tang San, as if the previous conversation was merely an insignificant interlude.
Feng Xiao slowly rose with the others, a playful smile flashing in his eyes. He secretly shook his head: "As expected, he only knows how to use Hidden Weapons, and he actually took Bibi Dong's words as praise. Was she praising you?"
Bibi Dong intentionally highlighted the teacher-disciple relationship between Tang San and Yu Xiaogang in this highly anticipated occasion. How was that praise for Tang San? Wasn't it clearly praising Yu Xiaogang?
A graceful and noble smile graced Bibi Dong's lips, her gaze sweeping over the faces of the twenty-one young Spirit Masters present like a spring breeze. "From you, I see the future of the Spirit Master's world," her voice, like heavenly music, echoed before the Supreme Pontiff Palace. "Before this sacred hall, I look forward to witnessing you unleash your full talent and strength. The ultimate victor will receive Spirit Hall's most precious gift."
Before her words finished, the gem scepter in her hand trembled slightly. In an instant, three dazzling lights bloomed before her, like three stars suspended in mid-air. As the light receded slightly, everyone finally saw—they were three Spirit Bones exuding an ancient aura: a right arm bone, entirely crimson like fire; a skull, shimmering with a pale blue glow; and a left leg bone, entwined with dark green patterns.
The energy fluctuations emanating from these three Spirit Bones were so strong that even Spirit Masters far below Pope Mountain could clearly feel them. The entire Spirit City instantly boiled over, with exclamations rising and falling. Besides a few informed individuals, who could have imagined that the reward for the finals would be three top-grade Spirit Bones? Even the well-informed high-ranking officials of Spirit Hall, at this moment, couldn't help but reveal a look of longing in their eyes.
Bibi Dong watched the shocked expressions of the crowd with satisfaction, the gem on her scepter reflecting brilliant light.
Ghost Douluo Guimei slowly stepped forward from behind Bibi Dong, his hoarse, low voice like it came from the netherworld: "These three Spirit Bones are the Mind Condensing Wisdom Skull, the Burst Incineration Flame Right Arm Bone, and the Wind Chasing Left Leg Bone for Rapid Advance." His withered fingers pointed at the three floating Spirit Bones in turn. "All originate from ten-thousand-year Spirit Beasts. Among them, this Wisdom Skull was obtained from a mental-type Spirit Beast over fifty thousand years old, personally slain by the previous Supreme Pontiff. It can be called a top-grade Spirit Bone, second only to the legendary external Spirit Bone and hundred-thousand-year Spirit Bones."
Bibi Dong gently stroked her scepter, her voice soft yet impactful: "There is always only one victor, and the same goes for the champion. These three Spirit Bones will all belong to the champion team." Her gaze swept across the three teams like a torch, "I hope your three strong academies will go all out to compete for this supreme glory."
All the Spirit Masters present were breathing rapidly, their eyes burning with fervent battle intent. Three top-grade Spirit Bones appearing simultaneously—such a temptation was irresistible to anyone. Intense spirit power fluctuations erupted from the twenty-one geniuses, and the air in the entire square trembled.
"This morning, we will hold a seven-person individual elimination round," Bibi Dong's voice resounded again. "The team that ultimately wins will gain the initiative for tomorrow's finals. The two losing teams will then compete in the afternoon for the other final spot." She tapped the ground lightly with her scepter. "Now, please send out your first combatant from each team."
This individual elimination round, similar to the promotion rounds, was even more brutal due to the three teams competing simultaneously. Although not the final battle, it was of great importance—the winner would not only advance to the top two but also be able to rest and prepare for tomorrow's finals.
At the level of the top three, the strength of each team was already comparable. If they fought continuously for a day, they would inevitably suffer severe exhaustion, and even injuries. It would be almost impossible to recover to peak condition before the next day's finals. Therefore, the winner of today's individual match was highly likely to be the ultimate champion.
