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Since the Spirit Hall Academy team could advance to the championship match without a fight, Bibi Dong was naturally pleased with this outcome.
With the individual elimination matches canceled, the next step would be the loser's bracket finals.
At Ning Tianchen's instruction, Dugu Bo suggested to Bibi Dong, "Your Holiness, the Shrek Academy team has suffered severe injuries. Starting the loser's bracket finals immediately would put them at a disadvantage. It's not easy for them to have reached this stage of the tournament. Wouldn't it be a pity for them to be eliminated like this? Therefore, I propose we rest for a day and hold the loser's bracket finals tomorrow. What do you think?"
This wasn't solely Ning Tianchen's decision but rather the result of discussions with his teammates.
In their current state, even if Shrek Academy took the field, they might not be willing to fight. If they forfeited outright, how would the Seven Treasures team get a chance to teach them a lesson?
Moreover, they were confident enough in their ability to defeat Shrek Academy and didn't need to take advantage of their weakened condition.
"Approved."
Bibi Dong turned around, flicked her wrist, and the spirit bones floating in front of her disappeared into her sleeve.
After she entered the Pope's Palace, the gates were shut tightly behind her.
With no matches left to watch, lingering in front of the Pope's Palace was clearly inappropriate.
The participating teams and spectators gradually dispersed.
---
After descending from Pope Mountain, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo returned to their resting quarters to analyze the Spirit Hall's actions today.
Most importantly, Jin E Douluo, a powerful figure from two generations ago, was still alive.
And judging by his condition, he likely had many years left to live.
Ning Fengzhi asked, "Uncle Sword, how much do you know about Jin E Douluo?"
With such a powerful figure in its ranks, the Spirit Hall's high-level combat strength was unmatched across the continent.
After some thought, Chen Xin replied, "He hasn't appeared on the continent for about fifty years. By my calculations, he's at least 150 years old."
The theoretical maximum lifespan of a Title Douluo is a thousand years, but this depends on various factors.
The younger a soul master is when they break through to become a Title Douluo, the more robust their vitality. Theoretically, breaking through to Title Douluo at around forty years old grants three hundred years of life, and each subsequent breakthrough adds another century.
If one avoids major battles and doesn't damage their vitality, there's a good chance they'll live to their theoretical lifespan. Otherwise, their lifespan will be significantly shortened.
However, most soul masters on the continent currently break through to Title Douluo between fifty-five and seventy years old, and there are even examples of octogenarians achieving this milestone.
These individuals certainly wouldn't live to their theoretical lifespan—most would only reach 20-40% of it.
Chen Xin could sense that Jin E Douluo's strength was about one level higher than his own. Based on the latter's condition, if he didn't break through further, he likely had nearly a hundred years left to live.
Given this, instead of waiting him out, it would be better to focus on cultivating Ning Tianchen to surpass Jin E Douluo.
(A/N: In Douluo I, Limit Douluo can live over a thousand years, but in Douluo II, they can only live two hundred years. This discrepancy is ridiculous, so the author provides this clarification.)
Ning Fengzhi said gravely, "The Spirit Hall is now tightening the screws on us and the two empires. It won't be long before they make their move. With someone as strong as Jin E Douluo around, we're in for serious trouble."
"Uncle Sword, if the sect spares no effort in gathering spirit bones for you, how long would it take for you to break through to level ninety-eight?"
Ning Fengzhi was deeply anxious.
Under his leadership, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had reached its peak, amassing wealth that dozens of generations couldn't exhaust.
If the Spirit Hall decided to attack the two empires, how could they possibly overlook the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—a treasure trove of resources?
Chen Xin pondered for a moment, then shook his head with a bitter smile. "After becoming a Super Douluo, simply accumulating soul power isn't enough to break through. A deep understanding of one's martial soul is also required."
"Without extraordinary opportunities, Tianchen might surpass me in reaching level ninety-eight. Besides, Jin E Douluo was already at level ninety-eight fifty years ago. Even if I manage to break through, I might still not be his match."
"Fengzhi, Jin E Douluo isn't the main issue. There's someone even stronger than him. Since Jin E Douluo is still alive, it's highly likely that person is too."
Jin E Douluo was originally a servant of Qian Daoliu, but his talent and loyalty earned him Qian Daoliu's favor. After Qian Daoliu became Pope, Jin received the Spirit Hall's full support, which contributed to his current strength.
