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Yue Guan first arrived in front of the Seven Treasures Academy's room.
Hearing the knock and sensing the powerful presence outside, Ke Jie stopped Chen Huayu from opening the door and went to handle it himself.
Opening the door, he asked, "Lord Ju Douluo, what brings you here?"
"Principal Ke, aren't you going to invite me in for a seat?" Yue Guan smiled faintly, his demeanor exuding an almost seductive charm.
Ke Jie felt a wave of disgust but dared not show any disrespect given Yue Guan's status and position.
As Yue Guan entered the living room, the gazes of the Seven Treasures team members grew increasingly hostile toward him. However, Yue Guan paid no mind and cheerfully greeted everyone with a smile.
To those unaware of the context, seeing a Title Douluo warmly greeting low-level soul masters while Ning Tianchen and others acted so defiantly might prompt them to scold the latter group.
But the reality was different—Spirit Hall had attacked the convoy of Seven Treasures Academy, and Giant Bear Soul Douluo had even harbored murderous intent toward them. If they were overly friendly to Lord Ju, something would definitely be amiss!
Yue Guan maintained a humble attitude and didn't put on airs despite his superior strength compared to Ke Jie.
Sitting down as a guest, he clasped his hands toward Ke Jie. "I haven't yet had the honor of learning your title, Principal Ke. The Pope greatly values talent and has decided to hold a coronation ceremony for you after the tournament concludes."
(Author's Note: The "coronation ceremony" here refers to the title of a Title Douluo being called "Lord/Your Majesty" which is different from the emperor's coronation ceremony.)
Ke Jie didn't know what Spirit Hall was plotting, so to be safe, he couldn't accept. "The coronation ceremony is too complicated. I've never been fond of formalities. I appreciate the Pope's kindness, but I must decline. As for my title, I'm unworthy, but I'll take the name of my martial soul as my title—Sky Dome Douluo."
Yue Guan pursed his lips and chuckled, not dwelling on the matter further. He quickly revealed his purpose: "There is a student named Tang San in Shrek Academy. Sky Dome Douluo should be able to tell that he is Tang Hao's son. Tang Hao has a grudge with our Spirit Hall, so the Pope hopes that during the individual battles of the finals, we can join forces to ambush Shrek Academy's team."
"The slot for entering the winner's bracket will be decided between us. What do you think, Sky Dome Douluo?"
Ke Jie feigned ignorance. "What? Tang San is Tang Hao's son? Since when did I know that? Lord Ju, are you perhaps fabricating orders on behalf of the Pope?"
Yue Guan wasn't angered.
Ke Jie's act clearly showed he was wary of him, which had already achieved the intended effect.
Yue Guan didn't linger and rose to leave.
Just as he was about to depart, Ning Tianchen called out, "Lord Ju Douluo, please wait a moment."
"Oh? You must be Ning Tianchen. I've heard you're a once-in-a-millennium genius of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect." Yue Guan praised him first, then continued, "May I ask, what do you need?"
Ning Tianchen leaned close to his ear, and Yue Guan didn't resist.
In a low voice, Ning Tianchen said, "The Pope is harsh and ungrateful. If Lord Ju Douluo is interested, the gates of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect are always open to you. Moreover, we can promise that if you join our sect, you will receive at least two spirit bones with no less than twenty-thousand years of age."
After all, despite serving the Pope's Palace for so many years, Yue Guan didn't possess a single spirit bone.
On his deathbed, memories of his life would flash before his eyes like a lantern reel, and only then would he realize how cruel Bibi Dong had been, leading him to harbor resentment. Unfortunately, by then, Tang San wouldn't have shown him any mercy.
A flicker of greed and longing passed through Yue Guan's eyes, but he quickly suppressed his emotions. "Heh, you sure know how to joke."
Ning Tianchen's expression remained unchanged. "Lord Ju Douluo, feel free to consider it carefully."
Yue Guan didn't say more and turned to leave the room.
Ning Tianchen didn't actually intend to recruit him, but the seed of doubt had already been planted. In the future, if Bibi Dong continued to mistreat him, he would surely recall today's promise.
Once disloyal, would Yue Guan still work diligently for Bibi Dong?
"What's Spirit Hall up to?" The members of the Seven Treasures team were all filled with confusion.
Ke Jie sneered. "They want to sit back and watch the fight. If Spirit Hall truly intended to cooperate with us, they wouldn't send a Title Douluo to deliver the message—it doesn't demonstrate sincerity."
"They sent a Title Douluo and still lack sincerity?" Everyone exclaimed in surprise.
