"Begin!"
With the referee's clear shout, this much-anticipated match finally began.
Everyone present with any knowledge knew the trump card of the Star Luo Royal Academy team — or rather, of Dai Weisi himself: the famous Martial Spirit Fusion Technique Netherworld White Tiger, the pride of the Star Luo royal family.
What people really wanted to see was: could this so-called "Tiger-Slaying Hero" Demon King truly crush the Netherworld White Tiger?
At the moment the match started, Xiao Wu and the other six Lanba team members all retreated to the edge of the arena, leaving the entire fight to Chu Chengzhou alone.
This was his idea — no complicated tactics, just a one-man sweep against the entire Star Luo Royal Academy team.
Contrary to his usual habit, Chu Chengzhou didn't summon his Sky Blue Tree Spirit with his first soul skill. Instead, he put away his True Spirit Banner Martial Spirit altogether. His hands gathered soul power, and in a flash, a bow and arrows made purely of golden elemental soul power took shape.
Draw — notch — aim — release: all in one smooth motion. With a snap of his fingers, shoop shoop shoop— three soul-power arrows shot out like golden streaks of light.
In the same breath, two more soul-power arrows condensed and fired.
Fifty meters away, Dai Weisi, who was about to activate the Netherworld White Tiger Fusion Technique with Zhu Zhuyun at his side, caught a glimpse of those golden flashes out of the corner of his eye. But the light moved too fast — he thought it was just his eyes playing tricks.
"Sss sss sss—"
Very faint slicing sounds followed. The five Star Luo team members besides Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun only saw a golden flash and felt a chill on their necks, as if something sharp had grazed past.
But they were too focused on the intense fight ahead to care — they all began activating their soul skills.
"Pause the match!"
Suddenly, the red-clad bishop hosting the match shouted.
"Uh... Bishop, what's wrong?"
The referee, who was walking off the platform, turned around in surprise. He wasn't the only one — the Star Luo team turned their heads to look at the bishop, confused.
"Star Luo Royal Academy's five team members, please leave the stage!"
The bishop shot a heavy look at Chu Chengzhou, then spoke to the five.
Anyone who could serve as a bishop in Spirit Hall had to be at least Rank 70. For this one to stand out among his peers and host the finals? He was no ordinary bishop — he was a Rank 79 Soul Sage.
Other soul masters may not have seen what happened clearly — but he had. He'd seen those five arrows, even if reacting in time was impossible.
The Soul Master Tournament was all about fairness. Spirit Hall, as the host, had to uphold that. Anything less would damage its reputation.
Now, each of the five had a thin red line on their necks. That meant they were out. And he knew — if Chu Chengzhou hadn't held back for the rules, they'd all be dead.
If he hadn't caught that, it'd be one thing — but now that he had? He had to act. Especially since there were Heaven Dou Empire observers sitting on the judging panel.
"Bishop, why?!"
The five looked shocked.
"Be thankful this is a match arena — otherwise, you'd all be dead right now! Look at each other's necks!" the bishop snapped.
The five glanced at each other.
Their pupils shrank in an instant — there were indeed faint blood lines on everyone's throat.
Combining that with the golden bow in Chu Chengzhou's hand and the gold streaks they'd seen earlier — cold sweat broke out on all their foreheads.
Holy crap — they'd nearly been done for just now?!
"Bishop, isn't there a rule that forbids using anything but Martial Spirits? He broke the rules!"
Dai Weisi's face darkened as he pointed at the brilliant golden bow in Chu Chengzhou's hand.
Five teammates gone in an instant — how was he supposed to keep fighting?
"What, Crown Prince Dai Weisi — is that all you know? Being ignorant isn't a sin, but showing off your ignorance to everyone — that's your fault."
Chu Chengzhou shot him a look of pure disdain.
"Contestant Chu Chengzhou did not break any rules. Star Luo's five, off the stage — the match will continue," the bishop said bluntly.
Was he, a Rank 79 Soul Sage, blind? Real weapons versus soul-power condensed weapons — he could tell the difference with his eyes closed.
"Bishop! Are you really going to protect him like this? How is that fair?" Dai Weisi spat back.
In his mind, that golden bow that could instantly drop five people had to be a powerful soul tool. Smuggling that into the arena was obviously cheating!
