Since the promotion rounds were to be held in Spirit City, the Heaven Dou Empire specifically arranged for Crown Prince Xue Qinghe to personally lead everyone on this important journey.
Many high-ranking officials of the Heaven Dou Empire also accompanied the expedition, particularly the three distinguished deans of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, who followed closely alongside Crown Prince Xue Qinghe throughout the journey.
In addition, Dugu Bo, serving as a Guest Elder of the Heaven Dou Empire, also accompanied the group, since his only granddaughter, Dugu Yan, was participating in the final tournament rounds.
As for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Lin Gong were present, along with other accompanying personnel, all of whom appeared to be quite powerful and capable.
Under the protection of elite knight escorts, the group traveled by luxurious carriages toward Spirit City. Each carriage was exceptionally large and well-appointed, making the ride as smooth as traveling on perfectly flat ground.
Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong did not sit with the main student group; instead, they traveled with Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and other clan leaders, since this journey was certainly not going to be peaceful, and staying with Sword Douluo would definitely provide superior safety.
Of course, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe also shared their carriage during the trip.
Yang Xiong and Xue Qinghe had interacted countless times over recent years; on the surface, they maintained very familiar relationships, but both seemed to enjoy subtly challenging and testing each other.
Yang Xiong consistently offered to introduce potential girlfriends to Xue Qinghe, even repeatedly guaranteeing his full assistance if Xue Qinghe developed interest in anyone.
Xue Qinghe, in turn, would always tease Yang Xiong for having a girlfriend at such a young age, suggesting he might become a playboy in the future and that he should focus on cultivation for the time being.
However, during this particular trip to Spirit City, Xue Qinghe seemed unusually happy, with a hint of genuine excitement visible even in the depths of his eyes, completely unlike his usual impassive and controlled demeanor.
Seeing Xue Qinghe's expression, Yang Xiong couldn't help but chuckle softly, "Your Highness, looking at your joyful expression, one might think you're finally going home after a long absence. It seems you really have great affection for Spirit City."
Xue Qinghe's face darkened slightly upon hearing this observation, but he quickly composed himself: "I have always lived deep within the imperial palace, with very few opportunities to venture outside those walls. This trip to Spirit City can be considered my chance to see the Holy Land of the Spirit Master world. As a Spirit Master myself, I am indeed somewhat excited about this opportunity."
Yang Xiong couldn't help but sigh thoughtfully, "Spirit City is indeed a Holy Land for Spirit Masters, but unfortunately, it has become far too utilitarian over the years and no longer possesses the pure angelic radiance it once had in earlier times."
Xue Qinghe smiled without warmth, "It seems Yang Xiong, you really appreciated the former Spirit Hall and its values."
Yang Xiong couldn't help but sigh again, "It's just somewhat regrettable to see such changes. It's said that the Angel Clan no longer has a proper legacy holder, and besides, our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and Spirit Hall ultimately follow completely different philosophical paths."
Xue Qinghe responded, "Who can say for certain about that? Perhaps the Angel Clan still maintains a legacy holder in complete secrecy."
Yang Xiong chuckled, "I'm not entirely sure about such matters. It's said that after the former Supreme Pontiff Qian Xunji was killed by Clear Sky Douluo Tang Hao, the Angel Clan never appeared publicly in the Spirit Master world again."
Seeing the two becoming increasingly engrossed in their conversation, Ning Fengzhi, who had been quietly observing from nearby, finally spoke, "Qinghe, Yang Xiong, the Angel Clan is not nearly as simple as it might appear. Qian Daoliu of the Angel Clan is recognized as one of the strongest individuals on the entire continent. Legend has it that Qian Xunji seemed to have had a daughter, but sadly, she reportedly died at a young age."
Yang Xiong quickly interjected with interest, "Sect Master, if what you say is accurate, this young girl is probably the sole remaining descendant of the Angel Clan and shouldn't have died so easily. I wonder how old this girl would be now if she had survived."
Ning Fengzhi thought carefully for a moment before speaking, "From an age perspective, she should be approximately the same age as Qinghe, but the specific details remain unknown. Spirit Hall has not released any information about her fate."
Yang Xiong smiled knowingly, "If what Sect Master says is true, then this girl would probably also be of the appropriate age to participate in this Soul Master Elite Competition. I wonder if there's any possibility of her making an appearance? The Angel Clan's natural talent shouldn't be too disappointing, should it?"
Xue Qinghe then spoke carefully, "Teacher, Yang Xiong, according to the reliable information I've received, the Golden Generation of Spirit Hall does not include any female Spirit Masters with an Angel martial soul. Perhaps this girl truly did perish as reported."