With a series of solemn footsteps, a row of gilded armchairs was neatly arranged in front of the Supreme Pontiff Palace. Under everyone's gaze, Bibi Dong gracefully took the central main seat, her dazzling Supreme Pontiff's crown shimmering in the sunlight. To her left sat Sect Master Ning Fengzhi of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and Sword Douluo Chen Xin. Ning Fengzhi held the crystal-clear Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in his hands, while Chen Xin embraced his Seven Kill Sword, exuding a formidable aura. To her right were Ghost Douluo Guimei and Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan, the two Titled Douluo, one in black and one in white, forming a stark contrast.
Each of the three academies had to send out their first participant. The drawing of lots was conducted by these three, determining which two academies would go first, with the winner continuing to fight, and so on.
"General, are you a pawn or are you forfeiting?" Feng Xiao thought, a slight smile on his lips, as he held his "Fuxi Zither" and leisurely stepped into the center of the square. This action of his immediately made the Spirit Hall and Shrek teams understand—Heaven Dou Royal Academy was sending out its strongest combatant right away!
The sidelines immediately erupted in an uproar. Even the members of Spirit Hall's Golden Generation couldn't help but exchange glances, a rare look of solemnity appearing on their faces. Xie Yue's fingers unconsciously caressed his Moon Blade, and even Yan, who was usually arrogant, subconsciously tensed his body.
"A dilemma..." Ning Fengzhi, in the VIP section, praised inwardly. Feng Xiao's move was extremely clever—with the strength he had displayed, it would be incredibly difficult for any team to win a one-on-one match without taking damage. And if they expended too much energy here, it would inevitably affect the subsequent team battles. This was clearly forcing the two strong teams to retreat three steps in front of him!
The Purple Demon Eye in Tang San's eyes shimmered with brilliance. He knew better than anyone that facing Feng Xiao's unpredictable sound wave attacks, it would be almost impossible to retreat unscathed. In this psychological game, Feng Xiao had already won the first round.
Xie Yue turned his head slightly, lowering his voice to Hu Liena beside him: "Nana, why don't I go?"
A glint flashed in Hu Liena's charming fox eyes, and she gently shook her head: "Brother, neither of us should make a move now." Her red lips parted, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, yet every word was incisive: "Let Yan go first. If he loses, we can still retreat to the loser's bracket in the afternoon; if he wins, the cost will be within controllable limits."
Her slender fingers unconsciously twirled a strand of hair, her gaze sweeping over the ancient zither in Feng Xiao's arms in the arena: "His sound wave attacks are strange and hard to defend against. There's no need for us to go all out in the individual match."
Upon hearing this, a flicker of realization crossed Xie Yue's eyes. As the leader of Spirit Hall's Golden Generation, they indeed should not reveal their full strength at this moment. He gave Yan a look, and the latter grinned knowingly, his fists cracking: "Leave it to me!"
When the draw results were finalized, Feng Xiao still stood calmly in the center of the arena. He had not drawn the bye. Just as everyone held their breath, Tang San slowly walked to the center of the arena and respectfully bowed towards the Supreme Pontiff's throne.
"Your Holiness the Supreme Pontiff," Tang San's voice was clear and firm, "Shrek Academy voluntarily forfeits the first half of the grand finals and requests to directly enter the loser's bracket finals in the afternoon."
At these words, Yan, who had drawn the bye, instantly turned ashen. Everyone present was discerning; who wouldn't understand the deep meaning behind this? This was clearly Shrek using Heaven Dou Royal Academy to exhaust Spirit Hall Academy, preferring to preserve their strength and compete in the loser's bracket.
In the VIP section, Ning Fengzhi's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda paused slightly in his hand, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes; while Bibi Dong's lips curved into a meaningful smile, the gem on her scepter reflecting a cold light. In this psychological battle, the three factions had their own intentions, yet all chose the most advantageous tactic.
Bibi Dong's deep gaze fell upon Tang San, a barely perceptible hint of disdain flashing in her eyes—the so-called Clear Sky Sect successor actually lacked the courage to fight head-on, far inferior to Clear Sky Douluo of yesteryear. She elegantly turned to the Cardinal referee, her voice as cold as a spring:
"Since Shrek Academy has forfeited the morning match, the individual matches will proceed as usual."