Jin E Douluo was older than Qian Daoliu, so Qian Daoliu must still be alive. Without Tang Chen stepping forward, Qian Daoliu was truly the strongest person on the continent.
Ning Fengzhi furrowed his brow, feeling overwhelmed. "Let's set this aside for now. The priority is to establish contact with the Snow Mountain Sect. With their help, along with you and Uncle Bone, perhaps we can stand a chance against the Spirit Hall."
Chen Xin didn't burst Ning Fengzhi's fantasy.
Three level ninety-seven soul masters might not even be able to defeat a single level ninety-eight super powerhouse, let alone Qian Daoliu, an Ultimate Douluo.
Bibi Dong's strength was also not to be underestimated, and the Elder Hall had plenty of Title Douluos who weren't pushovers either.
Relying on just one or two sects to challenge the Spirit Hall was nothing short of wishful thinking.
---
Inside Shrek Academy
Since returning, Flender hadn't rested for a moment, despite suffering from headaches. He spent a significant amount of money hiring two Soul Kings to heal everyone's injuries.
However, Ma Hongjun had changed drastically.
Previously the liveliest member of the team, he had become sluggish and unresponsive since their return. Although treatment had alleviated some of his symptoms, his overall behavior remained somewhat vacant.
Flender urgently asked the healing-type soul masters, "Masters, what's wrong with Hongjun? Can he be cured?"
The two healing-type soul masters sighed regretfully. "You could try finding a skilled healing-type soul master or perhaps a poison expert like Poison Douluo, who has immersed himself in medicine for countless years."
Flender was puzzled. "Masters, what exactly is the diagnosis?"
The two healing-type soul masters exchanged glances, both sighing helplessly.
Finally, they pulled Flender aside and said, "This child likely suffered brain damage. The two options I mentioned earlier might work, but there's no guarantee of success."
"Don't worry too much. Moving forward, avoid further head injuries. Even with brain-related illnesses, self-recovery is possible."
"Brain damage!?" Flender's eyes widened in disbelief.
The two healing-type soul masters had completed their work and saw no reason to stay longer.
Moreover, news of Shrek Academy's clash with the Pope had already spread throughout the city, and the two didn't want any association with them.
Still, driven by compassion, they reminded Flender before leaving: "If a healing-type Title-level soul master appears on the continent, they'd surely be able to cure him. You're from Tiandou City, and Dugu Bo's apothecary in the city has herbs for treating brain conditions. You could try them and see if they help."
These two were also from Tiandou City and had come to Spirit Hall City specifically to watch the tournament, so they were well aware of Dugu Bo's apothecary.
After seeing them off, Flender grew increasingly worried.
The herbs sold at Dugu Bo's shop weren't cheap, and even after purchasing them, there was no guarantee they'd cure Ma Hongjun. Flender was strapped for cash and could afford at most one or two high-grade herbs.
"Principal, what's wrong?" Tang San, who had stepped out for fresh air, happened to run into him.
Flender remembered that Tang San had knowledge of medicinal herbs and asked, "Xiao San, Hongjun injured his brain. Do you have any way to treat him?"
Tang San's eyebrows shot up in mild surprise. "No wonder Fatty has been acting so strangely. But I don't have any herbs on hand, nor can I treat him."
With a "better safe than sorry" mindset, Flender dragged Tang San over to examine Ma Hongjun's condition.
Currently, Ma Hongjun seemed unable to focus. Sometimes he spoke normally, while other times he laughed uncontrollably like a fool.
After diagnosing him, Tang San confirmed the same condition described by the two healing-type soul masters.
"I'll visit Dugu Bo's apothecary once we return and try to prepare a remedy for Fatty. However, Principal, these herbs aren't cheap, and their effectiveness is uncertain. Think it over before giving me your decision."
Flender nodded.
Tang San then turned and entered Yu Xiaogang's room.
With their injuries healed, the Shrek Seven Monsters needed to prepare for the loser's bracket finals. Tomorrow's opponent, the formidable Seven Treasures Academy, required careful planning.
The Seven Treasures Academy had many hidden cards. Ning Tianchen and Feng Xiaotian were individually strong, and their soul skills complemented each other. Not to mention Ning Rongrong's fourth soul skill and the martial soul fusion technique of the Yu Die sisters.
