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Flender said weakly, "Erlong. The Spirit Hall's dungeon holds only the most vicious criminals. Regardless of why Xiaogang was arrested, in a place like that, he would surely be tortured into submission."
"The most urgent matter now is to figure out how to rescue Xiaogang."
"Right, right, right." Liu Erlong agreed. "If it comes to it, I'll storm the prison myself."
Yu Tianheng was shocked and quickly intervened, "Aunt Erlong, you absolutely must not do that. According to our informant, there may be Title Douluo guarding the Spirit Hall's dungeon. Moreover, the location of the dungeon has never been discovered."
"All we can do is wait for the family to send someone to negotiate with the Spirit Hall. Relying solely on us, we cannot save Uncle Xiaogang."
Tang San also wanted to storm the prison.
But after calming down, he knew what the consequences would be.
Storming a prison, no matter where, was a grave offense.
Acting rashly would not only harm himself but also disqualify their team from the competition.
Clenching his fists tightly, he said gravely, "For now, our priority is still the competition. When we face the Spirit Hall Academy team, we will avenge Master."
Dai Mubai earnestly added, "Xiao San is right. There are two days left; everyone should prepare well."
---
Time flew by like a white horse passing through a crevice, and soon it was the day of the finals.
The thirty-two participating teams (excluding the Spirit Hall Academy team) were led by the red-robed cardinal in a grand procession to the central arena in the city.
This tournament had two venues. One was based on the city center square, which had been renovated.
The other was in front of the Pope's Palace, which was also the venue for the final match.
As each team arrived in Spirit City, more details about the finals gradually surfaced.
For example, during the finals, Pope Bibi Dong would personally attend and award prizes to the advancing teams.
The Pope was the spiritual leader of all soul masters on the continent. For ordinary soul masters, being personally received by the Pope was something they could boast about for a lifetime. Being awarded by the Pope personally was an unparalleled honor.
On the way to the venue, guards from the Spirit Hall stood on either side of the road.
These people were all soul masters, and their strength was no less than level sixty.
Having Soul Emperors guard the gates—something even the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect couldn't achieve so arrogantly.
The Spirit Hall's resources were indeed formidable.
"Heh, the Spirit Hall is showing off its muscles to all the participating teams," Ke Jie sneered.
Upon arriving at the square, under the guidance of the guards, each team entered the rest area one after another.
Behind the rest area, there were several rows of spectator seats. According to the decree issued by the Spirit Hall this time, the audience for the finals were all soul masters.
Among them, there might even be high-level soul masters.
If the participants performed well, being taken as direct disciples by these powerful individuals would guarantee a meteoric rise in their future.
Thus, this was like an invisible shot of adrenaline for the participants.
Once all the teams had gathered, the spectators began to enter.
Next was the thrilling draw ceremony.
If luck was good enough and favorable draws were consistently drawn, there was a real chance of securing a top-three spot.
"I'll go up first to draw lots; you all get ready. The matches might start immediately after the draw ceremony."
After Ke Jie left, Chen Huayu couldn't help but ask, "Boss, this arena shouldn't be like the qualifying rounds where it gets damaged continuously, right?"
Ning Tianchen shook his head. "It shouldn't. The finals are single-elimination; once a team loses a match, they are eliminated. If a team were to be eliminated due to issues with the arena, the Spirit Hall would certainly be criticized by many."
"So, this arena must be very sturdy. At least, it can withstand attacks below the level of a Soul Emperor without any problem."
In the first round, the three teams that advanced directly to the finals had a bye.
Thus, exactly thirty teams competed today, resulting in fifteen matches.
Not long after, Ke Jie returned to the Seven Treasures Academy's rest area with good news.
"This draw is good news for us. Our first match opponent is Xiangyang Academy from the Star Luo Empire."
"What academy is that? I've never heard of it?" Everyone was puzzled.
Feng Xiaotian shook his head. "That team didn't appear in the previous two tournaments."
Regarding intelligence about the Star Luo region, many teams had collected information during the qualifying rounds. Unfortunately, the Star Luo Empire's venue was the same as the Tiandou Empire's—both were held in the Royal Hunting Grounds.
The scouts sent by the academies couldn't infiltrate, so the information obtained was limited.
Ke Jie explained, "This academy made it to the finals for the first time this year. It's said that they qualified fifth in the Star Luo Empire region's preliminaries."