"I, Brana, swear on the name of Spirit Hall — this match is fair and just! Dai Weisi, that weapon is made of pure soul power. Keep it up with your nonsense and I'll disqualify you on the spot!"
Being accused of bias stung his pride. Brana swore on Spirit Hall's honor, glaring at Dai Weisi.
"!!" Dai Weisi's eyes went wide — then his face turned black as coal.
That bow was made of soul power?! Who's the clown now?
"Ha! Anyone who didn't know might think you're some grand crown prince — turns out you're just a clueless bumpkin. No insight at all~" Chu Chengzhou mocked mercilessly.
"The match will continue!"
With the five stepping down, the referee gave the signal.
"Dai Weisi, don't say I didn't give you a chance. Show me that Netherworld White Tiger of yours!" Chu Chengzhou crooned, crooking his finger.
Dai Weisi shot him a hateful look, then turned to Zhu Zhuyun.
A fierce tiger's roar burst out. With the roar, Dai Weisi's already-bulging muscles swelled further — white fur and black stripes surged out madly.
At the same time, Zhu Zhuyun's whole body shone with a dark glow, becoming almost transparent as she drifted toward Dai Weisi.
In an instant, the two merged.
"ROAR—"
A massive black light pillar erupted skyward as they fused, its deafening howl echoing through the arena.
Moments later, the pillar dissipated — so did Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun's bodies — replaced by a huge white tiger.
Over four zhang long and more than a zhang tall, its entire form semi-transparent with white fur and black stripes. Its giant purple eyes locked coldly onto Chu Chengzhou.
"Yo~ Dai Weisi, doesn't your Netherworld White Tiger have wings?"
Facing this menacing beast, Chu Chengzhou didn't look the least bit nervous — just playfully asked about the wings.
If he remembered right, in the original story Dai Mubai's Netherworld White Tiger had wings, didn't it?
"DIE!"
Humiliated, Dai Weisi — controlling the Netherworld White Tiger — roared and charged.
The wings were a royal secret. The White Tiger and Netherworld Civet fusion's compatibility varied by individual. Without very high compatibility, the Netherworld White Tiger wouldn't grow wings until Titled Douluo level.
His and Zhu Zhuyun's match wasn't perfect. They could use the fusion technique, but wings? Not happening.
"Tch~ You show a little color and you wanna paint the whole world? Down, little kitty!"
With a cold snort, golden soul power flared at Chu Chengzhou's fingertips. He drew and loosed three razor-sharp arrows in a flash.
Shoop shoop shoop—
Three golden streaks tore across the arena and smashed straight into the Netherworld White Tiger's massive head.
"Pupupupu—"
No holding back — each arrow carried the force of a typical Rank 60 Soul Emperor's ten-thousand-year attack skill. They pierced clean through the White Tiger's defenses, sinking deep into its huge skull.
The Netherworld White Tiger was a fused energy being, not flesh and blood — so no vital points. If it had been a real tiger-type soul beast of equal strength, three arrows through the brain would have meant instant death.
Even so, the beast's body twisted violently, on the verge of collapse.
Shoop shoop shoop—
Three more golden arrows slammed in. The Netherworld White Tiger, unable to dodge, took the hits head-on.
Its formidable aura shattered.
A moment later, its huge body broke apart, dissolving into countless motes of soul power. Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun reappeared at the center, coughing blood, their faces deathly pale — the backlash from their Martial Spirit Fusion exploding.
"Netherworld White Tiger? That's it? Seems I spoke wrong — I'm not a Tiger-Slaying Hero. I'm a Cat-Slaying Hero!"
With six arrows, Chu Chengzhou had obliterated the Netherworld White Tiger. He sneered at Dai Weisi in open contempt.
"Pfft—"
The rage and humiliation were too much. Dai Weisi spewed another mouthful of blood and fainted dead away.
Pain patients can't handle too much agitation — that saying isn't wrong at all!
"Shh~"
With a disdainful shake of his head, Chu Chengzhou dispelled the brilliant golden soul-power bow in his hand.
Watching him take down Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun so easily, Zhu Zhuqing — who was spectating at the edge of the arena — seemed to have little stars sparkling in her eyes in that moment.