Yu Xiaogang spent most of the day discussing strategies with the group. Finally, he called Dai Mubai aside.
"Master, why did you call me?" Dai Mubai asked.
Yu Xiaogang placed his right hand on Dai Mubai's shoulder. "Mubai, after all these days since the finals, have you forgotten something?"
"Forgotten what?" Dai Mubai was momentarily confused, then slapped his forehead. "Oh no, I forgot to look for Zhuqing!"
Yu Xiaogang smiled approvingly and placed his other hand on Dai Mubai's opposite shoulder, lowering his voice. "Tomorrow's match is our only chance to defeat the Seven Treasures team and seek revenge against the Spirit Hall."
"Zhu Zhuqing is a key member of the Seven Treasures team. If you can reconcile with her, gaining access to their tactics for tomorrow's match would give us a high chance of victory. Moreover, Zhu Zhuqing is your fiancée, and her current strength isn't weak. With her assistance, wouldn't it help solidify your position as Crown Prince when you return to the Star Luo Empire?"
Dai Mubai looked thoughtful. "The Crown Prince position is rightfully mine anyway, but…"
Thinking of Zhu Zhuqing's stunning figure, he couldn't control his desires.
If he could reconcile with Zhu Zhuqing, he planned to thoroughly "punish" her in bed.
"Master, don't worry. I'll keep an eye on Zhuqing. If she goes out alone, I'll find a chance to talk to her."
Yu Xiaogang cautioned, "Be discreet. At this stage of the tournament, their academy's Title Douluo principal will undoubtedly be closely monitoring their movements. Remember, don't threaten Zhuqing or use force on her. We can't give that principal any excuse to hold against us."
...
Inside the Seven Treasures Academy's room, the members of the three elemental academies and the Tiandou Imperial Academy gathered. While cheering on the Seven Treasures team, they also helped devise strategies.
Among them, the Tian Shui and Imperial Battle teams had been eliminated by the Spirit Hall Academy team, while the Chi Huo Academy had been eliminated by the Shrek Academy team. Thus, they had relatively authoritative opinions about Seven Treasures' upcoming opponents.
The students discussed tactics, while the teachers and academy leaders did the same.
They continued deliberating until evening, coming up with numerous defensive strategies.
"The sun is setting, so we won't disturb you further. Once you win the championship, remember to hold a victory banquet in Tiandou City," Feng Changlin said with a hearty laugh, leading his group out.
The room suddenly felt much quieter.
Ning Tianchen leaned back on the sofa, stretching lazily. "First, we'll defeat Shrek, then take on the Spirit Hall Academy team. Everyone, stay sharp. After two more matches, we'll be free."
Ke Jie advised, "You've already got enough tactical reserves. For now, go relax. Just remember not to wander too far from the hotel. If trouble arises, I might not be able to get to you in time."
"We'll take a walk downstairs," the Yu Die sisters said as they exited the room.
Feng Xiaotian stood on the balcony, enjoying the cool evening breeze blowing in from afar.
Ning Rongrong and Ning Tianchen went downstairs to eat.
"I'll go to the rooftop to get some fresh air," Zhu Zhuqing said calmly.
"Want me to keep you company?" Oscar asked.
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head. "I'd like to be alone for a while."
According to her agreement with Bone Douluo, after the tournament ended, she would sever all ties with the Zhu family.
Leaving the home that had raised her for over a decade naturally brought complicated feelings.
"Xiao Ao, there's a training room downstairs. Didn't you want to experience how battle-type soul masters train? Let me show you," Chen Huayu said, draping an arm around Oscar's shoulder.
Oscar didn't refuse.
"Principal, why don't you relax a bit too?" Sun Buyu brought him a cup of tea.
Ke Jie shook his head. "These few days won't make a difference. Old Sun, you've worked hard these past few days. After the Soul Master Tournament ends, have you thought about what you'll do next? There are quite a few vacant teaching positions at the academy—would you like to take one?"
Sun Buyu wasn't foolish. Being close to the principal, especially since the latter was a Title Douluo, meant he could receive guidance that would rapidly boost his cultivation.
He bowed respectfully. "If Principal doesn't mind, I'd like to stay by your side and handle miscellaneous tasks."
Ke Jie had observed Sun Buyu's abilities.
After some thought, he said, "After the tournament ends, if the sect leader has no other plans for me, I'll likely continue managing the academy. Without the distraction of the Soul Master Tournament, I'll focus more on soul master research."
