Zhi Lin shot a sideways glance at Tang San.
He didn't even bother to respond and instead turned to Tang Lan—
"Sect Master Tang, your talent is truly admirable.
Today, the Heaven Dou Imperial Battle Team lost because of arrogance.
We will challenge you again in the future—please make sure to accept."
Hearing this, Yu Tianheng's battle intent surged as he gazed at Tang Lan.
A free sparring partner?
Would Tang Lan refuse?
"Tang Sect Academy is right here." Tang Lan smiled.
"Heaven Dou Imperial Battle Team can come for a match anytime."
"In fact, our Tang Sect Academy's second team is also quite strong."
Zhi Lin frowned, displeased.
What did that mean?
Was his Heaven Dou Imperial Battle Team's main squad only worthy of fighting their second team?
"The second team's captain is Level 38.
She has a top-tier beast martial soul—Condensing Water Flying Luan.
She and her sister even have a martial soul fusion technique."
Tang Lan explained.
Zhi Lin's eyes sharpened!
Just hearing about it, he knew—this team was exceptional!
Was this really just their second team's lineup?!
Most people's main teams wouldn't even compare!
But remembering Tang Lan's Tang Sect Encyclopedia,
Which had drawn countless talented individuals under his wing,
Zhi Lin could only shake his head and sigh.
"This era belongs to the Tang Sect."
"I won't embarrass myself further. I take my leave!"
He led the defeated Heaven Dou Imperial Battle Team off the stage, dejected.
Within the retreating team,
Ma Hongjun glared hatefully at Tang Sect Academy, his face twisted with resentment!
All these honors, all these soul bones—
Shouldn't he have had a share?!
But no one paid him any attention.
Meanwhile, Tang San and the others surrounded Tang Lan and Zhu Zhuqing.
"Brother! What's the deal with that soul bone?"
Tang San couldn't wait to ask—
"A 30,000-year torso bone! Why can't anyone else absorb it?"
His question earned contemptuous looks from the group.
If you want it, just say so.
Why beat around the bush?
Zhu Zhuqing's gaze turned ice-cold.
—She had already received the soul bone.
Yet he was still eyeing it?
"Little Third, this isn't up to me."
Tang Lan shrugged—
"My bet with Education Committee Member Zhi Lin was that the winning team would freely choose one recipient."
"Zhi Lin chose to give this torso bone—I had no say in his decision."
"As for my own reward…"
Tang Lan scanned the group,
His gaze landing on Dai Mubai.
He flicked his finger—a glowing sphere of spiritual energy shot forward.
"This is my chosen prize—one person will receive the full version of Tang Sect's Nine Yang Divine Skill."
Key point—
The Tang Sect only had an incomplete three-layer version.
But the complete nine-layer version?
That was Tang Lan's personal treasure.
Dai Mubai absorbed the spiritual sphere, his face lighting up with joy!
The second level's marrow cleansing,
The third level's pure Yang refinement—
They were practically tailor-made for him!
"Thank you, Sect Master!"
With that—
The distribution of the Demon Nether Mutant Torso Bone was settled.
[Host has caused Tang San to miss out on the Demon Nether Mutant Torso Bone, which has instead gone to Zhu Zhuqing—stealing a portion of Tang San's fate!]
[Reward: 3,000-Year External Soul Bone—Annihilation Scorpion Left Foot Bone!]
Perfect!
Another external soul bone!
Once he absorbed a left leg bone, his entire lower body would be complete.
At that moment,
Dou Dou finally snapped back to reality and resumed her role as host.
"Despite some unexpected events, let us congratulate Tang Sect Academy for winning this exchange match!"
"Now, let us invite His Majesty Xue Ye to present the awards to the victors!"
With that,
She wobbled off the stage, her long, pale legs trembling.
—Hosting an academy exchange match…
—How did this escalate to three Title Douluos appearing?!
From his throne,
Emperor Xue Ye surveyed Tang Sect Academy's team with satisfaction.
"Congratulations, the future pillars of the empire!"
"The Empire will award Tang Sect Academy 20 million gold soul coins for academy development!"
"Guaranteed entry into the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament!"
"And—four soul bones!"
At that moment—
Tang San and the others' eyes blazed with excitement!!!
Four soul bones?!
Oh my god!
They stared at the four floating soul bones on the ceremonial tray held by Emperor Xue Ye's attendant.
Besides the Flying Silver Fox Right Leg Bone and the Titan Giant Ape Head Bone—
There were two more soul bones that were completely unfamiliar!
Especially that white soul bone—
Its aura was strong enough to rival the Titan Giant Ape Head Bone!
It was either from a legendary beast—
Or at least 10,000 years old!
Everyone's eyes turned green with envy!
