At this moment, Xue Qinghe had completely regained his usual composure and even smiled: "Xiao Xiong, I admit I lost my composure earlier. After all, encountering such a powerful Title Douluo is extremely rare, especially one with a hundred-thousand-year soul ring—a treasure of unparalleled value in the world of soul masters."
"Teacher, that man looked incredibly powerful just now. Could it be that the Hao Tian Sect has reemerged?"
Ning Rongrong also expressed her confusion: "Father, how could that person be so strong? I saw him repel the attacking Title Douluo with just one strike."
After a moment of silence, Ning Fengzhi spoke: "Qinghe, Xiao Xiong, Rongrong, the person who appeared just now was Tang Hao of the former Hao Tian Sect. He is a genius of extraordinary talent, unmatched in records as the youngest Title Douluo ever recorded."
"However, something happened years ago, and Tang Hao was expelled from the Hao Tian Sect. If you encounter him in the future, you must proceed with caution."
Xue Qinghe nodded: "The Hao Tian truly lives up to its reputation, especially his hundred-thousand-year soul ring—it's breathtaking. It was my first time seeing such a soul ring, which is why I lost my composure earlier."
Seeing Xue Qinghe return to his usual demeanor, Yang Xiong couldn't help but roll his eyes. 'This guy is such a master of disguise—no wonder he's managed to stay hidden for so long.'
By nightfall, all the carriages had gathered together, surrounded by hundreds of knights.
Yang Xiong secretly approached Lin Gong: "Teacher Lin, I have a small favor to ask of you. Once it's done, I'll be sure to reward you handsomely."
Lin Gong frowned: "What could you possibly need, little one? Spirit City is fraught with danger. Without me by your side, aren't you afraid of getting into trouble? Sword Douluo can't always protect you—he's responsible for guarding Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong."
Yang Xiong chuckled: "Isn't it just Spirit City? We're traveling with such fanfare, and we even have the Crown Prince of Tian Dou Empire with us. Nothing will happen."
Lin Gong fell silent for a moment before responding: "Spirit City is more perilous than you imagine, especially with top-tier experts lurking everywhere. Even I wouldn't dare act recklessly. If you reveal yourself too much, they might target you next."
"Look at Tang San from your team—he's drawn the Spirit Hall's ire because of his extraordinary talent."
Yang Xiong replied: "I'm a disciple of our sect. As long as I don't act rashly, Sect Master and the others will ensure my safety. However, this matter is urgent, and I can only trust you. I need Teacher Lin to handle it personally."
Lin Gong was puzzled. What kind of task required a Soul Douluo like him to act personally, and why did Yang Xiong seem so anxious?
Without another word, Yang Xiong handed Lin Gong a map and an envelope: "Teacher Lin, this matter is of utmost importance. Once it's done, don't come to Spirit City. Return directly to the sect—we'll meet there."
"Of course, if it proves impossible, then let it be."
Lin Gong could see how seriously Yang Xiong regarded this matter. After accepting the envelope and map, he quietly departed without informing anyone.
When Yang Xiong returned to the carriage, Ning Rongrong was still playing with Zhu Zhuqing and the others. Inside the carriage, only Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo remained.
Ning Fengzhi seemed to know about Lin Gong's departure but said nothing, merely continuing to read his book. Sword Douluo, as usual, sat with his eyes closed, conserving his energy.
Just as Yang Xiong was about to meditate, Ning Fengzhi suddenly spoke: "Xiao Xiong, I don't know how you feel about Tang San and Yu Xiaogang, but they come from the Hao Tian Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family. Unless it's absolutely necessary, we shouldn't provoke conflict with them."
Yang Xiong smiled: "Master, you worry too much. How could I possibly come into conflict with them?"
Ning Fengzhi mocked himself: "Xiao Xiong, I know you're strong-willed and dislike my insincere dealings with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family and the Hao Tian Sect. But now, the Spirit Hall holds great power. Without allies, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will struggle to make progress."
Yang Xiong thought carefully: "Master, we must ultimately rely on our own strength. Can the Hao Tian Sect or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family really provide us with meaningful assistance?"
Ning Fengzhi shook his head: "It's not just about their help. The Hao Tian Sect once produced the 'Hao Tian Twin Stars.' Had it not been for their conflict with the Spirit Hall, their fame might surpass ours. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family, though supported solely by Yu Yuanzhen, gave birth to the 'Blue Lightning Twin Stars.' They may rise again."
"If the three great sects fight amongst ourselves, we'll only weaken ourselves, leaving the Spirit Hall to benefit."
Yang Xiong nodded: "I understand, Master. I won't provoke anyone unnecessarily, but I won't back down when it's something that belongs to me, no matter who it is."
Ning Fengzhi continued: "I know sending you to Shrek Academy wasn't easy for you. At least in this Soul Master Competition, with your strength, you'd be the most honored member in any team. Yet, during the promotion matches, you hardly participated."
Yang Xiong smiled faintly: "Master, you know I don't care about such honors. I only wish to cultivate peacefully. For the team, I contribute what I can. Though I hold back, I believe I'm still a qualified team member and student, and I've made significant contributions to the team."
Ning Fengzhi nodded: "I understand. Perhaps I shouldn't have sent you into the whirlpool of Shrek. After this Soul Master Competition, I won't interfere with your cultivation plans anymore."
