Whoosh—
As soon as Shui Wuhen said those words, an uproar instantly erupted across the venue.
No one could believe that Shui Wuhen had actually rejected a hundred-thousand-year Spirit Ring—something every Spirit Master longed for.
Even Bibi Dong was momentarily stunned.
She hadn't expected that even after offering such conditions, Shui Wuhen would still refuse her recruitment.
But soon, Bibi Dong regained her composure and smiled. "Very well. Since that's the case, I won't force you. However, the doors of Spirit Hall will always remain open to you."
As the Pope of Spirit Hall, although Shui Wuhen's talent was extraordinary, it wasn't enough to make her lower herself further. Moreover, she had already offered the best conditions she could.
Besides, Bibi Dong firmly believed that if Shui Wuhen ever chose to join a faction, Spirit Hall would undoubtedly be the best choice—after all, no other force could promise something like an additional hundred-thousand-year Spirit Ring.
"Thank you, Your Holiness, for your understanding."
Shui Wuhen cupped his hands toward Bibi Dong and gave a respectful bow.
Seeing this, Ning Fengzhi and the others beside Bibi Dong also let out a sigh of relief.
As long as Shui Wuhen hadn't joined Spirit Hall, things wouldn't become too dire for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
At the same time, Ning Fengzhi's gaze toward Shui Wuhen became more complex.
He knew that if even Bibi Dong's offer of a hundred-thousand-year Spirit Ring couldn't move Shui Wuhen, then it would be even more impossible for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to recruit him.
Sword Douluo Chen Xin also sighed inwardly. "After this Elite Tournament, Shui Wuhen's name will surely shake the world. He is no longer a fledgling that needs protection, but an eagle that has already spread its wings and soared."
Some might think Shui Wuhen's choice was foolish, but what Chen Xin saw was the absolute confidence of a genius.
Unless he fell prematurely, someone like him would inevitably become a legend in the Spirit Master world.
And bringing down such a person—how could that be easy?
Now that Shui Wuhen had already grown, his Spirit Emperor-level cultivation alone made him a true powerhouse across the world.
To hunt him down, at the very least, a Spirit Douluo-level force would be required—and even then, success was far from guaranteed.
After all, a genius of Shui Wuhen's caliber would attract countless individuals and factions eager to build goodwill with him. Many would even hope for someone else to act foolishly and create opportunities for them.
Moreover, if the attempt failed, what awaited in the future would be an enemy at the level of a Titled Douluo.
Unless there was a direct conflict or fear of his growth becoming uncontrollable, no one would be willing to take such a risk.
"Brother, you…"
Hearing her brother's refusal, Shui Bing'er's face was filled with astonishment.
Shui Wuhen gently patted her head and smiled. "Don't worry. Even without joining a faction, it's still possible to obtain a hundred-thousand-year Spirit Ring."
"Sigh… fine. As long as it's your decision, I support it."
Shui Bing'er sighed and nodded.
Although she didn't understand why her brother rejected such an incredible offer, she trusted that he must have his own reasons.
After all, since childhood, Shui Wuhen had never made a wrong decision.
…
Inside the Saintess Hall, a thread-thin strand of cyan energy suddenly appeared, piercing directly through the ground in front.
Immediately afterward, Qian Renxue, who had been sitting cross-legged, suddenly opened her eyes and let out a long breath.
"Finally cleared out that strange energy. I wonder how Feng Xiaotian produced it… or is this the mutation of his martial soul?"
At that moment, a figure appeared before her.
Seeing who it was, Qian Renxue frowned. "Mother, I've already said—don't enter my room casually."
"Heh! Looks like you've recovered quite well."
Bibi Dong, however, seemed unconcerned.
If she had intervened, the energy inside Qian Renxue could have been removed instantly. But perhaps out of pride, this stubborn daughter of hers had refused help and chose to eliminate it on her own.
"Oh, right!"
Bibi Dong suddenly changed the topic. "The individual matches are over. To be safe, you'll participate in this afternoon's team battle."
"Against Shrek, and you still need me? Are Hu Liena and the others just for show?"
Qian Renxue felt speechless. Although Shrek was decent, they were ultimately just a team of Spirit Ancestors.
Meanwhile, the Spirit Hall team not only had three Spirit Kings but also possessed a martial soul fusion skill. She couldn't even imagine how they could lose.
But Bibi Dong shook her head. "Don't underestimate Shrek. After all, it's a team trained by Yu Xiaogang. They might have some hidden trump cards."
Although Yu Xiaogang's personal cultivation talent was poor, Bibi Dong acknowledged his abilities—otherwise, she wouldn't have been drawn to him back then.
"Fine. I'll join."
Hearing Bibi Dong's words, although Qian Renxue felt it unnecessary, she agreed to participate alongside Hu Liena and the others to face Shrek Academy.
That afternoon, at Tianshui Academy's residence.
Knock knock—
Hearing the knock, Shui Wuhen put down the book on martial soul cultivation in his hand and walked to the door.
"You?"
Seeing the visitor, Shui Wuhen was slightly surprised.
Standing before him was Feng Xiaotian, who looked somewhat weak, his face slightly pale.
Though surprised, Shui Wuhen still invited him in and poured him a cup of tea.
"Go on. What brings you here?"
After pushing the teacup toward Feng Xiaotian, Shui Wuhen glanced at him and asked.
Feng Xiaotian didn't answer directly. Instead, he glanced at the book on the table before speaking.
"Why aren't you watching this afternoon's match?"
"There's no need."
Shui Wuhen poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, and said, "The final result will definitely be Spirit Hall's victory. After all, they've taken out three ten-thousand-year Spirit Bones as rewards, and those three Spirit Bones match the attributes of the Golden Generation. They won't let them slip away."
"That's right. They won't let those ten-thousand-year Spirit Bones slip away."
Feng Xiaotian nodded in agreement.
"But…" He took a sip of tea, then suddenly changed the subject. "In the final, do you think you can win?"
"I don't know."
Shui Wuhen shook his head.
"You don't know?"
Feng Xiaotian looked at him in surprise.
Shui Wuhen met his gaze and said, "Qian Renxue is the person I encountered before. Her current level is far above ours. I'm not confident I can definitely win."
Hearing this, Feng Xiaotian fell silent.
He recalled that battle with Qian Renxue—he had been completely suppressed, with no chance to fight back at all.
After a moment of silence, Feng Xiaotian took out a Spirit Bone emitting an icy blue glow from his storage soul tool and placed it on the table.
"This… is for you!"