But Emperor Xue Ye continued as if he hadn't noticed—
"Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Meng Yiran—
—I grant you the title of hereditary baron."
"Tang San—I grant you the title of hereditary viscount."
At once, imperial guards stepped forward—
Presenting their noble tokens and personally tailored ceremonial robes.
Key point—
These robes were tailor-made.
At this point, who couldn't see that the rewards had been prepared in advance?
So this so-called exchange match—
Was just a prearranged performance.
After Zhu Zhuqing and the others knelt to express their gratitude—
Emperor Xue Ye once again presented the Vast Sea Cosmic Barrier, beckoning Tang Lan forward.
Activating his soul bone's flight ability, Tang Lan soared up to meet the Emperor.
"Tang Sect Master, Tang Lan! You have defended the Empire's borders and nurtured such outstanding talents!"
"Thus, We bestow upon you the hereditary title of Count, along with the national treasure—the Vast Sea Cosmic Barrier!"
"Furthermore, you are granted the privilege of standing before the royal family without bowing!"
"We hope Count Tang will continue to serve, ensuring the Empire's glorious future!"
At that moment, Qian Renxue stepped forward, personally draping the Count's ceremonial robe over Tang Lan's shoulders.
"Congratulations, Count Tang. From now on, the Empire shall rely on you."
Tang Lan grinned, leaning in to whisper near Qian Renxue's ear—
"Your Highness, since you've shown sincerity, I shall serve you with all my heart."
—But don't think you can buy me over with just a few sweet words.
Qian Renxue nodded slightly but didn't linger.
Tang Lan first stored the four soul bones into his Blue King,
Then, with utmost care, he accepted the artifact he had long desired—
The Vast Sea Cosmic Barrier!
Yet, the system notification did not sound.
It seemed the artifact required acknowledgment before it could take effect.
This realization sparked a thought in Tang Lan's mind…
"Count Tang,"
Emperor Xue Ye sighed as he spoke—
"This artifact has been the Empire's national treasure for decades.
Even after years of study, We have yet to unlock its secrets."
"Historical records state that one must infuse soul power into it. If it recognizes you, its powers will naturally be revealed."
"We hope it will be of use to you."
Tang Lan merely smiled, stowing away the Vast Sea Cosmic Barrier into his Blue King.
With a slight bow, he said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the guidance. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."
Emperor Xue Ye nodded, granting him permission.
Without hesitation, Tang Lan turned and walked away.
He had already taken most of the Heavenly Dou Royal Family's treasures.
It was time for Emperor Xue Ye to "exit the stage."
Returning to the rest area, Tang Lan was met with a group of expectant gazes.
"You really want to distribute these out here, in public?"
"Let's go back to the lounge."
Upon arriving at the private resting area,
Tang Lan wasted no time—he took out the four soul bones.
After some thought,
He picked up the white soul bone.
"The Demon Claw Splitting Right Leg Bone—born from an 11,000-year-old Mystic Qilin Beast.
Its soul skills focus on AOE attacks, emphasizing overwhelming force."
"It has a unique passive ability—'Dual Casting.'
By consuming double the soul power, the user can instantly replicate their last attack."
"In theory, any type of soul master can utilize it."
Instantly!
The eyes of Dai Mubai and the others locked onto the Demon Claw Splitting Right Leg Bone!
However, Ning Rongrong stepped forward, slightly regretful.
"None of these four soul bones are gem-based, so I'll withdraw from the competition."
Her words instantly won the favor of the other five.
"Alright then." Tang Lan nodded.
"In the future, if we obtain any gem-type soul bones, Rongrong gets first priority."
Ning Rongrong smiled sweetly and stepped back into the group.
Now,
Only Tang San, Zhu Zhuqing, Oscar, Dai Mubai, and Meng Yiran remained as contenders.
Zhu Zhuqing hesitated for a moment before stepping forward.
"I already received the Demon Nether Mutant Torso Bone, so I'll sit this one out."
Good!
The remaining four instantly brightened up!
Now, wasn't it one soul bone per person?!
Any lingering resentment about Zhu Zhuqing receiving the 30,000-year soul bone vanished instantly.
"Alright then, that works." Tang Lan nodded.
"These four soul bones will go to the four of you."
"I'll distribute them based on your abilities."
"Any objections?"
Oscar and Meng Yiran, overjoyed, nodded furiously.
They had thought they were just along for the ride—
Who knew they'd actually get a soul bone?!
How could they possibly have any complaints?
Dai Mubai also nodded.
With the complete Nine Yang Divine Skill in his hands,
He was already beyond satisfied.
This soul bone was just a bonus.
Only Tang San hesitated slightly…
A pre-selected distribution?
Did that mean his brother had already chosen which soul bone to give him?
(End of Chapter)
Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X