"Teacher Sun, your theoretical foundation is solid. From now on, stay by my side and become a scholar."
"Thank you, Principal, for this opportunity." Sun Buyu bowed deeply.
Ke Jie had always harbored a dream—to host a soul master theory debate competition and engage in academic exchanges with renowned scholars across the continent.
It wasn't for fame or glory but purely to identify gaps in his own theoretical knowledge.
After the Soul Master Tournament ended, he'd have plenty of time to prepare for it. As long as the sect approved, it could be held immediately.
---
On the rooftop, Zhu Zhuqing leaned against the railing, gazing southward toward the Star Luo Empire, her thoughts swirling.
Not long after, Dai Mubai quietly crept onto the rooftop.
He approached Zhu Zhuqing without waiting for her to speak. Sensing him, Zhu Zhuqing immediately stepped back warily.
Dai Mubai smiled. "Zhuqing, can we talk properly? Yes, we've had misunderstandings in the past, but those are in the past. People need to look forward, don't they?"
Zhu Zhuqing harbored no goodwill toward him.
During the qualifying rounds, Dai Mubai had often mingled with people from the Plant Academy.
The Plant Academy, like the Tian Shui Academy, only admitted female students. Dai Mubai consorting with them clearly indicated improper behavior.
The White Tiger martial soul of the Star Luo Dai family was one of the top martial souls on the continent. How could these women not have ulterior motives?
If they became pregnant with Dai Mubai's child and gave birth to a White Tiger martial soul, even if Dai Mubai failed in the imperial succession, they and their children would still be supported by the Star Luo Empire. After all, they carried the bloodline of the Dai family, and the imperial family would ensure the bloodline didn't leak out by enshrining these children in the ancestral temple.
If Dai Mubai later ascended to the throne, these offspring would be considered imperial heirs.
In short, for commoner soul masters, this was the simplest way to climb the social ladder.
Even now, in the finals stage, Dai Mubai still associated with them.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't need to deliberately inquire to know these things.
The extent of Dai Mubai's outrageous behavior was clear.
"What do you want? Say it and leave," Zhu Zhuqing said coldly.
As night fell, insects swarmed into Dai Mubai's brain, making his behavior increasingly uncontrollable.
He kept inching closer to Zhu Zhuqing, reaching out and touching her. "Zhuqing, we're engaged, aren't we? Yesterday, I defeated Dai Weisi. If you come back to the Star Luo Empire with me, you can become the Crown Princess directly. So, come back."
As he spoke, his hand reached for Zhu Zhuqing's body, his eyes wide and bulging.
Zhu Zhuqing stepped back and slapped him hard across the face.
A bright red handprint was left on Dai Mubai's cheek.
"How dare you hit me!" Dai Mubai's face darkened instantly.
Driven by his male chauvinism, when soft approaches failed, he prepared to use force.
He lunged forward, attempting to grab Zhu Zhuqing.
By this time, night had fully fallen. Under its cover, Zhu Zhuqing moved like a ghost, slipping behind Dai Mubai.
"Dai Mubai, I see through your true colors. From now on, we have nothing more to do with each other. I never want to see you again!" Zhu Zhuqing said coldly.
Dai Mubai wiped the corner of his mouth, turned around, and burst into laughter. "Zhu Zhuqing, you wretched woman, who do you think you are to say such things? The engagement was arranged by both our parents. Do you really think you can change it just because you want to?"
"Enough talk. Tell me Seven Treasures Academy's tactics for tomorrow. Otherwise, once we return to the Star Luo Empire, I'll publicly announce that you abandoned your fiancé for another man!"
Zhu Zhuqing valued her reputation greatly. If Dai Mubai carried out this threat, she would undoubtedly be condemned by society.
However, she would never betray her teammates or her sect.
Seeing his scheme succeed, Dai Mubai completely forgot Yu Xiaogang's warning and arrogantly declared, "Zhu Zhuqing, I won't make things difficult for you. Spend the night with me and tell me all of Seven Treasures' tactics, and I'll personally tear up the engagement. After that, we'll both be free."
"You're dreaming!"
Suddenly, Zhu Zhuqing's expression turned fierce. Sharp claws extended from her fingers, and she lunged toward Dai Mubai's neck.
If Dai Mubai wouldn't let her go, she would resolve the issue at its root.
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