Above the canyon, four Titled Douluo-level auras stood like four silent mountains, locked in a distant standoff that seemed to freeze the very air. Below, the sounds of battle gradually subsided. The remaining black-clad figures, led by their respective commanders, began an orderly retreat toward both ends of the canyon, leaving behind a ground littered with corpses and wounded. The Royal Knights and the teachers and students from the various academies finally caught their breath. Gathering together in shock, they tended to the injured, warily watched the retreating black-clad figures, and gazed up with even greater reverence at the powerful figures in the sky.
Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan's expression shifted uncertainly. His gaze swept over Chen Xin, Li Zhaoyan, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo (who, though not fully releasing his aura, still posed a palpable threat), and the Royal Knights standing ready below. In today's situation, there was no possibility of success. Forcing a fight would not only mean mission failure, but he and Gui Mei might even be trapped here. As an elder of the Spirit Hall, while his methods were ruthless, he also understood the importance of assessing the situation.
"Hmph!" Yue Guan let out an unwilling snort through his nose. His gaze swept venomously over the Shrek Academy carriage, then lingered deeply on the father and son pair in the direction of the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy. Finally, he turned to Gui Mei beside him, whose aura still seemed somewhat unstable, and barked in a low voice, "Gui Mei, we're leaving!"
The black mist surrounding Gui Mei rippled slightly. His eyes, hidden in the shadows, gazed deeply at Li Zhaoyan—who held his spear with a calm expression—with a mix of wariness and venomous resentment, as if determined to firmly imprint this opponent who had caused him a hidden loss and mental injury into his memory. Without another word, his figure flickered, transforming into a nearly invisible wisp of black smoke. He took the lead, streaking toward the canyon exit with astonishing speed, vanishing among the chaotic rocks and shadows in the blink of an eye.
Yue Guan also did not linger. He turned coldly in the direction of Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi and said, "The Spirit Hall will remember today's events!" With that, his body transformed into a golden light, closely following Gui Mei. After a few flashes, he disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only the gradually fading rich floral fragrance and the residual Imposing Aura of a Titled Douluo hanging in the air.
With the retreat of the two Spirit Hall Titled Douluos, the suffocating pressure within the canyon finally dissipated for the most part. Many students and teachers felt their legs go weak, nearly collapsing to the ground as they gasped for air, their faces etched with lingering fear.
"Dad!" A cry filled with tears and joy rang out. Ning Rongrong could no longer hold back. She ran out from the Shrek Academy ranks and, like a young swallow returning to its nest, threw herself toward the moon-white figure on the hillside, burying herself in Ning Fengzhi's embrace, her delicate frame still trembling slightly. The successive shocks of the day, especially the terrifying Imposing Aura of the Titled Douluos, had truly frightened her.
The authority and calm belonging to a sect master on Ning Fengzhi's face instantly melted into paternal affection and gentleness. He gently held his daughter, patting her back to soothe her, and said with a smile, "Silly child, why are you crying? Isn't everything alright now?"
"Dad, why are you here? Did you come specifically to save us?" Ning Rongrong lifted her tear-streaked little face and asked between sobs.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head, his gaze shifting to the composed Crown Prince Xue Qinghe beside him. His tone returned to its usual elegance. "I did not come specifically to protect you. I am here under His Majesty's solemn commission to guard His Highness the Crown Prince."
His words made everyone suddenly remember. Indeed, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, as the representative of the Heavenly Dou Empire participating in the Grand Finals, though traveling together, had not made a grand display like the other academies. He had his own exclusive, seemingly plain royal carriage. However, inside the carriage, it was not just him alone—there was also the secretly accompanying Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's Sect Master Ning Fengzhi, as well as the Guardian Douluo, Sword Douluo Chen Xin!
As the imperial crown prince and future Emperor of Heavenly Dou, how could Emperor Xue Ye allow him to risk danger lightly and travel alone to a treacherous place like Spirit City? Therefore, before Xue Qinghe's departure, Emperor Xue Ye personally requested Ning Fengzhi, who had close ties with the royal family, to secretly accompany and protect him. As guardians of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo usually took turns accompanying Ning Fengzhi. This time, it happened to be Sword Douluo Chen Xin's turn, while Bone Douluo Gu Rong remained at the sect to oversee matters. It was precisely because of this that Chen Xin could arrive in time, forcing Yue Guan back with a single sword strike and saving the Shrek group.
