The Rich Second-Gen's Fiftieth Day

With a thud, an arrow struck the carriage. The well-trained horses remained at their posts as the Shrek Seven Devils climbed down from the back of the carriage.

"Xiao San, what's going on up ahead?" Dai Mubai asked.

"I don't sense any particularly powerful auras. We can handle them. Around fourteen or fifteen people. The arrows were probably meant to force us to stop."

"They're treating us like easy prey." Ma Hongjun cracked his knuckles.

Sure enough, a group appeared ahead. Three rode on horseback, while over a dozen others followed behind carrying blades and spears. Those seemed to be their Martial Souls.

Oscar led their carriage to the rear and placed it beside the teachers' carriage. They still had to continue their journey after this was settled.

That action enraged the people opposite them, especially when they saw that only a few children had come out. It was practically a naked provocation. The leader stroked his chin. "Don't kill the boys. Don't bruise the girls either—I have uses for them."

A shrewder-looking man on horseback leaned closer. "Boss, these are all children. Could they be Soul Masters? Look at how well they're dressed."

"So what if they're Soul Masters? Soul Masters are exactly what we're after. Who here isn't a Soul Master?" The leader's eyes sharpened as he pointed his blade at the Shrek group. "Charge! Tie them up! They'll fetch a good price."

With a tiger's roar from Dai Mubai, everyone from Shrek activated Martial Soul Possession. Zhu Zhuqing struck first, launching Netherworld Hundred Claws beneath the cover of Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Flame. Deep and shallow claw marks appeared evenly across every face. The blazing Phoenix Flame made them hesitate, instantly cooling the heated excitement in their hearts. These eight children did not seem so easy to deal with.

The leader in the rear was also surprised by the children's combat strength, but he quickly accepted it. The people above had ordered him to deal with a team that had advanced in the Elite Competition. They were bound to have some ability. If they had been captured effortlessly, it would only mean they had found the wrong people.

He glanced to the side. The other woman on horseback activated Martial Soul Possession and began playing music. The flute tune was completely off-key and exceptionally unpleasant.

Yet the lackeys who had hesitated moments ago charged forward again, their eyes filled with a thirst for battle.

Dai Mubai sent a charging lackey flying with one punch when Tang San said, "They're being controlled by the enemy's flute. Everyone, be careful."

That was indeed the case. The fallen lackeys quickly got back to their feet. No matter how badly injured they were, they immediately resumed fighting.

"What a vicious method." As usual, Ming Sui cast shields over the companions at the front. "Soul skills like this usually come with some sort of enhancement, but they also have side effects on the body."

Hearing Ming Sui's words, the woman on horseback deliberately looked her over, then raised her brows in surprise. As expected of a prodigy from an academy. Look at that—a thousand-year Second Spirit Ring. Still, she hated these lofty, superior people most of all.

The short flute screeched again, and every lackey still fighting retreated. The madness in their eyes grew even stronger.

"The control seems to be deeper now. Everyone, be careful," Tang San warned.

Sure enough, the lackeys moved faster. Under their cover, the remaining two mounted leaders joined the fight as well. The leader's Martial Soul was a Scarlet Practice Snake, while the shrewd man beside him possessed a rat Martial Soul. Both were three-ring Soul Masters, though their spirit ring configurations were not optimal.

Dai Mubai sensed that something was wrong. These people did not seem to be here to rob them. They seemed more like they had come to silence them. Who started fighting and killing without even negotiating terms?

"I wonder which great figure we've offended?" he asked tentatively.

The leader grinned viciously. "We took someone's money, so we're handling their trouble. You should ask yourselves that."

The controlling flute sounded once more. The lackeys surged forward again, with the leader and rat Soul Master mixed among them as they attacked.

Zhu Zhuqing snorted coldly and charged directly at the rat Soul Master, while Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Fire Line accurately targeted the Scarlet Practice Snake Soul Master.

Most of the lackeys were only one-ring Soul Masters, and some did not even possess spirit rings. Even with the flute Soul Master's enhancement, their combat strength was far inferior to the Shrek Seven Devils'. Ming Sui, Xiao Wu, and Dai Mubai divided them between themselves. In the end, even Ning Rongrong and Oscar tried their hands at fighting. Tang San bound every defeated lackey with Blue Silver Emperor.

