When Li Chang'an's team wrapped up their match, the bout between Spirit Hall Academy and the Heaven Dou Royal Academy kicked off on the adjacent stage. Even without Hu Liena, Yan and Xie Yue lived up to their reputations as standard-bearers.
The rest of Spirit Hall Academy's members were all Rank 48+, with Yan and Xie Yue at Spirit King level. Their victory was, frankly, routine.
After a series of fierce contests, the Top Four emerged: Shrek Academy, Godwind Academy, Spirit Hall Academy, and Crimson Rose Academy. Given the caliber of these four, Pope Bibi Dong decreed that the semifinals would be held before the Pope's Hall, with the two winners advancing to the final.
Public opinion quickly anointed Crimson Rose Academy as tournament favorite. Counting Li Chang'an, they boasted three Spirit rings at the ten-thousand-year level. Spirit Hall Academy, by comparison, had only two such rings on the field.
That said, Spirit Hall Academy's performance still stunned the arena; no one doubted their strength anymore. Expressions grew solemn across the stands. At this point, aside from Crimson Rose, few teams dared even dream of the title.
Even Shrek Academy's ambitions cooled; a runner-up finish now seemed uncertain.
The Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament had reached its endgame—and a boiling point. Those still standing were, without question, the strongest of their generation. Spirit Hall's Golden Generation and Crimson Rose Academy in particular revealed just how far a spirit master's potential could be pushed.
Some spectators wondered why the Saintess and Holy Son hadn't taken the field—but the sharp-eyed already suspected the reason.
That evening, the members of Crimson Rose retired to their individual rooms—Spirit Hall's lodging arrangements were excellent. Tomorrow's semifinal opponents would be determined by a pre-match draw; whoever the foe, rest and peak condition were paramount.
Li Chang'an knocked on Xiao Wu's door. Fresh from washing up, Xiao Wu opened with a bright smile and tugged him inside to sit.
"Big brother, what are you doing here? The semifinal's tomorrow—you should be resting." She was lively as ever, but her eyes searched his face for an answer.
"I came to tell you something important," Li Chang'an said, voice steady. "Tomorrow we'll meet the Pope. I know the broad strokes of your situation. You must keep calm—no rash moves."
"I told you before: I'll find a way to bring your mother back. I have one now."
"Really?" Xiao Wu's breath caught, excitement breaking through her composure.
Li Chang'an nodded. "I wouldn't lie to you." He raised a hand and released Soul Ring Rebirth. A soft seven-colored radiance flowed from him, brimming with vitality. He didn't bind it to a ring—this was only to show her.
He hadn't revived Xiao Wu's mother—yet—but the life force woven into the technique was unmistakable. Xiao Wu had long trusted him; he was forever producing the impossible. This time was no different.
"Thank you," she whispered, eyes turning misty. She drew closer and, with a shy glance, changed into a simple gray dress—elegant, airy, and modest. With her long hair loose, the girlish charm faded into a quieter grace.
—
Morning sunlight bathed the Pope's Hall, the gilded façade gleaming like a celestial abode. Two ranks of Temple Knights lined the slope from the hall's doors down the mountain, silver armor and heavy blades lending the entire precinct a solemn majesty.
Eliminated teams had already departed and were not permitted to witness the final day's battles. Only the truest young elites could set foot on the square before the Pope's Hall. Civilian spectators from earlier rounds were guided to a separate venue to watch.
At first light, the four semifinalists assembled on the square. The academies' teachers were barred from the floor and waited at the perimeter.
Twenty-one competitors stood silently, awaiting the decisive hour.
Led by Xie Yue, Spirit Hall Academy looked the most relaxed—but their eyes shone with faith: faith in Spirit Hall, faith in the Pope.
Shrek Academy maintained a deliberately low profile; their seven lined up—Dai Mubai, Tang San, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, Jiangzhu, Huang Yuan, Zhang San—and said little.
Crimson Rose Academy wore coordinated crimson uniforms. Low-key or not, they still drew every gaze. Li Chang'an, the team's lone male, looked as composed and confident as ever—if a touch tired. Beside him, Xiao Wu's steps were light but betrayed the faintest tremor.
The square before the Pope's Hall was no smaller than the main tournament arena. Its stonework gleamed with a soft luster—not true jade, but far beyond common rock—testament to Spirit Hall's awe-inspiring resources.
Since Spirit Hall had spearheaded soul tool research, their coffers had swelled; in the realm of soul tools, they were, in practice, a monopoly.
From a side gate, a procession emerged: twelve red-robed bishops, ranked just below the white-gold bishops, paced forward and took position by the doors—six to a side.
The leader's voice rang out: "His Holiness the Pope approaches."
"Long live! Long live! Long live!"
The triple shout rolled like thunder across Spirit City.