Li Chang'an's complexion looked pale, his steps unsteady as he swayed slightly — yet his gaze remained firm and cold, as though declaring to everyone present: I am the final victor.
The stands immediately erupted into chaos. From the common seats to the VIP platform, noise and confusion swept across the arena.
Especially those spirit masters who had believed that Blue Sunshine Academy had truly unleashed the legendary Seven-in-One Martial Soul Fusion Technique — their jaws now hung slack with shock. When that radiant column of light enveloped Crimson Rose's members, most had assumed the match was already decided.
Yet against all expectation, Crimson Rose once again surprised the world. Even a technique that resembled a divine skill could not overcome them.
When the referee announced the final result, his body trembled. After assessment by several veteran experts in the Spirit Master world, the conclusion was grim: the Blue Sunshine team had suffered spirit-skill backlash. From this day forward, their seven competitors would be confined to bed, with many likely reduced to vegetative states.
Though the tournament's rules clearly forbid crippling or killing opponents, spirit-skill backlash was no one's fault. Still, such catastrophic consequences had never occurred before.
Ignoring the countless stares, Li Chang'an and his companions helped one another down from the stage, moving slowly.
They were met with cheers fit for heroes. The Crimson Rose team had once again defended their reputation with strength alone. Twelve consecutive victories — an achievement unmatched by any other.
Moments later, Liu Erlong, Miao Ling, and Ning Rongrong rushed up, followed even by Flender and Zhao Wuji from afar.
After all, they hadn't been on stage themselves and couldn't know how easily the match had actually been won. Seeing their companions looking drained, they naturally assumed the worst.
Even though Li Chang'an had quietly transmitted a reassuring message earlier, their concern was real.
"We're fine, don't worry. Rongrong, release your martial soul and give us a boost — make it look like we're recovering our spirit power." Li Chang'an gave Flender and the others a calming glance before speaking to Ning Rongrong.
Obediently, Ning Rongrong activated her Nine-Treasure Pagoda to grant amplifications. Only then did she notice that the team's soul power reserves were still completely full. With that, the group slowly made their way back to the rest area.
As soon as they entered, hundreds of eyes locked onto them. When someone outside had shouted the words Seven-in-One Martial Soul Fusion Technique, nearly every other academy had rushed out to witness it. Naturally, they had all seen the result.
The Fire twins of Blaze Academy had seen. Godwind Academy's Feng Xiaotian had seen.
The match had not lasted long, and few had observed the exact moment of Crimson Rose's victory. But everyone had seen the ending.
Not everyone had Ning Fengzhi's discerning eye. To the majority of students, the phrase Seven-in-One Martial Soul Fusion Technique alone carried an overwhelming impact.
And yet, Blue Sunshine had still lost. Even after unleashing that overwhelming technique, they had still lost.
What struck them most was that, while Blue Sunshine was preparing the fusion skill, Crimson Rose hadn't even moved — simply standing there and allowing them to build power.
Though in the end only Li Chang'an remained standing, the fact remained: Crimson Rose had defeated a supposed Seven-in-One fusion. That reality was difficult for many to accept — none more so than Huo Wu.
Feng Xiaotian looked at the staggering figure of Li Chang'an, his heart thudding uneasily.
'He… he resisted a Seven-in-One Martial Soul Fusion Technique? Is he really under twenty-five? This is monstrous!'
Only yesterday, he had brimmed with confidence, certain that Huo Wu would soon be his girlfriend. After what he had just witnessed, that confidence crumbled. Gazing at Li Chang'an's back, his eyes lost focus.
Once his teammates were settled, Li Chang'an turned, facing the countless stares in the rest area. Calmly, he spoke a single sentence:
"You don't need to look at me that way. That was not a true Seven-in-One Martial Soul Fusion Technique. You can think of it as a Seven-in-One combined skill."
Without further explanation, he returned to sit among his companions, closing his eyes to meditate.
That one line was enough. It pulled him back from the realm of gods into the realm of men. Many breathed sighs of relief.
After resting for a time, the Crimson Rose team left the rest area. Their auras were steady, showing no serious damage — clearly not as badly injured as some had assumed.
Watching them depart, the competitors broke into heated discussion.
They were eager to believe Li Chang'an's explanation. After all, defeating a true Seven-in-One Martial Soul Fusion was impossible when soul power levels were roughly equal. Such a technique was something of legend.
For the audience, it had been a visual feast. But for those with sharper minds, today's battle raised troubling questions. Many forces were now pondering how exactly Crimson Rose had won.
On the VIP platform, Platinum Bishop Salas rubbed his temples at the sight of Blue Sunshine's ruined team.
'The Holy Son… still so reckless. Seven students, reduced to vegetables…'
Sighing, he popped another pill into his mouth.
'So exhausting. I don't want to be Platinum Bishop anymore. Maybe I should switch places with Murong Chuxue in the Star Luo Empire.'
Soon after, word spread: all seven of Blue Sunshine's competitors had lost their mental faculties, reduced to idiots. The academy filed a formal protest to the tournament committee, demanding severe punishment for Crimson Rose.
In response, a special investigation group was established by the Heaven Dou Empire and the Spirit Hall together, tasked with probing both sides. The Spirit Hall in Heaven Dou City even dispatched two Spirit Saints specialized in healing to treat Blue Sunshine's students.
But the human brain is the body's most intricate organ, far beyond the reach of ordinary healing techniques. The mysteries of the spiritual world remain unsolved to this day. Even the Spirit Hall's efforts proved fruitless. Salas could only sigh that he had done all he could.
Back at the academy, Crimson Rose's members lounged on sofas, sipping juice with satisfaction. But aside from Li Chang'an, every face carried a trace of worry — even Hu Liena.
After all, Li Chang'an had gone a bit too far this time. In broad daylight, seven people had been reduced to imbeciles. With the committee sending investigators, the gravity of the matter was clear.
For those who didn't know Li Chang'an's true identity, their anxiety was even heavier. Liu Erlong, especially, wore a troubled look.
"Enough. Don't be so serious. It's just a small matter, and it wasn't even our fault." Li Chang'an chuckled, sipping his juice as he slid an arm around Meng Yiran's waist.
He knew full well who was coming — his dear father-in-law, and his "good colleague" Salas. What was there to be afraid of? It was nothing but procedure.
"Not serious? Changsheng, you were too reckless! You turned seven people into idiots. If the committee insists on pursuing this…" Liu Erlong tapped his forehead with her jade-like finger, exasperated.
Just then, Miao Ling rushed in to report:
"The committee investigators are here!"