After returning to the woman's room, Luo Yu naturally showed no mercy. With the roles of teacher and student reversed, he gave Su Yaoyun a very thorough "lesson."
On the other side, this grand tournament was being taken extremely seriously by all major forces. Thanks to Luo Yu's presence, the atmosphere at Tianshui Academy was relatively relaxed.
Other academies and the family powers backing them were completely different. They were all preparing meticulously and nervously, even secretly gathering intelligence on rival academies.
There were exceptions, however—such as one of the organizers, Spirit Hall, where the atmosphere was remarkably calm.
Inside the resplendent and magnificent hall, a dignified and noble female Pope sat high above. Wearing a crown and holding a jeweled scepter, her peerlessly beautiful face carried an air of supreme elegance and wisdom.
Looking down below, she said to the effeminate man, "Yue Guan."
"Present!"
"Among the academies and great families preparing to compete this year, have any heaven-defying talents appeared?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo said disdainfully, "What kind of decent geniuses could those ragtag teams and third-rate organizations possibly produce? They're not even worthy of standing against Spirit Hall's team."
Pope Bibi Dong said with authority, "From Elder Yue's words, it seems this tournament is already firmly in our grasp?"
"Of course." Pride appeared on Chrysanthemum Douluo's face, his confidence in Spirit Hall unwavering.
Bibi Dong said, "Do not be careless. Don't forget—Haotian Sect once produced Tang Hao. Can you guarantee a second one won't appear?"
"What Your Holiness says is right."
"However, Hu Liena and Xie Yue are already Soul Kings at such a young age—far surpassing even me at the same age. Moreover, they possess a martial soul fusion skill. Tell me, among the younger generation, who could possibly be their match?"
Bibi Dong said, "Since Elder Yue has such confidence in Nana and the others, then this year I shall take three soul bones from the treasury as a prize, to be awarded to the champion of this tournament."
"Three soul bones?" Chrysanthemum Douluo's spirit jolted.
"What? Is that unacceptable?"
The empress on high exuded authority without anger. Though Chrysanthemum Douluo prided himself on his profound cultivation, facing Bibi Dong alone still subjected him to immense pressure. No matter how stunningly beautiful she was, he dared not show even the slightest trace of impropriety.
"Three soul bones are far too precious."
Bibi Dong sneered. "What's wrong with rewarding my own disciple through this tournament? It'll also shut up those old fogeys in the Hall of Elders."
Chrysanthemum Douluo dared not pursue that topic further. Even the Ninth Elder of the Hall of Elders was someone he could not contend with. He hesitated slightly and said, "Your Holiness, what if—just what if—we don't win the championship this time?"
Bibi Dong's phoenix eyes sharpened as she glared at him. "Didn't you just tell me that the enemy is weak and we are strong, that victory is assured? What do you mean by this now?"
Cold sweat poured down Chrysanthemum Douluo's back. "I can't think of any reason we would lose, but—"
Bibi Dong shook her head. "There is no 'but.' If some prodigy suddenly rises during this tournament and defeats Nana and the others, then those three soul bones will be deducted from your own resources."
"No!!!" Chrysanthemum Douluo's expression changed drastically.
"Hm?"
He instantly wilted, wishing he could slap himself. Why had he spoken with such confidence earlier?
Seeing the shifting expressions on Chrysanthemum Douluo's face, Bibi Dong spoke, "Like you, I have complete confidence in Nana and the others. But remember—always remain vigilant. Don't speak too absolutely. Accidents are always possible and must be guarded against."
Chrysanthemum Douluo immediately understood that the Pope was warning him. He bowed deeply. "I understand."
Bibi Dong nodded in satisfaction. "Please help me summon the Xie Yue siblings."
"They're waiting outside already," Chrysanthemum Douluo replied.
Soon, a man and a woman entered the hall. The man was tall and sturdy, with black hair draping over his shoulders and sharp, radiant eyes. His aura was powerful, his thick brows filled with arrogance.
The woman had neat, short golden hair and a slender figure. Her narrow waist could be encircled with one hand. She possessed a breathtakingly beautiful fox-like face, as if favored by the heavens.
The noble and elegant aura she emitted was strikingly similar to the Pope's, yet laced with a hint of allure. Her delicate pink lips were irresistibly charming, and her long, narrow eyes brimmed with confidence.
