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"Chen Xin, this is the Pope's Palace—you have no right to act. Tang Hao is our wanted fugitive, and it's our duty to capture him," Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo stepped forward simultaneously.
This pair of underlings clearly knew they were no match for Tang Hao, yet they still acted as if they intended to fight.
After all, this was the Spirit Hall's territory. If they didn't act, outsiders might question their loyalty, which would harm the reputation of the Pope's Palace.
"Father?" Tang San felt deeply worried.
Yu Xiaogang, however, spoke boastfully. "Hao Tian Douluo, we're here to assist you!"
"Sun and Moon Shine Together—Golden Transformation!"
The three of them completed their martial soul fusion technique. Luo Sanpao's martial soul transformed into a golden holy dragon, circling above the Pope's Palace, ready to fight alongside Tang Hao.
However, in Tang Hao's plan, they only needed to stay on standby—they weren't supposed to get involved.
By stepping out now and drawing attention, they were only getting in the way.
Ning Tianchen watched the scene unfold and whispered softly to Dugu Bo and Ke Jie, "Let's go, quickly. This situation is about to devolve into a massive melee."
The development of events had far exceeded his expectations.
Tang Hao's attack on him had thoroughly enraged Sword Chen Xin.
Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo wanted to capture Tang Hao, and Chen Xin also wanted to capture Tang Hao—this could easily lead to a chaotic three-way battle.
If they stayed here, who knew whether Tang Hao might launch another surprise attack on him?
In any case, among the thirty-six stratagems, retreat was the best option.
Ke Jie said gravely, "Wait. Once the battle starts, we'll slip away unnoticed. If we leave now, Tang Hao will still have a chance to ambush us."
---
"Get out of my way!"
Chen Xin roared explosively, revealing the unmistakable presence of a ninety-seven-level Title Douluo.
The Seven Kill Sword in its true martial soul form was enormous, and with a single mighty swing, it slashed directly at the golden holy dragon.
Yu Xiaogang's eyes gleamed with golden light. At this moment, he believed himself to be a true Title Douluo.
Controlling the golden holy dragon martial soul, he launched an aggressive attack.
Meanwhile, Tang Hao remained completely indifferent to the situation.
"Thunderous Fart Explosion, Heaven-Shattering Earth-Cracking Luo Sanpao."
Chen Xin didn't even spare him a glance. The Seven Kill Sword radiated endless sword qi, effortlessly neutralizing the golden holy dragon's attack and slicing through its illusory form in one clean stroke.
With their martial soul severed, the Golden Iron Triangle suffered a massive backlash.
The trio spat blood and collapsed simultaneously. Yu Xiaogang, injured the most severely, passed out on the spot.
The power of a ninety-seven-level Super Douluo wasn't something a mere martial soul fusion technique could withstand.
Moreover, Chen Xin's actions, from an outsider's perspective, appeared to be aiding the Spirit Hall in eliminating a wanted fugitive. Not only was he blameless, but he was also credited for his efforts.
Ning Fengzhi grew more confident. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul provided amplification to Sword Chen Xin, pushing his strength to nearly break through the ninety-eight-level threshold.
While Chen Xin dealt with the Golden Iron Triangle, Bibi Dong led Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo in charging toward Tang Hao.
The battlefield in the air was chaotic, with stray attacks occasionally splashing down and causing panic among the crowd. Countless spectators rushed toward the foot of the mountain.
At this moment, the Pope's Palace had become an arena for Title Douluos to clash.
"Let's go!" Ke Jie used his soul power to carry the members of Seven Treasures Academy as they rushed down the mountain.
Other students, seeing this, dared not linger. They followed closely behind Seven Treasures Academy, fleeing the scene.
In just a few minutes, the square in front of the Pope's Palace was completely deserted. Aside from Shrek Academy, the only ones left were the guards that the Spirit Hall had summoned.
Of course, it wasn't that Shrek Academy didn't want to escape—they were surrounded by the Spirit Hall's guards. Moreover, both Flender and Liu Erlong were severely injured, leaving them with no chance of breaking through.
The members of Seven Treasures Academy didn't stop for a moment, rushing straight out of Spirit City.
Outside the city, Xue Qinghe led the Royal Knights of the Tiandou Empire to meet the competing teams.
At some point, he had left the arena and assembled his forces outside the city.
There was no time to think further. The members of Seven Treasures Academy quickly climbed into the carriages prepared by Xue Qinghe. The Royal Knights of the Tiandou Empire guarded them, preventing anyone from approaching.
"We've finally escaped," Chen Huayu leaned against the carriage wall, gasping for breath.
