Within the thousand-square-meter Pope's Hall.
Pope Bibi Dong sat upon the papal throne above, holding a scepter inlaid with various precious gems.
Standing to her left and right were the Twin Pillars of Spirit Hall: Yue Guan and Gui Mei.
Below them stood the Golden Generation, trembling at this moment.
"You lost?"
Bibi Dong asked.
"We lost!"
At this moment...
Yan's condition was quite poor.
Although his injuries weren't to the bone, they would certainly affect him with the finals about to begin.
Bibi Dong's brows furrowed slightly!
The current situation was not as wonderful as she had anticipated.
The reason she had set soul bones as the reward for this Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament was actually to give her beloved disciple Hu Liena a legitimate opportunity to obtain a soul bone.
It was also meant to be motivation for the Golden Generation!
But now...
Yang Fan's appearance had caused her original plans to spiral out of control.
She had a faint premonition...
The three soul bones that Spirit Hall had worked so hard to obtain might be taken away by the Breaking Clan right under her nose.
Bibi Dong's heart showed obvious turmoil!
If things truly reached that undesirable stage, Spirit Hall would lose more than just three soul bones.
More importantly, they would lose face!
After all, everyone knew that when Spirit Hall had ostentatiously offered soul bones as rewards, they had been fully prepared to win the championship.
"What level is his soul power at now?"
Bibi Dong's question left Yan too afraid to breathe. In the end, it was Xie Yue who stepped forward.
"Neither of them activated their martial souls!"
"From the battle process, we can confirm his level is above ours."
The information showed that Yang Fan was only fourteen years old this year.
They simply couldn't understand how a fourteen-year-old could possess such heaven-defying cultivation speed?
Even so!
Xie Yue didn't believe he would definitely lose.
They knew everything about Blazing Academy's information and resources. Apart from Yang Fan, who had appeared out of nowhere, the others posed no threat to them.
In single combat, perhaps none of the three of them would be his match.
But don't forget...
This was a team battle!
His and Hu Liena's martial soul fusion technique was the team's ultimate trump card.
"Alright."
"You may leave now."
Bibi Dong's words made the Golden Generation feel as if a heavy burden had been lifted.
After they left, Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan bowed slightly beside her: "Your Holiness, should we..."
Yue Guan made a decapitation gesture!
When Yan and Yang Fan had their one-on-one duel, he had been observing in secret.
He was astonished to the heavens!
He couldn't imagine how Yang Fan had cultivated to such a degree at this age.
He dared say that even innate full soul power cultivation talent wouldn't be enough for Yang Fan to surpass the Golden Generation at this age.
"No need."
Bibi Dong didn't know if Yang Fan's actions were unintentional or deliberate.
But she had to admit!
Yang Fan's open appearance at Spirit Hall had indeed caused them to lose the opportunity to kill him, especially with Dugu Bo by his side—the chance for assassination was even more lost.
"What about the Tang Hao father and son?"
"Any news on them yet?"
Bibi Dong didn't actually harbor much hatred toward Tang Hao. Even years ago, when Tang Hao had come wielding his hammer to smash the Pope's Hall, even shouting the name of the hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Empress, it hadn't given Bibi Dong the desire to pursue him to the ends of the earth with killing intent.
But the former Pope Qian Xunji's old subordinates were different!
Even now...
The vast majority of Spirit Hall and the outside world believed that Tang Hao had hammered Qian Xunji to death.
So when Tang Hao appeared on the Douluo Continent, Spirit Hall's previous elders all strongly demanded that Bibi Dong find and kill Tang Hao.
"No signs yet!"
"But the investigation is ongoing. It shouldn't be long before there are results."
Bibi Dong nodded slightly, then said: "Since the old one is elusive, then start with the young one."
Tang Hao had been like he'd evaporated from the world these past few years, but Tang San was different.
Spirit Hall had detailed records of Tang San's martial soul awakening, school enrollment, tournament participation... and so on.
They even knew he lived in Holy Spirit Village!
Starting from this information one by one, they would surely find the hiding place of the father and son pair.
...
Time passed like a white steed flashing through a plain.
On the seventh day of Yang Fan's arrival, the teams from the Tian Dou Empire division entered Spirit City in grand formation.
"Little Fan."
"You came early?"
Ning Fengzhi had originally prepared to give Yang Fan special care along the way.
If the news from Spirit City hadn't reached the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School, he probably wouldn't have known until the moment the team departed that Yang Fan had already arrived early in Spirit City.
It had to be said!
This move was truly brilliant.
Although he didn't know who was behind this strategy, Yang Fan's courage to come alone had already far surpassed all the participating students in this Elite Tournament.
"Mm!"
"The Tian Dou division's matches have ended. I came early to familiarize myself with the tournament environment."