The flute Soul Master had fewer and fewer people she could control. Anxiety appeared on her face, and her flute playing grew even more unbearable. Still, Xiao Wu slipped around her and slammed her to the ground. In the end, she too failed to escape being bound by the Blue Silver Emperor.

The rabble had all been dealt with. Only the two three-ring Soul Masters remained. At this point, even the leader sensed that his chances of survival were slim. Thinking of the treasures he had hidden away, he could not help cursing the buyer's inaccurate intelligence. They had said the teachers were injured and that the children could be dealt with easily. What kind of children were these? Every one of them had the best spirit ring configuration. One even had a thousand-year Second Spirit Ring. There was even a cat Martial Soul. Could a rat possibly fare well when it encountered a cat? He himself was also at the end of his strength. Scarlet Practice Snakes preferred cold, damp environments, and Phoenix Flame completely countered him.

"Wait! I want peace! I surrender!" The leader no longer had his earlier arrogance. Dodging Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Flame, he leaped aside and raised his hands in surrender.

The rat Soul Master, who had been struggling desperately, was stunned. He was surrendering already? Then what was he still stubbornly struggling for?

Tang San reacted swiftly and bound them.

From the moment the arrow struck the carriage to the moment everyone was tied up, only about half an hour had passed. The group that had threatened them with arrows were now all bound by Tang San like rolling gourds, neatly lined up together.

The lackeys had not yet regained their senses. The only people who could be questioned were the three Soul Masters who had ridden horses earlier.

Everyone still had their Martial Souls possessed. Dai Mubai and Tang San questioned them while the others stood guard.

The teachers in the carriage behind them nodded. Flender was still fighting Nian Nian over Silver Feather Grass, which Ah Yin had given Nian Nian as thanks. Master forced out a faint smile. "Passable."

The rat Soul Master beside them was still dumbfounded, unable to recover from the blow of his boss surrendering. The flute Soul Master wore a ferocious expression as she tried to curse the leader's entire family with her facial features. Her mouth had been sealed by Blue Silver Emperor because her earlier insults had been too filthy.

"Talk. What's going on?" Dai Mubai stared at the leader. This man had the softest bones and was best suited for questioning.

"I was approached by a man in black. They said a Soul Master team participating in the Elite Competition would pass along this road, that their teachers had already been injured, and told us to deal with the students while we were at it. That's why we set up this ambush." No longer looking at his companions, the leader spilled everything without stumbling once.

"I was just earning some hard money. I don't know these people—they were hired with money. My maternal uncle is from Spirit Hall. Let me go, and I'll reward you handsomely..."

But they were going to watch the competition, and the teachers were all perfectly fine. They were not injured at all.

Tang San and Dai Mubai exchanged a look, as though confirming whether his words could be trusted.

Ming Sui suddenly spoke. "Third Brother, I want to ask the flute Soul Master something."

Tang San removed the Blue Silver Emperor sealing her mouth.

"What does your soul skill do?" Ming Sui asked the cursing flute Soul Master. The lackeys had begun reacting. Their eyes were gradually becoming dull, and their limbs twitched irregularly.

The flute Soul Master had not expected her mouth to be unsealed for that question. Her curses paused as she looked Ming Sui up and down. "For them? You people can be so kind?"

Then, seeming to remember something, she gave a mocking snort. "Save your strength, noble young lady. My soul skill isn't the scary part. What's terrifying is the medicine they took earlier. That is the real problem. Even the Angel God couldn't save them. And even if they could be saved, once you learned who they were, you probably wouldn't save them."

A malicious smile appeared on her face. "They are prisoners from the neighboring city-state awaiting execution. None were falsely accused. They're a bunch of desperate criminals. Do you still want to save them?"

Perhaps because she felt certain she would die, the flute Soul Master displayed the carefree boldness of someone with nothing left to lose.

"You broke them out of prison?" Dai Mubai's gaze turned cold.

"No, no, no, no, no! There was an uprising in the neighboring city-state. The city lord was killed by commoners, and no one was left in charge of the entire city-state. These prisoners escaped on their own. I took this job and found these two brothers to join me. We happened to run into them. They wanted to rob the three of us, but we subdued them. I told them they'd be paid if the job succeeded, so..."

Fear made the leader not only stutter, but ramble as well.

The flute Soul Master rolled her eyes, utterly disdainful of his use of the word "brothers."

"What medicine did you give them?" Tang San tightened the Blue Silver Emperor around him and demanded an answer.

"S-Soul Devouring Powder."