"Also, remember this: Our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect doesn't yield to any other sect. Whatever rightfully belongs to you, you should strive for it. The sect will always be your steadfast support."
Yang Xiong's heart swelled with gratitude: "Thank you, Master!"
…
A few more days passed, and they finally arrived at Spirit City.
During this time, a small incident occurred: After the team was attacked, Xiao Wu, after several days of cultivation, broke through to the Soul Ancestor level.
Liu Erlong was overjoyed and took Xiao Wu alone to a nearby spirit beast forest to obtain a soul ring. Her fourth soul skill was none other than the Invincible Golden Body.
Both Liu Erlong and the other team members were ecstatic. With this breakthrough, the team now had seven Soul Ancestors, including Yang Xiong, a top-tier Soul Elder. Moreover, Xiao Wu's Invincible Golden Body would undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to the team in the future.
Upon arriving at Spirit City, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. At least within Spirit City, they wouldn't face ambushes. Spirit City was considered the safest place in the world.
Especially after more than ten days of travel in carriages, it was a relief to finally have a place to rest.
Spirit City was built atop a mountain, enclosed by towering hexagonal walls. Each wall stood tens of meters high, adorned with exquisite murals. In the center of the city stood a massive angel statue, visible even from afar.
In terms of scale, Spirit City couldn't compare to Tian Dou City. However, built halfway up the mountain, it was naturally defensible. The walls were exceptionally sturdy, constructed with special materials, resembling a work of art.
The city's defenses were incredibly strict, with patrolling soldiers everywhere. Remarkably, these soldiers were all soul masters, and their soul power levels appeared quite high.
Even Yang Xiong couldn't help but marvel at the Spirit Hall's strength. Even the imperial palace guards couldn't match this level of uniformity. These soul masters exuded seriousness and unwavering devotion, reflecting the Spirit Hall's immense influence in the soul master world.
The moment Yang Xiong stepped into Spirit City, he felt a strange force envelop him. His body felt lighter, as if infused with newfound faith.
Others didn't seem to feel it as strongly as Yang Xiong—perhaps it was due to the unique nature of his innate martial soul.
Yu Xiaogang, who had disappeared after the promotion matches, suddenly reappeared. However, he looked haggard, as if he had aged significantly.
Yang Xiong guessed that Yu Xiaogang had gone to Bibi Dong alone to inquire about the cultivation method for twin martial souls. Judging by his appearance, it seemed Bibi Dong no longer cared for old ties.
After three days of rest in Spirit City, the finals of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Competition officially began.
A total of thirty-three teams participated in the finals, including fifteen teams from the Tian Dou and Star Luo regions, along with three seeded teams: Team One of Tian Dou Imperial Academy, Star Luo Imperial Academy team, and the Spirit Hall team.
The competition consisted of five rounds. In the first round, the three seeded teams received a bye. In the second round, the top-ranked teams from the preliminary rounds of the two empires received a bye. In the third round, the second-ranked teams from the preliminary rounds received a bye. From the fourth round onward, no team received a bye.
By the end of the fourth round, the top three teams advanced to the fifth round to compete for the championship.
The final three teams would go through individual and team battles to determine the ultimate champion. The requirements for the champion were extremely high, especially since there was only one day of rest between each round, making the schedule incredibly tight.
Yu Xiaogang and Flender gave motivational speeches, and even Crown Prince Xue Qinghe personally addressed the team. After all, they represented the Tian Dou Empire.
Compared to Team Two, Oscar and Qin Shuang of Team One appeared disheartened. Although they could easily advance to the second round, it was clear they would lose as soon as they stepped onto the stage. A crushing defeat would damage the Tian Dou Empire's reputation.
Tang San once again arranged the lineup, but after adjustments and changes, the team settled on seven main members: Tang San, Dai Mubai, Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, Yang Xiong, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong.
Although the Shi brothers had formidable defense, compared to Xiao Wu, their attacks lacked flexibility. Xiao Wu's fourth soul skill, Invincible Golden Body, was extraordinarily powerful, surpassing many defensive-type soul skills.
After extensive testing, it was evident that a single defensive-type Soul Ancestor contributed less to the team than Ning Rongrong, a top-tier Soul Elder.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda was an exceptional auxiliary-type martial soul. Though Ning Rongrong was only at Level 36, her auxiliary abilities were incredibly potent, providing immense boosts to the entire team. Additionally, she had mastered the Five Aperture Dispersed Heart, allowing her to assist five people simultaneously.
As a Soul Elder, Ning Rongrong possessed three enhancement soul skills: strength enhancement, speed enhancement, and soul power enhancement, each increasing attributes by forty percent. The overall boost to the team was staggering.
The team also had another auxiliary soul master, Ye Lingling, though her focus was healing rather than combat enhancements.
As for Xiao Wu, even Yang Xiong found it strange. How could a Rabbit martial soul produce a skill like Invincible Golden Body? Such a skill was exceedingly rare—even top-tier defensive soul masters might not possess it.
After the adjustments, Yang Xiong once again became the team's defensive soul master, positioned at the back of the formation.
Of course, Yang Xiong repeatedly reminded Ning Rongrong: no matter how dangerous the situation, she must not reveal her Eight Spider Leg soul bone. This battle was under intense scrutiny, and since Ning Rongrong hadn't fully fused her soul bone, revealing it might attract unwanted covetous eyes.
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