The debut of the Heaven Dou Imperial Team had left everyone in a state of shock. When the three members of Spirit Hall's Golden Generation received the news, their faces were masks of disbelief. They were considered geniuses that appeared once in a century—how could anyone be standing above them?
From that point on, the Golden Generation did not miss a single match. They wanted to see for themselves if this Gu Xuan was truly a Rank 56. Previously, they hadn't cared for any other participants, believing their lineup of three Soul Kings was the strongest in history.
However, this tournament was a gathering of monsters. The data on the Seven Treasure Team showed their captain, Dugu Yan, was a Soul King. Though she hadn't appeared yet, anyone who saw the team's strength knew her power was beyond doubt. Then there was the New Godwind Academy, now a high-level team of Soul Ancestors led by the Soul King Feng Xiaotian.
Even Shrek Academy was formidable. Though Tang San hadn't used his Clear Sky Hammer in the last round, news of his second Martial Soul had already spread. Even if he wasn't a Soul King yet, his Rank 49 status put him a mere step away. Most importantly, his hammer's soul rings started at the thousand-year level, with a configuration of three purple and one black.
It was a season of "dark horses" for the Heaven Dou division, making Emperor Xue Ye beam with pride. Meanwhile, although the Star Luo Empire seemed slightly eclipsed, the Star Luo Imperial Academy still boasted an all-Soul Ancestor lineup, with Captain Dai Weisi also at Rank 49.
Despite the general excitement, Shrek Academy faced a stroke of bad luck—or perhaps destiny. In the second round, they were drawn directly against the Star Luo Imperial Academy. Two powerhouses were set to clash early.
The atmosphere at Shrek was heavy, especially for Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing. After intense questioning from Tang San and the others, Dai Mubai finally revealed the truth: he was the third prince of the Star Luo Empire, and Zhu Zhuqing was the third daughter of the Zhu Clan, the empire's premier noble family.
However, Zhu Zhuqing currently felt no affection for Dai Mubai. They had failed to achieve a Spirit Fusion Skill. Consequently, Dai Mubai had returned to his daily habit of chasing girls, though he was much more discreet than before. Having hit a wall with Zhu Zhuqing for two years, he had given up hope on her.
But his lack of hope for her didn't mean he had given up on the throne. With Tang San's twin martial souls, terrifying ring configuration, and ten-thousand-year soul bone, Dai Mubai felt they couldn't lose. The "Shrek Six Devils" were all Soul Ancestors. Even Tai Long, though only Rank 38, possessed strength exceeding ordinary Soul Ancestors.
Dai Mubai felt fortunate he had escaped and met these people. If Shrek won today, he would have the chance to continue his struggle against Dai Weisi. He viewed the Shrek group as his core foundation for the future.
While Dai Mubai was lost in fantasies of power, Zhu Zhuqing felt only a cold sense of resignation. She wasn't a prince; she was just a daughter of the Zhu Clan. Even if Shrek won today, what then?
She knew there was no future with Dai Mubai. Should she stay by his side? She'd rather die. She was well aware of his low-profile trysts. The one man she was supposed to rely on had become a hollow shell. No one could understand her despair. 'If only... if only Dai Mubai were like Brother Gu. No, even a tenth of Brother Gu would be enough...'
Though Gu Xuan rarely interacted with her, he had left a deep impression. Several times, Shrek wouldn't have survived without his intervention. 'But how could someone as excellent as Brother Gu ever look at me?' she thought bitterly. Regardless, she wouldn't accept her fate quietly. If nothing else, she would use this match to prove herself, then disappear from the world of royal power after the tournament.
The match began. Led by Tang San, the "Shrek Six Devils" and Tai Long stood in a line on the stage. Dai Mubai's heterochromatic eyes were filled with unprecedented gravity. On the other side, seven opponents ascended. When Dai Mubai locked eyes with the man leading them, a sharp light erupted from his gaze.
Tang San observed the opponent: long golden hair, a lazy expression, and eyes full of spirit—though not dual-pupiled. He looked 70% like Dai Mubai but was taller and carried the effortless smile of a superior. Behind him stood a tall girl with a full figure and skin like white jade. She smiled gently, clinging to the man's arm. She was strikingly similar to Zhu Zhuqing, but lacked her sister's icy edge, appearing much softer and more approachable.
"Mubai," the leading youth said nonchalantly. "I didn't expect you to actually make it to the Grand Finals. To challenge me face-to-face is a success in itself. But you must understand, your actions force me to crush you."
Dai Mubai glanced at the smiling Tang San beside him, feeling a surge of confidence. "Dai Weisi, drop the act. When have you ever stopped trying to crush me? On this stage, we are enemies. If you have the skill, defeat me first. Otherwise, it's not certain who will inherit the family position."
His voice was loud, intended for the Shrek team as much as his brother. Tang San's expression didn't change; he knew the value of having a future emperor as an ally.
Dai Weisi raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Our playboy has changed? Fine, I'll see what you've learned since leaving home to talk to your elder brother like this." He clicked his tongue. "No wonder Zhuqing is with you, too. It seems you truly intend to resist us to the end?"
His gaze fell on Zhu Zhuqing, a cold light flickering in his eyes as he exchanged a look with the girl beside him. They assumed that since the two were together, they must have achieved their Spirit Fusion Skill. They never would have guessed that Zhu Zhuqing currently held Dai Mubai in utter contempt.
"Zhuqing," Zhu Zhuyun said softly, "if I remember correctly, you aren't even fifteen yet. To reach this stage at such an age... I don't know if you're lucky or just strong." She paused, her voice turning tender. "But this is where it ends. Father and Mother miss you, but they cannot break the ancestral rules. After the match, come back with me."
Zhu Zhuyun's voice lacked Zhu Zhuqing's coldness, possessing a natural, seductive charm.
"Zhu Zhuyun, stop the hypocrisy." Zhu Zhuqing's voice was like ice. "If I hadn't left home, I would have already died at your hands. 'Miss me'? In our family, is there such a thing as affection?"
To them, their siblings were simply older versions of themselves. Despite the blood relation, only one side was permitted to survive under the pressure of the clan. They had to fight with everything they had, for no one wanted their life to end so easily.
(End of Chapter)
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