"Little San, what's wrong? You look so pale," Ye Yin said with feigned concern. "Were you too tired from the match just now? Do you want Jiang Zhu to take a look at you? Or maybe Rongrong can help you heal."
[Resentment from Tang San +99!]
Tang San felt as if a mouthful of old blood was stuck in his throat. He gritted his teeth and forced out a few words. "N-nothing! Thank you for your concern, Yin Ge!"
Up on the high platform, Bibi Dong had watched the entire dramatic scene unfold below. A subtle twitch appeared at the corner of her usually stoic mouth, almost forming a smile.
"The tournament is over. Everyone is dismissed," she announced coolly.
Without looking at anyone else, she turned and walked back toward the Supreme Pontiff Palace, accompanied by Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo.
[Resentment from Bibi Dong +10!]
The grand, eventful, and dramatic All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament finally came to a close. It ended with Shrek Academy rising to the top, Ye Yin returning as a triumphant hero, and Tang San filled with a bitter mix of regret and remorse.
Every magnificent celebration must eventually end. Leaving the noise of Spirit City behind them, the group from Shrek Academy, laden with glory and three heavy Spirit Bones, began their journey back to Heaven Dou City under the escort of the Royal Knights.
They had arrived full of youthful energy, and now they returned as champions, famous throughout the entire continent. All along their route, people lined the streets to welcome them, and the sound of cheering never stopped.
"Shrek! Champions!"
"Curse King Ye Yin!"
Ma Hongjun stuck out his belly and waved back proudly to the crowds. Dai Mubai, though trying to remain composed, couldn't hide the excitement shining in his eyes. Zhu Zhuqing sat quietly in a corner of the carriage, playing with the pale blue speed-type Spirit Bone in her hand. Her cool eyes would occasionally glance over at Ye Yin, who was resting with his eyes closed.
Ning Rongrong chattered excitedly with Xiao Wu, sharing the joy of their victorious return. Meanwhile, Oscar kept pestering Ye Yin, asking him to describe the feeling of using a Martial Soul Fusion Skill again and again, wanting to know if it was enjoyable, and how it compared to being intimate with someone.
Only Tang San, despite having a smile on his face, couldn't hide the pang of heartache and regret deep in his eyes. Whenever he saw Ye Yin or even thought of that Wisdom Skull, the corner of his mouth would twitch involuntarily.
[Resentment from Tang San +10!]
Ye Yin merely smiled faintly at this, keeping his thoughts to himself.
Upon their return to Heaven Dou City, they were, of course, met with a grand welcoming ceremony. The Heaven Dou Imperial Palace was brightly lit, and beautiful music filled the air. A magnificent banquet to celebrate Shrek Academy's victory was already underway.
Inside the splendid hall, imperial ministers and high-ranking nobles had gathered. Their gazes were all focused on the members of the Shrek team who stood in the center of the hall. Despite their rather plain green uniforms, they radiated an unstoppable youthful energy.
Emperor Xue Ye sat on the main throne, his face showing genuine joy and approval. Crown Prince Xue Qinghe stood beside him, his gentle gaze sweeping over everyone before lingering for an extra moment on Ye Yin. Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin sat in the VIP section, watching Ning Rongrong with proud smiles. Flender was beaming with excitement, and even the usually reserved Yu Xiaogang showed a relieved smile.
During the banquet, Emperor Xue Ye made a formal announcement: the Empire would now fully support Shrek Academy, officially listing it as the Empire's highest educational institution. It would enjoy the same resources and political support as the Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
Flender couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear; his lifelong wish had finally come true! Shrek Academy was no longer a small, makeshift school.
Besides this, there was an even more important matter to attend to: the granting of territories.
After three rounds of drinks, when the atmosphere was at its peak, Emperor Xue Ye gently set down his golden goblet. His majestic voice, amplified by a spirit tool, echoed throughout the grand hall.
"Everyone!"
The hall instantly fell silent, and all eyes turned to the supreme ruler of the Empire.
"Today's banquet is, first, to celebrate our Heaven Dou Empire's own Shrek Academy for upholding our nation's honor and reaching the very pinnacle of the Spirit Master Tournament! Second, it is to reward these young talents who have brought immeasurable glory to our Empire!"
His gaze swept over the Shrek Seven Devils, filled with undisguised admiration. "I once said that if you won the championship, the captain and vice-captain would be granted earldoms, and the other team members would be granted viscountcies! An Emperor's word is law!"
Emperor Xue Ye's voice suddenly rose, filled with imperial majesty and generosity. "Today, right here, I shall fulfill my promise and bestow upon you the glory and territories you deserve!"
A low murmur of surprise and envy rippled through the nobles in the hall. Earls! Viscounts! And with territories! In the Empire's strict noble hierarchy, this was an incredibly high honor for anyone, let alone ones so young. For commoners like Ye Yin, Xiao Wu, Tang San, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar, it was a leap that would instantly change their lives.
An attendant, holding scrolls and seals that had been prepared in advance, respectfully walked to the center of the hall. Emperor Xue Ye stood up, personally picked up the first scroll, and looked directly at Ye Yin.
"Shrek Academy team captain, Ye Yin! A natural genius, unparalleled in wisdom and courage! During the tournament, he strategized brilliantly, overcame powerful enemies, and made immense contributions! He is hereby granted the title of Imperial Earl, with the noble title Yin Feng! His bestowed territory will be Yin Feng City, in the southwestern province of the Empire!"
The scroll was unfurled, clearly outlining a city located on the southwestern border, near the outer edge of the Star Dou Great Forest. Although the territory wasn't particularly rich, it was vast, including mountains, rivers, and a small plain. More importantly, it was relatively independent and far from the Empire's center of power, but also close to several other kingdoms. Its name had been specially changed to Yin Feng City to honor its new lord.
The attendant respectfully handed the seal symbolizing an earl's status and the territorial documents to Ye Yin.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's grace," Ye Yin said with a slight bow, accepting them with both hands. He still wore that gentle, harmless smile.
Emperor Xue Ye nodded with satisfaction and picked up the second scroll. "Vice-captain, Dai Mubai! Brave and resolute, with the might of a White Tiger! On the battlefield, he charged forward, fearless of death! He is hereby granted the title of Imperial Earl, with the noble title Muyang! His bestowed territory will be Muyang City, in the central province of the Empire!"
Dai Mubai's territory was in a prosperous area with convenient transportation, but it was also very close to Heaven Dou City. The Emperor had long known of Dai Mubai's royal background in another empire and placing his fiefdom nearby made it easier to keep an eye on him.
Dai Mubai took a deep breath to suppress his excitement, stepped forward, and said in a clear voice, "Dai Mubai thanks Your Majesty for this great favor!"
Immediately after, the Emperor continued. "Team member, Zhu Zhuqing! Sharp and decisive, a shadow of the Netherworld! Her achievements were outstanding! She is hereby granted the title of Imperial Viscount, with the noble title Youying! Her bestowed territory will be Youying City, in the southwestern province of the Empire!"
Youying City was located very close to Ye Yin's Yin Feng City. A slight ripple of emotion showed on Zhu Zhuqing's cool face as she stepped forward, bowed, and accepted her seal and documents.
"Team member, Ning Rongrong! With the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile, her support was unparalleled! Her contributions were indispensable! She is hereby granted the title of Imperial Viscount, with the noble title Liuli! Her bestowed territory will be Liuli City, in the southwestern province of the Empire!"
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