Feng Xiaotian teased, "I told you to lose weight, but you refused. Now you see the dangers of carrying too much fat."
Chen Huayu was so exhausted he could barely breathe, let alone argue back.
Ke Jie calmed his emotions and said, "All in all, we managed to leave the arena with some difficulty but without major harm."
As he spoke, he lifted the carriage curtain. "It'll be a while before the team returns. On behalf of the academy, I congratulate you all on winning the championship."
The Tiandou Empire had more than just Seven Treasures Academy's team. Aside from Shrek Academy, the team wouldn't return until everyone else was accounted for.
Dugu Bo stepped out of the carriage. "You all chat. I'll go outside to get some fresh air."
He wasn't a member of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and leaving now was to avoid suspicion.
Ning Tianchen stopped hiding and laid out eight soul bones in front of everyone.
"Wow, it's the first time I've seen so many soul bones gathered together—it's truly spectacular," Chen Huayu's breathing quickened, and drool almost dripped from the corner of his mouth.
Ning Tianchen kicked him lightly. "Keep it down. If outsiders find out, we'll be in big trouble."
The appearance of eight soul bones over ten thousand years old would attract not just ordinary people but even Super Douluos looking to seize them.
There were eight people in the group, and eight soul bones—so everyone got one, leaving no room for envy.
Ning Tianchen first picked up the Rapid Movement Wind-Chasing Left Leg Bone.
In the original timeline, this soul bone belonged to Zhu Zhuqing. However, there were other agility-type soul masters in the group besides her. Considering contributions, Feng Xiaotian's efforts undoubtedly surpassed everyone else's.
Thus, Ning Tianchen handed this soul bone to him.
"Thank you. This soul bone will greatly benefit me," Feng Xiaotian said gratefully.
Everyone laughed. "The vice-captain's performance speaks for itself. This soul bone is well-deserved."
Next, Ning Tianchen distributed the remaining soul bones one by one.
When it came to Ning Rongrong, he hesitated briefly before handing her the highest-year, most valuable Spiritual Concentration Wisdom Skull Bone.
Ning Rongrong repeatedly declined. "Brother Tianchen has done the most work. This soul bone should be absorbed by him. Have you forgotten the gift you gave me last time?"
She already had a skull bone taken from Shi Nian, so she didn't need another one.
Moreover, this Spiritual Concentration Skull Bone greatly enhanced spiritual power, which was especially important for tool-type soul masters.
Ning Tianchen smiled gently, offering a pre-prepared excuse. "Rongrong, Grandfather has already arranged for my head soul bone. This one isn't suitable for me. You take it for now—even if you don't absorb it, you can store it in the sect's treasury later."
Ning Rongrong was Ning Fengzhi's daughter and effectively the young mistress of the academy.
Without her, there would be no academy, and certainly no championship-winning team. Thus, when Ning Tianchen handed her the most precious soul bone, no one objected.
"Boss, this leaves you with only that incompatible arm bone," Chen Huayu reminded him.
An incompatible soul bone wasn't unusable—it simply wouldn't perform optimally once absorbed.
Ning Tianchen stored the Flame Right Arm Bone in his soul tool. "Have you forgotten? Principal Huo plans to trade soul bones with us. After the exchange, if the attributes aren't satisfactory, I can swap it back at the sect—it's the same either way."
With the soul bones distributed, everyone felt reassured, imagining the celebratory banquet they'd hold upon returning to Tiandou City.
Ning Tianchen, however, touched his soul tool thoughtfully.
Aside from the eight soul bones mentioned, he still had one more.
This was the ten-thousand-year Wind Demon Dragon Right Arm Bone he obtained when hunting his fourth soul ring. Since he didn't want to absorb it, he had kept it stored in his soul tool.
This soul bone would serve as a nice addition to his personal treasure trove. Alternatively, it could be used as a reward for loyal subordinates.
Unlike the others, Ning Tianchen wasn't thinking about the celebratory banquet. Instead, he wondered if Zhang Erhe had found the entrance to the Slaughter City.
That place was the focus of his next training phase—he couldn't afford to waste too much time.
Not long after, two substitute members arrived from the city and boarded the carriage before the team departed.
Thanks to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's good traditions, no one had left excessive luggage in the hotel. When leaving the rooms, everything was packed into soul tools to prevent losing important items.
...
The battle in front of the Pope's Palace showed no signs of stopping.
With Ning Fengzhi's support, Sword Chen Xin had a momentum that seemed ready to take on everyone single-handedly.