There were fewer kingdoms and duchies within the Star Luo Empire.
Thus, the Star Luo Empire region's preliminaries had eight qualifying spots.
Of course, the number of participating teams was close to fifty. Half a month before the start of the Tiandou region's preliminaries, the Star Luo Empire region's preliminaries had already begun.
Finishing fifth in the preliminaries was considered average, not particularly outstanding.
Chen Huayu smirked mischievously. "Then they're in for a rough time. This final round is basically just a one-round trip for them."
"Regardless, don't underestimate the opponent. Focus on winning the first match cleanly."
After a pause, Ke Jie continued, "But our allied academy isn't as lucky. Blazing Academy's first-round opponent is Shrek Academy. In the qualifying rounds, Blazing Academy wasn't a match for Shrek Academy. Now that Tang San has mastered the Haotian Hammer, they definitely aren't a match for Shrek Academy."
Shenfeng (Godwind) Academy's luck was better; their opponent was Yishou Academy. On paper, barring any surprises, Shenfeng Academy could easily advance to the second round.
"The draw really depends on luck." Ning Tianchen gave a bitter smile.
Fortunately, according to the draw results, there were no internal conflicts in the first round.
---
Shrek Academy's rest area
Dai Mubai angrily said, "Our first match is against Blazing Academy. Once we advance, our second-round opponent will be Shenfeng Academy. After that, we might even meet Seven Treasures Academy early. Clearly, we are being surrounded by Seven Treasures Academy and its allies."
Yu Tianheng couldn't help but say, "Principal, when you drew the lots, did you notice anything fishy?"
What were the chances of such coincidences?
Flender snapped irritably, "Why are you all panicking? Three teams have a bye in the first round, and two teams have a bye in the second round. Both rounds will have a new draw before the matches."
"How can you call it surrounding us?"
Tang San took over, smirking coldly, "Even if Master isn't here, we still need to show our prowess in the first match. In this match, everyone will give their all, and we must win decisively."
Ma Hongjun sighed lazily, "Unfortunately, there are very few spectators at the finals, nowhere near the crowds at the qualifying rounds."
Dai Mubai cursed, "Fatty, with your performance, do you still want to embarrass yourself in the finals?"
At this, Flender sighed helplessly in his heart.
Thinking of Ma Hongjun's performance in the qualifying rounds, he immediately realized that from this moment on, Ma Hongjun wouldn't have a chance to play.
Tang San arranged, "Fatty, your flames aren't as pure as Huo Wu or Huo Wushuang's. For this match, you won't play for now. Let's secure a win first."
Ma Hongjun immediately whined, "Third Brother, when can I play?"
Tang San's answer was ambiguous, "We'll see the opponent's situation. If the team isn't under too much pressure, you can play."
The matches soon began,
The Seven Treasures team's match was in the seventh round.
The people from Xiangyang Academy had only heard that the Seven Treasures team was strong, but they didn't know specifically how strong.
In this match, Ning Tianchen didn't arrange Feng Xiaotian to play but instead arranged for two auxiliary-type soul masters to take the stage simultaneously.
According to tournament tradition, before the match, both team captains stepped forward to shake hands.
The captain of Xiangyang Academy was a dark-skinned young man whose expression was unusually calm. "Seven Treasures Academy, I've heard you're strong. I hope your performance doesn't disappoint."
Ning Tianchen replied with a smile, "Don't worry, you won't be disappointed."
From a nearby high platform, Hu Liena and her two companions watched the situation below intently.
"Seven Treasures Academy is our biggest opponent and the only obstacle on our path to victory. Teacher said that before the finals, we wouldn't encounter them. Taking this opportunity, we must understand their tactical arrangements," Hu Liena said solemnly.
Yan patted his chest. "Liena, don't worry. In the match against Seven Treasures Academy, I'll hold back Ning Tianchen and Feng Xiaotian, creating opportunities for you to use your martial soul fusion techniques."
Xie Yue, relatively steady, reminded, "Yan, don't underestimate the enemy. The Seven Kill Sword is the best weapon martial soul on the continent; its strength cannot be underestimated."
"Isn't the best weapon martial soul the Haotian Hammer?" Yan asked, confused.