Dai Mubai looked at Tang San. Tang San looked at Ming Sui. Ming Sui looked back at Tang San, then turned to Xiao Wu. Xiao Wu looked at Zhu Zhuqing. Zhu Zhuqing looked at Oscar. Oscar shrugged and looked at Ning Rongrong. Ma Hongjun looked to see who was looking at him, but no one was.

Only Miss Ning did not look at anyone. "A forbidden drug. Only major powers have it now. Those in poor physical condition gain the greatest possible boost in physical strength and Spiritual Power after taking it. Healthy people feel little after taking it, but no matter how they are treated, they die after one hour. It is essentially power bought with one's life, which is why it is called Soul Devouring Powder."

She looked at the leader. "Did you make them take it? Where did you get the drug?"

"That lord gave me fourteen doses. I used them all." He lowered his head. "My lords, Lord Soul Masters, they'll soon be unable to talk. I swear I won't say anything. I'll go far away. I... I slept at home all day today. Please let me go. Really..."

There were twelve lackeys, but fourteen doses of Soul Devouring Powder had been used. The flute Soul Master and rat Soul Master were stunned, especially the rat Soul Master. He prided himself on being shrewd and had done plenty of dirty work with the leader, yet in the end, he had received a dose of Soul Devouring Powder.

Everyone fell silent.

The rat Soul Master, who had remained silent, was the first to struggle violently. Then, seeming to remember something, he calmed down again, and tears slowly flowed from his eyes.

The flute Soul Master did not care about any of that. Her tone was contemptuous. "It was the jug of wine before we left, wasn't it? You were quite generous, using Chunfang Xie to drug us." Chunfang Xie was wine produced by Ming Zhen's winery. It had a rich aroma and a smooth taste, and was wildly popular across the continent. Clever marketing had made it perpetually scarce everywhere.

"You don't know, do you? When our leader first saw these young girls, he had other plans for them." Avoiding Ming Sui's eyes, the flute Soul Master spoke to Tang San.

Tang San understood instantly, and killing intent flashed through his eyes. He exchanged a glance with Dai Mubai. These people absolutely could not be allowed to live.

They had taken the medicine before leaving, then waited here for some time. Their fight had lasted half an hour, and the interrogation had taken time as well. The lackeys' convulsions grew more severe. Some had even begun foaming at the mouth.

The final effects of the Soul Devouring Powder were about to arrive.

Tang San turned to Ming Sui. "The nearby city-state should be Mandis City. Go tell the teachers. It would be best to send word to Uncle too, to see whether there are any other complications."

Dai Mubai nodded as well. "Zhuqing, take Rongrong and Xiao Wu to clean up. We'll leave immediately once we're done here."

Once they left, the Soul Devouring Powder reactions became even more severe. Even the flute Soul Master and rat Soul Master began having trouble breathing, much less the lackeys.

"G-Give me a quick death!" The flute Soul Master looked at Tang San.

"Xiao San, can you do it?" Oscar placed a hand on his shoulder.

The pain caused by Soul Devouring Powder was not something ordinary people could endure. Wails and groans of pain rose one after another.

Dai Mubai's tiger claws extended. Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Flame was ready as well. Oscar also took out the long blade Tang San had forged for him from his Storage Spirit Tool.

After Ming Sui told the teachers what had happened, she was sent away to organize the carriages. She took Nian Nian with her.

"Are we really not going to interfere?" Flender looked at Master.

Master closed his eyes, though his clasped hands were tightly clenched. "They have to see blood eventually. Not just them—the girls too."

With a boom, Phoenix Flame spread outward. The scorching heat made their faces, pale after vomiting, look somewhat better.

"Dai Laoda, aren't you supposed to have seen it all?" Ma Hongjun rinsed his mouth and washed his face with water.

"I ate too much today, all right? My stomach's upset, understand? Why don't you go check on Little Ao instead?"

"Second Brother, are you still cooking tonight? Let's have roasted meat."

"Get lost, get lost, get lost!"

"Do you think the teachers will make them do the same thing?" Oscar asked.

"They definitely will. We should thank the teachers for considering us four older brothers. Next time, we'd better make something of ourselves and not throw up. At least we can save some face in front of our younger sisters." Dai Mubai laughed bitterly at himself.