Bibi Dong's soul power was now nearing the level of a Limit Douluo. However, since she was still in the phase of divine force fusion, she could only display the strength of a ninety-five to ninety-six-level Title Douluo.
Facing Chen Xin, both she and Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo clearly felt the pressure.
"Chen Xin, this is the Spirit Hall's matter!" Yue Guan, struggling to breathe under the pressure, shouted angrily.
Chen Xin's cold gaze and tone carried no emotion. "Tang Hao targeted my grandson. I will personally settle this score—I don't need your help."
Though he had conflicts with the Spirit Hall, his main target was still Tang Hao.
Tang Hao, who already had hidden injuries, was beginning to feel the strain.
Below, Tang San watched anxiously, his heart racing.
If Tang Hao fell, they wouldn't have a chance at survival.
"Eighth Soul Skill—Seven Kill Thunder Strike, One Sword Breaks the Sky!"
The Seven Kill Sword unleashed several streaks of sword qi, and with the final slash, its overwhelming presence forced Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo to hastily dodge.
"Sword Chen Xin, well done." Tang Hao roared as his blood-red Heavenly Hammer stirred up the winds and clouds, clashing directly with Chen Xin's sword qi.
The collision of the two martial souls created shockwaves that caused the angel statue in front of the Pope's Palace to sway precariously.
"This can't drag on any longer, old ghost!" Yue Guan signaled with a glance.
The two had been partners for nearly sixty years. No words were needed to understand each other's intentions.
Back-to-back, the eighteen soul rings above their heads floated into the air.
Over a decade ago, Tang Hao had experienced the power of their martial soul fusion technique. If he were immobilized, what awaited him would undoubtedly be the Spirit Hall's judgment.
"Ahh—"
A thunderous roar echoed across the heavens. The soul rings beneath Tang Hao's feet, from the first yellow ring to the eighth ring, all shattered.
As for the ninth soul ring, it wasn't that he didn't want to explode it—it was just that the power of a hundred-thousand-year soul ring, once integrated into his body, could elevate his strength by several levels. However, his internal injuries were severe. Exploding the ninth soul ring would cause his own body to explode as well.
"Exploding Rings!" The thought of being dominated by the Heavenly Hammer sent shivers down Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo's spines, inevitably slowing their progress in the martial soul fusion technique.
The blood-red glow of the hundred-thousand-year soul ring beneath Bibi Dong's feet flared brightly.
With four Title Douluos working together, along with Ning Fengzhi's support, Tang Hao's exploding rings weren't impossible to withstand.
However, Tang Hao wasn't foolish. His goal had never been the people present but rather the Pope's Palace, the symbol of the Spirit Hall's prestige.
It could be said that if the Pope's Palace were reduced to rubble, Bibi Dong's papacy would come to an end.
"Tang Hao, you dare!" Bibi Dong was no longer as calm as before.
At the same time, the Elder Hall near the Pope's Palace saw the impending disaster. Numerous elders quickly activated their soul power barriers in an attempt to protect the Spirit Hall.
"Great—Sumeru—Hammer!"
In Tang Hao's hands, the Heavenly Hammer continuously grew larger, its overwhelming presence causing the surrounding world to change color.
"Hmph, let me experience the true power of exploding rings."
The Seven Kill Sword lightly swung in his hand as one "Kill" character after another appeared before him.
As the ninth "Kill" character formed, red and blue colors distinctly separated in the sky.
At the moment the Heavenly Hammer struck, nine "Kill" characters shot out.
At this point, Tang Hao had no intention of engaging in a decisive battle with Sword Chen Xin.
Though the explosive power of the exploding rings technique was formidable, the shattered soul rings would take three days to recover. If he didn't escape now, he would only have his ninth soul skill left to fight with.
With this in mind, Tang Hao immediately retracted the Hao Tian Hammer, swooped down to the ground, grabbed Tang San and Xiao Wu, and used the remaining energy in his body to streak across the sky like a meteor, disappearing without a trace.
"Tang Hao!" Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo clenched their fists in frustration.
Tang Hao's speed was incredible—it was unrealistic to chase him now.
"Using exploding rings to accelerate your escape, Tang Hao, so this is all you're capable of."
With a cold snort, the Seven Kill Sword beneath his feet carried him away from the Pope's Palace alongside Ning Fengzhi.
Yue Guan asked, "Your Holiness, shall we...?"
Bibi Dong waved her hand and sneered, "Without Chen Xin, the Pope's Palace would have surely been damaged. He has no fault; we should reward him!"
Ghost pointed at the members of Shrek Academy. "What about them?"