Hu Liena rarely bothered with him. "Tang San is Tang Hao's son. In the eyes of the outside world, he is the successor of Haotian Sect. But now it seems, his strength is firmly overshadowed by Ning Tianchen. In the future, the title of the best weapon martial soul will undoubtedly return to the Seven Kill Sword."
"Oh, oh." Yan nodded, pretending to understand.
Recognizing Ning Tianchen's potential surpassing Tang San was a conclusion reached by many of the Spirit Hall's Title Douluo.
Given Yan's current perspective, it was normal that he couldn't see it clearly.
...
The match began.
Xiangyang Academy's team adopted a conservative strategy, intending to focus on defense and counterattacks.
As their soul rings appeared, their strength was fully exposed.
The team consisted of five Soul Lords and two Soul Masters.
The rest of the Seven Treasures team stood behind Ning Tianchen, showing no intention of attacking.
After Ning Rongrong and others revealed their soul rings, the competitors from the Star Luo Empire were astonished.
"Six Soul Ancestors! Their captain's strength must be formidable. Good heavens, this is a team with seven Soul Lords."
Among the participating teams from the Star Luo Empire, only the Star Luo Imperial Academy team had all Soul Lord members.
However, when Ning Tianchen revealed his soul rings, the entire arena erupted in shock.
"A ten-thousand-year fourth ring, a five-ring Soul King!"
Dai Weisi couldn't help but stand up, his eyes fixed intently on the arena.
After a moment, he sighed, "A Soul King wielding the Seven Kill Sword martial soul—should we encounter them, we wouldn't stand a chance."
Zhu Zhuyun chuckled lightly, "It doesn't matter. They have a bye in the second round; even if we meet them, it would be at least the third round. If luck favors us, we might even make it to the finals."
"Our goal for this tournament is to secure a top-three finish. But why is Zhuqing in the Seven Treasures Academy's team? Where is my dear younger brother?" Dai Weisi glanced toward the Seven Treasures Academy's rest area but didn't spot Dai Mubai.
A flicker of envy passed through Zhu Zhuyun's eyes as she quickly added, "Without Zhuqing, Dai Mubai isn't your match. The throne already belongs to you."
Dai Weisi nodded with a smile.
Nevertheless, they still needed to achieve good results in this year's Soul Master Tournament.
...
"Nine Treasures Turning into Glazed Tile, Nine Treasures renowned: first for power, second for speed, third for soul!"
The dazzling nine-colored light infused Ning Tianchen's body, granting him a fifty percent boost.
"Fourth Soul Skill, Universal Excitement Pink Sausage."
Oscar's sausage was handed to Zhu Qing, who successfully delivered it to Ning Tianchen.
With the boost, Ning Tianchen charged into Xiangyang Academy's formation alone with his sword.
"Soul King or not, daring to face all seven of us alone is sheer arrogance." The captain of Xiangyang Academy sneered and stepped forward to meet Ning Tianchen.
On the high platform, Ning Fengzhi hesitated and said, "Uncle Sword, Tianchen's move seems rather reckless."
Chen Xin shook his head, "No, this is confidence. Moreover, with the full boost from his teammates, his strength is equivalent to that of a peak Soul King. Just a few Soul Ancestors and Soul Elders from the opposing side can't withstand his attacks."
Ning Fengzhi felt reassured.
Ning Tianchen single-handedly cutting down his opponents brought glory to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Zhu Zhuyun pondered and said, "Dai Weisi, the martial soul Zhuqing just revealed doesn't seem to be the Netherworld Spirit Cat."
Dai Weisi replied solemnly, "Indeed, it's not. Now I finally understand why she left Dai Mubai. Her martial soul is no longer the Netherworld Spirit Cat, so she automatically loses her status as a member of the Zhu family. Thus, she won't be bound by the marriage contract."
Mentioning the marriage contract, Zhu Zhuyun's expression dimmed.
She had been dragged into this succession struggle entirely because of this marriage contract.
However, Dai Weisi wasn't like Dai Mubai. Not only was he handsome, but he also had almost no scandals regarding his personal life.
He was considered a high-quality man.
Zhu Zhuyun was his capable wife. Seeing her gloomy face, he consoled her, "Zhuyun, although a marriage contract brought us together, I promise you that this Star Luo Empire will belong solely to us!"
Zhu Zhuyun responded with a smile, "Dai Weisi, after all these years, I've already come to trust you."
On the arena
Ning Tianchen moved as if there were no one around.
