Chapter 224: Give Them a Surprise!
As the red-robed bishop's voice fell, the crowd buzzed with surprise. The Star Luo Royal Academy team members, especially the main seven, looked stunned, clearly not expecting to face the infamous "traitor" so soon.
After a moment, Davis's shock melted away, replaced by a sinister smile and a cold glint in his eyes as he glanced toward the Oakridge team.
"My dear younger brother, what a surprise to meet you here so soon. Since it's fate, I'll make sure to end things for you once and for all. I'll show you just how foolish your so-called 'efforts' have been!" Davis clenched his fists, his gaze dark with resentment. "Go on, meet that woman in the afterlife."
The sight of his rage made the other Star Luo team members step back involuntarily. Zhu Zhuyun, gripping Davis's arm, spoke softly, "Don't worry, Davis. There's nothing for us to worry about; they won't be able to make much of a stir."
Meanwhile, on the Oakridge side, Dai Yao sensed Zhu Zhuqing's tension. He gently held her hand, reassuring her, "Zhuqing, I'm here for you."
The tremors of fear that had gripped Zhu Zhuqing's body finally subsided, and she nodded resolutely. For six years, it wasn't only Dai Yao who had struggled within the web of royal entanglements. Her own fate, tied to Dai Yao's, had meant years of anguish. Her life in Star Luo was filled with memories she'd rather forget.
Both of them had chosen to join Spirit Hall, but officially, neither had entered its ranks yet; they were still bound to their Star Luo titles of prince and consort. Facing off with Davis and Zhu Zhuyun's team was a chance to finally confront the destiny that had haunted her first years, a chance to see if her choice had been right.
"Time to sever that chain on Zhuqing's destiny," Dai Yao thought, stroking her hair. For Zhuqing, defeating Davis would mean shattering the fate shared by every woman in the Zhu family—she would become the one who triumphed over their legacy.
But Dai Yao's purpose reached beyond that. His unending feud with the Star Luo royal family would ultimately draw him back to their domain to avenge his mother.
As soon as the match-up was announced, the tension between the two teams became palpable, a simmering hostility that couldn't be ignored. Watching the intensity between the two squads, other contestants whispered.
"What are the odds! Facing each other in the first match?"
"Prince Davis will show that traitor what's what—such shame he's brought to Star Luo!"
"Big words! It's your team that's going to lose!"
Even before the match began, the rivalry between Dai Yao and Davis had already brought the enmity between the two empires to the surface. In every previous tournament, the empire whose team won against the other would practically gloat in their face until the next match.
Now, Oakridge was the top team representing Heaven Dou, and the Star Luo Royal Academy represented their empire's best. Their clash wasn't just any battle—it was a summit between the strongest of the younger generation from each empire. A loss here would be humiliating until the next tournament in four years.
The stakes were personal, too, with the core conflict centering on Dai Yao versus Davis, and Zhu Zhuyun versus Zhu Zhuqing. Victory or defeat meant more than national pride; it could change lives.
With this charged atmosphere, the tournament officially began.
Match after match proceeded smoothly, each victory and defeat celebrated or mourned. Those who lost to teams from their own empire faced only the bitterness of defeat, but those who lost to the rival empire felt the sting of losing to their enemies.
The tensions between Heaven Dou and Star Luo continued to build, culminating in the final match of the day: Oakridge Academy against the Star Luo Royal Academy.
"Heaven Dou Empire, victory!"
"Star Luo Empire, victory!"
The crowd started cheering and chanting for their respective teams, creating an intensity that left Spirit Hall members, who were hosting the event, feeling somewhat unsettled. Watching the rivalry between the two empires playing out so blatantly in Spirit Hall's own domain, they were left with a sour feeling.
But nothing could distract the two sides now as they prepared for the match.
In the Oakridge Academy resting area, Dai Yao had temporarily taken over as team captain for this match. This duel with Star Luo was critical to him; he couldn't afford to leave anything to chance.
Clasping his hands together tightly, his knuckles cracking, he looked up, eyes blazing. The moment the referee called their match, he sprang to his feet and commanded, "It's time. Let's go!"
This was the moment he had waited so long for.
"Oakridge, victory!"
As Dai Yao stood, the rest of Oakridge rose to follow him, shouting in unison. After the trials of the preliminary and elimination rounds, they had grown into a battle-tested team, exuding an aura of confidence and invincibility that only a series of hard-won victories could foster.
Outside the Pope's Hall, watching Dai Yao stride forward, Bibi Dong nodded slightly, an almost imperceptible glimmer of approval in her gaze.
As she shifted her gaze slightly, Bibi Dong turned to the Chrysanthemum Douluo beside her.
"Is that him, Dai Yao?"
"Yes, Your Holiness," Yue Guan replied with his head bowed respectfully.
Watching Dai Yao's aura intensify step by step as he approached the stage, Bibi Dong's eyes sparkled slightly. "Not bad. It seems Salas wasn't exaggerating. This boy hasn't slackened off since arriving in Heaven Dou. Though still a Soul Ancestor, his energy is solid and formidable—likely rivaling an average Soul King." She gave a subtle nod of approval. "It seems that our decision to send him to Heaven Dou as a honing stone for Nana and the others was wise. I look forward to seeing his performance."
