Chapter 78: Stopping the Beggar's Scheme
Tang San's self-justification only fueled the fury of the Spirit Hall members.
But none of them could refute him.
After all, fragments of an external soul bone technically did not count as hidden weapons.
Bibi Dong stared at the several poisoned members lying across the plaza.
Seeing their pained expressions, a faint trace of worry flashed through her eyes.
With both of her martial souls being spider-type, she understood the potency of spider venom better than anyone. She could remain cold and indifferent toward the lives of most people—but when it came to Hu Liena, she could not ignore even the slightest danger.
Hu Liena was her carefully nurtured disciple, someone she regarded as the future successor to the pope's throne—almost like her own daughter.
Bibi Dong would never allow Hu Liena to suffer in agony while she stood by and watched.
"Xiao Gang, is this the good disciple you taught?"
Threatened by Tang San, Bibi Dong felt genuine irritation. But inwardly, she also had to admit that Tang San resembled her in certain ways—both were willing to use any means necessary to achieve their goals.
"This match ends here. Tang San, immediately detoxify them."
Her voice was icy and commanding, leaving no room for discussion.
With this loss, Spirit Hall Academy had completely fallen out of contention for the championship. The red-robed bishops wore expressions of shame, yet none could argue.
Tang San slowly descended from the sky, crimson blood streaming down his back.
Oscar and Ning Rongrong hurried forward.
"Third Brother, are you okay?!"
"It's just a small injury. Winning this match makes everything worth it."
Tang San suppressed the pain, unable to hide his excitement.
Standing beside Bibi Dong, Ning Fengzhi swept his gaze over Tang San.
"Your Holiness, Tang San is seriously injured. He likely won't be able to detoxify them immediately. Allow me to treat him first."
Bibi Dong gave a slight nod, granting her approval.
Ning Fengzhi released his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. From the shimmering pagoda, a multicolored radiance drifted outward, descending gently upon Tang San.
Tang San sat cross-legged, instantly feeling a warm current flow through his entire body. Much of the pain and exhaustion dissipated under this healing force.
Moments later, he rose and walked toward the poisoned members of the Spirit Hall Team.
Gui Mei knew exactly what kind of person Tang San was—sinister, calculating, and treacherous.
During the process of "detoxifying" the Spirit Hall members, Tang San would likely seize the opportunity to siphon off their life force, affecting their future cultivation.
Gui Mei did not care about most of the poisoned members. But Xie Yue, Hu Liena, and Yan were different—they had been raised under his and Yue Guan's watch since childhood. Privately, they called him "Grandpa Ghost." He held affection for them, whether he admitted it or not.
He could not simply stand by and allow Tang San to take advantage of them.
"Do you people actually trust Tang San to detoxify them? His Dark Blue Silver Grass and his spider lances both have devouring properties. Who knows what he might do once he gets close?"
Hearing this, Flender roared:
"What nonsense! Xiao San is saving people—what does that have to do with you?! Stop slandering him and stirring trouble!"
Gui Mei shot Flender a disdainful glance and snorted coldly:
"Ignorant fool. Whether I'm slandering him or not… he knows very well in his own heart."
"You—!"
Humiliated by someone so much younger, Flender trembled with rage, ready to strike.
Yu Xiaogang quickly stopped him.
"Flender, calm down. Don't let him provoke you."
Gui Mei's reminder seemed to trigger something in Bibi Dong. A flicker of suspicion flashed in her deep, penetrating eyes.
Her voice turned even colder:
"Tang San, detoxify them. But if their bodies show any abnormality in the future, I will hold you responsible. See to it that you conduct yourself properly."
"Your Holiness, you worry too much."
Tang San wore a faint smile, but his heart was already in turmoil.
He never expected that his little scheme would actually be noticed.
Tang San picked up a shard of his spider spear from the ground, walked to Hu Liena's side, and pierced the fragment into her shoulder.
Hu Liena's complexion quickly shifted—
The purple-black hue gradually faded away.
Then Tang San detoxified Xie Yue and the others using the same method.
After Bibi Dong's warning, he naturally didn't dare siphon any of their life force.
Soon after, Tai Long helped the blood-soaked Tang San off the stage.
Yu Xiaogang rushed forward, eyes filled with pride and relief as he looked at Tang San.
"Xiao San, you did it. Children, congratulations— you've officially advanced to the final!"
The Shrek members exchanged delighted looks, excitement spreading through them.
On the other side, the defeated Spirit Hall team wore expressions marked by deep frustration.
They were the renowned Golden Generation, brimming with confidence—yet they had failed to reach the grand final.
Standing atop the platform, Bibi Dong maintained the stern dignity of a Pope, but inside, her emotions churned violently.
The defeat of the Golden Generation was a devastating blow to Spirit Hall's prestige.
It was not only her personal humiliation—
It was the humiliation of the entire Spirit Hall.
Her gaze drifted toward the Shrek team's direction. By sheer coincidence, her eyes met Yu Xiaogang's.
Their gazes intertwined, carrying complex emotions.
Although Shrek's victory brought her frustration and unwillingness, seeing her former lover lead a team to triumph against overwhelming odds—with brilliant tactics and leadership—she couldn't help but feel a faint, reluctant admiration.
"Xiao Gang… you've finally proven your worth. As expected of the man I once chose. I wonder… what surprises you'll bring in tomorrow's final…"
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The Final Battle Arrives
Gui Mei and the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's Second Team arrived at the plaza before the Pope's Palace.
Xie Yue, Hu Liena, and Yan walked up to him.
As one of the tournament's top three teams, Spirit Hall Academy was qualified to watch the showdown between the Heaven Dou Royal Academy Second Team and Shrek Academy.
Yan looked at Gui Mei and said:
"Wuming, you're incredibly strong. We lost to you before, but we accepted that loss wholeheartedly. You tried to warn us… Yet we were still tricked by that despicable, shameless beggar. I hope you beat him up in the finals—win the championship for us."
"I won't let those three soul bones fall into his hands. Just wait and enjoy the show."
Hu Liena asked softly:
"Wuming, with your strength, staying in the Heaven Dou Empire is such a waste. Have you ever considered joining Spirit Hall?"
Gui Mei smiled and shook his head.
"I won't serve any faction. I'm only nominally part of Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Once the tournament ends, I won't have any further connection to them."
"...I see."
Though she tried to hide it, Hu Liena's tone revealed a hint of disappointment.
Xie Yue spoke:
"It's hard to imagine how powerful you actually are. Who knows what other tricks that sly little beggar might use? His spider poison is terrifying—be careful."
"Even if his spider venom was ten times stronger, it wouldn't harm me."
Gui Mei said calmly, then continued walking toward the center of the plaza.
Watching his fading silhouette, Hu Liena sighed softly.
"What a shame… he's not a member of Spirit Hall…"
The Shrek group soon arrived as well.
Thanks to Ning Fengzhi's healing and the regenerative power of the Blue Silver Emperor's right leg bone, Tang San had mostly recovered— though the severed spider lances would take some time to regrow.
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End of Chapter