Yang Xiong stared directly at Xue Qinghe for several long moments, "Your Highness, why do your temperament and physical appearance seem more and more feminine over time? Do you perhaps harbor some unspeakable secret?"
Xue Qinghe, who had been drinking tea, choked slightly, "Yang Xiong, you're obviously joking with me. My personality has been like this since childhood, and I must also thank Teacher for his careful guidance and influence."
Indeed, Xue Qinghe's elegant and refined temperament did seem to be a direct inheritance from Ning Fengzhi's teaching.
However, after Yang Xiong and Xue Qinghe finished their occasional verbal sparring, they each resumed their personal cultivation practices.
Their interactions during this journey remained quite pleasant, at least on the surface, appearing harmonious and mutually respectful, which even satisfied Ning Fengzhi's expectations.
Yet, Yang Xiong secretly grumbled to himself that despite his various subtle hints and suggestions, Ning Fengzhi showed absolutely no suspicion, indicating just how much he valued and trusted this particular disciple.
After more than ten days of peaceful travel, Yang Xiong was meditating with his eyes closed when a sudden, earth-shattering explosion echoed from the distance.
When Yang Xiong and his group quickly stepped out of their carriage, countless black-clad figures suddenly appeared from hiding, launching coordinated attacks on various carriages throughout the convoy.
However, from observing the tactical situation, it seemed that the primary target of their assault was specifically the Shrek Academy carriage.
In the distance, a huge Jade Phosphor Serpent suddenly materialized; it was Dugu Bo, the Guest Elder of the Heaven Dou Empire, and beside him stood his granddaughter, Dugu Yan.
Neither Ning Fengzhi nor Xue Qinghe, nor even the normally unflappable Sword Douluo, could help but look solemn, clearly indicating that this attack was far from a simple ambush, to have prompted even Dugu Bo to take direct action.
Sword Douluo said in a deep, concerned voice, "Only a ghost shadow, no spirit rings visible. It must be that fellow Gui Mei."
Yang Xiong was also startled upon hearing this identification, and immediately used all his mental force to carefully observe the intense battle developing in the distance.
Dugu Bo's figure flickered with incredible speed, and the enormous Jade Phosphor Serpent attacked with extreme velocity, even accompanied by deadly green poisonous mist, which sent visible shivers down observers' spines.
However, his opponent appeared as a ghost shadow that materialized and disappeared without any discernible trace, not even revealing its spirit rings, indicating it possessed extremely formidable capabilities.
Even with Dugu Bo's considerable strength as a Titled Douluo, he seemed somewhat outmatched at the moment, especially since the ghost shadow moved as fast as lightning, leaving Dugu Bo himself struggling to maintain effective defensive positions.
It seemed that this mysterious person only intended to restrain and occupy Dugu Bo, and clearly, neither combatant was striking with genuinely lethal intent.
While the battles in other areas appeared fiercely contested, the attacking black-clad figures did not seem particularly eager to deliver killing blows, but rather aimed to restrain and occupy everyone's attention.
In contrast, the situation surrounding the Shrek Academy group was somewhat more dramatic, with multiple top experts appearing, especially the Four-Eyed Owl and Fire Dragon martial souls, which belonged to Liu Erlong and Flender respectively.
Just then, a massive Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon suddenly appeared on the battlefield.
This person appeared very tall and imposing, possessing eight distinct spirit rings.
Moreover, this individual seemed extremely enraged: "How dare these audacious criminals provoke my Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!"
However, the attacking forces showed no apprehension whatsoever, seemingly completely ignoring the Spirit Douluo's intimidating presence and deterrent effect.
Yang Xiong appeared somewhat confused, "Sect Master, I haven't encountered this Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit Master before."
Ning Fengzhi explained, "He's an Elder of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, likely secretly assigned to protect Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin. It seems Yu Yuanzhen was extremely well-prepared for potential threats."
Yang Xiong asked, "Sect Master, is their primary target Tang San? Should we go take a closer look at the situation?"
Ning Fengzhi hesitated for a moment: "It should be exactly that. Tang San's performance in this Soul Master Elite Competition has been far too dazzling and attention-grabbing, and the Clear Sky Sect and Spirit Hall have maintained incompatible positions for many years. Going to Spirit City now is indeed not a particularly wise strategic move."
Even though multiple Spirit Douluo had appeared on the battlefield scene, Yang Xiong also observed the Spirit Douluo known as Dragon Duke; however, Dragon Duke was not specifically guarding Tang San as he had in the original timeline, but rather was protecting the students of his own affiliated academy.
Just as everyone remained conflicted about their next course of action, a brilliant golden figure appeared in the sky, accompanied by countless swirling chrysanthemum petals.
This person was the renowned Chrysanthemum Douluo.