Yue Guan felt a wave of relief and joy, sensing Dai Yao had already gained Bibi Dong's approval. This match would serve as a benchmark for how Spirit Hall would treat him going forward. A resounding victory would undoubtedly earn Bibi Dong's even higher regard.
"Your Holiness, rest assured. Dai Yao has pledged his loyalty to Spirit Hall, and he won't waste this chance for a decisive victory to prove it."
Yue Guan bowed, his demeanor markedly more respectful than his usual relaxed charm in her presence.
Meanwhile, Spirit Hall's Golden Generation watched the Oakridge team with interest. Yan, arms folded, scoffed with undisguised disdain as he looked at Dai Yao.
Turning to Hu Liena, his tone softened immediately. "Nana, do you really think a mere Soul Ancestor is worthy of being our whetstone? He'll be lucky if we don't crush him."
Ahead of Yan stood a tall, graceful figure leaning casually against the balustrade, an exquisite beauty that captivated the eyes of Spirit Hall's many admirers. Her natural allure entranced anyone around her, but only those of her rank—the Golden Generation—were allowed this close.
Yet, beyond her beauty, her strength was what left the deepest impression. She was, after all, the true leader of Spirit Hall's Golden Generation—the formidable Hu Liena.
Resting her chin on one delicate, jade-like hand, Hu Liena's gaze remained fixed on Dai Yao as he made his way onto the stage. She shook her head at Yan's dismissive remark.
"Yan, I know you're wary of Dai Yao, but his skills surpass ours at the same age. His second and fourth spirit rings have already exceeded the conventional limits for soul masters." Her gaze sharpened. "I believe all four of his spirit rings may have exceeded normal boundaries, limited only by the color of the rings. Talent like his is exceptionally rare."
She continued in a firm tone, casting Yan a cold glance. "Don't let prejudice cloud your judgment. Dai Yao will soon be one of us. While Spirit Hall has competition among members, it can't devolve into petty jealousy. Do you understand?"
Yan shivered at the icy edge in her voice and the imposing aura that reminded him of the Pope herself. Lowering his head slightly, he replied, "Understood, Nana."
"Good." Hu Liena withdrew her gaze from him, redirecting her attention to the Soul Arena below.
As she watched, she couldn't help but sigh internally. In battle, she wielded her allure like a weapon, aware of the control her natural beauty afforded her. Though her charm had an unparalleled impact on men, she was careful not to wield it frivolously outside combat.
"Brother, what do you think of Dai Yao?" she asked, glancing at her brother, Xie Yue.
Xie Yue smirked, looking down at Dai Yao with casual amusement. "I don't mind him. An unacknowledged prince forced out of his own empire who devoted himself to training to seek vengeance—it's a bit like something out of a fairy tale, don't you think?"
"But have you noticed?" he continued with a teasing tone, "Among Oakridge's lineup, he has some rather enchanting companions—Zhu Zhuqing, who's like an icy goddess; Wu Tong, fiery and bold; and the alluring, sharp-witted Dugu Yan. Quite the lineup of beauties."
"Brother…" Hu Liena's tone was a mixture of annoyance and disbelief.
"Ahem—" sensing her displeasure, Xie Yue quickly cleared his throat and changed his tone. "What I meant was, those three aren't just beauties."
"Remember when we first received Oakridge's profiles? Ling Yuan was quite interested in Wu Tong and even considered making her a disciple. And as for Zhu Zhuqing—Ghost Douluo couldn't take his eyes off her record," he explained.
Hu Liena's interest piqued, and Yan leaned in as well, curious. "So what you're saying is…?"
"Exactly. Look closely at the two standing by the Pope right now," Xie Yue continued. "They're here to observe their prospective students. If Wu Tong and Zhu Zhuqing make an impressive showing today, they may be accepted as disciples."
Hearing this, Hu Liena found her interest shifting toward the women around Dai Yao.
Meanwhile, perched atop a towering pine tree on the mountain slope beside the Pope's Hall, a lone figure stood, her lithe form steady in the gusty mountain winds. From this elevated vantage, her eagle-like gaze swept across the Soul Arena far below, capturing every detail in perfect clarity.
With a slight parting of her crimson lips, the figure spoke softly.
"Wu Tong? Feng Wu Tong? I'd like to see if you're worthy of becoming my disciple."
On the battle stage.
Led by Dai Yao, the seven core members of the Oakridge team stood silently in a row, each displaying calm and resolute expressions. Dai Yao's gaze was cold and unwavering as he locked eyes with Dai Davis across the stage.
But as both teams stepped onto the battle platform, the brewing tension between the Heaven Dou and Star Luo empires hit a boiling point, and Star Luo's soul masters couldn't resist launching taunts.
"Traitor! Coward! I heard of your pathetic reputation even back at the Royal Academy, Dai Yao. So, you're the same coward in Heaven Dou?"
"Royal blood who betrayed the empire—are you worthy of your title?"
"Get off the stage! You're not fit to face the Royal Academy!"
