Cai Yueer had never suffered such a profound humiliation!
The fiery, stinging pain on her face was nothing compared to the violent fury and shame raging in her heart.
Her eyes were bloodshot. The last thread of her reason, stretched to its limit by utter embarrassment and anger, snapped instantly. At this moment, she didn't care about her mission or the consequences.
"Ah!"
A low, beast-like roar erupted from her throat as the immense spirit power of a rank 96 Super Douluo exploded without restraint!
A violent wave of energy centered on her and swept outward. Decorations in the lobby shattered, and the distant crowd of onlookers cried out in alarm, forced to retreat repeatedly to stay safe.
She stared fixedly at the old man before her, her eyes filled with nothing but a maddened, murderous intent to tear him apart.
Judging by her stance, she truly intended to fight him to the death, regardless of the cost to herself or the hotel.
However, her terrifying, escalating aura came to an abrupt halt the very next second!
At the exact moment her aura peaked, the plain grey cloth robe on the old man opposite seemed to be wiped away by an invisible hand.
In its place appeared a suit of armor whose magnificence and majesty were difficult to describe in words.
The armor was entirely a deep, mysterious dark purple, as if a piece of the starry sky had been draped over his body.
It was not simple metal plate; it seemed more like a living thing, its fluid lines perfectly conforming to the old man's frame.
Upon the armor, countless intricate and profound patterns flowed and pulsed slowly like living things, emitting a soft yet supremely noble violet-golden glow.
No energy emanated outward. No oppressive pressure descended.
Yet, the expression twisted with rage on Cai Yueer's face froze completely, like a sculpture instantly turned to stone.
Her pupils contracted sharply, reflecting that dreamlike purple armor. Her heart felt as if it were seized by an invisible hand, and her very breath stopped.
Even if the other party had suppressed all his energy to the utmost, she would never mistake what she saw.
What this person was wearing at this moment was unmistakably four-word battle armor!
Cai Yueer's temperament was domineering and overbearing, but she wasn't foolish. She knew she would be the one at a disadvantage in a fight.
She was a rank 96 Super Douluo, possessing three-word battle armor, with strength enough to dominate a region.
But now, the person before her was a four-word battle armor master!
Facing such a powerhouse, her anger and humiliation had to be temporarily pushed down.
Her mind raced, constantly weighing how to handle the situation next.
Just as her thoughts flickered and her expression shifted between dark and light, Huo Yuhao's voice rang out: "Teacher, how did you get here?"
Huo Yuhao naturally recognized at a glance that the person who had appeared was none other than Phantom Brain Douluo Han Tianyi.
Han Tianyi didn't turn his head, only snorting through his nose: "If I hadn't come, you, kid, would probably have been 'invited' to 'visit' Shrek Academy today."
He had come to Eastsea City precisely to protect Huo Yuhao.
The Tianhai Alliance Grand Competition was being held in Tianhai, so Han Tianyi naturally followed. He just hadn't told Huo Yuhao about it.
Listening to their exchange, Cai Yueer asked, "Are you from the Spirit Pagoda?"
Han Tianyi met her gaze openly, without the slightest concealment: "Correct!"
Hearing this answer, the trace of alarm and solemnity on Cai Yueer's face actually dissipated somewhat. A hint of barely perceptible confidence even flashed deep in her eyes.
The Spirit Pagoda was indeed powerful, a giant in the Spirit Master world.
But for ten thousand years, a sense of superiority had lingered in the hearts of many at Shrek Academy.
That was because the founder of the Spirit Pagoda had emerged from Shrek Academy.
In the view of many Shrek personnel, the Spirit Pagoda was ultimately an upstart, always destined to remain beneath Shrek Academy!
This deep-seated psychological advantage seemed to stiffen Cai Yueer's backbone once more.
The terrifying aura she had just reined in erupted again, rising with the characteristic domineering tone of Shrek as she demanded, "What? Does your Spirit Pagoda intend to openly declare war on my Shrek Academy?!"
However, upon hearing this, Han Tianyi showed not a trace of fear. Instead, he looked as if he'd heard something laughable.
He scoffed, his gaze sweeping over Cai Yueer as if looking at a clown: "Declare war? Heh... Does Shrek no longer want spirit souls?"
The two giants, Shrek Academy and the Spirit Pagoda, were now openly confronting each other in the lobby of the Tianhai Hotel. The words exchanged were thick with the smell of gunpowder, as if a major clash could erupt at any moment.
The surrounding circle of onlookers was utterly shocked, gaping dumbfoundedly at this scene.
Shrek Academy and the Spirit Pagoda... Were they about to tear off all pretense of friendship?