"Let them go—I don't want to see them." With that, Bibi Dong turned and walked back into the Pope's Palace.
Earlier, she had publicly stated that she wouldn't harm the others from Shrek Academy, so going back on her word wasn't an option.
However, that didn't mean they couldn't punish Shrek Academy in other ways.
---
Thirty miles outside Spirit City, the Tiandou Empire's convoy suddenly saw a massive "Kill" character pass through the sky.
The immense pressure caused all the team members and the Imperial Knights' soldiers to be knocked to the ground.
The "Kill" character didn't linger, landing on a mountain peak ahead of the convoy.
Everyone watched as a towering mountain was completely flattened.
At the same time, eight other peaks suffered varying degrees of damage.
Tang Hao's timely escape meant the nine "Kill" characters hit nothing, but by sheer coincidence, they had cleared away nine mountains. In the future, villagers traveling to Spirit City would no longer need to cross rugged terrain.
"Whoa, Sword Guardian's move is this powerful? Even from such a distance, its power hasn't diminished!" The members of Seven Treasures Academy exclaimed in awe.
Ning Tianchen, who practiced the sword path himself, personally witnessed Chen Xin's "Kill" word sword technique and felt a sudden insight.
"Every stroke in Grandfather's 'Kill' character contains infinite sword qi—it's truly remarkable."
At least for now, he was far from achieving such mastery.
During the finals, the "Kill" word sword technique he displayed was merely scratching the surface—he hadn't grasped its core essence.
Not long after, Huo Lie arrived personally at the carriage.
"Tianchen, Xiaotian must have told you about my proposal. Who among you will exchange soul bones with me?" Huo Lie laughed heartily.
It was common for close-knit major powers to exchange rare treasures.
After all, no faction could solely find treasures that perfectly suited them. Some high-grade treasures, regardless of attribute compatibility, would be stored in their treasuries until the right opportunity arose to trade with other factions.
Soul bones were extremely rare—even millennium soul bones sparked fierce competition among factions. Therefore, they often had some soul bones with mismatched attributes.
"Senior Huo, I'll do it. However, soul bones are of great importance—they must not fall into outsiders' hands," Ning Tianchen replied.
Huo Lie chuckled heartily. "Splendid, follow me—I won't let you down."
"Go ahead, Boss. Trade for a soul bone that matches your attributes. Once you absorb it, your strength will increase significantly," Chen Huayu patted his shoulder with a grin.
Ning Tianchen stepped out of the carriage and followed Huo Lie onto an empty carriage.
On the carriage, Huo Lie got straight to the point. "I want to trade for the championship reward—the Explosive Flame Right Arm Bone. This soul bone is around twenty-five thousand years old. I'll trade it for a thirty-thousand-year soul bone of equal quality. What do you say?"
Ning Tianchen didn't care about the attributes of the soul bone and handed it over without hesitation.
"Generous." Huo Lie praised him and quickly handed over a right leg soul bone to Ning Tianchen.
"This soul bone was something I acquired at an auction when I was younger. However, I don't know which spirit beast it came from. Its ability grants flight—once absorbed, it allows one to fly freely through the air like a Title Douluo."
For soul masters without flight capabilities and whose soul power hadn't reached the Title Douluo level, a flight-type soul bone was one of the most precious leg soul skills.
After all, soul masters with flight abilities had extremely strong escape skills. Who wouldn't want to add an extra layer of insurance?
"Senior Huo is truly generous. Youngster thanks you for your kindness," Ning Tianchen bowed respectfully.
In truth, it wasn't that Huo Lie was being generous—it was just that he only had this one soul bone worthy of trading for the Explosive Flame Right Arm Bone.
Exchanging soul bones wasn't about adding up the years of multiple soul bones to match the desired one's age.
Every additional thousand years on a ten-thousand-year soul bone increased its value equivalent to adding another three-thousand-year soul bone.
"Haha, since this exchange has made everyone happy, I won't disturb you further. When you return to Tiandou City for the victory banquet, remember to invite our Chi Huo Academy."
Ning Tianchen cupped his hands. "Certainly."
Huo Lie cheerfully stowed the soul bone and stepped off the carriage.
This soul bone was suitable for either Huo Wu or Huo Wushuang. Whether to give it to his grandson or granddaughter was something Huo Lie would have to carefully consider.
Ning Tianchen weighed the soul bone in his hand and smiled. "It seems this soul bone is perfect for Rongrong."
He already possessed flight abilities, so absorbing this soul bone would be redundant. It would be better to give Ning Rongrong an additional means of self-preservation.
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