After learning that something had happened in Mandis City, they bypassed it and traveled farther, spending the night outdoors. In the end, they did not eat roasted meat that evening. Rather, aside from the teachers and Nian Nian, who ate with relish, none of the Shrek Seven Devils had any appetite.

They still kept watch in their previous groups, but everyone felt that taking turns every night was too exhausting and left no one properly rested. They changed it to two groups, one for the first half of the night and one for the second.

Dai Mubai and Ning Rongrong took the first half tonight, while Tang San and Ming Sui took the second.

In truth, no one could sleep.

The assassination attempt that had come out of nowhere might have been rather casual, but it was still an assassination attempt in the end. Though it had turned into a farce, the intended targets had been a team participating in the Elite Competition, whose leading teachers were supposedly injured. All of it pulled the children out of the excitement of traveling and back into reality—a world full of conflict, violence, and danger.

"They were willing to assassinate someone so casually. There probably weren't any nobles in that team," Oscar said.

"Most likely a Soul Master team of commoner origins. They hadn't pledged themselves to any power, and they blocked someone else's path. They even used Soul Devouring Powder." Zhu Zhuqing's voice was somewhat cold in the darkness.

"What if other nobles are the ones blocking the path?" Xiao Wu asked curiously.

"A reshuffling of powers. Either you swallow me, I suppress you, or a third party profits while two sides fight." Ming Sui's voice was dry.

"The human world really is complicated," Xiao Wu complained softly. "Can't everyone just get along?"

How could it be that easy? Those with vested interests would not give up what they already possessed, while those who came later eyed what others had but they did not. Human desire would never cease.

Ming Sui and Tang San kept watch during the latter half of the night.

Ming Sui still brewed Lemongrass Water for Tang San.

Tang San had vomited that afternoon as well. He had been fine when he first got into the carriage, but after a while, his complexion had worsened. He had eaten nothing that evening and did not even want to drink water.

There seemed to be some pastries in the Storage Spirit Tool. She remembered that Third Brother liked a certain kind of crisp cake. Where had she put it?

Tang San turned and found Ming Sui searching for something with complete concentration.

He stared at the girl without blinking. His mind was a mess, yet he did not know what he was thinking about. Negative emotions kept surging up, and only seeing her made him feel a little better.

When they returned to the carriage after dealing with those scum and continued their journey, he kept looking at her. Dai Mubai caught him doing it several times, and the looks in his eyes had become strange. It was not just Dai Mubai—everyone else had noticed something was off. Only she was still doing her homework!

Just like now, he was looking at her, but she did not react at all! The irritation born from his frustration attacked Tang San's reason.

"Third Brother!"

Tang San's mind suddenly cleared. Why had he been so irritable? Something seemed wrong.

He looked up at Ming Sui, who had called out to him, and saw that she was holding a plate of crisp cakes.

"I remember you like these. Here, see if you can eat one." Ming Sui handed him the cakes.

Tang San took them, picked up one, and offered it to Ming Sui first. "Have something to tide you over. You barely ate tonight either."

The aroma of the crisp cakes was especially distinct in the second half of the night, soothing Tang San's tense nerves.

When had he begun feeling that something was wrong?

Scenes from the daytime rapidly flashed through Tang San's mind. The battle? No, he had been calm then. The interrogation? He had not felt anything special at first either.

He remembered. It had started when the flute Soul Master said that the minor leader had other arrangements for the girls. The moment he heard it, the negative emotions had begun accumulating without end.

Xiao Wu, Rongrong, Zhuqing, and his Sui Sui—how could that be allowed? That scum should never have even had such thoughts!

What had caused it?

The Sword Embryo in his Sea of Consciousness glimmered as if to say, It was me.

It was the Asura God causing trouble again. Tang San steadied his breathing.

"Third Brother, Third Brother, why are you spacing out? Still can't eat?"

Tang San raised his head. Sui Sui's face was enlarged before his eyes, and before he could react, his ears had turned red.

Luckily, the campfire was not bright enough for anyone to notice, Tang San thought.

"I can eat. I was just thinking about what happened today."

Then he saw Ming Sui's gaze toward him soften even more.

He seemed to have made an incredible discovery.

Ming Sui yawned, wanting to distract Tang San. He could not keep thinking about such unhappy things. "Third Brother, how much farther do we still have to go?"

Having everything in his bloodline inheritance, Tang San was now practically an encyclopedia. After thinking for a moment, he had Ming Sui sit beside him. By the firelight, he picked up a branch and drew on the ground.

