Three days later.
That morning, all participating academies entered the competition venue one after another.
Each academy had its own rest area built around the competition venue. The VIP judges' seats were located on the opposite side of the Supreme Pontiff's Palace, where representatives from the two great empires, as well as Spirit Hall, would watch the matches.
Today was the first round of the finals, and the Royal Fighting Team, as a seeded team, had a bye.
However, Lin Mu still brought everyone to watch the matches. They hadn't attended the preliminary and qualifying rounds, so now that the finals were underway, it was necessary for them to familiarize themselves with the competition process.
Compared to before Lin Mu took over the Royal Fighting Team, everyone's strength had improved significantly.
Among them, Tang San's Soul Power had reached level 53, far surpassing the others and not losing out even to Spirit Hall's Golden Generation. It should be noted that the members of Spirit Hall's Golden Generation were all over twenty years old, while Tang San was not yet fifteen.
If he were given another five years, he could take on the entire Spirit Hall team single-handedly.
Second on the list was Ye Lingling, who was just one level away from becoming a Soul King. If she broke through to the Soul King level, the overall strength of the Royal Fighting Team would rise to another level.
Next were Xiao Wu, Yu Tianheng, and Dugu Yan, all three having reached level 46 in Soul Power.
Under Lin Mu's long-term treatment, not only was Dugu Yan's Martial Soul problem resolved, but her Soul Power had also increased significantly. As for Xiao Wu, her talent was already above the other two, and with the aid of the pills, her cultivation speed could only be considered average for her potential.
Then came the Shi brothers: Shi Mò at level 45 and Shi Mó at level 44. Following them were Yu Feng and Osler at level 43.
Finally, Ning Rongrong was at level 42, and Zhu Zhuqing was at level 38. Although Zhu Zhuqing had been cultivating diligently, she ultimately couldn't compete with those who had consumed pills made from immortal herbs; reaching level thirty-eight was her limit.
"Master, besides us and the Spirit Hall team, which other team do you think has a chance to make it into the top three?" Tang San asked Lin Mu in the rest area.
Hearing this, Lin Mu stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "It should be either Godwind Academy or the Star Luo Empire team, but those two teams aren't very strong and pose no threat to you."
Since the Shrek Academy team had disintegrated, Blazing Academy naturally wouldn't form a new team with Godwind Academy. The original Godwind Academy's strength was simply no match for the Star Luo Empire Academy.
Although Feng Xiaotian's individual strength was outstanding, he couldn't handle the Spirit Fusion Technique of Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun. The top three spots would most likely go to the Star Luo Empire team, unless the Star Luo Empire team encountered the Spirit Hall team or the Royal Fighting Team in the early rounds and were eliminated prematurely.
"Teacher Lin Mu, after the finals, will you still stay at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy?"
Yu Feng suddenly looked up at Lin Mu, his eyes filled with trepidation.
Upon hearing this, everyone else turned to look at Lin Mu. Their current cultivation levels were largely due to Lin Mu's efforts. If possible, everyone hoped Lin Mu could continue teaching them.
But that was clearly impossible. At their age, they would all graduate after this Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, and a new Royal Fighting Team would be formed.
"After the finals, I will take Little San on a training trip," Lin Mu said succinctly.
He had only taken on the role of team leader for the sake of his disciples; naturally, he wouldn't stay at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy as a teacher after this competition. Moreover, given the personalities of the three board members, they would definitely appoint him as the leader of the next Royal Fighting Team.
But he didn't have the time for that.
After the competition, he would definitely take Little San to the Slaughter City, and then to Seagod Island. He wouldn't have time to manage a new team.
Hearing this, everyone was disappointed. If Teacher Lin Mu left the academy, they probably wouldn't have many chances to see him again.
Noticing their reactions, Tang San suddenly had a flash of inspiration. "Master, why don't we establish a sect?"
Hearing this, Lin Mu raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself, 'It seems Little San still longs for the Tang Sect.'
After a moment's thought, Lin Mu casually asked, "What kind of sect do you plan to establish?"
"Hehe, Master, that's up to you. Just set aside a small department for me to manage."
Tang San still cherished memories of the Tang Sect from his previous life, hoping to have the opportunity to promote and develop its hidden weapons. However, his master was a respected elder, and even if a sect were to be established, his master would definitely be the sect leader. He only needed to manage a small Tang Sect department.
"Little San, I have no interest in managing a sect," Lin Mu shook his head. He preferred a free and unrestrained life, and the thought of managing a sect was enough to give him a headache.
However, Tang San was persistent, saying earnestly, "If Master doesn't like managing affairs, you can leave it to me and the other elders. Mother can also help you share the burden."
"Fine, let's do as you say." Lin Mu waved his hand, deciding to be a figurehead sect leader at worst.
After persuading his master, Tang San turned to the others and invited them. "Once the sect is established, you can all join."
Apart from Yu Tianheng and Ning Rongrong, the others hadn't joined a sect yet, making them easy to recruit, especially Ye Lingling and the Shi brothers, who had great potential.
"I want to join!" Ye Lingling said without hesitation.
Immediately afterward, the Shi brothers exchanged a glance and also expressed their willingness to join. After nearly two years of getting along, they knew that following Teacher Lin Mu was more promising, and they might even be able to cultivate to the level of a Title Douluo.
In fact, Yu Tianheng also wanted to join, but he came from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and was the most promising heir to the clan leader position. Dugu Yan, needless to say, would definitely follow Yu Tianheng.
Although Dugu Bo was Lin Mu's servant, Lin Mu had never restricted Dugu Yan. As for the herbs used to treat her, it was out of consideration for Dugu Bo's hard work, and he wouldn't seek repayment.
As for Yu Feng and Osler, they hesitated. They knew their own talents were basically hopeless for becoming Title Douluos. Even if they chose to join, Lin Mu wouldn't provide the pills as before.
"Can I join?"
After a moment of silence, Zhu Zhuqing stepped out from the back of the line, looked up at Lin Mu, and asked.
Hearing this, Lin Mu's eyes flashed. After the finals, he would leave the Heaven Dou Empire. After he left, the Heaven Dou Empire might not protect Zhu Zhuqing, which was perhaps her concern.
"Just like them, you can join if you want."
After a pause, Lin Mu changed the subject, saying solemnly, "Even if you don't join, I'll help you solve that problem."
"Thank you."
Hearing Lin Mu's assurance, Zhu Zhuqing's eyes were filled with gratitude.
Next, Lin Mu led everyone to watch the other academies' matches, preparing for tomorrow's competition.