Ning Tianchen explained, "Lord Ju represents the Pope's Palace when he's outside. His eloquence is strong, and the Pope sent him precisely because she values his oratory skills."
"This is merely a covert collaboration. Why would they need such eloquence? Clearly, Spirit Hall has deeper intentions."
After some thought, everyone finally understood.
Ke Jie added, "We'll decide the specifics after we reach the finals. For now, we neither accept nor reject Spirit Hall's proposal."
"By the way, Boss, what did you just say to Lord Ju Douluo?" Chen Huayu asked.
Everyone's gaze turned to him simultaneously.
Ning Tianchen chuckled. "Nothing much, just casually mentioned a few things."
Pausing briefly, he quickly changed the subject. "By the way, after the tournament ends, do you all plan to stay in the academy or report to the sect?"
Aside from Feng Xiaotian, everyone else could easily spend a few more years studying in the academy given their ages.
However, Ke Jie disagreed. "The academy is like a greenhouse—it doesn't let you see the true world of soul masters and isn't conducive to self-improvement. In my opinion, you should report to the sect, take on missions assigned by the sect, and hone yourselves through each task."
All members of the Seven Treasures team, even if they joined the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, would be key trainees.
If they didn't wish to take on missions, no one would force them.
Zhu Zhuqing was the first to speak. "Teacher said he would personally guide my cultivation for a few years, after which I plan to go out and gain experience."
Oscar followed closely. "Tianchen, you know I want to have the ability to protect myself. Your previous suggestion sounded good—I've decided to train with battle soul masters in the sect for a while. Afterward, I'll follow your advice and take on external missions assigned by the sect."
Yu Die smiled. "Us sisters and father are used to wandering, but we also want a place to call home. After reporting to the sect, we'll likely train there for a while before going out to gain experience."
Chen Huayu shrugged. "Boss, you know me. I want to travel while I'm young and explore the entire continent. Otherwise, as you said, I'll end up regretting it in my old age."
There was no need to mention Ning Rongrong.
As an auxiliary-type soul master, she didn't need to hone her strength through combat like battle soul masters. Most likely, she would stay within the sect to cultivate.
Ning Tianchen laughed. "I'll train under Grandpa for a while, then go out to gain experience."
Feng Xiaotian's situation was different—he was a disciple of the Feng family, an affiliate of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Though technically part of the sect, he didn't need to report back.
"After the tournament ends, my family has arranged a new training plan for me, and I need to follow their instructions. In the future, we'll see each other much less often."
Ning Tianchen suggested, "How about this—we'll make a five-year pact. After the Soul Master Tournament ends, every five years, we'll gather at the academy once. We'll spar and exchange ideas, using it as a way to test our progress over the past five years. Plus, it'll give us a chance to visit our teachers."
Out of the eight team members, seven belonged to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
In theory, they'd have plenty of opportunities to meet.
But in reality, that wasn't the case.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's operations spanned the continent, and it was possible that some of the seven would be assigned to manage the sect's external businesses.
Moreover, none of them were particularly strong right now, and most of their time would be spent gaining experience outside. Their schedules would inevitably clash, making it difficult for them to reunite.
Feng Xiaotian agreed. "This is a great idea. We're a team. If we scatter after graduation, our bonds will inevitably fade. Everyone, remember the date—don't miss it!"
Sun Buyu laughed. "It's settled then. I'll wait for you all at the academy."
Everyone laughed and agreed.
Ke Jie clapped his hands. "Since that's settled, upon returning to the academy, I'll prepare your graduation certificates."
"The sect leader and I discussed this—if we win the tournament, you'll receive additional rewards. Therefore, everyone, be prepared for tomorrow's finals."
Ning Tianchen added, "By the way, our uniforms will be updated. Uncle Ning has customized a new set of uniforms for us. Hurry and change into them."
With a wave of his hand, he spread the uniforms out on the couch in front of him.
Their current uniforms were made of white and gold threads, but the new ones were crafted in a glazed color. Moreover, the material of the school badge on the chest was replaced with extremely precious sapphire.
In short, these uniforms were incredibly luxurious.
Of course, the main reason was that Ning Fengzhi had his eyes on the souvenir uniform market. If Seven Treasures Academy won the championship, these would be the champion uniforms. Given their high quality, they would surely fetch a high price.
Selling uniforms was just one aspect. What Ning Fengzhi truly wanted was to use the sale of memorabilia as an opportunity to make Seven Treasures Academy's name known across the continent, thereby attracting more talented individuals.