With a slight graceful movement, Chrysanthemum Douluo enveloped Flender with countless deadly chrysanthemum petals, and each individual petal appeared as sharp as a large blade, displaying extremely formidable offensive capabilities.
Yang Xiong stared intently at Chrysanthemum Douluo with great fascination.
He had always wondered how a plant-type Spirit Master like Chrysanthemum Douluo could function so effectively as an attack-type Spirit Master.
Especially as he observed the enormous Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum martial soul, Yang Xiong's gaze became even more intense and fervent.
Among the many legendary Immortal Herbs, the one Yang Xiong actually favored most was this particular Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum, but he had no immediate plans to consume it yet.
However, watching Chrysanthemum Douluo's battle techniques proved quite educational and interesting.
There were also quite a few black-clad figures surrounding Yang Xiong and his protected group, but these individuals generally weren't particularly strong, at least far inferior to Sword Douluo's capabilities.
Therefore, Sword Douluo himself remained completely calm, merely standing quietly and protectively beside Ning Fengzhi.
Now that Chrysanthemum Douluo had suddenly appeared, even Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo were genuinely startled, not expecting Spirit Hall to deploy two full Titled Douluo for this operation.
It seemed they truly intended to eliminate Tang San permanently.
Just as Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo were preparing to intervene and rescue Tang San, a blood-red giant hammer suddenly materialized in the sky, striking directly at Chrysanthemum Douluo with tremendous force.
This giant hammer appeared with incredible speed; even Chrysanthemum Douluo couldn't react adequately in time.
Despite unleashing countless deadly petals to attack the approaching giant hammer, he was still sent flying dozens of meters through the air.
At this critical moment, a tattered black figure appeared dramatically in the sky above.
This person possessed nine distinct spirit rings around his body, especially the final blood-red spirit ring, which exerted immense psychological pressure on everyone present.
Ghost Douluo was equally astonished by this development, instantly summoning a black void portal to attack Dugu Bo, then transforming himself into a ghost shadow and swiftly flying toward the Shrek Academy team's position.
But just then, a brilliant azure giant sword descended from the sky, directly blocking the ghost shadow's intended path.
It was Sword Douluo and Ning Fengzhi joining the battle.
Chrysanthemum Douluo was visibly furious, "Tang Hao, I cannot believe you still dare to show yourself publicly!"
"Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, I cannot believe you two dare to directly oppose us!"
Tang Hao's weathered face showed a hint of obvious displeasure, "A chrysanthemum and a little ghost—does Spirit Hall only know how to engage in such sneaky and underhanded tactics?"
Ning Fengzhi ignored Chrysanthemum Douluo's threats and instead looked directly at Tang Hao in the distance, "Brother Tang, it's been quite some time since we last met. I didn't expect your imposing demeanor to remain as impressive as ever after all these difficult years."
Tang Hao's face showed a hint of bitter self-mockery, "I'm just a broken and crippled man now, but Spirit Hall will absolutely not be allowed to harm my son."
Ning Fengzhi didn't offer any additional comments after hearing this declaration, and although both Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were visibly angry and frustrated, with three opposing Titled Douluo now present, their original plan could no longer be successfully executed.
They ultimately issued threatening warnings and departed the area with obvious reluctance and disappointment.
Tang Hao and Ning Fengzhi exchanged meaningful glances; it was unclear what they might have silently communicated, but Tang Hao eventually turned and walked away as if nothing significant had occurred.
Yang Xiong seemed to realize something important and quickly looked toward Xue Qinghe, who at this moment had completely lost his usual elegant composure, with a hint of unmistakable resentment even showing in his eyes as he stared intently at Tang Hao's retreating figure.
However, Xue Qinghe seemed to quickly notice Yang Xiong's observant gaze.
His previously resentful expression suddenly turned somewhat pale and uncertain, but then quickly became exceptionally calm and controlled again.
Subsequently, the entire caravan underwent a thorough inspection and damage assessment, revealing no significant losses, particularly among the team members, who sustained almost no injuries, with only a few minor ones that were expected to heal quickly.
Xue Qinghe then personally comforted all the students, displaying the proper demeanor of a Crown Prince and demonstrating an attitude of treating worthy individuals with appropriate respect.
However, once the group had returned to the safety of their carriage, Yang Xiong spoke with a serious and questioning tone, "Brother Qinghe, why did it seem like you viewed that particular Titled Douluo just now as if he were your father's killer? Do you harbor some personal feud with him?"
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This is the final chapter. I am discontinuing this book because I discovered its plot is too similar to another author's story.
I am starting a new book called "Douluo Dalu: My Strength Comes From Your Anguish." Please check my profile for the announcement and the new story.
Thank you for your support.