Compared to the fierce clash between Tang San and the new Godwind, the subsequent matches felt somewhat lackluster. Although the elites of each academy displayed dazzling soul skills and varied tactics, the overwhelming power gap meant nothing could truly shock the soul or stir the blood.
The audience remained excited, occasionally bursting into cheers or cries of amazement. However, for those seated in the best viewing seats, like Chen Yi and Qian Renxue, these battles were little more than formalities—none created any ripples of significance.
That is, until the Spirit Hall Academy team appeared.
As last tournament's runner-up and this year's top contender, the Spirit Hall Academy team possessed an intimidating presence as a deterrence all on its own. Especially the three at the front—Xie Yue, Yan, and Hu Liena—whose natural charisma drew every eye.
Their opponents this time were from a Star Lou Empire academy, boasting three soul masters and four soul elders. With luck, they might have progressed further, but against Spirit Hall, they didn't stand a chance.
At the start of the match, Hu Liena, true to character, did not perform the Martial Soul Fusion technique with Xie Yue. Instead, she stepped forward alone. Five soul rings shimmered around her—a pair of yellow rings, two purple, and one black. Suddenly, the deepest black—the fifth ring—flashed dazzlingly.
A formless spiritual fluctuation swept across the arena, barely perceivable, yet in an instant, the eyes of the seven opponents glazed over and they fell into an inescapable dream. Next, several ethereal fox tails streaked across Hu Liena's form, and the seven from Star Lou collapsed to the ground as if their bones had vanished, completely unconscious.
The entire process was clean and efficient. From start to finish, it didn't require even ten breaths; Hu Liena didn't move more than three steps.
"Spirit Hall Academy wins," the referee announced, jolting much of the audience out of their daze. The crowd erupted—applause and gasps filled the air. This formidable mental control and flawless resolve revealed the true, terrifying might of the Spirit Hall Golden Generation's leader.
Chen Yi's gaze fell on Hu Liena, who stood quietly, pride flickering in her eyes. He showed a touch of surprise.
"Level 55?" Chen Yi murmured lightly. With his vast spiritual power, he could easily sense Hu Liena's true level. It was higher than he'd estimated, based on the original timeline and available information.
Notably, both Xie Yue and Yan, Golden Generation members like her, were still only at Level 53. For Hu Liena to be two levels ahead wasn't just a matter of talent.
"It's really about the quality of one's teacher," Qian Renxue, who stood beside him, picked up her teacup and sipped, her expression unreadable.
Since learning Bibi Dong's history from Qian Daoliu, Qian Renxue had partially resolved her own obsessions and resentment. She understood more of why Bibi Dong held such enmity towards her. But understanding was not forgiveness, nor acceptance.
As Spirit Hall's Holy Maiden, to betray her mission and harbor hate for Spirit Hall for the sake of a lover—no matter the reason—was undeniably treason. That was why, even though Bibi Dong was now sealed deep within Douluo Palace by Qian Daoliu, Qian Renxue had never once gone to see her.
As for Hu Liena, Bibi Dong's beloved substitute, Qian Renxue had no fondness for her either. However, given her position, she'd never deliberately make things difficult for someone like Hu Liena; that would diminish her own dignity.
Chen Yi nodded lightly. Spiritual cultivation made him keenly sense that Hu Liena's spirit power was far more refined than peers of her level—a benefit from top-grade spirit bones. Even in the ledger of Spirit Hall's Titled Douluos, this kind of soul bone would be considered a most precious treasure. It was clear how much effort Bibi Dong had invested in this disciple.
No wonder Qian Renxue felt disdain. Receiving such rewards without any true accomplishment was hard to accept, even if Qian Renxue herself had great achievements. At least those honors were genuinely earned.
In the competition, Hu Liena led her team to easy victory. Lifting her chin, she scanned the field with radiant eyes, savoring the awe and admiration directed at her from all sides. Yet when her gaze met Qian Renxue atop the high dais, the pride in her eyes instantly turned cold.
Months ago, her teacher Bibi Dong had abruptly declared long-term seclusion, entrusting all affairs to Qian Renxue—a turn that had sparked much speculation within Spirit Hall. As Bibi Dong's disciple, Hu Liena naturally knew more inside information and firmly believed her teacher's 'seclusion' was not voluntary. Most likely, it had been imposed upon her.
She had tried everything—secret methods to contact her teacher and check on her safety—but her every effort ended in vain, increasing only her anxiety and resentment.
Qian Renxue's ascent represented a double blow: not only had Bibi Dong lost power, but Hu Liena's status as 'Holy Maiden' was now a joke in front of Qian Renxue—a role that seemed easily replaced at any time.
Qian Renxue took everything that belonged to Teacher. She even stole the future that should have been mine!
Thinking so, Hu Liena's anger surged. She could bear to watch no more, snorting coldly as she turned on her heel and strode toward the contestants' corridor—leaving only her slender back for the audience.
Yan, who had been watching her intently, quickly followed like a loyal dog, flattering smile on his face, ready to offer comfort or a joke.
Xie Yue, in contrast, paused to offer a formal bow toward the dais—clearly apologizing for Hu Liena's rudeness—then turned to catch up.
