To avoid further trouble on the road, Xiao Tianyang donned a mask midway.
Without hesitation, he strode confidently into the hotel where Miao Zhenshan was staying. Without needing the receptionist's guidance, he easily located the room and knocked three times.
The door soon opened, revealing a small head peeking out—Fei Xue. But before she could speak, Xiao Tianyang placed a hand on her face and pushed her back inside.
"I'm pressed for time and don't have the patience for your antics," he said.
Slipping past her, he pinned her against the wall, tilting her chin up with a teasing smirk. "With those three-legged cat skills of yours, save the theatrics for the stage and those little kids."
Ignoring Fei Xue's furious blush, he strode into the living room.
"Teacher," Xiao Tianyang greeted as he entered, spotting Zhou Cheng sitting upright and Miao Zhenshan looking pleased with himself. After nodding to Zhou Cheng, he cut straight to the point.
"Teacher, now can you tell me what the Spirit Hall is planning for this tournament?"
"That's exactly why I called you here." Miao Zhenshan's expression turned serious. He tapped his fingers, resting his hands on his knees. "I assume someone on your side has already noticed something, correct?"
"You mean, Grandmaster?" Xiao Tianyang grasped the implication and nodded. "Yes, it was only after his reminder that I remembered this matter. Otherwise, I'd have already returned to the academy to train."
"I figured as much. No one understands Bibi Dong better than Yu Xiaogang." A faint smirk tugged at Miao Zhenshan's lips, but he didn't dwell on it.
"With your strength, reaching the finals won't be an issue. But do you know who the Spirit Hall's main team is this time?"
"Teacher, how would we know?" Fei Xue huffed, stepping beside Xiao Tianyang and shooting him a glare.
Miao Zhenshan didn't joke around. Instead, he said gravely, "What if I told you your opponent this time is likely a Soul Emperor? How would you feel?"
Silence fell over the three of them. Finally, Fei Xue broke it.
"A Soul Emperor is just a Soul Emperor. Don't we still have Senior Brother? He's way stronger than any Soul Emperor, right?" She nudged Xiao Tianyang.
"While that's true," Xiao Tianyang mused, "I'm more curious about how someone under twenty-five became a Soul Emperor in the first place."
Zhou Cheng, ever the composed one, frowned. "Could the Spirit Hall be desperate because of the pressure from Shrek Academy and us? Are they going all out?"
Miao Zhenshan had already mentioned the tournament's grand prize—three Spirit Bones!
To Xiao Tianyang, they were mere trinkets. After all, he'd won plenty through his lottery system. But for others, these were priceless treasures.
Even the Spirit Hall's stockpile of Spirit Bones wasn't limitless. Their vast talent pool demanded immense resources, and Spirit Bones were notoriously rare.
The drop rate from slain spirit beasts was abysmal, and with each soul master needing six, collecting a full set was near impossible. Priority always went to the strongest and most deserving.
Saving too many for the younger generation would breed discontent among frontline fighters—perhaps even incite rebellion.
Human greed knew no bounds, especially when paired with overwhelming power.
Why did so many soul masters follow Bibi Dong?
Was it just her beauty and strength?
Not entirely.
She had ambition, the power to back it, and the cunning to manipulate loyalty. With the right incentives and methods, even Title Douluo bowed to her will.
But winning over such powerhouses wasn't easy. They cared little for wealth or beauty—only Spirit Bones held real value to them.
Given that, why would Bibi Dong casually offer three high-quality Spirit Bones as prizes unless she was absolutely certain of victory?
Zhou Cheng's suspicion wasn't unfounded—but he didn't know the Spirit Hall's inner workings.
Miao Zhenshan immediately shook his head. "Bibi Dong would never resort to such pettiness."
He paused, then added, "Besides, I've received word that their new recruit is only sixteen—a level 62 Soul Emperor, an Assault-type Soul Master with the Demonized Totem martial soul."
"And one more thing—his path is similar to yours."
This last remark was directed at Xiao Tianyang.
"Similar, meaning… he's also skilled in physical combat?" Xiao Tianyang rubbed his chin. "If so, he shouldn't be a defensive fighter."
"Correct. He excels in martial arts, particularly fist techniques."
Miao Zhenshan elaborated, "Most soul masters rely on their martial souls for combat, but he's different. For him, the martial soul is merely a support—all abilities serve to enhance his close-quarters prowess."
"Let me guess—he's an outsider?" Xiao Tianyang interjected.
Miao Zhenshan blinked. "How did you know?"
"Because when Xue Qinghe challenged Shrek Academy, he brought someone just like that. Same martial soul—a totem."
Miao Zhenshan studied him. "You don't seem the least bit nervous."
Xiao Tianyang smirked. "A copycat is still just a copycat. And when it comes to physical combat, who can rival our Body Sect?"
"Good. That's the confidence I like to see." Miao Zhenshan swallowed his initial warning.
'Perhaps I worried too soon. Telling them might've just burdened them.' A cold gleam flickered in his eyes.
'Fine. The youngsters have their battlefield, and the old men have theirs.'
'Let's see who triumphs in the end—you, who betrayed me, or me, who will crush you.'
If even his disciples were this fearless, why should he hesitate?
Even in death, he'd make sure his students emerged victorious.
…
[I've just launched a new fanfiction project titled Protagonist's Mother Is My Wife.
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From chapters 31: Exclusive to Patreon paid members.]
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