"We've passed Mandis City now. Because we detoured, we aren't following the original plan, so we probably won't pass through Kula City. Dai Laoda and Zhuqing can't conveniently appear in the Star Luo Empire, so we'll have to make another detour around the border between Heaven Dou and Star Luo before going to Spirit City..."

The campfire was not bright enough, and the marks made by the branch were difficult to see. Ming Sui did not have Tang San's sharp vision, so she could only lean closer. A little closer—still not visible. Closer again—it was better, but still unclear. Closer again—no, still blurry. Open your eyes and look properly, useless eyes!

Tang San saw Ming Sui staring wide-eyed with a deeply furrowed brow and knew she could not see clearly. He switched the branch to his left hand, wiped his right hand clean on his clothes, then gently pulled her arm toward him and had her lean against him. "Can you see it clearly like this?"

"Y-Yes, yes, I can, Third Brother." Ming Sui was delighted. She began studying the map Tang San had drawn on the ground, tossing the slightly strange feeling from moments earlier to the back of her mind.

Today's cuddle achieved!

After replanning their route, they would be able to stay in cities for the rest of the journey. The road also became peaceful, and the previous shadow gradually faded. Traveling on and on, they finally reached their destination: Spirit City.

As the advancement matches drew near, competing teams and spectators came from all over the continent. To deal with the vast number of outsiders, many checkpoints had been added at the city gates for people entering the city to register.

Ming Zhen had dug out a small courtyard in Spirit City from among his family's properties. It was enough to house Shrek Academy's spectator group, and Tang Yunhua had already been waiting for them there.

If Calais City was a leisurely pastoral painting, and the Heaven Dou Imperial City a dignified and solemn court painting, then Spirit City was a gorgeous, intricate religious oil painting.

Tall buildings stood on either side of the streets, predominantly white and adorned with bright decorations. Angels of every form could be seen everywhere along the eaves—some resting, some fighting, some granting blessings, some eating, and some playing. What a true City of Angels!

The people here loved flowers. Their terraces were covered in enormous, vivid blossoms, with lush green leaves that were plump and thick. The rich colors were extraordinarily eye-catching.

As they entered the bustling district, stalls offering all manner of food, drink, and entertainment came into view. The sweet fragrance of food insinuated itself into their nostrils. Many merchants had seized upon the business opportunity presented by the Elite Competition, selling all sorts of little items Soul Masters might need. Crowds surrounded the acrobatics stalls—people in short work clothes, tight active wear, and robes all applauded and cheered together.

Looking at the scenes before her, Ming Sui inexplicably thought of the phrase: flowers blooming atop brocade.

The carriage continued onward until it reached the small courtyard where they would be staying.

It was a small courtyard of just the right size and location. It was not far from the competition grounds, but not so close that it would attract unwanted attention. To noble lords, the courtyard was relatively small and beneath their notice. Most importantly, its neighbor was a prospective red-robed bishop of Spirit Hall, which meant no one would dare cause trouble here.

It was perfect. Even more perfectly, Tang Yunhua had already prepared hot water and food for them. The teachers and students had not felt especially tired before, but after enjoying those things, exhaustion surged over them all at once. Flender gave a few simple instructions before sending everyone back to rest.

The teachers and students of Shrek fell asleep, but someone could not sleep.

"Lord Cole, the broadcasting screens scheduled to be installed at the competition grounds were deliberately damaged." A guard captain delivered his report with trembling apprehension. Inwardly, he cursed those useless rich second-gen subordinates who could eat endlessly but could not accomplish anything. They could not even keep watch over a piece of equipment. Couldn't they all just get lost?

Aside from cursing them, he spared some attention to praying that Lord Cole could resolve the matter smoothly. It would be even better if he was not blamed.

After he finished reporting, a dreadful silence descended upon the office.

The guard captain waited and waited without receiving Cole's reply. Unable to bear it any longer, he raised his head and secretly glanced over.

Lord Cole still wore his steady expression. The guard captain wondered whether he had worn the same expression on the day he was promoted to red-robed bishop, his thoughts wandering wildly.

"With the competition about to begin, ensuring that it proceeds smoothly is the priority. The broadcasting screens were damaged, correct? The Spirit Hall Team's training grounds have a spare set. We can bring those over. I'll notify them. Guard Captain Andy, go retrieve them."