Commoners look up to nobles, and if the nobility considered owning a Seven Treasures Team champion uniform a status symbol, commoners would naturally recognize its value.
The name of Seven Treasures Advanced Soul Master Academy would also be etched into their minds.
...
On the other side, inside Shrek Academy's room
Since being thrown into the dungeon by the Spirit Hall, Yu Xiaogang had harbored deep resentment toward them.
Outwardly, he had played along with Yue Guan's words, but once the latter left, his true feelings immediately surfaced.
"The Spirit Hall clearly has ulterior motives—they're just afraid that we'll team up with Seven Treasures Academy to ambush them!" Someone as intelligent as Yu Xiaogang could easily see through their scheme.
Tang San spoke gravely. "I fear the Spirit Hall may have used the same method to win over Seven Treasures Academy. If both sides were to gang up on us in the individual battles, we'd suffer heavy losses."
Yu Xiaogang's eyes flashed as he came up with a countermeasure and sneered, "We'll concede directly in the individual battles and enter the loser's bracket finals. Both sides have Soul Kings, so we're already at a disadvantage in the individual battles. It's better to go straight into the loser's bracket and avoid unnecessary exhaustion of our strength."
His proposal was unanimously agreed upon by the members of Shrek Academy.
"As for the five-person martial soul fusion technique, I've already figured it out. Let's find a secluded place later and practice in secret. In the upcoming finals, Shrek will surely emerge victorious!"
Next, just as in the original timeline, Ma Hongjun proposed the idea of a five-year pact.
As everyone freely shared their thoughts, Jiang Zhu suddenly spoke out of turn, "I'm sorry, everyone. I probably won't be coming back after this."
"Jiang Zhu, what's wrong? Is there something troubling you? We're all part of the Shrek Eight Freaks—you can tell us, and we'll help you solve it." Ma Hongjun felt extremely anxious.
He secretly admired her and had even pursued her before.
But given his personality, it didn't take much thought to realize that Jiang Zhu would never accept him.
Jiang Zhu lowered her head, her face flushed red. "It's… my childhood friend who proposed to me before the preliminaries began. My family has already agreed to it, and after the tournament ends, I'll have to return home to get married."
After marriage, she would become a housewife and mother, unable to leave her family at will.
The five-year pact was, for her, merely a wishful thought rooted in her heart.
Ma Hongjun covered his face, feeling as though the entire world had collapsed around him.
After a long silence, Tang San finally spoke. "If that's the case, then let's not leave any regrets. In the upcoming finals, everyone give it your all. In the future, if Jiang Zhu has time, she can invite us to visit her home."
---
The next day, the finals officially began.
Under the guidance of the Spirit Hall's red-robed cardinal, the three participating teams and countless spectators arrived at the foot of Pope Mountain.
Seven Treasures Academy's newly changed uniforms were dazzling, immediately making them the center of attention.
Both Shrek Academy and Spirit Hall Academy felt irritated, though their complaints weren't quite the same.
"Tch, flashy but useless!"
In the finals, Pope Bibi Dong would personally appear to host the event.
As such, tickets to the finals' viewing stands had been inflated to astronomical prices beforehand.
Countless soul masters eager to catch a glimpse of the Pope had even gone bankrupt just to secure a ticket.
Those who managed to enter the arena today were all wealthy and influential individuals, including some Soul Elder-level powerhouses.
As the bell rang from the Pope's Palace, the red-robed cardinal led everyone up Pope Mountain.
Leading the procession, naturally, was the Spirit Hall Academy team, followed by Seven Treasures Academy, with Shrek Academy bringing up the rear.
As they climbed the mountain and looked toward the summit, at first, only a corner of the Pope's Palace was visible. As they ventured deeper, the magnificent Pope's Palace gradually came into view.
"So this is the sacred site of soul masters?" Chen Huayu gazed at the Pope's Palace with reverence.
Ning Tianchen shook his head slightly.
The Pope's Palace was revered by all soul masters, but the person ruling it did not deserve such respect.
After all, the deeds Bibi Dong would commit in the future were enough to crown her as one of the greatest villains in the history of the Douluo Continent!
Soon, everyone arrived at the arena in front of the Pope's Palace.
The three teams that had advanced to the finals had separate rest areas. The remaining teams that stayed to watch the matches had to squeeze in with the audience.
Once everyone had gathered, the grand doors of the Pope's Palace slowly opened under the resounding voice of the red-robed cardinal.
All eyes instinctively turned toward the direction of the opening gates.
Pope Bibi Dong, Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and a burly man emerged from the palace together.
Standing in the middle was undoubtedly Bibi Dong.
