Chapter 227: Qingluan Douluo
Zhu Zhuyun fell silent for a moment, contemplating whether she'd been wrong to oppress her younger sisters all these years. Could family ties exist within their clan after all?
But she quickly dismissed the notion, reassuring herself.
"No, I wasn't wrong. This world is built on survival of the fittest, and the family's ruthlessness merely reflects that reality. To claim the imperial power of Star Luo, one must be merciless. The clan's rules are justified," she thought. "Zhu Zhuqing's victory is just a fluke, nothing more. If I want to survive, I have to ensure Dai Weisi's victory!"
Determined, Zhu Zhuyun cast one last look at Zhu Zhuqing before turning toward the purple haze left by Dugu Yan's poison mist, gritting her teeth as she staggered through it toward Dai Weisi, her injuries slowing her pace considerably.
The arena buzzed with shock and disbelief. First, Dai Yao had defeated Dai Weisi in a single blow—expected, perhaps, given his ten-thousand-year spirit ring. But Zhu Zhuqing's swift victory over Zhu Zhuyun, who had a significantly higher spirit power level, stunned the crowd. And to top it off, Zhu Zhuqing wielded a domain—a gift many only dreamed of, far rarer than spirit bones!
"Just how exceptional are Dai Yao and Zhu Zhuqing?" people murmured as they looked around at the other battles unfolding across the arena.
Dai Yao and Zhu Zhuqing's fights had occurred simultaneously, but the Oakland team had advanced together, and every team member was now locked in combat. Feng Qianli stood as a stalwart defender, using his shield to guard Dai Yuanyi behind him while enduring blows from his opponents. Dai Yuanyi used every chance to thrust his sword, frustrating the two Star Luo Empire spirit masters opposing them.
They attacked furiously, only to see their blows deflected by Feng Qianli's solid defense. As a spirit master wielding the Black Tortoise spirit, Feng Qianli's defensive strength was nearly unrivaled, if less flashy than attack-oriented spirits like the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Meanwhile, Dai Yuanyi, taking advantage of his protected position, unleashed precise sword strikes, throwing his opponents into disarray.
To make matters worse, each of Dai Yuanyi's strikes came with commentary:
"Ha! Watch your back! What, didn't I tell you it was from behind? So reckless!"
And when they adjusted, guarding their backs, he'd aim straight for their faces.
"You've got to watch the front too, you know!"
The tandem performance of Feng Qianli and Dai Yuanyi soon had Star Luo's spirit masters wholly overpowered. Observing the skirmish, Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but chuckle as he turned to Sword Douluo.
"Sword Uncle, is this what you meant when you mentioned a 'Jian Ren'?" he joked.
Chen Xin's face fell slightly, and his calm demeanor wavered as he responded.
"This rascal is an embarrassment to our sword spirit tradition! The term 'sword rogue' was a joke, but I never expected to see someone actually embody it."
Looking mildly annoyed, he continued, "Fengzhi, once this tournament is over, I'll take him on as an honorary disciple. Just watch how I handle this so-called swordsman."
Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but laugh at the thought of Dai Yuanyi's grim future. Though only an honorary position, being tutored by Sword Douluo was an unparalleled opportunity for any spirit master. Ironically, Dai Yuanyi's sheer impudence had now caught the eye of one of the most respected figures in the land.
Nearby, other spectators were equally exasperated, with some even shouting insults at Dai Yuanyi. But their grumbling soon fell silent, as their attention was captured by another spectacle on the opposite side of the arena.
Feng Wutong, her vermillion hair tied high, stood loftily in mid-air as an intense white blaze spread across the sky. A searing heat filled the space, and even distant spectators felt sweat bead on their foreheads. Her Vermilion Bird spirit hovered, wings spread, and her fierce gaze locked onto the two spirit masters from Star Luo Royal Academy below. To prevent them from aiding Dai Weisi, she'd unleashed her most powerful move right from the start: the Vermilion Bird Domain.
Flames danced across the arena, engulfing the pair as they struggled to defend themselves. Hidden from view, they were assaulted by scorching heat both physically and spiritually—such was the potency of the Vermilion Bird's Southern Bright Flame, which burned both flesh and soul. With its potent effect combined with the oppressive might of her spirit domain, Feng Wutong was slowly overwhelming her opponents.
"This… this is another domain?!" Ghost Douluo cried out in disbelief, his voice hoarse.
"When did domains become as common as cabbages?"
Beside him, Chrysanthemum Douluo chuckled quietly.
"Old Ghost, just wait. You'll have even more surprises coming!" he teased.
Having watched Dai Yao closely throughout the qualifiers, Chrysanthemum Douluo was well aware of Dai Yao's brilliance. His unique self-created spirit skill, Eight Extremes Collapse, had astonished even him—a testament to Dai Yao's ingenuity.
Yet, while the flames raged, Bibi Dong's gaze lingered on Dai Yao rather than Feng Wutong. Her lips curved slightly.
"So, her name is Feng Wutong?" she mused aloud. "Dai Yao… what exactly draws these extraordinary people to you? Zhu Zhuqing's spirit evolved into the Nether Sovereign, and now Feng Wutong's spirit has changed to the Vermilion Bird."
With a faint laugh, she added, "How interesting."
Knowing Dai Yao's value as a trial for the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation, Bibi Dong had already studied his background meticulously. Every aspect of his life, including his connections, had been carefully documented and presented to her. This included Feng Wutong's background and abilities, all readily available for Bibi Dong to peruse.
Meanwhile, high on a towering pine overlooking the Pope's Palace, Spirit Douluo Lingyuan observed Feng Wutong's face with gleaming eyes. She laughed, her voice filled with unrestrained glee.
"It's been so long, but a true avian spirit of divine caliber has finally emerged! Could that white flame be the fabled 'Ultimate Fire'?"
Her laughter faded as a cry suddenly echoed across the Spirit Hall's secluded mountain range. Reverberating through the clouds, the call carried a vast and dignified energy, pressing down upon all in the vicinity. Under this presence, the surrounding trees seemed to bow as if welcoming a supreme being.
Lingyuan Douluo's ecstatic expression froze as she turned to the source, her face filled with uncertainty.
"Could it be one of the revered Elders?" she muttered. "The pressure of an avian spirit… it must be the Third Elder, Qingluan Douluo. The Elders are usually secluded, almost never seen. Why now?"
Her thoughts were interrupted as a massive azure bird shot through the air, closing hundreds of meters in an instant and hovering over the Pope's Palace. Nine rings floated around the bird, emitting a powerful aura: two yellow, two purple, and five black.
The Qingluan Douluo hovered in the sky, his powerful form illuminated by the optimal arrangement of nine spirit rings—a testament to his level ninety-seven rank and his formidable strength.
The massive azure bird cast a respectful glance towards Bibi Dong before focusing intently on Feng Wutong with piercing eyes. Instantly, Lingyuan Douluo grasped his intentions, cursing furiously, "So that's it, Qingluan! You're here for Feng Wutong! She's my disciple, and I won't let you take her!" Without another word, her spirit power erupted, and she shot toward the Pope's Palace.
Meanwhile, the sudden appearance of a Titled Douluo had brought the competition to a standstill.
"Who is this Titled Douluo from Spirit Hall?" murmured spirit masters from both empires as they gazed at the giant bird dominating the sky.
In the VIP section, Sword Douluo appeared taken aback. "So that old Qingluan is still alive?"
Ning Fengzhi looked up at the Titled Douluo in the sky with a serious expression. Hearing Sword Douluo's words, he turned in confusion. "Sword Uncle, are you saying that Titled Douluo is Qingluan?"
Sword Douluo nodded, recalling old memories. "Yes, his title is Qingluan. Though he appears young, he's actually a generation above me and is currently one level higher in strength—at rank ninety-seven. I hadn't heard anything of him in years; I never imagined he was still alive, and his power has clearly grown even more profound."
With a troubled expression, Ning Fengzhi murmured, "Spirit Hall truly has deep reserves. Just how many hidden powers do they possess…?"
Sword Douluo pondered a moment before his eyes flashed sharply. "I've heard Spirit Hall has an Elder Hall, where a few powerful Douluo seclude themselves in training. They only emerge when Spirit Hall faces severe crises. Qingluan Douluo must be one of those Elders."
A trace of yearning flickered in his gaze as he added, "I'd like to test myself against them—perhaps it would allow me to break through the bottleneck at rank ninety-six."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head with a rueful smile. "Sword Uncle, I fear any sparring with them would likely turn fatal. If you were injured, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would become vulnerable prey to Spirit Hall."
Sword Douluo sighed. "I understand, but I've been trapped at rank ninety-six for over a decade now. Must I never have the chance to break through?"
In the arena, both the Star Luo and Oakland academies ceased fighting momentarily. The Star Luo team, though initially shocked, used the time to recuperate. Meanwhile, the Oakland Seven gazed up at Qingluan in the sky, awed by the immense power of this Titled Douluo, second only to Bibi Dong herself.
Under the scrutiny of Qingluan's sharp gaze, Feng Wutong felt as though she were immobilized, as though every aspect of her being had been laid bare to him. There was a peculiar joy and excitement in Qingluan Douluo's eyes that she could distinctly sense.
"Young lady, may I ask your name?" Qingluan Douluo's voice trembled slightly with enthusiasm.
Feeling an unexpected sense of warmth in his tone, Feng Wutong hesitated, then glanced over to Dai Yao. Dai Yao, equally uncertain, realized with a start, Could Qingluan Douluo be drawn by Feng Wutong's divine Vermilion Bird spirit? Was the Titled Douluo Chrysanthemum Douluo had mentioned who wanted to take her as a disciple actually Qingluan Douluo?
With a slight nod, he encouraged her to respond.
Receiving Dai Yao's approval, Feng Wutong replied softly, "Wutong."
"Wutong… an elegant name…" Qingluan Douluo murmured, rolling the name over thoughtfully. But as he observed her exchange with Dai Yao, a frown creased his brow.
His sudden appearance had disrupted the competition, but with a nod from Bibi Dong, Chrysanthemum Douluo addressed Qingluan Douluo in the sky.
"Third Elder, we are in the midst of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament. Please withdraw your spirit."
Qingluan Douluo paused, then retracted his spirit and nine spirit rings, revealing a tall, dignified figure. In the blink of an eye, he had landed beside Bibi Dong, giving a slight bow. "Greetings, Your Holiness."
Though he bowed, his gesture lacked the reverence of Chrysanthemum or Ghost Douluo.
"The competition will now resume!" Chrysanthemum Douluo announced.
As the duel resumed, all eyes remained fixated on the mysterious Titled Douluo in front of the Pope's Palace.
Watching the two teams readying themselves once again, Bibi Dong glanced at Qingluan Douluo, her demeanor distinctly cool.
"Qingluan Douluo, what brings you here today?"
Qingluan ignored Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo, fixing his sharp gaze on Bibi Dong with a vast and profound calm.
"Simply a whim," he replied with a neutral tone. "After many years of secluded cultivation, I felt inclined to take a look outside."
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed slightly, though she masked her doubt behind a smile. She was well aware that Qingluan was concealing his true purpose.
At that moment, another figure appeared beside Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo, bringing a gust of wind that set the robes of the Titled Douluo billowing. Recognizing the aura, Chrysanthemum Douluo snapped in irritation.
"Lingyuan, what nonsense are you up to now?"
The newcomer, Lingyuan Douluo, ignored Chrysanthemum, eyeing Qingluan Douluo with a mocking smile.
"'Simply a whim'? Rubbish! You came here for Wutong and want her as your disciple, don't you?"
Qingluan Douluo cast a dismissive glance at her, replying coolly, "Indeed, I am here for the young lady with the Vermilion Bird spirit. And you? Planning to take her as your disciple as well?"
"Why not?" Lingyuan countered.
Qingluan Douluo scoffed, his expression filled with disdain. "A lower avian spirit user like you presumes to mentor one blessed with the Vermilion Bird's spirit? Utterly laughable! How could you be worthy?"
Lingyuan paled, his words cutting to the bone. Her spirit, the Lingyuan, was leagues beneath Qingluan's and could not compare to the exalted Vermilion Bird. Among avian spirits, the Vermilion Bird was legendary, and even the mere presence of such a being could bring immense benefit to other avian spirit masters. For top-tier spirits like Qingluan, being near a Vermilion Bird spirit user might even hint at new paths of growth. This benefit was part of Lingyuan Douluo's intention in seeking to make Feng Wutong her disciple.
Seeing her colleague's discomfort, Bibi Dong's brows knitted slightly as she turned to Qingluan Douluo.
"Qingluan, Wutong has not yet joined Spirit Hall. It is premature for either of you to claim her as a disciple."
"Why not wait until she officially joins us and allow her to decide?" she suggested evenly.
Qingluan Douluo scoffed in response. "Once she hears that I want her as my disciple, she will undoubtedly join Spirit Hall at once."
Bibi Dong smiled faintly. "Feel free to test that assumption."
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