"I knew you'd be able to solve it. No wonder His Majesty personally appointed you to come guide the work." Upon hearing there was a solution, Andy's whole world brightened, and he broke into a broad smile.

"Guard Captain Andy, from the time the screens were transported until now, they have remained under the Guard Department's watch. I believe that even if no one instructed you to do so, you should tell me the current progress of your investigation."

A cold sweat broke out across Andy's body for no reason.

"Y-Yes, it was this subordinate's poor management. I beg for your instructions, my lord." What could he possibly investigate? The Guard Department had always been where Spirit Hall's higher-ups stuffed their people. Anyone with connections got shoved into the Guard Department—who could he even command?

"I think that once the new broadcast screens are installed, it might be better if Captain Andy arranges the duty personnel and personally supervises them on site."

Andy mentally cursed the screen-smashing culprit's ancestors for eight generations, but he could only agree and slink away awkwardly.

The new screens were installed before the Pope arrived for an inspection. Andy was still shaken by the close call, and his respect for Cole, one of the Pope's trusted aides, deepened further. Whatever Cole instructed, Andy handled immediately, infuriating Fuxi, the other bishop in charge of the competition.

Compared to one's own success, an opponent's failure was even more satisfying. Fuxi was a devoted believer in that saying, so he chose to openly poison the Pope's ears.

After the Pope praised the orderly progress of every aspect of the work, Fuxi said in a strange tone, "Your Majesty, the work has proceeded smoothly thanks to Lord Cole. The broadcast screens that had been ordered were damaged two days ago, yet Lord Cole still found replacements and had them installed."

The smile on Bibi Dong's face slowly vanished. "Oh? Is that so? Cole, the broadcast screens were damaged? Have you found out who was behind it?"

"Your Majesty, when this subordinate joined the competition preparation team at your command, the broadcast screens had already been contracted from the previous merchant. After the merchant delivered them according to the contract, the Guard Department led by Captain Andy was responsible for guarding them," Cole explained calmly.

"Three days ago, Captain Andy reported to me that the broadcast screens had been deliberately damaged. When this subordinate was previously in charge of training the Holy Son and Holy Maidens, I received your permission to purchase a batch of equipment. One set of broadcasting equipment had been given by the merchant as a trial sample, so I had Captain Andy borrow and dismantle that set to ensure the competition could continue.

"As for the culprit, Your Majesty, this subordinate had originally intended to report to you after the Elite Competition ended." Cole glanced at Fuxi, his expression unreadable.

Fuxi had a bad feeling.

Then he heard that irritating voice say, "When this subordinate purchased equipment for the Holy Son and Holy Maidens, that merchant also gifted a recording device. After joining the competition preparation team, I specifically installed it in the arena to record match data. There happened to be one directly opposite the broadcast screens."

"Oh? Then shall we all take a look at the effects of this recording device and the broadcast screens?" Bibi Dong looked calm, with a trace of curiosity in her voice, as though she truly wanted to see how well the emergency equipment had performed.

Cole bowed and went to adjust the equipment. One of Bibi Dong's guards brought her a chair.

Soon, the broadcast screen lit up, faithfully displaying the footage recorded by the device.

Cole adjusted the time to the day the previous broadcast screen had been damaged.

It was shift-change time. On the screen, two groups of listless guards were changing shifts. The two captains punched and kicked each other playfully, and the captain going off duty even stuffed the other with a bottle of fruit wine. Before he could hide the bottle, Andy appeared on screen. Seeing the guards disheveled and dispirited, Andy's expression darkened. Though no one could hear the sound, they could tell that Andy was sternly reprimanding the two squads.

Andy was still speaking when the captain who had hidden the wine interrupted him. The captain wore an arrogant expression and said something smugly. He even took out the poorly hidden bottle and guzzled a mouthful, angering Andy enough to leave.

Bibi Dong's face was as dark as water.

The footage in between showed nothing but the guards lazily standing watch. There was nothing worth seeing, so Cole sped through it until a suspicious person appeared on screen.

The person was dressed entirely in black, sneaking about furtively. Yet in the recording, his face was perfectly clear. Everyone recognized him at once—it was the captain who had handed out wine that morning.

The squad on duty had drunk the wine he gave them and were all thoroughly drunk. He easily approached the broadcast screen, climbed to its top, removed the protective cover, and poured a basin of water inside. Yes, a whole basin of water.

