Due to Tianshui Academy's forfeiture, in the final round of the qualifiers, Blue Tyrant Academy won by default. Chu Chengzhou and the others, lacking much interest, headed up to the spectator stands to watch the final round.
After a round of intense (or perhaps pathetic?) fighting, at 10 AM, the preliminaries of the Heaven Dou Division officially concluded. The five teams advancing to the next stage, along with their final rankings, were formally announced.
Blue Tyrant Academy secured first place in the Heaven Dou preliminaries with a perfect 27-win streak.
Divine Wind Academy, Thunderclap Academy, and Blazing Fire Academy all ended with 25 wins and 2 losses. Since Divine Wind lost to Blazing Fire, Blazing Fire lost to Thunderclap, and Thunderclap lost to Divine Wind, the rankings among them were considered a tie, and they were all listed as joint second place.
Tianshui Academy placed fifth with 23 wins and 4 losses out of 27 matches.
According to procedure, an award ceremony followed to grant the top five teams their advancement certificates for the next stage.
The ceremony wasn't complex. All 28 participating academy teams gathered before the main platform.
Then, at the host's announcement, the captains and vice-captains of the top five teams stepped onto the stage.
Representing Blue Tyrant Academy were Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu. As the two stepped up, they immediately felt several unfriendly gazes.
Aside from the Tianshui team, whom they hadn't officially faced, the captains and vice-captains of the other three academies all looked resentfully at Chu Chengzhou.
Among them, none were more hostile than Blazing Fire Academy's Huo Wu—she practically wanted to flay him alive.
After all, each of the six had either been hung from a tree by Chu Chengzhou or watched their teammates suffer the same fate. Huo Wu was even the first to be strung up—and she was a girl.
Chu Chengzhou met their hostile stares with a glare of his own.
Just a few sore losers—not even worth mentioning.
After this little confrontation, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but steal another glance at Tianshui's Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu.
Long blue legs in silk... If we're talking rope play, that'd definitely be a feast for the eyes, right?
What a pity...But it seems there's still a chance in the advancement tournament?
"Next, His Majesty, along with Sect Master Ning of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and the Platinum Bishop Salas of the Spirit Hall, will personally present the qualification certificates and prize money to the top five teams!"
The host's voice rang out as the ceremony began.
The qualification certificate was essentially just a letter, nothing that could be easily forged.
After all, both the Heaven Dou Empire and Spirit Hall had full knowledge of which academies advanced—any forgery would be pointless.
As for the prize money? To be honest, Chu Chengzhou didn't care much.
All five academies received the same amount: 10,000 gold soul coins from the Empire, even Blue Tyrant Academy, despite finishing first—because these were just the prelims.
After the certificates and prizes were handed out, the host turned the floor over to Emperor Xue Ye, the host of the Heaven Dou Division.
Xue Ye's gaze swept over the representatives of the five academies, lingering a few seconds longer on Chu Chengzhou, before smiling and speaking:
"First, children, let me congratulate you. You've successfully qualified for the next stage of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament!
As the supreme ruler of the Heaven Dou Empire, I am proud of you—you are the future hope of our Empire.
As team captains and vice-captains, you've played pivotal roles in your teams' success. I've taken note of your performance.
Therefore, I have decided to confer upon you ten the noble rank of Viscount of the Empire. The rest of your team members will be granted the title of Baron.
Once you graduate from your academies, the royal doors will be open to you, and your fiefs will be allocated accordingly."
"Your Majesty, isn't this a bit too much?"
As soon as Emperor Xue Ye finished, Salas interjected.
Xue Ye shot him a calm glance. "Is there something inappropriate, Bishop Salas?"
"Your Majesty," Salas frowned, "in previous tournaments, there has never been a precedent for awarding noble titles. Moreover, aren't Viscount and Baron ranks a bit too high?"
In both the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires, noble ranks from highest to lowest were: Duke, Marquis, Count, Viscount, Baron.
To hand out 10 Viscount and 10 Baron titles just for qualifying in the prelims—this level of generosity shocked everyone present.
Of course, whether Emperor Xue Ye was generous or not had little to do with Salas directly.
But if the Empire was going all out to recruit these geniuses, wouldn't Spirit Hall have to match that investment too?
And if they did match it, the cost would be tremendous.
Worse, it would breed resentment among previous recruits. "We're all top-tier talents, so why do you get better treatment?" Not great for internal unity.
But if they didn't match it, wouldn't the Heaven Dou Empire scoop up all the rising stars?