As expected — worthy of being the man this lady has her eyes on!The Dai Weisi and older sister Zhu Zhuyun who had once seemed invincible in her eyes couldn't even last three moves in his hands.
At that moment, the referee hurried up onto the stage to check Dai Weisi's injuries.
A participant dying on the tournament stage — that was no small matter, especially since Dai Weisi was Star Luo Empire's Crown Prince.
Fortunately, things didn't turn out for the worst. Though Dai Weisi had passed out and was badly injured, he was still alive, which made the referee breathe a huge sigh of relief.
Immediately, the referee announced: "Finals, Round Three, Match Three — Lanba Academy versus Star Luo Royal Academy — victory goes to Lanba Academy! Congratulations to Lanba Academy for advancing to the top six! Star Luo Royal Academy, please take your injured team members down from the stage."
He barely needed to say more — the five Star Luo team members who had already left the stage rushed back up immediately to carry off the unconscious Dai Weisi and the wounded Zhu Zhuyun.
To think that Star Luo Royal Academy — a championship-seed team — was completely routed by Chu Chengzhou in a seven-on-one, with no chance to fight back, and he didn't even use his Martial Spirit. It was unbelievable!
It was true what they say: you might choose the wrong name, but you'll never call him the wrong nickname — the Demon King lived up to the name! His dominance in the arena was absolutely overwhelming!
Amid all the gasps of awe, the Lanba Battle Team stepped off the stage.
For the next match — the fourth match — none of the Lanba members even planned to stay and watch. They headed straight back to their quarters.
By this point, any keen observer could tell: in the upcoming fourth round, the three teams that would compete for the final championship would inevitably be Spirit Hall Academy, Lanba Academy, and Heaven Dou Imperial Academy — provided these three didn't draw each other in the fourth round.
After a rest day, the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament's fourth round began.
In the fourth round — the round of six — there were no byes.
The remaining six teams drew lots to determine their opponents. By sheer "luck", the three obviously strongest teams — Lanba Academy, Spirit Hall Academy, and Heaven Dou Imperial Academy — didn't draw each other.
Lanba Academy's opponent was the runner-up from the Star Luo Empire's qualifying tournament.
Spirit Hall Academy's opponent was the Godwind Academy team.
Heaven Dou Imperial Academy drew the winner of the third round's fourth match — the Taiyue Academy team from Star Luo Empire.
This match-up left the fourth round with zero suspense.
Chu Chengzhou didn't even need to lift a hand — Xiao Wu and the others cleanly defeated their opponents, easily securing their spot in the top three.
Godwind Academy's Feng Xiaotian was strong, but his soul power rank was just too low. Hu Liena locked him in place with a single "look", and Godwind suffered a miserable defeat.
As for Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Tang San fought ruthlessly. Right at the start, he hurled his Blue Silver Overlord Spear, impaling Taiyue Academy's captain clean through — then, without losing momentum, the spear pierced another member too.
Ye Lingling: "…"
Seeing things going so badly — and with that little "blue-haired demon" fighting so viciously — Taiyue Academy's coach didn't even wait for all seven to lose. He surrendered on the spot.
Bright sunlight bathed the land, and under its glow, the grand Pope's Hall looked even more magnificent — like the dwelling of immortals.
In front of the Pope's Hall, two rows of temple knights stood guard, lined up from the hall's doors all the way down the mountain. Their gleaming silver armor and heavy knight swords made the entire hill exude a solemn majesty.
By the day before, the eliminated teams had already left — not even permitted to watch the final round. Only the true young powerhouses had earned the right to stand here before the Pope's Hall.
At dawn, the three teams that had made it into the final three waited quietly before the hall.
The plaza in front of the Pope's Hall was no smaller than the previous competition arenas — a vast square paved with special stone blocks that, if you looked closely, shone with a faint luster.
Though not real jade, they were certainly no ordinary stones — a testament to Spirit Hall's vast wealth.
Twenty-one contestants stood in formation by team, each with their captain at the front, lined up solemnly.
Compared to the tense Lanba and Heaven Dou teams, the seven Spirit Hall team members, led by Xie Yue, appeared the most relaxed — but in their eyes burned the light of faith. Faith in Spirit Hall. Faith in their Pope.