After the Spirit Hall team departed, Chen Yi put down his teacup and asked casually, "How do you plan to handle her? She's served as Pope for fifteen years and commands notable prestige among both ordinary people and soul masters, especially the lower and middle classes. She has an excellent reputation."
He was referring to Hu Liena but also alluding to Bibi Dong. How to handle this teacher-disciple relationship was critical for Spirit Hall's stability, and for how the outside world perceived this transfer of power.
Qian Renxue fell silent for a moment, long lashes lowered to hide the flicker of complexity in her eyes. She finally looked up, her gaze steady once more.
"We'll deal with it after the tournament. The Pope's Palace has stood empty for too long. It's time to return."
Her meaning was clear: a return to the rightful rule of the Angelic bloodline over Spirit Hall.
Chen Yi asked no more, turning his attention back to the arena. Qian Renxue knew how to manage internal Spirit Hall affairs; there was little need to interfere...
…
Meanwhile, in the neighboring Star Lou City, a gray streak of light appeared quietly above the main estate of Clear Sky Castle. Its potent aura instantly engulfed the entire sect.
"An enemy attack?!"
The second and third elders left in the sect soared up as twin streams of light to intercept the gray streak, their spirit power fully mobilized, eyes alert.
The light faded, revealing a figure—a tall, powerfully built middle-aged man, his clothes old and tattered, covered in dust, but with an inherent majesty that made the two elders' eyes widen in shock and awe.
"Uncle... Uncle?!" The second elder's voice trembled with disbelief and excitement.
"Uncle, is that you? Have you really returned?" The third elder was so moved his beard trembled.
The one who appeared above Clear Sky Sect was none other than the previous Clear Sky Douluo, Tang Chen, missing for more than thirty years!
"It's me." Tang Chen's voice was hoarse, swept his gaze over the two old men, and his brow knit slightly. "Why are there only the two of you? Where is Tang Xing? Where are Tang Lie and Tang Xiao? Why is the sect in such decline?"
At this, joy on the elders' faces was instantly replaced by sorrow and anger. Both knelt, tears streaming.
"Uncle! You must stand for us!" The second elder wept with humiliation and hatred. "Uncle, ever since you left, the Clear Sky Sect has suffered so much!"
The third elder broke into uncontrollable tears.
Tang Chen's heart sank with a dreadful premonition. "What has happened? Stand up and tell me everything."
The two elders got up, abandoning courtesy, and grieved as they told Tang Chen of years of Clear Sky's calamity: Spirit Hall's constant oppression, the alliance with the Body Sect, Tang Hao's murder, and the tragic deaths of Tang Lie and others. Their tale of blood and tears painted a vivid picture of the sect's decline over decades.
"Spirit Hall… the Body Sect…" Tang Chen's eyes filled with icy resolve as he squeezed his fists until his knuckles turned white and his body trembled.
He could never have imagined that the once glorious Clear Sky Sect would reach this state in just thirty short years after his departure. And Hao—his grandchild, whom he had placed such hopes on, with peerless talent—had suffered such a fate!
"Uncle! Avenge us! Avenge the deaths of all our tragically fallen Clear Sky disciples!" The second and third elders kowtowed repeatedly, cheeks wet with tears.
"Rise." Tang Chen took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the surging blood and murderous intent threatening his sanity. His body was extremely weakened; the failure of the Asura God's trial and many years' decline as king of Slaughter City had nearly destroyed his once-unbeatable form, and his soul was deeply wounded.
He had returned for one thing: not vengeance, but to make arrangements for the sect's future after seeing old friends one last time.
"Do not worry," Tang Chen said, his voice steady. "Now that I'm back, this blood debt will be repaid! The dignity of the Clear Sky Sect shall not be trampled!"
In this moment, he was resolved to die. With a ruined body, the last thing he could do was to give his final strength and life to fight for his sect's future and wash away its shame.
Suddenly, he recalled a name vaguely mentioned while the elders wept: "Just now, did you say Bo Saixi? The Bo Saixi from Seag God Island has come to the continent?"
A strange light flashed in Tang Chen's eyes.
"Yes, Uncle!" The second elder replied hastily. "About half a year ago, Lord Bo Saixi secretly visited the ancestral lands…"
"Bo Saixi..." Tang Chen repeated softly, rare gentleness showing on his hard, cold face before it turned to resolve. Knowing she was here, his last regret disappeared.
If only, at the end, I could see her one more time...
"You two have guarded the sect well," Tang Chen said. He said no more, focusing on the main gates of Clear Sky Sect—doors now unfamiliar in their decline. His gaze carried deep complexity: longing, guilt, resolve, and reluctant farewell.
In the next moment, his figure transformed once more into a powerful stream of gray light, speeding off without pause toward Spirit City—the enemy's fortress, the place where Bo Saixi was.
Let me perform my final dance with this broken body at Spirit City. If I can take Qian Daoliu down with me, deal heavy damage to Spirit Hall, give our sect a chance at rebirth, and see her one last time—it will be worth everything.
The gray streak of light pierced the sky, fading toward the distant horizon, leaving only the two kneeling elders staring after it, hopeful hearts beating as they watched him go.
…