His sword strikes were swift as the wind and fast as thunder; his footwork agile, light yet steady.
The result was evident: even surrounded, the opponent's attacks couldn't touch him, while his own strikes were nearly impossible for the opponents to block.
"How can we possibly fight this!" The captain of Xiangyang Academy thought bitterly.
Ning Tianchen was essentially chasing all seven of them down with his sword, without even breaking a sweat.
With Ning Rongrong's boosts, his soul power was as vast as the ocean.
"We surrender!"
As the referee announced the end of the match, the members of Xiangyang Academy finally got a chance to catch their breath.
Though eliminated in the first round of the finals, they had still set a new historical record for their academy.
As for the Seven Treasures team, they displayed undeniable championship potential.
Meeting them in the first round was simply bad luck.
On the high platform, Hu Liena asked, "Brother, if all the teammates' boosts were applied to you, could you replicate his performance?"
Xie Yue wiped his sweat and shook his head, "I'm afraid not. Ning Tianchen seems to have mastered the sword techniques of the Seven Kill Sword. There's a significant gap between him and me in terms of martial soul usage."
Yan dismissed it, "Pfft, Xie Yue, don't boost their morale and undermine ours."
Xie Yue shrugged, "That's the truth. However, if we use the Charm Spirit Fusion Technique, we'll have a chance to defeat him."
Usually taciturn, he suddenly smiled, "Yan, before the Spirit Fusion Technique forms, you'll have to rely on your physical body to withstand the attacks of the Seven Kill Sword."
...
"This match was beautifully won. It's a pity I didn't get a chance to act," Chen Huayu said with a hint of regret in his voice.
Ning Tianchen did this to respond to the Spirit Hall's earlier show of force.
Arranging so many Soul Emperors along the way to the venue was clearly meant to flaunt their strength.
In this match, Ning Tianchen defeated an entire team by himself, aiming to convey to the Spirit Hall—numbers don't matter, quality does.
Ning Tianchen calmly said, "There will be opportunities for all of you to shine in the third round and beyond. Don't rush."
Not long after the Seven Treasures Academy's match ended, it was time for Shrek Academy versus Blazing Academy.
As expected, Tang San easily won the match with the overwhelming power of the Haotian Hammer, unafraid of the flames from Blazing Academy's members.
After the match, Huo Lie complained bitterly.
Their strength was clearly superior to Shenfeng Academy, yet the latter drew a favorable lot and advanced to the second round, while Blazing Academy fell in the first round.
There was nothing to be done—luck was also part of strength.
The match was over, and even though Huo Lie felt the draw was unfair, there was nowhere to complain.
Of course, no one dared to underestimate Shrek Academy after witnessing their performance in this match.
Especially the Star Luo Imperial Academy team, led by Dai Weisi, who discussed it extensively.
"Tang San is a peak Soul Ancestor with the Haotian Hammer martial soul. Facing Shrek Academy, we're in for a tough fight," Dai Weisi said gravely.
It wasn't just Tang San alone that made him wary.
The key was that Dai Mubai was also in Shrek Academy's team. If they lost to Shrek Academy, even if Dai Mubai won without effort, his position as the crown prince would still be shaken.
Zhu Zhuyun held his hand, "Dai Weisi, we still have our Spirit Fusion Technique and a chance to win."
…
The first day of matches ended.
Fifteen teams were eliminated.
Logically, these teams could pack up and return to their academies early.
However, none of these teams left. The competition rules didn't stipulate that eliminated teams couldn't stay to watch the matches.
The participants' rest area was closest to the arena, providing an excellent vantage point to watch the matches. As long as these students weren't foolish, they certainly wouldn't choose to leave early.
The next day's matches began with a redraw.
This round, the Seven Treasures Academy had a bye, so everyone sat in the stands, planning to take the opportunity to observe the Spirit Hall Academy team.
The draw results came out quickly.
Tiandou Imperial Academy versus Spirit Hall Academy.
"Wow, two teams that were directly promoted to the finals are facing each other!" Many people discussed this fervently.
The Tiandou Imperial Academy team members wore bitter smiles.
They were promoted directly to the finals, and this was their first match.
The Spirit Hall Academy team had been very strong since the previous two tournaments, so they were destined to lose.
Truly, it was a one-and-done journey in the Soul Master Tournament.
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