Well… all except for Hu Liena.
Right now, Hu Liena stood solemnly, eyes fixed ahead at the Pope's Hall. But if someone came closer, they'd see her gaze was slightly dazed, unfocused.
So, what was Hu Liena really doing?
Inside an illusion realm, under the starry sky and above the sea of clouds, a man and woman embraced, lost in a deep, passionate kiss.
After a long while, the illusion realm shattered, and the two's consciousness returned to reality.
Recalling the taste of that kiss in the dreamscape, Hu Liena's ears turned red. She turned and glared, half shy, half annoyed, at Chu Chengzhou — who'd forcibly pulled her into the illusion in the first place.
Unfortunately for her, Chu Chengzhou stood at the front of Lanba's formation — with Xiao Wu and the others right behind him. Even though he felt her look, he didn't dare respond, instead staring dead ahead with perfect seriousness.
Others might not have noticed Hu Liena's oddness, but Yan — who was always watching her — did immediately.
"Nana, what's wrong?" Yan asked softly, concern in his voice.
Hu Liena: "…"
Just then, the Pope's Hall's side doors opened, and twelve archbishops in ceremonial red robes filed out slowly.
They walked to the front of the hall, then split into two lines of six. The lead figure called out in a loud voice: "His Holiness the Pope approaches!"
"Long live! Long live! Long live!"
The three deafening shouts resounded like a tidal wave through all of Spirit City.
It wasn't just the temple knights on Pope Hill shouting — but all the soul masters throughout the city, who weren't even allowed near the hill, crying out in worship.
To them, the Pope was their highest faith!
The massive palace doors slowly opened, the six crests on the doors shifting from their grooves.
Everyone's gaze was drawn inexorably toward that opening. Even Spirit Hall's academy team — normally so confident — felt their hearts pounding faster.
Moments later, Bibi Dong appeared — clad in a splendid, flowing gold ceremonial gown, crowned in purple-gold, a gem-encrusted scepter in hand, her expression solemn and dignified.
In that instant, Bibi Dong seemed larger than life — almost ethereal — so awe-inspiring that no one even focused on her stunning beauty. Because in that moment, she embodied the full majesty of Spirit Hall's Pope!
The brilliant gold gown fit her perfectly, glittering with over a hundred red, blue, and gold gems. Her purple-gold crown radiated countless beams of light — all of which seemed to converge on her alone.
As soon as Bibi Dong stepped out, everyone belonging to Spirit Hall dropped to one knee as one: "Greetings to Your Holiness the Pope!"
Chu Chengzhou (inwardly): What a fearsome mother-in-law!
Behind Bibi Dong came five people.
Four of them wore deep red ceremonial robes — unlike the plain red of the archbishops, these were embroidered with gold and silver patterns, and the massive, baby-fist-sized gemstone on each chest glowed brilliantly.
To ordinary people, these robes were just extravagant — but to soul masters, they signified the highest honor.
Only the handful of Titled Douluo on the continent could wear them.
Obviously, these four were Titled Douluo standing at the apex of the soul master world.
Chu Chengzhou recognized two — one was Sword Douluo Chen Xin at rank 96; the other, Dugu Bo at rank 91.
In fact, by Chu Chengzhou's perception, Dugu Bo's aura was now deeper than when they'd first met — he'd probably advanced to rank 92.
As for the other two: on the left, one had a faint, illusory glow that obscured his features. The other looked like he had baby-smooth skin and an androgynous, strikingly pretty face — practically like a beautiful man or an elegant lady.
Chu Chengzhou hadn't met them before, but clearly they were Bibi Dong's famous two enforcers: Ghost Douluo Guimei and Chrysanthemum Douluo Yueguan.
And the last figure, though nowhere near the strength of these four Titled Douluo, was equally significant: Ning Fengzhi — Chu Chengzhou's future father-in-law and Spirit Hall's honorary elder.
Say what you will — Spirit Hall's power really was terrifying. Even the head of one of the three upper sects served as an honorary elder.
If you think about it, would Bibi Dong ever accept being just an honorary elder of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? Never in a million years!
T/N: For up to 30 chapters ahead on most of my translations, become a p@tron at [email protected]/LordHipposApostle