Amid the barrage of insults, Dai Yao stood calm and collected, hands clasped behind him as if unaffected by the jeers. His unshaken demeanor did not go unnoticed in the VIP stands.
Ning Fengzhi observed him with a nod of approval. "So young, yet facing his destined rivals with such calm detachment. He already shows a touch of true refinement. It's enviable, really. Why does Spirit Hall seem to attract such talents?"
Sword Douluo Chen Xin's eyes, normally as still as deep water, showed a brief flash of admiration.
"These six years, we know full well the dedication Dai Yao has poured into his training, Fengzhi. Watch closely."
On the opposite side of the battle stage, the Star Luo Royal Academy team, led by Dai Davis, slowly ascended the platform.
"Dai Yao, I'll give you one last chance," sneered Dai Davis, golden hair cascading over his shoulders. His tone held unmasked contempt. "Surrender, and when I ascend to the throne, I may yet spare your life."
In Dai Davis's mind, Dai Yao's genius meant nothing. Against him, he was destined to lose. The Oakridge team, after all, was hardly a known powerhouse in Heaven Dou, unlike the renowned Five Elemental Academies. How could they be a true threat?
And as for his team—the Royal Academy of Star Luo—he feared no one, not even the best from Heaven Dou's oldest academies. In his eyes, Heaven Dou's soul master tactics were outdated; the extreme combat style of Star Luo would reign supreme.
Heaven Dou's soul masters burst into incredulous murmurs.
"Does he think he can look down on Oakridge? He has no idea what he's in for!"
"Let him trash-talk all he wants. When Oakridge smashes them, we'll get the last laugh and see if he still has that smug face!"
"Heh, your academy's sly! Good thing we're not facing you."
Instead of responding to Star Luo's taunts, Heaven Dou's soul masters shot disdainful glances at the Royal Academy team.
Hearing Dai Davis's challenge, Dai Yao's face remained impassive, his eyes fixed on Davis with an unsettling calm. This unflinching expression sent a chill through Davis's heart, a sense of foreboding creeping in, further stoked by the smug silence of the Heaven Dou team. Enraged, he spat out, "What's the matter, brat? Too scared to speak?"
Dai Yao's voice was quiet, but his gaze was piercing. "Do we have any room for coexistence, Dai Davis? As the queen's son, you know as well as I do—I'll return to Star Luo one day and put an end to it all."
This declaration spurred the Star Luo soul masters into another round of insults.
"Delusional fool, you won't get past me!"
Dai Davis growled, and then turned to Zhu Zhuqing, his expression softening. "Zhuqing, if you come back, I'll forgive everything. Whatever Dai Yao has done to deceive you, I'll put it behind us. You were young, misled by him."
His words were gentle, carrying the tone of a concerned spouse, though only those who knew her well—Dai Yao, Dai Mubai, and the others—recognized it as an act. Zhu Zhuyun's gentle exterior masked a heart as venomous as a snake's.
"Enough with your lies. I know exactly who you are," Zhu Zhuqing replied coldly, her voice icy.
A red-robed Spirit Hall bishop stepped to the center of the arena, casting a quick look over both teams. Once the heated verbal exchanges ceased, he smiled and announced, "Oakridge Academy versus Star Luo Royal Academy, begin!"
The battle was on, and their gazes clashed fiercely: Dai Yao and Dai Davis, Zhu Zhuqing and Zhu Zhuyun—each pair an embodiment of deep-seated rivalries.
"Royal Academy, activate your spirits!" Dai Davis's powerful voice echoed across the arena.
In an instant, all seven members of the Star Luo team released their spirit power, with Davis and Zhu Zhuyun standing at the front, their aura particularly dominant. Dai Davis's power had reached level forty-seven, while Zhu Zhuyun's was at level forty-six. Among all competing teams, they were among the elite. Even in the Heaven Dou Empire, few could match their strength.
The five members behind them held similar might, with four at level forty or above. Including Dai Davis and Zhu Zhuyun, the Star Luo Royal Academy boasted a lineup of six Soul Ancestors, a formidable force that left the Heaven Dou soul masters speechless. Meanwhile, the Star Luo team's confidence soared, their taunts aimed brazenly at the Heaven Dou Empire's team.
Dai Yao, however, remained unperturbed, meeting Dai Davis's stare with an unblinking, steady gaze. The soft rustle of leaves was the only sound between them.
"What's wrong? Afraid to release your spirits?" Dai Davis sneered.
Dai Yao's response was a gentle chuckle, a sound that broke the silence like an unexpected gust of wind.
"Brothers," he called to his team, "let's give them a surprise!"
At his command, the Oakridge team erupted with spirit power, yellow and purple spirit rings flickering brilliantly. Dai Yao raised his hand, his gaze locked on Dai Davis with a look of detached indifference, as though observing something insignificant.
And then it appeared—a deep, black spirit ring.
Elegant. Profound.
The haunting depth of the black spirit ring made everyone's hearts skip a beat.
Star Luo's soul masters felt as though they'd been silenced by an invisible hand, the cocky expressions frozen on their faces, a testament to their utter astonishment.
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