Yan stepped onto the arena with heavy strides, his burning battle intent intertwined with solemnity in his brows. He stared intently at Feng Xiao, who held the ancient zither opposite him, and scorching spirit power fluctuations had already begun to surge around his body.
"The first individual match," the Cardinal's booming voice resounded throughout the arena, "Feng Xiao of Heaven Dou Royal Academy versus Yan of Spirit Hall Academy!"
"Boom—"
Yan suddenly released his Spirit, and a violent Flame Lord phantom soared into the sky behind him, a scorching wave of heat sweeping across the entire arena, even distorting the air.
"Fire, huh?" Feng Xiao's lips curved slightly, his fingertips gently caressing the zither strings, a playful smile swirling in his eyes. He elegantly sat cross-legged, the Fuxi Zither resting horizontally on his lap, forming a stark contrast to Yan's violent aura.
Yan, seeing Feng Xiao dare to sit cross-legged, so arrogant, was instantly enraged. His first spirit ring suddenly burst forth with dazzling light: "First Spirit Ability: Hell Magma Rush!"
"Just one more spirit ring than Yu Tianheng, that's all," Feng Xiao chuckled and shook his head, his fingertips gently plucking a zither string. He understood this type of attack system Spirit Master's routine too well—nothing more than the three-pronged approach of charge, amplification, and burst, utterly unoriginal.
As Feng Xiao's first spirit ring lit up, seven zither strings vibrated simultaneously, emitting visible sound wave ripples that formed a transparent sound barrier in front of him.
"Boom—"
The scorching magma and invisible sound waves collided with a deafening roar. A violent wave of air lifted their robes, and Feng Xiao's black hair fluttered in the heat, but he maintained his elegant sitting posture.
This seemingly simple clash, however, brought a series of fascinated expressions to Bibi Dong's eyes. She leaned forward slightly, her scepter unconsciously gripping a little tighter—this was the first time she had witnessed a Tool Spirit of a musical instrument being used in such a way.
"Interesting," Bibi Dong parted her crimson lips. "Yan's first Spirit Ability not only contains flame amplification but also possesses physical impact force, making it an excellent growth-oriented skill as a Spirit Master continuously grows stronger." Her gaze fixed intently on the sound barrier in the arena. "But that child easily neutralized it with just the zither's vibrations. This level of control over sound waves..."
Before she finished speaking, the situation in the arena had already changed.
Feng Xiao's fingertips lightly glided across the zither strings, suddenly changing his technique, and his second spirit ring lit up accordingly. "No need to rush, it'll be quick."
Feng Xiao's hand fiercely swept across the zither strings, and a powerful bass note instantly slammed towards Yan. Amidst the intense air currents, Yan's movements visibly slowed down.
"Seven strings drawn taut, like thunder falls; all sounds frozen, an instant void."
"What!" Yan was now shocked and enraged. He found that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't break through the strong sound wave-induced air currents. His spirit power circulation was being interfered with by some peculiar musical rhythm, and the magma around his body was actually melting like ice and snow.
"You still have a use, so I won't harm you," Feng Xiao said with a faint smile on his lips, his fingertips gently plucking a zither string.
In an instant, an invisible sound wave vibration suddenly erupted. This fluctuation seemed gentle, yet it precisely penetrated Yan's surrounding flame defense, directly striking his spiritual sea. Yan felt a 'buzz' in his mind, his vision spun, and his consciousness instantly plunged into darkness.
"Bang—"
Under everyone's gaze, this member of Spirit Hall's Golden Generation collapsed straight down in the center of the arena. The sidelines erupted in an uproar, and even the Titled Douluo in the VIP section couldn't help but stand up.
Feng Xiao calmly put away his zither, his black hair gently swaying in the aftermath. He didn't even glance at the fallen Yan, merely nodding slightly towards the referee's stand: "Thank you for the match."