She wore a floor-length golden gown, adorned with a nine-curved purple-gold crown and held the scepter symbolizing the Pope's authority.
Bibi Dong exuded both the elegance and majesty of a Pope and the killing intent of a high-level soul master. These two contrasting qualities reflected her contradictory nature.
Beside her, the other five figures seemed like stars dimmed by the brilliance of the moon, their usual luster stolen away.
At this moment, it felt as though Bibi Dong was the only one worth looking at.
The soul masters affiliated with the Spirit Hall, the entire audience, and many of the competitors spontaneously knelt down to show their respect to His Holiness the Pope.
Ning Rongrong, the cherished daughter of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, inwardly refused to kneel.
Ning Tianchen noticed the burly man behind Bibi Dong.
This man had streaks of gray in his temples, an imposing figure exuding authority without needing to raise his voice, showing no signs of aging. His presence even surpassed that of Sword Douluo.
Ning Tianchen didn't know his identity, but the man's appearance was no coincidence.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, Ning Tianchen whispered, "Everyone, rein in your tempers. You mustn't act arrogantly in front of the Pope."
Without sufficient strength, yet displaying extraordinary pride—this was the behavior of someone sticking their neck out.
Ning Tianchen, as the team captain, went down on one knee first. Despite their reluctance, the others followed suit.
It was worth noting that Dugu Bo had come to the arena with the Seven Treasures Academy today. However, neither he nor Ke Jie knelt.
Title Douluos not directly subordinate to the Pope were not required to kneel before her.
As Title Douluos, they both had the right to emerge from the main hall alongside Bibi Dong. But Dugu Bo preferred to remain inconspicuous, quietly staying by Ning Tianchen and the others. Ke Jie, as the team leader, naturally couldn't abandon his team.
A sea of people knelt before the Pope's Palace, but among them were those who stood out.
Dugu Bo and Ke Jie's actions were understandable, but what gave Shrek Academy the audacity to stand tall? From top to bottom, not a single one of them knelt.
"How dare you! Why don't you kneel!"
The red-robed cardinal responsible for maintaining order pointed accusingly at Shrek Academy.
Many onlookers shot angry glares at them.
The members of Shrek Academy ignored the commotion, standing proudly in place.
Dai Mubai, as the prince of the Star Luo Empire, had defeated Dai Weisi a few days ago and believed he had a chance to ascend the throne someday. The emperors of the two empires were on equal footing with Bibi Dong, so naturally, he wouldn't kneel, lest it affect his reputation in the future.
Yu Tianxin and Yu Tianheng, as the twin stars of the Blue Lightning Dragon, had their own pride and certainly wouldn't kneel to the Pope.
Ma Hongjun, Xiao Wu, and Tai Long had once received financial aid from the Spirit Hall, so they might feel grateful. But now, since the Spirit Hall wasn't giving them anything, why should they kneel?
Jiang Zhu, overwhelmed by pressure, suddenly knelt.
Bibi Dong's gaze swept over them, finally landing on Yu Xiaogang nearby.
Seeing this, Liu Erlong tightly clung to Yu Xiaogang's arm, as if declaring ownership.
Bibi Dong's eyes twitched slightly. Though displeased with Shrek Academy's actions, she said nothing.
After all, there was still one person present today. Let him handle the unpleasant tasks.
True to expectation, the burly man beside her stepped forward and boomed, "What a bunch of stubborn bones! Let me ask you this—are your bones harder than the tiles beneath your feet?"
This man was none other than Jin E Douluo.
Yu Xiaogang trembled at the sight of him, instinctively wanting to yield. However, Liu Erlong clung to his arm with great force, keeping him upright.
"Erlong, you've betrayed me! My life is over!" Yu Xiaogang roared internally.
The entire arena fell silent. Admitting defeat now would be utterly humiliating.
His eyes swept across the crowd.
With so many people present, it gave him some reassurance.
Surely, the Spirit Hall wouldn't dare harm them in broad daylight, right?
Feeling more confident, he retorted, "May I ask, Your Eminence, which rule in the Spirit Hall mandates that we must kneel?"
The Spirit Hall, of course, had no such rule.
When the Spirit Hall was first established, it was meant to serve soul masters. Kneeling was a spontaneous gesture of respect for the Pope's achievements.
In the history of the Spirit Hall, the number of kneeling soul masters was used to measure a Pope's accomplishments during their reign.
However, after ten thousand years, this rule had become a mere formality. Regardless of the Pope's actual achievements, kneeling to the Pope had become an unwritten rule.
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