The audience was left unsatisfied! That was their immediate reaction. They had expected to see Skywater Academy unleash a grand trump card and Heaven Dou Royal Academy putting up a desperate resistance. But unexpectedly, the moment never even began—it was cut short before it could happen.
It felt like pulling down your pants, only for the girl across from you to suddenly say, "Not today."
They didn't even get to witness the full scope of Skywater Academy's ultimate technique. Many spectators left with regret still lingering in their hearts.
"How are we supposed to deal with Yang Yunhai when we eventually face Heaven Dou Royal Academy on the battlefield?" The other academy teams were deeply troubled. A powerful Soul Ancestor, with a martial soul of such high quality, endless tricks up his sleeve, and most importantly, immunity to both fire and ice—practically no weaknesses. How could he be restrained?
Yu Xiaogang was also pondering the issue, his expression heavy as he led his team out of the rest area.
"Fire resistance, ice resistance… what about lightning resistance?" His eyes flicked toward Yu Tianheng.
"Or perhaps overwhelming force and explosive power." His gaze then shifted to Tang San.
In his mind, he recalled how Canghui Academy once performed the Seven-in-One Fusion Technique on the battlefield.
Back when they fought Elephant Armored Academy, the Shrek students had supported Tang San to continuously generate vines. That, in essence, was already an early attempt at such tactics. The effect wasn't bad.
'When we return, we should test this on Tianheng first. If it works, it will also help him secure his position as heir of the clan.'
With that thought, Yu Xiaogang's pace unconsciously quickened.
Meanwhile, Ning Fengzhi had not returned to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Instead, he found topics of conversation to engage Xue Qinghe in a long talk. With the air of someone sincerely advising for his good, he persuaded Xue Qinghe that after the tournament, it would be critical to win Yang Yunhai's support—for Yang Yunhai's support also meant the support of Dugu Bo. He also pointed out that the one-month break after the preliminary rounds would be the perfect opportunity to make attempts and probes.
Xue Qinghe solemnly agreed. He too felt that it was about time to reach out to Yang Yunhai.
By the time their conversation ended, it was almost evening. Out of courtesy, Xue Qinghe invited Ning Fengzhi to dinner. Ning Fengzhi gladly accepted. Later, using the late hour as a reason, he checked into the hotel nearest to the Great Spirit Arena, on the top floor for convenience in attending the matches the next day.
Coincidentally, this was also where the Heaven Dou Royal Team resided. Xue Qinghe had arranged a royal luxury suite for Ning Fengzhi.
"This Ning Fengzhi clearly wants to find a chance to get close to Yang Yunhai and Dugu Bo. Well, that's fine. Yang Yunhai already belongs to Spirit Hall. If Ning Fengzhi can foster good relations with him and Dugu Bo, and even persuade Dugu Bo to support a match between Ning Rongrong and Yang Yunhai, then I can use Yang Yunhai to fully bind the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to my warship."
Xue Qinghe glanced back once, then strode out of the hotel.
'Even if Dugu Bo and Yang Yunhai refuse, it won't harm me in the least, will it?'
Late that night—knock, knock, knock.
Dugu Bo, sitting cross-legged cultivating his soul power, opened his eyes. He rose and walked to the door.
Yang Yunhai was cozying up with his two wives next door. There was no way he'd share a room and play the third wheel, so Dugu Bo's room was by itself.
The door creaked open, revealing a young male disciple of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
"Your Excellency Dugu, my sect master invites you."
'This Ning Fengzhi really won't give up, huh.' Dugu Bo curled his lip, but nodded lightly. "Lead the way."
'I want to see what kind of nonsense you plan to say.'
Before long, he was brought to Ning Fengzhi's suite at the top floor.
"Brother Dugu, long time no see." Ning Fengzhi greeted him warmly.
Dugu Bo gave a faint nod, striding straight to the sofa to sit. "Sect Master Ning, speak. What is it you want from me?"
"I mainly wish to share a few pieces of information with Brother Dugu." Ning Fengzhi remained all smiles, personally pouring him tea.
"Oh?" Dugu Bo raised a brow, sipped, and said flatly, "Let's hear it."
…
The discussion unfolded: about Tang Hao secretly sneaking into Heaven Dou Royal Academy, about Shrek's unregulated training leaving lasting injuries on their disciples, about the so-called alliance of the Three Upper Sects being more appearance than reality, about Spirit Hall's growing ambitions under Bibi Dong, about Ning Rongrong's time in Shrek, and about Tang San's hidden background.
One by one, Ning Fengzhi laid out the threads: Tang San being recognized as heir by Tai Tan, his exposure of the Clear Sky Hammer, his suspiciously rapid breakthrough to soul rank 40, and even his possible absorption of other soul masters' power through his external spirit bone from the Man-Faced Demon Spider.
Finally, Ning Fengzhi's tone grew solemn. "Brother Dugu, in facing the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Tang Hao, perhaps even the Clear Sky Sect, I advise you not to ally with Spirit Hall. Bibi Dong is unstable, and Spirit Hall holds too much power. You would only be at a disadvantage. With Yang Yunhai, Dugu Yan, and Zhu Zhuqing's potential, we can stand side by side. If we could even become in-laws… that would be ideal."
Dugu Bo sat silently for a long moment. The idea was tempting. But in the end, he shook his head slightly. "Not now. I cannot yet trust you. We'll speak of cooperation another day."
Still, he added, "Sect Master Ning, since you've shared so much tonight, I'll return the favor with one piece of information. Tang San's mother was a 100,000-year plant-type soul beast—the Blue Silver Emperor."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes widened, suddenly understanding much. 'So that's why…'
All the more reason, then, that Tang San could never be trusted.
The two parted ways with polite words, neither fully convinced by the other.
Later, outside Spirit Hall, Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo lingered silently in the shadows, watching.
Back in the hotel, Dugu Bo slammed his sleeve and left. "Trying to make me take the blame? No way!"
…
"Achoo!"
Inside his suite, Yang Yunhai sneezed mid-shower, rubbing his nose.
"Who's talking about me now?"
He shook his head, dried off, and soon after, strode toward the bed, spirits lifting again.
(End of Chapter)
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