No one present dared look at Bibi Dong's expression. They all knew that these guards had appeared at high-ranking banquets before. Bibi Dong was shrewd and had an excellent memory—naturally, she would not have forgotten them.

The son of a red-robed bishop from the Papal Palace, the grandson and grandnephew of a priest from Spirit Hall, the grandson of a certain Titled Douluo, and the sons of certain people present...

Bibi Dong laughed in extreme anger. "Good, good, good. With such outstanding young talents, why should my Spirit Hall fear that it will not flourish?"

Even ghosts could tell she was being sarcastic.

"Andy, you are incapable of managing your subordinates. You are dismissed from your post. Follow Cole and learn properly from him. Do you have anything to say?"

Andy was overjoyed. Dismissal, followed by learning under Cole—this meant there would still be opportunities for him in the future. "This subordinate thanks Your Majesty. I will certainly study diligently under Lord Cole and not disappoint Your Majesty's cultivation."

Bibi Dong gave a sound of acknowledgment, swept her gaze over the others present, and left with a flick of her sleeve.

Rumble— Thunder rolled, and torrential rain poured down.

The moment Ma Hongjun got drenched, the rainwater on him evaporated into wisps of white smoke. He hurried into the room, shouting, "Wah! Dai Laoda, you guys are terrible! We agreed to go out together, but I was the only one waiting outside!"

"Little Ma, you look like grilled meat being sprinkled with seasoning right now. Hahaha." Ning Rongrong mercilessly mocked him, and everyone laughed so hard they swayed.

Dai Mubai looked at the sky, Oscar looked at the ground, and Tang San looked toward Ming Sui at the side. None of them looked at Ma Hongjun.

The furious Ma Hongjun grew even hotter, steam rising from him in an even more spectacular display!

"Hmph! None of you will ever get to eat the beans I've stockpiled again! None of you!" Ma Hongjun finally came inside and began making threats.

Zhu Zhuqing coughed twice. Dai Mubai resigned himself to going over and soothing him. There was no helping it. He and Ma Hongjun had agreed to go out together, and he had been the one to say they should wait a little longer when he saw rain coming. In the end, Ma Hongjun had been left outside waiting for all of them alone.

Dai Mubai stretched out his powerful arms, wrapped the aggrieved Little Phoenix in an embrace, and took him to a corner to sign a snack reserve concession agreement. After much coaxing and praise, he finally soothed him.

Then Ming Sui took out a bag of honey-glazed jerky and handed it to Ma Hongjun. Ning Rongrong stuffed a skewer of silverfish into his hands, Zhu Zhuqing shared some spicy candy with him, Xiao Wu gave him side dishes Teacher A'tu had made by hand, and Oscar gifted him Teacher Shao's new product—a whole pot of stewed meat that only needed reheating.

"How about you send me back outside, and I'll get rained on one more time?" Ma Hongjun was so happy he felt dizzy.

He looked eagerly at Tang San, who approached last.

In the Bountiful Corner, what entered Ma Hongjun's sight this time was not something delicious, but a fair, slender hand held palm-up.

Ma Hongjun slowly raised his head and met his Third Brother's resolute gaze.

In that instant, enlightenment struck Ma Hongjun!

He took out the honey-glazed jerky Ming Sui had given him from his Storage Spirit Tool and placed it in Tang San's hand.

Tang San nodded in satisfaction, swiftly put away the jerky, then stuffed a cool object into Ma Hongjun's hands.

It was a knife! The knife Third Brother had promised to forge for him!

He was so excited he wanted to jump up, but with Ming Sui nearby, he did not dare speak loudly. He could only mutter, "Third Brother, I'll be your love bodyguard for the rest of my life!"

Tang San nodded calmly and turned to leave.

Ma Hongjun named that corner the "Bountiful Corner" and made everyone call it that too.

Ning Rongrong was the first to object. She pulled Xiao Wu and Ming Sui along to argue her case, determined to reclaim the right to name the corner.

Ma Hongjun felt outnumbered and looked around. Dai Laoda was talking to Zhuqing—not an option. Third Brother would only side with Sui Sui—not an option. That left only Oscar, so he dragged Oscar into battle against Ning Rongrong and the other two girls.

Tang San sat to one side, holding a cup of Lemongrass Water that Ming Sui had slipped him amid the chaos. Watching his companions passionately argue over the most pointless things, as well as Ming Sui's flower-like smile, he gently curved his lips.