Salas was clearly displeased.
Salas: Good grief, Xue Ye, you really have no sense of restraint!
Emperor Xue Ye immediately retorted:
"Bishop Salas, the conferment of noble titles is strictly an internal matter of the Empire. It has nothing to do with Spirit Hall or the tournament itself. It is simply a personal reward for these children, whom I deeply admire.
Also, let me make another promise.
If any of your teams goes on to win the final championship, your entire team's noble titles will be upgraded by one rank. Furthermore, your academy will receive the 'Royal' designation and enjoy full imperial funding!"
As he said this, Emperor Xue Ye looked again at the five team representatives—especially lingering a bit longer on Chu Chengzhou.
If there was any team among the five that could take the championship, he believed it could only be Blue Tyrant Academy—though he admitted even that was unlikely.
After all, Spirit Hall's so-called "Golden Generation" was indeed formidable, with three five-ring Soul Kings and four Soul Sect-level fighters. The championship would likely land in Spirit Hall's hands again.
Still, Emperor Xue Ye wasn't frustrated. If not this year, then maybe the next. Chu Chengzhou, for example, would still be eligible in five years.
Hearing this, Salas's face darkened—but he couldn't say much. He only narrowed his eyes with a more sinister glint.
On the side, Ning Fengzhi smiled silently, as though none of this concerned him.
"If we win, we get upgraded noble titles. That means I'd be a Count—one with actual power. Maybe I should stick around in Heaven Dou and play the part of a noble lord?"
Chu Chengzhou mused to himself.
Emperor Xue Ye wasn't offering honorary noble ranks, the kind anyone over level 30 could get by serving the Empire. Those were just glorified mercenaries.
Real, land-owning nobility was another story. Sure, they still had to fight when needed, but within their fiefdoms, they ruled like mini-kings—with all the controversial rights that came with it, including the infamous right of the first night.
Most importantly, honorary titles weren't hereditary. But real noble titles could be passed down.
Hmm... Count still feels a bit too low. Let's aim higher.
Given I'm practically the son-in-law of Sect Master Ning, shouldn't I be starting at Marquis at least?
Emperor Xue Ye noticed Salas's dark expression but ignored it. What he feared was the power of Spirit Hall itself, not a dog wrapped in Spirit Hall's robes.
The Platinum Bishop and the Heaven Dou branch leader of Spirit Hall couldn't compare to the Emperor of Heaven Dou.
With that, Emperor Xue Ye smiled again and continued:
"The advancement stage will still be held within the Empire, but the venue will shift from the Heaven Dou Grand Arena to the Royal Hunting Grounds.
There, ten teams from the Empire's four kingdoms and one duchy will compete alongside you.
I hope your five academies can excel in the advancement stage and secure favorable positions for the finals.
Also, the advancement stage will be the best platform to showcase your individual strength. The top three students with the most wins in this stage will be rewarded with spirit beasts needed for their next spirit ring breakthrough.
You can choose any spirit beast under 30,000 years old—the Empire will provide it."
At this, Chu Chengzhou's eyelid twitched.
If I want a near-30,000-year-old Dark Devilgod Tiger, can you really provide one?
Within the entire Heaven Dou Empire, aside from Sword Douluo Chen Xin, Bone Douluo Gu Rong, and Thunder Douluo Yu Yuanzhen, there probably wasn't anyone who could handle such a beast.
Even the Spirit Hall's Lingyuan Douluo had been forced to retreat by a 20,000-year-old one. If Dugu Bo, a titled Douluo, went up against a 30,000-year-old one, he'd probably die.
Honestly, Emperor Xue Ye's promise wasn't that tempting.
First, only three students would receive the reward. Second, spirit beasts under 30,000 years? No need to rely on the Empire—each academy could easily organize a hunting party.
Every elemental academy had at least one Soul Douluo-level expert.
With an eight-ring expert, taking down anything under 30,000 years (aside from extreme beasts like the Dark Devilgod Tiger) was easy.
Still, they had to give face to the Emperor. All ten students, including Chu Chengzhou, showed eager expressions.
Emperor Xue Ye smiled and added, "The advancement stage begins in one month. I hope you can all make progress during this time.
That's all I'll say. You are all clever—I'm sure you'll make the wise choice."
With that, his gaze slid past Bishop Salas before he turned and departed with his entourage of officials.
Salas's expression didn't betray much—but his eyes held hidden intent.
