After the Match

After the Match

When the Spirit Hall Academy team, one of the three top-seeded teams, stepped onto the arena, the entire venue fell instantly silent. Every competing team held its breath, eager to glimpse this mysterious team's true strength.

Three people walked abreast at the very front of the team, like three wolf kings poised to strike. The powerful presence and certainty of victory radiating from them could only belong to formidable experts who had experienced countless triumphs. Six eye-catching Spirit Hall emblems were embroidered on their pristine white uniforms, while the purple book-shaped badges on their left chests gleamed brilliantly, displaying their noble status as the Golden Generation.

The silver-haired young man in the lead stood over six feet three inches tall, his features cold and stern. Beneath his calm expression lay the profound confidence of an abyss and the steadfastness of a mountain. A red-haired man and a blonde woman stood on either side of him. Flames seemed to dance within the red-haired man's dark crimson eyes, while the blonde woman appeared ordinary at first glance, yet possessed a distinctive charm that made it impossible to look away upon closer inspection.

"Sending out their strongest lineup right away?" Feng Yao watched the arena thoughtfully.

"Watch carefully." Dugu Bo had appeared in the Imperial Dou Team's resting area at some point. He explained in a deep voice, "These three are the Golden Generation nurtured by Spirit Hall. The silver-haired one is Xie Yue, a level fifty-two Assault System Battle Soul King with the Moon Blade Tool Spirit. The red-haired one is Yan, a level fifty-two fire-attribute Assault System Battle Soul King with the Flame Lord Martial Soul. The blonde woman is Hu Liena, Xie Yue's younger sister, a level fifty-one Control System Battle Soul King with the Fox Spirit."

Old Poison's gaze lingered on Hu Liena for a moment longer. "Pay particular attention to that girl. Her charming ability has much in common with your Zither Sound."

Feng Yao nodded slightly, his fingers unconsciously brushing over the strings.

The instant the Spirit Hall Academy team stepped onto the arena, Hu Liena's gaze shot like an arrow toward Heaven Dou Royal Academy's waiting area, locking precisely onto the white-clad figure playing the zither.

Their eyes met in midair. Fiery battle intent ignited in Hu Liena's beautiful eyes, and her red lips parted in a provocative smile. Feng Yao merely smiled calmly, gave her a slight nod in greeting, and carried himself with effortless elegance.

Hu Liena's delicate brows furrowed as she prepared to provoke him further, only to be interrupted by Yan suddenly leaning close.

"Nana, what are you looking at?" Yan scratched his fiery red hair and looked along her line of sight in confusion.

Hu Liena withdrew her gaze and shot him an irritated look. "What does it have to do with you? Focus on preparing for the match."

Yan smiled sheepishly and rubbed his hands together. "Why would we need to get serious against a second-rate academy? We can just casually beat them..." Though his voice was not loud, it was more than enough for the competitors across from them to hear clearly.

Sure enough, the opposing team members immediately glared at them in anger, and several hot-tempered students clenched their fists. Xie Yue sighed helplessly and placed a hand on Yan's shoulder. "Say less." His icy gaze swept over the opposition, instantly making those enraged students feel as though they had fallen into an ice cellar.

Hu Liena did not look at Feng Yao again, merely winding a lock of hair around her fingertip without realizing it. That Zither Master who could so easily break a Martial Soul Fusion Skill was the opponent she truly cared about.

When the Spirit Hall Academy team revealed their Spirit Rings, a wave of astonishment swept through the venue. But after witnessing Feng Yao's stunning performance, the crowd's reaction was no longer as shocked as before. A lineup led by three Soul Kings was undoubtedly a devastating blow to any ordinary academy—after all, many competing teams could not even assemble a full lineup of Soul Ancestors. The disparity in strength was nothing short of overwhelming.

After the match began, Hu Liena gave a look and let out a sweet laugh. As her Spirit Rings flashed repeatedly, the power of charm blanketed the entire arena. With the Golden Generation working together, the battle had practically ended the moment it began. This crushing victory made every competing team deeply realize the terrifying strength of Spirit Hall Academy.

In the Imperial Dou Team's resting area, everyone unconsciously held their breath. Yu Feng swallowed, Oslo's fingers tapped against his seat without thought, and even the usually confident Dugu Yan pressed her lips together tightly. One thought circled through everyone's minds: Even with a teammate like Feng Yao, can we really defeat them?

Feng Yao keenly noticed his teammates' wavering, and a flash of understanding crossed his eyes. He gently stroked the strings and thought, So that little fox was planning this. Spirit Hall had sent out its strongest lineup from the outset and ended the battle swiftly with overwhelming force. They were clearly planting an invincible shadow in the hearts of every competing team. Once their minds wavered, they would naturally be even less able to resist Hu Liena's charming abilities.