Several days of rain had ruined the Shrek Seven Devils' plans to go out. Until the day before the competition, Spirit City was still raining. Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong even bet on whether it would rain during the opening match the next day. The loser would have to bathe Lady Nian Nian. When they woke up the next morning, Ming Sui pulled open the curtains—it was a bright, sunny day!

"Rongrong is going to bathe Nian Nian!"

Ming Sui's shout kicked off a new day.

Flender's saying: Be low-key when watching matches. And what does low-key mean? Wear a mask.

Following Flender's instructions, everyone put on low-key clothes and low-key masks before gathering in the front hall. Seeing that the teachers were also wearing masks just like them, they could not help falling into deep suspicion.

Dai Mubai did know why. "Apparently, long, long ago, there was an Elite Competition with a great soul master who liked wearing a mask. He and his team won that competition, but on their way back, he died protecting civilians attacked by soul beasts. To commemorate that soul master, everyone wears the same style of mask during Elite Competitions held in Spirit City."

Everyone nodded. So that was why. If the whole venue wore masks, they really would be low-key.

To avoid traffic jams, they walked to the competition venue. Once they stepped onto the streets, they saw streams of masked spectators converging from all directions. Everyone was discussing the opening match. A group of spectators ahead of them were clearly statistics fanatics, intimately familiar with the competition schedule. Ming Sui poked Xiao Wu, Xiao Wu poked Ning Rongrong, and one poked another as they all perked up their little ears to listen closely.

"Today is Group A's match. I wonder whether it'll be a team battle or an individual battle."

"Either way will be good. The opening match is Heaven Dou Empire's Blue Tyrant Academy against Star Luo Empire's Tiger Academy. Blue Tyrant Academy went undefeated in the preliminaries, while Tiger Academy only lost once. It'll be a battle between dragons and tigers."

They knew Blue Tyrant Academy well—all Dragon Soul Masters. As for Tiger Academy, everyone looked at Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing, only to see them shake their heads.

Their curiosity soared to its peak.

They entered the venue and took their seats. Ming Zhen's spending power got them seats with a fairly good view. The best seats, of course, were reserved for Spirit Hall and the Two Great Empires.

After a while, every seat was filled. A person flew through the air and declared, "Silence!"

The pressure of Nine Spirit Rings made the entire arena so silent that a needle drop could be heard.

Tang Yunhua sat between Ming Sui and Xiao Wu, holding Xiao Wu's lightly trembling hand. It was warm and comforting.

That voice sounded again. "Welcome Her Majesty the Pope."

The entire venue erupted in a tsunami of voices. "Welcome Her Majesty the Pope! Welcome Her Majesty the Pope! Welcome Her Majesty the Pope!"

Bibi Dong looked toward Cole at the rear right, satisfaction nearly overflowing from her expression. Then she replied, "You may rise." Her voice was majestic and solemn, reaching every person's ears at precisely the right volume, fully demonstrating the Pope's formidable strength.

The people of Spirit Hall wore proud expressions, while the representatives from the Two Great Empires who had come to watch looked displeased. This was especially true for Heaven Dou Empire, which had just cut off its funding for Spirit Hall's soul master subsidies.

After the Titled Douluo controlling the venue bowed to the Pope, he continued introducing the competition rules. Once the long and detailed terms were finally read out, the two opposing teams at last entered the arena.

"For the opening match of this advancement round, Group A's Blue Tyrant Academy will face Tiger Academy. Blue Tyrant Academy's competitors, please enter."

The familiar Blue Tyrant Academy team marched onto the stage in high spirits.

"Tiger Academy's competitors, please enter."

A group of brawny men stomped onto the stage. Once they all stood in place, everyone felt as though the arena had sunk an inch.

"The format of the match will now be determined by drawing lots."

Two spheres of light appeared in the air. The two captains guessed the heads or tails of a Gold Soul Coin, and the winner chose a light sphere. Blue Tyrant Academy's Fire Dragon captain had better luck and chose the sphere on the left.

"Team battle."

"Both teams, prepare yourselves."

This was the pre-match trash-talk segment. The captains could trade threats, boosting their own side's morale while undermining the other's.

Tiger Academy's captain stepped forward. "Hey, little bugs, wait for us to crush you!" The muscular men behind him burst into laughter.

Blue Tyrant Academy's Fire Dragon captain also stepped forward. "First, our name isn't 'hey.' Second, did you skip breakfast this morning?"