Just as the Emperor said, all present were smart. Though nothing was said outright, it was clear:Empire or Spirit Hall—you must choose one.
Choose one?
Chu Chengzhou looked at Xue Qinghe walking away with the Emperor.
Only children choose. Adults want it all!
Doesn't matter if I can beat you or not—I'm joining both.And soon enough, both the Empire and Spirit Hall will be under my name.
After that, Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu left the arena and rejoined Ning Rongrong and the others.
"Brother, Emperor Xue Ye just made us nobles. Are you going to be a noble now?"Xiao Wu asked.
"Of course, of course that's appropriate! Who wouldn't want a free noble title?"
Chu Chengzhou responded without hesitation.
"Oh really? Then tell me, Master Chu, are you planning to collect a few more noble wives while you're at it?"
Xiao Wu's gaze toward Chu Chengzhou turned dangerous.
She had once heard from Ning Rongrong that many nobles in the Heaven Dou Empire were notoriously lecherous—having eighteen concubines wasn't uncommon.
If Little Scumbag Chu, who was already eating from his bowl while eyeing the pot, became a noble, wouldn't Xiao Wu's circle of "sister-wives" become uncountable?
"How could I? Xiao Wu, you have to believe in my character. With you, Rongrong, and Zhuqing, I'm already very content!"
Sensing trouble, Chu Chengzhou quickly took Xiao Wu's small hand and spoke with utmost sincerity.
"What? Zhuqing also fell into your dirty hands?"
Xiao Wu's eyes widened instantly.
"Ahem~ It's just… seeing how close you three sisters are, I couldn't bear the thought of you being separated after graduation~!"
Chu Chengzhou said awkwardly.
He almost forgot—Xiao Wu didn't know that after taking Rongrong, even the big cat Zhu Zhuqing had half-heartedly become his "third sister."
"You're despicable!"
Xiao Wu gritted her teeth, grabbed Chu Chengzhou's arm, and bit down hard.
Feeling the sharp pain from his arm, Chu Chengzhou's mouth twitched. What's with biting the arm? If you've got guts, bite little Chu!
Of course, he didn't dare say that—he was afraid of getting beaten up.
"Hmph~!"
Seeing Chu Chengzhou endure silently, Xiao Wu lost interest in venting her anger and gave a cold snort before walking out of the Great Spirit Arena.
But to say she was truly angry—not really.
After all, her close friend Zhu Zhuqing becoming a "third sister" had long been expected.
The reason Xiao Wu acted angry was just to prevent this scoundrel from getting too full of himself and continuing to find her more "sisters."
"Hey? Xiao Wu, what's wrong?"
At the entrance of the Great Spirit Arena, Ning Rongrong asked curiously as she saw Xiao Wu storming out.
Zhu Zhuqing also looked over with curiosity.
Xiao Wu said nothing, glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, then turned to glare at Chu Chengzhou.
No choice—these were her dearest sisters, and they had to stick together from now on, so the only one she could blame was the real culprit: Chu Chengzhou.
Seeing this, Ning Rongrong looked thoughtful, while Zhu Zhuqing's face flushed red.
"Ahem~ So, um, shall we head back to the academy?"
Chu Chengzhou waved his hand and called out to the group.
"Don't! Boss Chu, we finally placed first in the prelims—shouldn't you treat everyone to a celebratory feast?"
Ma Hongjun quickly interjected.
"Yeah, yeah! Boss Chu, it's your treat!"
Oscar chimed in.
The duo's back-and-forth won immediate agreement from everyone.
Winning first place in the preliminaries was worth celebrating.
"Perfect, we just received the prize money for the team. Let's head to the Heaven Dou Grand Hotel!"
Clicking his tongue, Chu Chengzhou didn't refuse and agreed directly.
"Prize money? Boss Chu, public funds are public funds, and private spending is private! You've already earned the most before—how can you use the team's prize money? You have to pay for this out of your own pocket!"
Hearing Chu Chengzhou was going to "embezzle" team funds, Ma Hongjun immediately protested strongly.
In typical spirit fights, if a team had fame or a solid record, the Great Spirit Arena would open betting pools—let alone the grand Spirit Master Tournament.
In a world like Douluo Continent where entertainment was scarce, the once-every-five-years Spirit Master Tournament was even more popular than the World Cup in Chu Chengzhou's past life.
With the Blue Tyrant team being strong enough to sweep the tournament, placing bets on their own victory was like picking money off the ground. Naturally, no one would miss that chance—no one ever says no to gold!