"So that's how it is..." Upon hearing this, Flender, Yu Xiaogang, and the others felt a mix of emotions. They were grateful for Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin's timely assistance in saving Tang San and the lives of the academy members, while also secretly alarmed by the close relationship between the Heavenly Dou royal family and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, as well as the terrifying forces behind this attack—the Spirit Hall! Even the crown prince required such stringent protection, revealing the opponent's formidable strength and disregard for consequences.
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi's gaze passed over the crowd and landed on the gray figure standing at the front of the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy team—Godly Spear Douluo Li Zhaoyan, who had already descended from the carriage roof and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Marco.
"Godly Spear Douluo, it has been many years. Your cultivation has advanced to such an extent, truly astonishing," Ning Fengzhi said with sincere admiration, cupping his hands in respect. "The will and edge contained in that spear strike that repelled Gui Mei just now are already beyond the reach of ordinary Titled Douluo. In just a few short years, Your Excellency has made such progress. Fengzhi feels ashamed."
His words were not entirely polite. Li Zhaoyan had not been a Titled Douluo for very long, but the strength he displayed earlier—especially that spear strike targeting the soul and spirit, capable of countering Gui Mei's bizarre methods, as well as his ability to conceal his presence undetected even by Yue Guan and Gui Mei—revealed his profound and unfathomable foundation and terrifying potential. This was not something an ordinary newly-advanced Titled Douluo could achieve.
Li Zhaoyan's expression remained calm as he gave a slight nod to Ning Fengzhi. "Sect Master Ning praises me too highly." His gaze did not linger on Ning Fengzhi but instead turned toward Ning Rongrong, who was in Ning Fengzhi's arms and had just raised her head, her eyes still slightly red and swollen. He said calmly, "However, your daughter is blessed with profound fortune. Seven Treasures transforming into Eight—her future is immeasurable. Congratulations."
Upon hearing these words, not only did a flicker of understanding and relief pass through Ning Fengzhi's eyes, but Flender, Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong, and the Shrek Seven Devils, who had been closely following the conversation, all felt a jolt in their hearts, followed by expressions of realization and delight! They had previously speculated that Ning Rongrong had encountered a great opportunity after returning to her sect, leading to a surge in her Soul Power. Now, with the Godly Spear Douluo's revelation, they finally confirmed it—Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul had truly evolved! It had evolved into the legendary Eight Treasure Glazed Pagoda! This was the breakthrough the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School had dreamed of for centuries! No wonder Ning Fengzhi had earlier said that the "greatest benefit" Ning Rongrong gained needed to be kept secret. This was indeed joyous news that could shake the entire Soul Master Realm!
Ning Rongrong herself was momentarily stunned, then a blush of pride mixed with shyness spread across her delicate face as she bowed gracefully to Li Zhaoyan. "Thank you for your praise, Your Excellency."
Ning Fengzhi's smile deepened, his gaze toward his daughter filled with affection and pride. However, his assessment of Li Zhaoyan's strength and insight rose another notch, impressed that he could discern the change in Ning Rongrong's Martial Soul at a glance (though Ning Rongrong might have inadvertently revealed the Eight Treasure Glazed Pagoda's phantom during the earlier battle). He chuckled, "My daughter was merely fortunate to encounter an opportunity; it cannot compare to Your Excellency's diligent cultivation. We are indebted to your covert protection this time, or else our academy's team might not have remained unscathed."
After a brief exchange between the two leaders of the continent's top powers, they tacitly refrained from further discussion. The events of the day involved too much, and some matters were best left implied. Chen Xin also gave a slight nod to Li Zhaoyan. As fellow top-tier assault-type Titled Douluo, he could keenly sense the unique and powerful will contained within the other's spear, holding a measure of respect in his heart.
Soon, Li Zhaoyan whispered a few instructions to Marco before his figure flickered, vanishing silently from everyone's sight as if he had never appeared, leaving only a faint, reassuring trace of sharp spear intent behind. It was clear he would continue to follow and protect them from the shadows.
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