Ning Fengzhi smiled!
Then...
The smile on his face disappeared, replaced by a serious expression.
"Uncle Ning has something?"
No one visits without reason!
Yang Fan had already guessed that Ning Fengzhi's visit absolutely couldn't be just for casual conversation.
"Then Uncle will speak directly."
"Do you have any more of that Beautiful Silk Tulip you gave me before?"
As the sect master of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School and a qualified father,
Ning Fengzhi's vision absolutely wasn't limited to the present, but had long been placed on the sect's future.
So...
He wanted to obtain a Beautiful Silk Tulip for his daughter Ning Rongrong, wanting his daughter to also become a Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda.
"Don't worry!"
"Uncle absolutely won't take it from you for nothing."
"Regarding the previous business with the Breaking Clan, Uncle Ning can take not a single cent."
"Whatever you want, Uncle Ning will definitely satisfy you!"
Ning Fengzhi had shown full sincerity.
Spirit bones, money, cultivation resources...
As long as Yang Fan spoke, he would find a way to make it happen.
"Uncle Ning."
"I understand your feelings."
"But the Beautiful Silk Tulip is an immortal treasure herb. Finding one such treasure is already providence."
"I really don't have any more!"
He also knew who Ning Fengzhi had swallowed his pride for.
Even if he really had it...
He wouldn't choose to give it to a spoiled princess like Ning Rongrong.
"Alright."
Ning Fengzhi's face couldn't hide his disappointment and desolation.
Before coming, he had also considered this outcome!
But when it truly came from Yang Fan's mouth, the psychological preparation he had made before crumbled completely.
"Then can you tell Uncle Ning where you found the Beautiful Silk Tulip?"
At these words...
Dugu Bo beside him instantly became uneasy.
With the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School's power and Ning Fengzhi's determination, as long as Yang Fan said the words "Sunset Forest," his Ice Fire Yin Yang Well would no longer be hidden.
"I obtained it from a temporarily formed soul master team in the Great Star Dou Forest before."
Yang Fan didn't speak clearly!
But someone as intelligent as Ning Fengzhi would certainly understand what he meant to convey.
"It was Uncle being too impatient."
Disappointment was certain!
But after the disappointment, Ning Fengzhi gradually began to accept it.
If the Beautiful Silk Tulip was that easy to find, the ancestors of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile School wouldn't have worked for hundreds of years without any results.
"If you have time, you can come sit at my place."
"That little girl Rongrong has many things she wants to consult with you about."
Yang Fan gave a slightly awkward smile.
He didn't say he would go, nor did he say he wouldn't.
...
The finals began!
After two months of competition in this Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament, nine soul master teams had entered the final stage.
Four teams from the Tian Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire divisions each, plus one team from Spirit Hall.
The finals' format was rather complicated!
First, two rounds of matches would be held through a drawing lots system to determine the top three, then a one-on-one wheel battle would be used to compete for the top two to enter the final championship match.
Because there were nine soul master teams, in the first two rounds of matches, there would definitely be one academy that drew the blank lot.
Blazing Academy was fortunate enough to benefit from this format advantage, becoming the first lucky team in the final stage of this Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament.
"Spirit Hall's opponent is Star Luo Imperial Academy."
"Want to go watch together?"
Two seeded teams meeting in the first round of finals.
This situation was rare!
The last time seeded teams met in the first round of finals was fifty years ago.
"You guys go!"
Yang Fan expressed that he wasn't very interested.
When he was young, he had watched a whole year of spirit duels at the Tian Dou City's Great Spirit Arena.
Gambling duels, death duels!
That kind of fist-to-flesh, bloody combat was much more exciting than this kind of spirit fighting.
Furthermore...
This kind of team battle with a predetermined outcome had nothing to look forward to.
Spirit Hall Academy, Star Luo Imperial Academy, and Tian Dou Imperial Academy were the three seeded teams in this Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament.
Although all were seeds, the difference between them was like heaven and earth.
"You really won't go?"
Huo Wu saw Yang Fan's determined gaze and stopped insisting.
She had just turned to leave two steps when she suddenly remembered something important, then immediately turned back.
"Right!"
"I almost forgot to tell you something."
"Before we came, Emperor Xue Ye personally attended the mobilization meeting and said that when we return this time, we would be granted noble titles."
"Will you accept?"
Granting noble titles was a regular operation for every Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament.
The five-yearly Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament was not only a great opportunity for various families and sects to recruit young talents.
It was also an important node for empires to absorb soul master power!
Especially with Tian Dou Empire still not having a single Titled Douluo overseeing it today, they were anxious to the point of pain.
Tian Dou Empire's method of absorbing soul master power was very simple.
It was granting noble titles!
According to the Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, and Baron hierarchy.