This was absolutely earth-shattering news that could shake the entire Spirit Master world!
Just as tensions between Cai Yueer and Han Tianyi reached a fever pitch and the atmosphere in the Tianhai Hotel lobby was about to freeze over, a gentle, soft voice suddenly sounded: "Yueer, have you forgotten how Brother Ming instructed you?"
The voice wasn't loud, yet it strangely smoothed away the sharpness and killing intent filling the air.
As this pleasant voice faded, a warm, pure, life-filled energy, like a silent halo, instantly enveloped the entire lobby.
Everyone felt the heavy, oppressive weight in their hearts gently brushed away by a tender hand, suddenly feeling much lighter.
Immediately after, everyone's gaze was involuntarily drawn to the lobby entrance, where a woman walked in unhurriedly.
She was tall and slender, wearing a simple yet elegant dark green dress that made her skin appear whiter than snow.
Her face was exquisitely beautiful, a peerless combination of gentleness and sanctity.
Most striking was the naturally overflowing aura of tranquility and peace surrounding her, as if she carried her own halo capable of soothing all restlessness and unease.
Seeing this person, the previous arrogance and fury on Cai Yueer's face instantly receded like a tide.
An involuntary flash of panic and nervousness appeared in her eyes as she whispered, "Sister Yali, you... how did you get here?"
The newcomer was none other than the Holy Spirit Douluo, Yali.
In truth, Yali also felt a hint of helplessness. She hadn't expected Cai Yueer to be so proactive and swift in carrying out this mission.
She had rushed to Tianhai City at her fastest speed, but was still a step too late, arriving just in time to witness this nearly out-of-control scene.
Now, this Holy Spirit Douluo, renowned for her gentleness and compassion, wore a rare expression devoid of any smile. Instead, a thin layer of stern frost covered her face.
Her clear eyes looked at Cai Yueer as she slowly spoke: "If I hadn't come..."
"...you might have caused another catastrophe too difficult to handle."
Cai Yueer's temperament was strong-willed and difficult. Within Shrek Academy, those who could rein her in were few and far between.
Fortunately, the Holy Spirit Douluo Yali who had just arrived was one of those very few.
Looking at Yali's serene, placid face, Cai Yueer's throat moved. All the rage and words of justification in her heart, under the other's clear gaze, melted like ice under the hot sun, clogging her chest.
Her lips moved a few times, but ultimately, she said nothing. With some unwillingness, she looked away, and along with it, the aggressive aura surrounding her completely died down.
Seeing her temporarily calmed, Yali then turned her gaze to the opposite side.
Han Tianyi had, at some point, retracted his four-word battle armor, reverting to the plain appearance of an old man in simple clothes.
The warm, spring-like gentle smile reappeared on Yali's face. She gave a slight nod to Han Tianyi, her tone sincere: "Senior, regarding today's incident, it was Yueer who acted rashly and hastily, conducting herself improperly and offending you, Senior, and these children."
She offered no excuses or justification, frankly admitting her side's fault.
Then, without the slightest hesitation or arrogance, she directly performed a graceful bow towards Han Tianyi and the still-shaken teachers and students of Class Zero behind him, lowering her stance extremely low.
"On her behalf, I apologize to you all."
This bow made many in the surroundings secretly click their tongues in amazement.
Given the status and position of the Holy Spirit Douluo, she could actually set aside her dignity like this and personally apologize for a colleague's mistake.
This bearing and sense of responsibility formed a stark contrast with Cai Yueer's earlier aggressive coercion.
Facing this highly respected, famously virtuous Holy Spirit Douluo, Han Tianyi's expression softened considerably, no longer as cold and hard as when facing Cai Yueer.
However, he did not simply let the matter drop because of this.
"Holy Spirit Douluo, you are too polite."
"Your sincerity, this old man naturally perceives."
"But this matter cannot be settled with just an apology."
His gaze turned to the still-angry Cai Yueer, his tone turning cold: "A Titled Douluo from Shrek, disregarding status and seniority, publicly used the might of a Super Douluo against a few ten-year-old children!"
"This matter must have an explanation!"
Hearing this, anger surged again on Cai Yueer's face. She couldn't help but start to speak: "You..."
"Yueer!" Yali didn't even turn her head, her tone growing even more severe.
Cai Yueer gritted her teeth, ultimately swallowing back that angry retort, her face flushing red.
Yali looked back at Han Tianyi. That faint smile on her face still hadn't vanished as she asked calmly, "Then, in Senior's view, how should this matter be handled appropriately?"
Han Tianyi stated directly: "Cold Girl will arrive in Tianhai City tomorrow."
"How this matter should be concluded, you from Shrek, go discuss it with her."
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