If only the gamblers weren't so sharp-eyed and had underestimated Blue Tyrant's strength, the team could've ended the prelims as millionaires.
Still, even the poorest among them—Ma Hongjun and Oscar—had reached a comfortable living standard. They'd probably become regulars at all the luxury clubs in Heaven Dou City from now on.
Chu Chengzhou shook his head and said, "Fatty, you've got it wrong—Dean Flender made even more money than me."
"That's different! My betting winnings were all for the academy!"
Flender pushed up his glasses, clearly annoyed.
"Alright, alright, it's just one meal—I'll treat! But we're going to the Home Inn near the Heaven Dou Grand Hotel instead!"
Overwhelmed by public opinion, Chu Chengzhou gave in, though he seriously downgraded the hotel quality.
Everyone: "…"
Ma Hongjun and Oscar quietly raised their middle fingers at him, giving him a look of utter disdain.
"Alright, it's nearly noon—let's go!"
With that, Chu Chengzhou led the way toward the Home Inn, a much cheaper hotel not far from the Heaven Dou Grand Hotel.
"Chu Chengzhou!"
Just then, a sudden feminine shout stopped Chu Chengzhou in his tracks.
Turning around, he saw a fiery red figure walking toward him—it was Huo Wu from Blazing Fire Academy.
"What do you want?"
Raising an eyebrow, Chu Chengzhou asked in surprise.
With her long, fair legs striding forward, Huo Wu approached quickly and stared at the handsome young man before her—he looked a few years younger than her, yet his personality was terrible.
"Do you dare fight me without using martial souls?"
Chu Chengzhou was momentarily stunned. Who gave you the courage to challenge me to a no-spirit fight?
He thought to himself, There's no Liang Jingru singing 'Courage' in Douluo Continent, right?
The Blue Tyrant team all twitched at the corner of their mouths—after all, just recently, two reckless seven-ring Soul Saints had died under Chu Chengzhou's arrows!
Their heads had exploded, red and white matter flying everywhere—it was brutal.
Shaking his head, Chu Chengzhou said, "I don't have time to play house with you."
"Play house?! You bastard! Chu Chengzhou, if you're a man, then fight me!"
Being treated like a child, Huo Wu was furious.
"First of all, let me clarify something. Even though I have a girlfriend, I'm still a boy.
Second, whether I'm a man or not has nothing to do with you—unless you're planning to help me become one?"
Chu Chengzhou stroked his chin and teased.
The next second—before Huo Wu could even react—three dainty hands grabbed his waist and started pinching the soft flesh there.
"Ahhh~!"
Chu Chengzhou gasped sharply. He had paid the price for his flirtatious words.
"Let go, let go! You're going to bruise me!"
He quickly grabbed Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong's hands to stop them. As for Zhu Zhuqing's? Well, she had a conscience—her pinch wasn't too hard.
"Hmph!"
The three girls responded with a cold snort.
Huo Wu, who had just been force-fed a mouthful of dog food: "…"
"Alright, Miss Huo Wu, go do whatever it is you do!
You couldn't beat me on the tournament stage, and you definitely won't beat me off it. Even without martial souls, the result's the same.
Truth be told, the tournament rules are holding back my real strength."
Chu Chengzhou waved her off dismissively.
"I don't believe you—take this!"
Having been belittled again, Huo Wu's rage exploded.
She suddenly lashed out with a high kick aimed straight at Chu Chengzhou's chin. If it landed, he'd definitely lose a few teeth.
But Chu Chengzhou's right hand shot out like lightning, catching her ankle midair. With a slight tremble of his arm, he neutralized all the force of the attack.
At that moment, Huo Wu felt all the power she had channeled into her leg disappear, as if it had sunk into the sea. It was as if it had never existed.
And the arm gripping her ankle felt like it was made of iron—no matter how hard she struggled, she couldn't break free.
"The world is such a beautiful place, and yet you're this angry. That's not good, not good at all~"
Catching an unintentional glimpse of red under her dress, Chu Chengzhou shook his head with a sigh.
"Alright, I, the great Chu Chengzhou, won't hold this against you. I'll forgive you this time! But if you dare mess around again, I will make you experience the little black room!"
He warned her sternly, then let go of her ankle.
After that, Chu Chengzhou and the Blue Tyrant team headed off toward the not-so-grand Home Inn near the Heaven Dou Grand Hotel.
T/N: For up to 30 chapters ahead on most of my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle