While the continent buzzed with activity, the core region of Star Dou Great Forest remained relatively quiet.
Yet even in this tranquility, voices could still be heard.
"Di Tian, how are things progressing with the tournament?" A gentle voice echoed from an indeterminate distance—sometimes seeming far, sometimes near.
At the source of the voice, a burly man knelt on one knee, reporting respectfully.
"Bi Ji has sent word," Di Tian said after a moment of silence. "Qian Renxue has designated that hundred-thousand-year soul bone as the championship prize, with several ten-thousand-year soul bones serving as additional rewards."
"To be honest, I don't understand why she would do this."
After years of observation, Di Tian had gained considerable insight into human factions—especially the Spirit Hall's capabilities.
A hundred-thousand-year soul bone, instead of being reserved for her own people, was being offered as a tournament reward?
Did she truly believe victory was guaranteed?
Was she really this arrogant?
"If that soul beast was willing to sacrifice itself, then Qian Renxue can decide how to use its soul bone. It's not a matter of great importance."
"But..." Di Tian hesitated.
"There's no need to dwell on it. A mere hundred-thousand-year soul bone is nothing special. Star Dou Great Forest still has plenty in reserve."
"What concerns me is whether she can bring us sufficient benefits—and whether she will stand on our side!"
As the words faded, a faint silhouette gradually solidified before Di Tian.
"Well? What do you think of this form?"
"My Lord, you..." Di Tian was utterly baffled by the Silver Dragon King's intentions. Moreover, this body's aura was fundamentally different from her true form.
"I plan to visit the human world to investigate matters related to the Divine Realm and finalize our next steps."
"Have you... fully recovered?" Di Tian asked, astonished.
"Not yet. But there's no need to worry about the Divine Realm. In this form, those beings won't detect me." The Silver Dragon King pondered briefly. "What do you think of the name Gu Yuena?"
"Ah... Any name chosen by My Lord is exquisite." Di Tian forced a fawning smile.
Gu Yuena's expression darkened. "Forget it. Just guard the forest well."
"Don't worry about Bi Ji. I'll keep an eye on her."
She gazed at the azure sky and murmured,
"This body, constructed using the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, is far weaker than my original strength. But it's more than sufficient for this continent."
After giving Di Tian a few more instructions, Gu Yuena brushed aside a lock of silver-white hair from her forehead.
Without waiting for a response, she transformed into a streak of silver light and shot into the sky, heading toward the outskirts of Star Dou Great Forest.
Watching the vanishing figure and the silver trail left behind like a shooting star, Di Tian sighed deeply.
"My Lord, please be careful. Humans are not simple creatures."
Having suffered multiple setbacks, Di Tian had developed a healthy wariness toward the human world.
He would no longer look upon them with the same arrogance as before.
...
Traditionally, the preliminary rounds of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament were held simultaneously in the Heaven Dou Empire's capital and various subordinate kingdoms and duchies.
But this year was different.
All preliminary matches—including those originally scheduled for kingdoms and duchies—were centralized in Heaven Dou City.
This was undoubtedly Qian Renxue's doing. Together with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, she had constructed a tournament arena more magnificent than any in history.
Not only were there dedicated rest areas, but also special viewing zones for competing students.
The sheer scale and grandeur of it nearly blinded Ning Rongrong's "titanium alloy dog eyes."
As one of the primary investors, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan enjoyed exclusive VIP lounges—far superior to standard rest areas.
Even when not competing, Ning Rongrong's team could relax in air-conditioned comfort, watching matches from the best seats.
This was clearly Ning Fengzhi exploiting his position for personal gain, though he had paid the appropriate fees to avoid appearing too brazen.
Inside the soundproofed luxury lounge, Ning Rongrong was reviewing intelligence reports on participating teams.
"As expected, teams from all kingdoms and duchies are here." As the princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, obtaining such information beforehand was trivial. Ning Fengzhi had prepared the documents per her request.
"Rongrong, what are you reading?" Dugu Yan peeked over her shoulder.
"Team profiles."
"Oh? Any strong opponents?" Dugu Yan's question drew the others closer.
Though Ning Rongrong wouldn't normally compete, tactical planning still fell under the captain's duties.
Whether she actually possessed such skills was questionable—but with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's generous funding, no one complained.
Every Glazed Academy team member would receive 200,000 gold spirit coins after the tournament, regardless of results. The prize for winning the championship was even greater.
The hundred-thousand-year soul bone would go to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, while the remaining soul bones would be divided among team members (excluding Ning Rongrong).
Ning Rongrong handed the documents to Dugu Yan. "This year's participants are stronger than usual. Many are sect disciples inserted into academy teams."
"There are two teams you should be wary of." Her gaze swept across the group. "Though the reports don't mention them, their strength shouldn't be underestimated."
"Eh?" Everyone was stunned.
For Ning Rongrong to say "not to be underestimated"—just how powerful were they?
"Blazing Wind Academy and Shrek Academy. Be careful if you encounter them."
"Actually, losing wouldn't matter. Our real target is the championship at the Spirit Hall finals. Just focus on qualifying for now."
"Rongrong, what's special about Blazing Wind Academy and Shrek Academy?" Ning Tian asked.
"Blazing Wind Academy's instructor is a Title Douluo above rank 95."
Ning Tian: "..."
How did having a Title Douluo instructor help? This was a student competition!
Even a Limit Douluo could only cheer from the sidelines!
"Just be cautious if you face them." Ning Rongrong shrugged. "Sister Bing'er can handle overall battlefield command."
"As for Shrek Academy..."
"They have some unusual individuals, likely from the Clear Sky Sect. Probably one or two Soul Kings. And there's a youth named Tang San who recently killed a Soul Emperor."
"A Soul King killed a Soul Emperor?" The others gasped—except for Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan.
"He's involved in certain secrets of the Heaven Dou Empire. It's better if you don't know the details."
"If you encounter Shrek Academy, you can forfeit. Or let me and Dugu Yan handle it."
Truthfully, the only teams worth Ning Rongrong's attention were Shrek Academy and the Spirit Hall's team.
Blazing Wind Academy might qualify, along with Thunderclap Academy.
Her real purpose in participating was to facilitate a certain plan involving Dugu Yan.
If left to Dugu Yan alone, Ning Rongrong suspected they might actually lose.
Tang San was the protagonist, blessed with plot armor. Even without that, he had the Asura God's backing. Caution was warranted.
That said, no matter how strong Tang San was now, he couldn't defeat her—unless the shameless Asura God intervened directly.
Knock knock knock knock—
The discussion was interrupted by a sharp rapping at the door.
"Glazed Academy team, your opening match against Heaven Dou Royal Academy's second team will begin in one hour."
"Please make your preparations."