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In the square, the high-ranking members of the various sects were inwardly cursing Su Wen, calling him anything but human. If they had known earlier that the Soul Ascension Method was this grueling and difficult to master, they never would have celebrated Su Wen's decision to make it public. Now, they were stuck. They had been forced into a corner where they had no choice but to participate in this relentless, cutthroat competition.
Of course, there was another possibility: they could simply kill Su Wen to prevent the Soul Ascension Method from spreading entirely. However, Su Wen was currently backed by three Titled Douluos, a Spirit Douluo, and Ning Fengzhi. There was even a high probability that the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would provide him with full-scale support. Add to that the backing of Spirit Hall and the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, and the question became simple: Who would actually dare to strike?
Though they felt forced into this "rat race" of cultivation, Su Wen had at least left them a small retreat. While the secret techniques might be cataloged by the Academy, they weren't being made entirely public to the common masses. The sects could still establish their own formal assessment standards for those wishing to learn.
For instance, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan could demand that anyone wishing to learn their "Dragonification" secret technique must either join the clan or marry into it. Similarly, for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's "Distraction Control," they could require that the recipient never pass the skill to outsiders, never act as an enemy to the sect, and perhaps perform three tasks of significance for the sect in exchange for the knowledge.
"Is there anyone present from the Star Luo Empire who can represent the Imperial Family?" Su Wen asked, his gaze shifting toward the Star Luo delegation. He had already secured the support of Heaven Dou and Spirit Hall; only Star Luo remained. Once the Star Luo Imperial Family made their stance clear, the nature of the Academy would be officially set in stone as a legitimate, world-class power.
In the Star Luo Royal Team, Davis's eyes flickered with a calculating light as he took a step forward. Seeing this, Dai Mubai, standing within the Shrek Academy ranks, clenched his fists tightly, his eyes brimming with a sense of unwilling resentment. Although Dai Mubai's growth had been rapid, Davis remained the legitimate heir and the presumptive Crown Prince. At this moment, Davis was clearly more qualified to represent the empire.
As long as Davis didn't do something incredibly foolish—like rejecting Su Wen's Academy—he would become the vital link between the Star Luo Empire and this new center of world knowledge. Even if Dai Mubai's talent allowed him to surpass Davis in strength a few years down the line, he would likely be excluded from the throne. While the internal rule of the Star Luo royals was "survival of the fittest" based on strength, external political factors still carried weight, and an influence as massive as the Academy was not something to be ignored.
Davis stepped forward and cupped his fists. "I am not yet the Crown Prince, but as a Prince of Star Luo, I naturally support the Academy's noble ideals. Upon my return to the Empire, I will personally report the Academy's situation to my father and secure the Star Luo Imperial Family's full support."
Su Wen nodded. "My thanks."
"No," Davis said, waving his hand dismissively. "It is we, the Spirit Masters of the world, who should thank you."
"Indeed, Su Wen. Every Spirit Master should be grateful for your selfless contribution," Bibi Dong added.
"She is right," 'Xue Qinghe' chimed in. "The entire continent owes you a debt of gratitude."
The words of these three individuals represented the official attitudes of the three most powerful factions on the continent. In the midst of this weighty atmosphere, a youthful yet firm voice suddenly rang out, shouting with conviction.
"That's right! It is all of us who must thank you for your sacrifice! We thank you, Grandmaster Wen!"
The voice belonged to Lin Dong. His shout was abrupt, yet it pierced through the air with such genuine sincerity that it struck a chord in everyone's heart.
"We thank you, Grandmaster Wen!"
"Thank you, Grandmaster Wen!"
Like an overwhelming wave, the entire square erupted. Thousands of voices joined together, chanting and praising the name of "Grandmaster Wen." Su Wen gave a helpless, sidelong glance at Lin Dong, realizing the boy had started something massive.
Taking in the spectacular sight before her, Bibi Dong took a deep breath and looked at Su Wen with a profound, lingering gaze. The teacher of all Spirit Masters under heaven... She realized that Su Wen's achievements in theoretical research were unprecedented, and perhaps, there would never be another like him in the future.
