Inside Heaven Dou City, the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament was already underway.
By the time Yin Zhang and the others arrived, the Heaven Dou division of the tournament was expected to be more than halfway finished.
---
Dugu Mansion.
"Father, I've received news!"
Dugu Xin rushed in from outside, his face full of excitement. "The Spirit Hall Academy team coming to Heaven Dou City includes Xiao Zhang! And he's actually the vice-captain of their team!"
"What?" Dugu Bo was stunned. "You didn't see wrong, did you? Xiao Zhang should still be at Spirit Elder rank at most. And he's already vice-captain?"
"Absolutely not wrong," Dugu Xin said confidently. "I even brought back the official roster from Prince Xue's residence. Spirit Hall Academy even sent a Titled Douluo to escort them!"
Dugu Bo took the document, visibly surprised.
The first name listed was Dragon Turtle Douluo — Tang Zhen.
"Dragon Turtle Douluo?" Dugu Bo murmured. "A newly promoted Titled Douluo?"
He himself had only been a Titled Douluo for less than two years.
Ever since receiving Yin Zhang's detoxification method a year ago, Dugu Bo had gradually guided the poison in his body into his Medusa Head Spirit Bone. His once-stagnant cultivation finally began to move again.
Compared to his original fate, this change had come far earlier. Dugu Bo estimated that his future limit might reach Rank 95—Peak Titled Douluo—though even he couldn't be certain.
He continued reading.
"Qiangu Yuan… Spirit Coiling Dragon Rod… Rank 79 Spirit Saint…"
"Qiangu Yunying, twenty years old, Flame Plundering Spear, Rank 56…"
Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow. "So many from the Qiangu family…"
Finally, his gaze stopped on Yin Zhang's name.
"Yin Zhang, vice-captain…"
Dugu Bo frowned slightly. "Spirit Hall Academy really made him vice-captain? His talent is frightening, but this is still astonishing."
Dugu Xin smiled faintly and turned to look at Dugu Yan.
Compared to Yin Zhang, who was already Rank 38 at eleven years old, Dugu Yan's cultivation progress seemed painfully slow. The gap between them felt almost insurmountable.
"Father," Dugu Yan said excitedly, "can I go watch the Elite Tournament too?"
Dugu Bo chuckled. "Of course."
---
At Heaven Dou Royal Academy, inside the Academic Affairs Office.
Three Spirit Douluo-level elders sat facing one another.
"With Spirit Hall Academy fielding two Spirit Kings—and even an eleven-year-old freak nearing Rank 40—do you think our Royal Academy team still stands a chance?" Meng Shenji sighed.
Bai Baoshan shook his head solemnly. "Not very likely. Even I have to admit Spirit Hall Academy is far stronger than we anticipated."
Zhilin let out a breath. "It's normal. Losing to Spirit Hall Academy has never been shameful."
---
When the Heaven Dou division reached its midpoint, the procession from Spirit Hall Academy finally arrived in Heaven Dou City.
Clatter—
Yin Zhang and Qiangu Yunying walked side by side through the streets, drawing countless glances.
"Sister Yunying, how does it feel?" Yin Zhang asked with a grin. "Heaven Dou City really is lively—perfect for sightseeing."
Qiangu Yunying naturally looped her arm around his, smiling softly. "It's wonderful… though I feel like someone's watching us."
"That's normal," Yin Zhang replied calmly. "The Heaven Dou royal family sent people to ensure our safety."
"Oh?" Qiangu Yunying nodded thoughtfully.
The academy granted the students a one-week break upon arrival, allowing them to explore the city freely. Any issues were to be reported to Qiangu Yuan or Tang Zhen.
Before the tournament began in earnest, Yin Zhang and Qiangu Yunying decided to enjoy a brief respite together.
They chose a luxurious hotel on the western side of the city—bustling, elegant, and perfect for a short escape from responsibility.
That evening, the two checked into a high-end suite.
Once the door closed behind them, the noise of the city faded away.
Yin Zhang opened the wardrobe and began organizing a few sets of clothes from his storage spirit tool, preparing for the next few days.
Behind him, Qiangu Yunying quietly drew the curtains, dimming the room. The soft glow of spirit lamps filled the space.
"Sister Yunying…" Yin Zhang turned, a little surprised.
Qiangu Yunying stood there, her expression gentle and affectionate, a faint blush on her cheeks. She straightened her skirt and smiled.
"You're really dense sometimes, Xiao Zhang," she said softly. "I just wanted a quiet moment."
Yin Zhang scratched his head, laughing awkwardly.
He suddenly remembered a casual conversation back in Spirit City—about preferences, about jokes said without thinking.
Seeing Qiangu Yunying's amused expression now, he realized she hadn't forgotten a single word.
Somehow, under the warm lights of Heaven Dou City, the distance between them felt closer than ever.
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