Chapter 190: Pope Bibi Dong
There was no doubt that Feng Xiaotian was a genius.
Whether it was his innate full spirit power or his self-created technique, the Gale Demon Wolf's Thirty-Six Consecutive Strikes, his talent was undeniable.
However, today Feng Xiaotian was facing not just an opponent, but the legacy of the once-great Clear Sky Sect—the supreme mastery of the world's foremost weapon-type martial soul.
A whole sect's heritage stood behind Tang San.
Tang San had already reached the seventy-second strike of his Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique. His power at this moment surpassed that of most Soul Emperors—this was already his limit.
That terrifying strength crashed down upon Feng Xiaotian. Even though Feng Xiaotian's unique technique had broken through into forty-eight strikes, he still wasn't Tang San's match.
As their powers collided, the Gale Wings behind Feng Xiaotian shattered instantly. The overwhelming impact threw him across the stage, slamming him hard onto the ground below.
Godwind Academy's three core fighters had all been defeated. Tang San had taken on three alone and won.
Though not quite as shocking as Luo Ling's single-handed defeat of a Soul Saint in the second round, it was still more than enough to astonish the audience.
Every spectator's gaze locked on Tang San in stunned disbelief.
The remaining members of Godwind Academy stood frozen where they were.
Shrek's other fighters wouldn't waste such an opportunity. Yu Tianheng charged first, leading the offensive.
Tang San had already stolen the spotlight, so now it was their turn to act.
Yu Tianheng and Ma Hongjun launched fierce attacks on the remaining four fighters of Godwind Academy.
With Ning Rongrong's Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda amplifying their strength, Yu Tianheng—already much stronger than his opponents—cut through them like a wolf among sheep.
The Godwind students had no chance to fight back and were promptly blasted off the arena.
Shrek Academy had won.
What everyone had expected to be a fierce and balanced bout had turned into a one-sided massacre.
Tang San's overwhelming display stunned the entire crowd.
The sudden reappearance of the Clear Sky Hammer—known as the number-one weapon martial soul—left everyone speechless.
The Clear Sky Sect had been hidden from the world for years. And now, during the Continental Spirit Master Tournament Finals, a disciple had appeared—one possessing twin martial souls.
Could it be that the Clear Sky Sect intended to return to the world stage?
Many factions present quietly left the stands. The news that a Clear Sky Hammer spirit master had surfaced was too important—they needed to report it immediately.
As those representatives withdrew, the referee announced the end of the match.
A smile tugged at Tang San's lips. He could feel the awe and fear radiating from the thousands of spectators—their collective attention fixed entirely on him.
For the first time, he stood at the center of the stage, admired by all.
Not during the qualifiers, nor the advancement rounds, had he ever received such glory. Back then, Luo Ling had always overshadowed him. But now… finally, Tang San felt he stood shoulder to shoulder with his rival.
It was intoxicating.
Yet, when his gaze unconsciously sought out Luo Ling's figure among the spectators, his smile faltered.
Luo Ling was watching him with calm indifference—no surprise, no sign of recognition—only that same faintly mocking expression he always bore. Perhaps even a trace of contempt.
Tang San froze for just an instant.
In that heartbeat, Luo Ling stood, stretched lazily with a yawn, spared him one final glance, and turned to leave the arena.
Tang San's hands tightened around the Clear Sky Hammer as he watched Luo Ling's retreating figure.
The thrill of victory drained away, replaced by a bitter, simmering hatred.
"Keep looking down on me," Tang San thought viciously. "When the fifth-round finals come, I'll crush that arrogance of yours."
In his eyes, Luo Ling's dismissal was pure arrogance.
After displaying such terrifying strength—enough to stand equal to him—how could that man still refuse to acknowledge him?
That same cold disregard had always existed, from their very first encounter back in Soto City. Tang San hated it then. He hated it now even more.
…
The fourth round continued, but the results were clear long before they ended.
Both Heaven Dou Royal Academy and Wuhun Hall Academy secured easy victories.
Compared to Shrek's brutal style, the other two finalists fought with restraint, ending their matches cleanly and with minimal injury.
Three days later, the grand finale began.
Under the brilliant morning sun, the majestic sight of Spirit Hall's Pope's Palace shone with divine splendor.
From the palace doors down to the base of the sacred mountain, two long lines of Knight-Guards stood in formation, their presence solemn and awe-inspiring.
Eliminated teams had already been dismissed—none were allowed to witness this final day of battle.
Only the strongest young spirit masters remained, standing at the foot of the Pope's Palace square, awaiting their turn.
Early that morning, all three finalist teams arrived and took their positions.
Twenty-one competitors stood tall beneath the glorious golden light.
As Luo Ling passed by Wuhun Hall's contingent, he could feel Hu Liena's heated gaze lingering on him.
Clearing his throat softly, he gave her a subtle look, as if reminding her to mind the formalities. But Hu Liena clearly had no intention of restraining herself.
Luo Ling could only sigh helplessly and shake his head.
Time passed quickly. Soon, a procession emerged from the palace's side gate—twelve red-robed cardinals of rank just below that of the Platinum Bishops.
"His Holiness the Pope arrives!"
At the lead's commanding cry, the knights and clergy erupted in chorus—
"Long live His Holiness! Long live! Long live!"
The thunderous chant surged across the mountain like a tidal wave, shaking the hearts of all present.
The voices came not only from the knights in formation but from countless spirit masters below in Spirit City.
To them, the Pope was the pinnacle of faith itself.
Among the gathered crowd, Yu Xiaogang's eyes flashed with burning desire as he gazed toward the palace doors.
That word—Pope—filled his heart with yearning.
What a noble, exalted title. One day, he would take that seat himself. The Original God would surely grant such glory to His chosen messenger.
His blood raced with excitement.
Then, before the eyes of thousands, the great doors of the Pope's Palace swung open.
Bibi Dong emerged, clad in a radiant gown of gold, her long robe trailing regally behind her, a violet-gold crown atop her head, and the scepter of authority grasped firmly in her hand.
Her breathtaking beauty, illuminated by the sunlight, seemed almost sacred. The majesty that surrounded her—effortless, commanding—silenced the entire crowd.
Even Luo Ling's eyes flickered with admiration.
He had seen Bibi Dong many times before, yet never had she radiated such grace and divine presence.
The title of Pope suited her perfectly.
It saddened him, remembering how, in the original story, she had been ruined by Yu Xiaogang's deceit and Qian Xunji's cruelty—driven to madness in the end.
But now, it was different. This Bibi Dong had transcended her pain and become a true and worthy Pope.
As the resounding cries of "Long live!" slowly died down, all members of Spirit Hall knelt upon one knee.
Even the three finalist teams, caught up in the tide of reverence, instinctively followed suit.
Yet there were exceptions—seven members of Shrek Academy stood firm. And one more—Luo Ling himself.
The remaining eight figures drew every eye at once.
Bathed in the light of a hundred gazes, Luo Ling simply inclined his head slightly, placing a hand over his chest in a gesture of respect.
It was a sign of honor—not submission.
Luo Ling had his own principles.
Even if Bibi Dong was the Pope, he would not kneel.
But as his mentor, she still deserved his deepest respect.
(END CHAPTER)
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