Yu Xiaogang watched the scene of the masses chanting Su Wen's title, his heart a chaotic mess of emotions. He felt a deep, gnawing envy mixed with jealousy. This day was destined to be recorded in the annals of history, and it would be written in the boldest of strokes.
Amidst the earth-shaking chants of his new title, Su Wen felt a unique form of energy beginning to converge upon his body. This is... Faith.
Su Wen couldn't yet perceive the specific essence of the Power of Faith, but he had a hazy, intuitive sensation of its existence. Whether he could actively manipulate it didn't matter yet. For him, the most important thing was the sheer volume of belief gathering around him. The effects of Faith were invisible, yet tangible. Having gathered such a massive amount of Faith in such a short time, Su Wen felt the soul power circulation within his body become instantly transparent and fluid.
The Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi began to surge violently.
"This is..."
Spirit Masters with keen perceptions immediately felt the change in the surrounding energy. Vast amounts of Yuan Qi poured into Su Wen's body, where he rapidly refined it into soul power.
Pop!
Su Wen broke through. He had reached Level 60.
Ning Fengzhi was utterly stunned. He reached Level 60 already? The massive bottleneck between Level 59 and Level 60 had been overcome in less than three months. He knew that Su Wen must have gained some incredible benefit from this moment.
Besides Ning Fengzhi, no one else truly understood the weight of this breakthrough. It didn't just mean Su Wen's soul power had increased by one level; it meant that once the Continental Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament ended, all the data and combat capabilities Su Wen had displayed during the matches would be completely outdated. A new gap in information was being created.
"This year's tournament has been a resounding success," the Supreme Pontiff announced. "I, the Pope, hereby declare—"
"Wait, Your Holiness. I have some private matters I would like to attend to first." Su Wen interrupted Bibi Dong once again.
This time, Bibi Dong was completely in the dark regarding Su Wen's intentions. She tried her best to remain patient, asking, "What else could you possibly have to do?"
"Since the tournament is over, I imagine many people are curious about my Academy and are anxious to discuss business with me. I know you are all in a hurry, but please... don't be in a hurry just yet."
Everyone stared at him, confused.
"I have some personal business I wish to settle here, which is why I must temporarily interrupt the Supreme Pontiff." Su Wen bowed slightly to express his apologies. It was, after all, quite bold to insist on handling private affairs before the official conclusion of the tournament.
Bibi Dong frowned but didn't withhold her permission. Su Wen's prestige had already peaked; he was the "Grandmaster of the World." Even she had to give him face in this moment. Every Spirit Master watched with curiosity, wondering what "private business" Su Wen could have.
However, as Su Wen mentioned his private matters, the hearts of Tang San and Yu Xiaogang sank. They both felt an immediate sense of foreboding. Sure enough, Su Wen's gaze turned toward the Shrek Academy delegation.
"Tang Hao, come out," Su Wen said calmly. "Using the stage of this Grand Final as our backdrop, it is time for the grievances between us to be settled."
The crowd gasped. Who? Tang Hao?
The pupils of the Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluos contracted instantly, and Bibi Dong's expression shifted dramatically. She followed Su Wen's gaze to the Shrek team, landing on Tang San. Twin Martial Souls... Blue Silver Grass... surnamed Tang! It all clicked for her in an instant.
Others also began to remember who Tang Hao was. The Clear Sky Douluo! The youngest Titled Douluo on the continent, the man pursued by Spirit Hall, the one who was said to have vanished long ago.
The fact that Su Wen called Tang Hao by name and claimed to have a deep grudge against him sent shockwaves through the audience. But more importantly, what did Su Wen just say? Settle? Was their "Grandmaster Wen" suggesting he was going to have a life-or-death battle with the Clear Sky Douluo? Every word was in a language they understood, yet the sentence made no sense to their ears.
A figure wrapped in a tattered black cloak suddenly appeared in front of the Shrek Academy team. A gravelly, weathered voice echoed through the square.
"Such arrogance from one so young!"
(End of Chapter)