"Greetings, Your Holiness," Xie Yue said respectfully.
"Greetings, Teacher," Hu Liena said with visible delight.
Bibi Dong looked at the handsome man and beautiful woman below and nodded approvingly.
"Nana, your aura is much stronger than last time. It's clear you've been working very hard."
"Thank you for the praise, Teacher."
Bibi Dong frowned slightly and advised, "Diligent cultivation is a good thing, but you must also understand that haste makes waste."
Hu Liena lifted her head. The image of an incomparably handsome young man flashed through her mind, and an uncontrollable surge of longing flowed through her heart. Her gaze instantly became incomparably resolute.
She said firmly, "Teacher, I want to become stronger—much stronger."
Bibi Dong felt gratified, yet she shook her head. "Nana, your spirit is stretched too tight right now. Haste makes waste."
Hu Liena nodded.
Bibi Dong said no more and asked, "Do you two have full confidence in taking first place in this tournament?"
Hu Liena froze slightly. "Teacher, what do you mean by that?"
Looking at the girl, Bibi Dong revealed a doting gaze. "Your teacher has prepared a gift for you. But to silence the Elders, you'll only be able to obtain it if you win the championship through your own strength."
Emotion welled up in Hu Liena's eyes. She said seriously, "This student will definitely give it her all."
"Very good."
Bibi Dong turned her gaze. "And you, Xie Yue?"
"I will do my utmost to win honor for Spirit Hall," Xie Yue replied.
"Good. You may leave now."
After Xie Yue and Hu Liena departed, Bibi Dong stood alone in the vast hall, feeling that something was amiss.
Her disciple and her brother's strength far surpassed their peers, with no equals among them. Yet why could she sense not the slightest hint of arrogance from either of them? Instead, they remained calm and relentlessly devoted to cultivation.
Even with Bibi Dong's experience, she found it hard to understand. Their mindset felt almost inconceivable. Back when she was young and outstanding, she had inevitably developed pride.
As she pondered, she felt a sudden wave of drowsiness and couldn't help sensing that something was wrong. With her level of cultivation, why was she so prone to fatigue?
Soon, clarity faded from her eyes, replaced by a sinister gleam. A low, ominous voice emerged.
"Soon… once you finish inheriting the final piece of the Rakshasa God's armor, it will be the moment this emperor seizes this perfect body and initiates the plan."
In Spirit Hall's garden, Hu Liena stood with petals pinched between her fingers. Her beautiful eyes were dazed, as if recalling something.
Longing flickered across her face from time to time. As she recalled that warm embrace, a radiant smile would unconsciously curl her lips.
Xie Yue walked over from the side. "Nana?"
"Nana!"
"Ah?" Hu Liena snapped back to her senses and waved her hand, hitting him lightly. "Brother, what are you doing? Can't you see I was thinking?"
Xie Yue laughed. "Come on, let big brother guess what's troubling my precious little sister."
Hu Liena shot him a glare and pouted. "As if I'd let you guess. I'm going to cultivate!"
"Sis, you're still thinking about that guy, aren't you?" Xie Yue called after her.
"Brother, you're wrong."
Hu Liena stopped walking but didn't turn around. Her soft voice drifted back.
"You should be asking me—could I ever forget him?"
After Hu Liena left, that figure also flashed through Xie Yue's mind. He clenched his fist. "Hmph. It's all your fault. You've completely enchanted my sister. A perfectly good Saintess has turned into a cultivation maniac—she doesn't even want her brother anymore."
The tall man's black hair fluttered as a powerful aura erupted in place. Five strong soul rings slowly rose around him as he said firmly, "If you dare participate in this tournament, then I, Xie Yue, I, Xie Yue, I—"
His voice grew weaker and weaker, lacking confidence, until it gradually faded away.
Hu Liena hurried toward the training grounds, her heart filled with tender thoughts.
"Will you participate in this tournament? I miss you so much… yet I don't even know your name."
At this moment, Shrek Academy had already arrived in Heaven Dou City and merged with Blue Tyrant Academy. Everyone had gathered at the training grounds, engaged in intense and fierce combat…
——————
~~~~~
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(End of Chapter)