Feng Yao raised his eyes toward the arena and happened to meet Hu Liena's meaningful gaze. A hint of cunning flashed through the girl's fox-like eyes, and her red lips curved into a smile that spoke of victory already in hand.

The first day of competition soon came to an end.

Within Papal Palace beneath the cover of night, Bibi Dong sat upright upon a gilded throne, her slender fingers lightly turning the thin dossier before her. In the flickering candlelight, a rare trace of surprise appeared on her exquisite face.

"Innate Soul Power level four, a quasi-Soul King at less than fourteen years old..." she murmured softly. A glimmer of interest flashed through her amethyst-like eyes. The sparse words recorded on the page nevertheless painted the image of a genius impressive enough to catch even her attention.

Her scepter lightly struck the floor, and Bibi Dong unconsciously recalled Qian Renxue's unusual behavior that day. Now, she finally understood why her proud daughter had regarded this young man so highly.

"No wonder she values him so much..." Her long fingertips paused over Feng Yao's name, and Bibi Dong's lips curled into a meaningful arc.

In a daze, Bibi Dong's thoughts drifted back many years, and a figure both strange and familiar emerged in her mind. Her fingers tightened unconsciously, while the gilded scepter gleamed coldly beneath the moonlight.

If he had possessed such talent back then... The thought had barely surfaced before she extinguished it herself. A bitter curve formed on her lips. Even she could not tell whether it was mockery of fate or pity for herself.

Amid the wavering candlelight, Bibi Dong gazed at the handsome portrait of the young man in the dossier, an indescribable jealousy rising in her heart. This youth named Feng Yao was not only extraordinarily gifted; more importantly, his background was as clean as a blank page. That meant he could be perfectly accepted by any faction, unlike her back then, when the shackles of her own faction had bound her so tightly she could barely breathe.

The night wind swept through the hall, lifting her loose hair and carrying away her nearly inaudible sigh. The gemstone on her scepter refracted a hazy glow, reflecting the fleeting vulnerability in her eyes. Yet in the next instant, the majesty of Spirit Hall's Pope returned to that flawless face.

Bibi Dong's cool voice echoed through the vast hall, carrying unquestionable authority. "Attend me."

A Black-robed Cardinal entered at once and dropped to one knee. "What are your orders, Your Eminence the Pope?"

"Investigate everything about Feng Yao of Heaven Dou Royal Academy." Her fingertip tapped the dossier lightly, and a sharp glint flashed through her purple eyes. "I want to know every detail of his growth, his relationships..." Her scepter lightly struck the floor. "Leave nothing out."

"Yes, Your Eminence."

"Also," Bibi Dong said, raising her eyes toward the moonlight beyond the hall, "summon Snake Lance and Ci Xue to appear before me immediately."

"Yes!"

As the Black-robed Cardinal bowed and withdrew, the hall returned to silence. Bibi Dong stared at the flickering shadows cast by the candles, her long fingers unconsciously rubbing the scepter. She suddenly found herself very much looking forward to meeting this genius youth.

Elsewhere, deep within Papal Mountain, an ancient and solemn hall stood in majestic silence. At its center, a gigantic Six-winged Angel Statue radiated dazzling Golden Light, illuminating the entire hall as brightly as day.

Before the statue stood a golden-haired man in silent prayer. His eyes were closed, his expression solemn, and ancient prayers passed quietly from his lips. His long golden hair flowed with a sacred luster beneath the divine light, making him seem as though he had merged with the statue itself.

Suddenly, clear footsteps echoed through the empty hall. Qian Daoliu slowly opened his eyes, and a slight ripple passed through his deep, star-like gaze.

"Grandfather." Qian Renxue approached the statue and was about to kneel in salute.

Before she could fully kneel, Qian Daoliu's figure flashed before her like a phantom, his broad palm steadily supporting her arm.

"Xiao Xue, you..." Qian Daoliu's brows furrowed slightly as he keenly sensed a subtle change in his granddaughter.

Qian Renxue's lips lifted slightly. "Grandfather sensed it too?"

"Release your Martial Soul." Qian Daoliu ordered solemnly.

Qian Renxue did not dare delay. With a thought, her Six-winged Angel Martial Soul appeared instantly. Three pairs of dazzling golden wings unfolded behind her. Within their sacred radiance were threads of crimson-gold flame patterns, and the temperature throughout the hall rose several degrees.

Qian Daoliu's pupils contracted. Rare shock appeared on his still-youthful face. He reached out with trembling fingers and touched the wings flowing with crimson-gold light. "This is the aura of True Sun Fire? How is that possible?"

"Grandfather, is there a problem?" Qian Renxue asked in confusion as she looked at Qian Daoliu's grave expression.

Qian Daoliu's expression became solemn as he said in a deep voice, "Xiao Xue, tell Grandfather why your Martial Soul has undergone such a change."