Generally, one would be granted the title of Baron. Those with outstanding performance would be granted the title of Viscount and receive a fief.
"No!"
Although Tian Dou Empire's rewards were certainly generous, they didn't have much appeal to him.
He was very clear!
Once he accepted a noble title, it meant becoming a dog for the Tian Dou Empire.
This was also why many soul masters would rather join sects than submit to empires.
"Not accepting is fine too."
"For someone like you who likes to play truant all day, getting a noble title would be a complete waste."
Huo Wu quite envied Yang Fan!
Having autonomy in this matter.
But the Huo Family couldn't!
The Tian Dou Huo Family had been cultivating soul masters for the Tian Dou Empire for nearly a hundred years, which had also allowed their family to receive the empire's protection.
"I'm going to watch the match. I'll tell you the results when I get back."
After Huo Wu left, Yang Fan fell into contemplation...
"Star Luo Imperial Academy..."
"Dai Weisi!"
Just mentioning this name made him recall the scene when Dai Weisi had tried to kill him after their transaction was successful.
It was from that moment that the idea of eliminating Dai Weisi had been born.
For him!
The best opportunity to eliminate Dai Weisi was at this Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament.
This guy was the eldest prince of Star Luo Empire after all!
Once he returned to the Star Luo Imperial Palace, especially after ascending the throne, it would no longer be so simple to eliminate him.
"What mischief are you plotting in that head of yours?"
No one knows him better than Yao Lao!
He hadn't even said a word yet, and Yao Lao had already read his inner thoughts.
"Master!"
"Is there a way?"
This was his chance to eliminate Dai Weisi!
But...
The difficulty of eliminating Dai Weisi in Spirit City, where Titled Douluo gathered in groups, was not one bit weaker than going to the Star Luo Imperial Palace.
"Don't worry."
"This Master still has ways to handle such small matters!"
In the past...
Yao Lao's soul fluctuations probably couldn't escape the eyes of Titled Douluo.
After so many years, time and medicinal pills' repair had gradually strengthened his soul.
...
That afternoon.
Huo Wu brought the results of this Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament.
Tian Dou Imperial Academy smoothly advanced to the next round!
However...
Star Luo Imperial Academy wasn't so lucky.
Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun's martial soul fusion technique, the Netherworld White Tiger, was simply no match before Hu Liena and her brother.
They were beaten like dogs by Spirit Hall!
"Star Luo Imperial Academy is injured?"
This news seemed to let Yang Fan catch something.
"Mm!"
"Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun's injuries are relatively severe. They've already returned to Star Luo Empire after this tournament ended."
Very normal!
The difference between a Soul Ancestor and a Soul King was just one major rank, but the martial soul fusion techniques of a Soul Ancestor and a Soul King were completely different.
Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun wanted to use their ultimate weapon, the Netherworld White Tiger, to defeat Spirit Hall Academy, but this was exactly what Spirit Hall wanted to see.
Decisive action!
They directly taught Star Luo Imperial Academy a lesson.
It was obvious that the people from Spirit Hall Academy had clear intentions to cripple Dai Weisi, this future crown prince of Star Luo Empire.
If the Star Luo Empire's leading teacher hadn't surrendered in time, Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun wouldn't have just been injured this time.
"What a pity!"
"We didn't get to see what Spirit Hall's martial soul fusion technique was actually like."
Hu Liena and Xie Yue's martial soul fusion technique was called Demon Charm.
After activation, it would release a dense red fog around the body.
Unless a soul master with extremely powerful mental strength, it was absolutely impossible to see the true situation within this red fog.
"No need to be frustrated!"
"We now know that the effect of Hu Liena and her brother's martial soul fusion technique's red fog is spiritual, so we have a way to deal with it next."
Yang Fan didn't hear a single word of the conversation between Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang.
His mind had already flown away!
Star Luo Imperial Academy actually went back...?
Thinking about it, it was normal!
Although Spirit Hall had specialized healing soul masters, Star Luo Imperial Academy really didn't dare let Spirit Hall handle it.
Dai Weisi was the eldest prince of Star Luo Empire after all.
The future crown prince!
If he accidentally died, it would be a fatal blow to the entire Star Luo Empire.
...
Night.
Under the cover of Yao Lao's powerful soul strength, Yang Fan silently left Spirit City.
Yao Lao's current soul strength probably had no equal on the Douluo Continent!
With Yao Lao's help, even Titled Douluo couldn't detect his silent departure.
Outside Spirit City!
Yang Fan activated his soul power and began traveling swiftly...
He had to hurry!
Due to Dai Weisi's injuries, their traveling speed definitely wouldn't be too fast.
If things went smoothly, he might even be able to make it back for the sumptuous breakfast of this Elite Tournament.
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