Just as Bibi Dong felt that inexplicable connection to Xiao Rui'er, a Cardinal not far away clearly noticed that the Tianxing Academy members had not knelt.
His face darkened instantly, and to make an impression on the Supreme Pontiff, he stepped forward and sternly reprimanded the Tianxing Academy contingent:
"How audacious! You dare not kneel before His Holiness the Supreme Pontiff?"
This reprimand was particularly jarring in the silent square.
Immediately, everyone's gaze focused on Tianxing Academy, and many Soul Masters belonging to Spirit Hall also showed displeasure in their eyes.
However, to everyone's surprise, Bibi Dong, on the high platform, softened her previously sharp gaze.
She slightly raised her jade hand, adorned with a luxurious jeweled ring, and gently pressed it downwards towards the Cardinal who sought to impress.
With just a simple gesture, the Cardinal seemed to have his throat choked, a look of fear and reverence appearing on his face as he bowed his head deeply, daring not to utter another word.
"On Douluo Continent, there has never been a written rule stating that one must kneel upon meeting the Supreme Pontiff," Bibi Dong said calmly, her gaze sweeping over the Tianxing Academy members, lingering for a moment on Tang Chuan and Xiao Rui'er.
"If they don't wish to kneel, then they don't have to."
This understated remark resolved the potentially conflict-inducing act of disrespect, while also demonstrating her absolute confidence and magnanimity as the Supreme Pontiff.
Bibi Dong did not need the kneeling of Soul Masters to maintain her authority.
The very existence of the Supreme Pontiff was the supreme symbol of the entire continent.
Immediately after, before the crowd could fully grasp the deeper meaning of her words, Bibi Dong lightly waved the jeweled scepter in her hand, which symbolized the Supreme Pontiff's authority.
In an instant, three brilliant lights shot out from her sleeve, expanding rapidly in mid-air and hovering steadily, emitting a heart-pounding energy fluctuation.
The lights gradually receded, revealing their contents.
These were three bones of different forms, yet all exuded a powerful aura: a right arm bone intricately patterned with flames, a skull flowing with a wave-like blue light, and a left leg bone surrounded by a nimble dark green glow.
Fiery red, light blue, and dark green, the three-colored lights shimmered in the air, complementing each other.
Even in the bright daylight, the lights remained clearly visible.
Soul Bones! And three different Soul Bones at that!
"Boom—!"
After a brief moment of deadly silence, the entire Spirit City erupted in a frenzy!
Even at the foot of Supreme Pontiff Mountain, countless citizens could clearly see the three Soul Bones, symbols of a Soul Master's ultimate dream, suspended in mid-air!
Aside from a very few who were privy to the inside story, who could have imagined that the ultimate reward for this tournament would be three Soul Bones?! From the light they emitted, one could tell that the quality of these three Soul Bones was absolutely superior!
In an instant, countless gazes turned fervent, and heavy breathing echoed throughout the arena.
Even the members of Spirit Hall couldn't help but reveal undisguised greed in their eyes.
If this weren't the Supreme Pontiff Palace, and if there weren't several Titled Douluo on the high platform, someone would probably have already been unable to restrain themselves and flown forward to snatch them.
Just then, Ghost Douluo Gui Mei, standing behind Bibi Dong, spoke in his low and distinctive voice:
"These three Soul Bones are the Mind Condensing Wisdom Skull, the Burst Incineration Flame Right Arm Bone, and the Swift Advance Wind Chasing Left Leg Bone.
All three originate from Soul Beasts over ten thousand years old.
Among them, the Wisdom Skull comes from a powerful Soul Beast with over fifty thousand years of cultivation, personally slain by the previous His Majesty the Supreme Pontiff.
It is considered a top-grade Soul Bone, second only in value to external Spirit Bones and the ultimate Soul Bones produced by Hundred Thousand Year Spirit Beasts."
Ghost Douluo's words were like pouring hot oil on a burning flame, making the eyes of everyone in the square even more fervent.
Wisdom Skull! And over fifty thousand years! This was enough to drive any Soul Master mad!
Bibi Dong calmly watched the young Soul Masters below, their faces slightly distorted by the extreme temptation, and said faintly:
"There is always only one victor, and the same goes for the champion."
"Therefore, these three Soul Bones will all belong to the final champion team.
I hope the three academies that make it to the top three will go all out to earn this honor."
Following this, Bibi Dong began to announce the detailed rules of the competition.
From the five-round format of the finals to the bye rules, and finally to the method for determining the ultimate champion, her voice echoed continuously over the square.
But at this moment, the minds of most young Soul Masters were already firmly captivated by the three alluring Soul Bones suspended in mid-air.
After the opening ceremony, the drawing of lots proceeded in a subtle and tense atmosphere.
"First round, Shrek Academy versus Star Luo Royal Academy!"