After a brief hesitation, Qian Renxue told him in detail about Feng Yao giving her the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower. After hearing his granddaughter's account, understanding flashed through Qian Daoliu's eyes. He slowly said, "Xiao Xue, you should know the history of our Angel Clan. Our ancestor, the God of Six-winged Angels, possessed both sacred and flame attributes, but sacred was always the primary attribute. Although our ancestor could draw upon the power of True Sun Fire, the limits of the God Position meant only a portion of its power could be unleashed."

He gently stroked the crimson-gold patterns flowing across Qian Renxue's wings, unable to conceal his excitement. "But now, it seems you have broken through those shackles."

Qian Renxue suddenly understood, shock flashing through her beautiful eyes. Only then did she realize that it was clearly the middle of the night, yet the aura of True Sun Fire emitted by her Martial Soul remained as blazing as ever, completely unaffected by the shift between day and night.

Qian Daoliu gazed at the crimson-gold light flowing across his granddaughter's Martial Soul. The sternness on his dignified face gradually eased, revealing a gratified smile. "Grandfather had originally worried that your time undercover in Heaven Dou was being wasted..." He shook his head lightly, emotion gleaming in his eyes. "It seems Grandfather has grown old."

His broad palm gently stroked Qian Renxue's hair. Feeling the warmth of his hand, a warm current rose in her heart.

Qian Daoliu suddenly changed the subject, a trace of inquiry flashing through his deep gaze. "However..." His fingers lightly stroked his scepter as he looked meaningfully at Qian Renxue. "That young man named Feng Yao could recognize an Immortal Grade like that, and he happened to give it to you..."

A teasing smile appeared at the corner of Qian Daoliu's lips. "Doesn't Xiao Xue plan to bring him for Grandfather to see?"

"Grandfather!" Two red clouds instantly bloomed across Qian Renxue's snow-white cheeks, and even the tips of her ears turned crimson. Embarrassed and annoyed, she stamped her foot, while the six wings behind her unconsciously drew in slightly.

Qian Daoliu rarely saw his granddaughter display such girlish bashfulness, and he could not help laughing heartily. His laughter echoed through the sacred hall, and even the light of the Angel Statue seemed to soften.

Qian Daoliu affectionately patted Qian Renxue's shoulder, a profound gleam flashing through his eyes. "All right, Grandfather will stop." He paused, his tone gentle yet unquestionable. "Grandfather will properly assess that young man for you during this time."

Qian Renxue lowered her flushed face, her wings trembling softly without her realizing it, tacitly accepting her grandfather's arrangement.

The hall suddenly fell quiet. After hesitating for a moment, Qian Daoliu finally said, "Xiao Xue, regarding your mother..."

"I only have Grandfather as family." Qian Renxue cut him off at once, her voice as cold as ice.

Qian Daoliu sighed deeply and stroked his granddaughter's golden hair. "She is still your mother. If you truly wish to have a future with that child..." Qian Daoliu's gaze was gentle and complicated. "You will have to gain her approval eventually."

Qian Renxue turned her face aside, her voice unconsciously lowering. "My affairs don't need her involvement..."

The words were so soft they were almost inaudible, and even she could hear the lack of conviction in them. Her golden wings drew in slightly, casting wavering shadows beneath the statue's light.

Qian Daoliu looked at his granddaughter's stubborn profile and shook his head helplessly. He understood this mother and daughter all too well—each prouder and more stubborn than the other. His gaze turned toward the outside of the hall, as if piercing through layers of palace walls to see the figure seated upon the papal throne.

"Forget it." Qian Daoliu sighed softly, then asked, "Where is that child named Feng Yao now?"

Qian Renxue's eyes immediately lit up. Clearly, her grandfather supported her. The crimson-gold patterns on her six wings flowed brightly as though ignited. "He... he came to compete with Heaven Dou Royal Academy this time. I personally led the team..." The moment the words left her mouth, she realized she had answered too eagerly. A rosy flush immediately spread across her snow-white skin, and even her ears turned a translucent red.

Under the Angel Statue's golden radiance, she turned her face away in embarrassment. Her wings unconsciously folded inward, yet could not hide that captivating blush. Seeing his granddaughter like this, Qian Daoliu smiled knowingly. "Oh? So Xue'er personally brought him here..." Qian Daoliu deliberately drew out his tone. "Then Grandfather must meet him properly."

Qian Renxue stamped her golden boot in embarrassment and annoyance. The crimson-gold glow on her wings flickered with her emotions. "Grandfather!"

Seeing his granddaughter's flushed cheeks, Qian Daoliu's affection only deepened. He gently patted Qian Renxue's shoulder and said warmly, "All right, Grandfather won't tease you anymore. When the tournament is over, bring him to meet Grandfather."

At his words, the crimson-gold patterns on Qian Renxue's wings flickered faintly, as though she had both relaxed and grown a little expectant. She nodded softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mm..."