After finishing his words, the Insect Ancestor ignored Tang San completely. No matter how much Tang San shouted, he received no response. Though unwilling to accept it, he could only give up for now.
Evil Moon and Hu Liena's Martial Soul Fusion Skill was simply too powerful—even the newly awakened Insect Ancestor had been gravely injured by it and was forced to enter another period of recovery.
Meanwhile, the outside world had already fallen into chaos. All three combatants were unconscious, but since Evil Moon and Hu Liena were still in the arena, the rules dictated that the Spirit Hall team had won.
"Tang San… I underestimated you, Child of Destiny," Lin Fan murmured, watching from afar. "But do you really think the Insect Ancestor is helping you out of goodwill?"
A faint, amused smile tugged at his lips.
"If it actually devours you, things could get… troublesome."
Indeed, Lin Fan's words were true—the relationship between Tang San and the Insect Ancestor was one of mutual exploitation.
Tang San sought to use the Insect Ancestor to enhance his power, while the Insect Ancestor was using Tang San's soul to restore itself.
Lin Fan had no doubt that, given the opportunity, the Insect Ancestor would consume Tang San entirely and take over his body.
As Tang San collapsed weakly to the ground, Ning Rongrong rushed into the arena and knelt beside him, supporting his limp form.
"Spirit Hall—what kind of people are you?!" she shouted angrily. "You ganged up on him! If you hadn't outnumbered him, San-ge would've won long ago! Spirit Hall must be behind this unfair match!"
Her voice trembled with fury as she scolded Spirit Hall for its supposed deceit and cruelty.
"Your Holiness," said Ning Fengzhi, stepping forward calmly. "Rongrong has always been a bit unruly. I'll take her back and discipline her properly."
Yet, as he stood in the center of the arena, his expression showed no intent of disciplining anyone. His posture made his meaning clear: Yes, I'm spoiling her. What of it?
"I ask Your Holiness to be merciful," he added smoothly.
At his words, several powers allied with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect stepped forward in support. Even the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan pleaded on Ning Fengzhi's behalf.
Though the three upper sects rarely saw eye to eye, against Spirit Hall they had no choice but to stand together. Their unity now was an unspoken act of defiance.
"Ning Fengzhi," Bibi Dong said from her throne, her tone sharp, "isn't your sect's influence reaching a little too far? You do realize this is Spirit Hall."
To be honest, Ning Rongrong's outburst alone wouldn't have angered her. What truly infuriated Bibi Dong was seeing Ning Fengzhi rally so many influential forces. From that moment onward, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was added to her list of future eliminations.
Her soul power erupted, pressing down on everyone in the hall.
"Your Holiness, Rongrong is still a child. Please don't take offense," Chen Xin and Gu Rong quickly said, stepping protectively in front of Ning Fengzhi.
"Sword Uncle, Bone Uncle—take them away," Ning Fengzhi ordered quietly, glancing at Tang San and the others. He knew full well that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect couldn't match Spirit Hall's power.
Even so, Spirit Hall wouldn't openly attack them—not yet.
Chen Xin and Gu Rong exchanged a look, then nodded. Without hesitation, they helped Tang San and Ning Rongrong out of the arena. The others who weren't part of the sect stayed behind, uninvolved.
"Ning Fengzhi, do you really think I won't act against your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"
Before he could reply, Bibi Dong vanished from her throne and reappeared directly in front of him.
The sudden display of power shocked everyone present—even the seasoned Titled Douluo grew tense. Among Titled Douluo, differences in strength could be enormous, and even the oldest among them could not perceive Bibi Dong's current level.
"I wouldn't dare," Ning Fengzhi said with a bow. "Your Holiness is magnanimous. Fengzhi thanks you for your mercy."
"This time," Bibi Dong said coldly, "I'll let your sect go."
She knew now was not the right time for open conflict. Though her heart still burned with resentment, she could only let them leave for the moment.
After all, many of those who had spoken up today were prominent figures across the continent. If she detained them, Spirit Hall would immediately become the target of all forces.
With Bibi Dong's reluctant consent, Ning Fengzhi and his group departed under the protection of Chen Xin and Gu Rong. The other factions followed closely behind—each with the same purpose: discovering how Tang San had managed to alter the age of his spirit rings.
Even Bone Douluo brought Yu Xiaogang along, hoping to learn more.
"Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing," Bibi Dong said after they left, turning to the two. "Are you interested in joining Spirit Hall?"
Though they were formerly of Shrek Academy, that didn't prevent her from trying to recruit them.
"Don't worry about the Star Luo Empire. I'll handle that matter personally—if you agree to join."
Seeing their hesitation, Bibi Dong smiled faintly. She could tell they were worried, but both possessed the potential to become future Titled Douluo. She decided she would visit the Star Luo Empire herself to resolve the matter.
"Your Holiness," the two said, finally kneeling before her in acceptance.
"Follow Ning Fengzhi's group," Lin Fan's voice echoed in the darkness. "If possible, bring the Insect Ancestor back."
"Yes, my Lord," Tang Hao replied.
Having recently assisted Lin Fan in slaying a Ten-Thousand Soul Beast, Tang Hao immediately set off with Dugu Bo toward the outskirts of Heaven Dou City.
"Spirit Hall's influence grows by the day…" Yu Yuanzhen muttered with a weary sigh. "I wonder if the next generation of the upper sects will be able to stand against them."
As the sole Titled Douluo of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he knew well that if Spirit Hall ever decided to strike, his clan would be the first to fall.
"Don't worry, Sect Master Yu," another elder said. "Spirit Hall cannot dominate the continent alone."
"Hold it right there," a deep voice interrupted. "You may leave—but that one stays."
A figure in a black cloak stepped forward, pointing directly at the unconscious Tang San beside Ning Rongrong.
"Spirit Hall's dogs?" Chen Xin and Gu Rong immediately moved to shield them.
"Spirit Hall?" The cloaked man laughed darkly. "What's that to me? I only want him. My Lord hasn't ordered your deaths, so I'll let you live—for now."
"You've got a big mouth," Yu Yuanzhen growled. "Allow this old man to test your strength!"
Activating his martial soul, he charged forward.
But before he could reach the cloaked figure, a faint, poisonous mist began to spread across the clearing.
"Old fool," another voice sneered. Dugu Bo emerged from behind the black-cloaked man, idly twirling a strand of his dark green hair. "Haven't you noticed the change in the air?"
"Dugu Bo… you—! Poison!" Yu Yuanzhen managed to choke out before his strength drained rapidly.
"My title is 'Poison,'" Dugu Bo said mockingly. "Did you really think I'd clash head-on with your Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon? Use that muscle-brain of yours for once."
He shook his head with exaggerated disdain, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Bone Uncle," Ning Rongrong called anxiously, "take us out of here!"
****
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