"Boom!"
Upon hearing this result, everyone on Shrek Academy's side changed their expressions.
Especially Dai Mubai; his upright figure suddenly stiffened, the light that had still been in his evil eyes abruptly dimmed, his face turning visibly pale at a speed perceptible to the naked eye, then shifting to a deathly grey-black, as if all his spirit and vitality had been instantly drained.
"Damn it, why is it Star Luo Royal Academy in the very first match?"
"How is it that the drawing here is the same as in Heaven Dou City, giving us such an opponent in the first round, first match? I strongly suspect someone from Spirit Hall is secretly manipulating things!"
Clenching his fists tightly, Dai Mubai roared in impotent rage.
At this moment, his fingernails had dug deep into his palms, even drawing blood, yet he remained oblivious.
Star Luo Royal Academy... his elder brother, Dai Weisi!
If it were before, with Tang San and Xiao Wu around, he might still have had the courage and capital to fight.
But now? Xiao Wu sacrificed herself and died, Tang San was taken away by Tang Hao, his whereabouts unknown.
The entire team was in a state of panic, Master drowned his sorrows in alcohol, unable to recover... Only Dai Mubai, who hadn't even broken through to Spirit King, remained.
What did he have to fight against Star Luo Royal Academy?
In his opinion, this wasn't a competition; this was simply sending him to face his Family's judgment!
Because once he lost to his elder brother, Dai Weisi, in this highly anticipated Soul Master Tournament, according to the cruel rules of imperial succession in the Star Luo Empire, what awaited Dai Mubai would not only be the loss of his inheritance rights but also the tragic fate of having his Soul Power abolished and being exiled for life!
His years of struggle, forbearance, and effort would all come to naught.
Despair, like a cold tide, instantly engulfed Dai Mubai.
At this moment, he could even feel the gaze from the Star Luo Empire delegation in the stands not far away, a gaze from his elder brother, Dai Weisi, filled with mockery and icy killing intent.
In stark contrast to the gloom and despair on Shrek Academy's side was the calm in Tianxing Academy's preparation area.
"First round, Tianxing Academy versus Divine Wind Academy."
Upon hearing that their opponent was Divine Wind Academy, Tang Chuan merely raised an eyebrow slightly, showing no surprise on his face, while Xiao Rui'er yawned, seemingly lacking interest.
Seeing that the Tianxing Academy members did not show much concern after learning their opponent was Divine Wind Academy, Dugu Bo stroked his chin, stepped forward, and reminded them:
"Don't be too careless. There's something I need to tell you. According to the news I just received, Blazing Academy has now merged with Divine Wind Academy.
It seems they plan to concentrate their strength and make a bid in the finals."
"Oh?" Hearing this, a flicker of surprise crossed Tang Chuan's eyes, then a playful smile curved his lips as he said indifferently, "Merged? They actually chose to unite, just like in the original story.
It's just that their opponent this time is us, not Shrek Academy."
Dugu Bo keenly caught the unusualness in his words and asked, puzzled, "Original story? What original story?"
Tang Chuan's expression froze slightly as he realized he might have misspoken.
He then casually waved his hand and explained, "Nothing, just a slip of the tongue.
However, even if they merge, the outcome won't change when they meet us.
I don't think there's much to fight for."
The indifference in his tone was not arrogance, but based on absolute confidence in his own strength.
The elites of two major academies combined might pose a threat to other teams, but in front of him, who possessed a Hundred Thousand Year spirit ring, they indeed seemed somewhat insignificant.
Just as Dugu Bo was about to say something more, a staff member dressed in Spirit Hall attire hurried over.
His expression was a bit strange.
He walked directly up to the Tianxing Academy members, first bowing respectfully, and then announced loudly:
"Members of Tianxing Academy, we have just received official notification from Divine Wind Academy."
"After careful consideration, upon learning that their first-round opponent is your esteemed academy, they have decided... to forfeit this match and concede."
"..."
The air seemed to freeze for a moment.
The next second, Tang Chuan and Dugu Bo exchanged glances, both seeing a hint of surprise in the other's eyes, which then turned into a somewhat wry and playful amusement.
"Well, now we don't have to fight; we've directly advanced."
Following this, the two almost simultaneously shrugged their shoulders with a shared gesture, a knowing smile appearing on their faces.
"These lads are quite sensible, saving us the trouble."
Shortly after Divine Wind Academy conceded, the match between Shrek Academy and Star Luo Royal Academy also began.
They did not want to concede, nor did they dare to.
"Grand Finals, Round One: Shrek Academy versus Star Luo Royal Academy!"
"Both teams, enter the arena!"
The referee's booming voice, amplified by a special sound-enhancing spirit tool, echoed throughout the venue, instantly drawing everyone's attention to the stage.
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