The Curtain Falls (Seeking Follow-up Reads)

The voice of Pope Bibi Dong announcing the concession echoed across the arena, marking the final period on this peak showdown.

Amidst the mountain-shaking cheers and gasps of astonishment, the members of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team embraced in excitement. Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, and the others were filled with ecstasy and disbelief; they had truly done it! They had defeated the arrogant Golden Generation of Martial Soul Hall and claimed the ultimate championship!

The award ceremony was held shortly after. Under the gaze of countless envious, awestruck, and complex eyes, Pope Bibi Dong personally presented the championship trophy and the three soul bones, which radiated an alluring glow, to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team.

The three soul bones were:

A skull bone that shimmered with a pale purple halo and exuded an aura of wisdom (Spirit Gathering Wisdom Skull);

A right arm bone that burned with dark red flames and was filled with explosive power (Explosive Burning Flame Right Arm Bone);

And a left leg bone that flowed with cyan wind swirls, light and agile (Rapid Movement Wind Chasing Left Leg Bone).

When Lin Yi, as the team representative, received the heavy trophy and the brocade tray holding the soul bones from Bibi Dong, he could clearly feel that deep within the Pope's seemingly calm eyes lay a trace of extremely complex emotion—admiration, wariness, and perhaps a hint of imperceptible... killing intent?

Sure enough, after the ceremony concluded, Bibi Dong's gaze locked directly onto Lin Yi, her voice ringing out across the VIP area with a tone that sounded gentle yet brooked no argument: "Lin Yi, your talent is peerless. To achieve such feats at only fifteen is a miracle unseen in the history of the soul master world.

Martial Soul Hall is the holy land for all soul masters, possessing the most top-tier resources and heritage.

In the name of the Pope, I sincerely invite you to join Martial Soul Hall. I will exhaust all resources to cultivate you, and the position of an Elder in the Pope's Palace is no empty promise. Are you willing?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire audience was shocked!

The Pope personally recruiting him and promising the position of an Elder! What an honor! It was something countless soul masters dreamed of but could never attain!

All eyes focused on Lin Yi, waiting to see his choice.

The expressions of Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, and Gu Rong turned grave instantly. This move by Martial Soul Hall was no different from poaching in broad daylight!

Lin Yi sneered inwardly; how could he not know the wolfish ambitions of Martial Soul Hall? Joining them would likely not be about cultivation, but control!

He remained calm on the surface, bowing slightly, his tone respectful yet firm: "Many thanks for your kindness, Your Holiness. However, this junior has long since been accepted as a disciple by Sword Douluo. As a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, I dare not forget my roots, nor dare I betray my master."

He threw the problem directly back to his sect.

Ning Fengzhi stepped forward at the right moment, a gentle and composed smile on his face, as he bowed to Bibi Dong: "Your Holiness, Lin Yi is the only personal disciple of Sword Douluo from our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and he has long been betrothed to my daughter, Rongrong. He is truly an indispensable pillar of our sect.

We appreciate your kind intentions, but please forgive us for being unable to comply with this request to join Martial Soul Hall."

His words were gentle, but his stance was incredibly clear and firm. At the same time, the tangible gaze of Sword Douluo Chen Xin swept coldly toward Bibi Dong. Though he did not speak, his invisible sword intent and the pressure of a level 97 Super Douluo made everything clear. Bone Douluo Gu Rong even let out a cold chuckle, the space around him distorting slightly.

Faced with the clear stance of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect Master and his two Super Douluos, even Pope Bibi Dong could not force the issue at this moment.

She looked deeply at Lin Yi, then swept her gaze over the three men. Her beautiful face betrayed no joy or anger as she said faintly: "In that case, it was this Seat who was abrupt.

I hope the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will cultivate this genius well."

A potential crisis was temporarily resolved by the strong stance of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

Returning to their quarters, the issue of distributing the championship soul bones arose.

Everyone looked at Lin Yi; without him, these soul bones would have been impossible to obtain.

Lin Yi had already made up his mind. He picked up the Spirit Gathering Wisdom Skull and said: "This skull bone matches my martial soul's attributes and provides the greatest benefit to me, so I will take this one."

Naturally, no one had any objections; it should have belonged to him in the first place.

Next, he picked up the Explosive Burning Flame Right Arm Bone and handed it to Yu Tianheng: "Tianheng, your Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul is fierce and domineering. This flame right arm bone can further enhance your explosive attack power, complementing you perfectly."

Yu Tianheng was stunned, then his eyes erupted with ecstasy and gratitude. He had not expected Lin Yi to give him such a precious soul bone! "Team leader, this..."

"Take it, it is what you deserve." Lin Yi was firm.

Then, he picked up the final Rapid Movement Wind Chasing Left Leg Bone and handed it to Dugu Yan: "Yanzi, your Jade Phosphorous Serpent martial soul is tricky and agile; speed is of the utmost importance.

This wind-chasing left leg bone can greatly enhance your speed and flexibility. Whether chasing or evading, it will be like adding wings to a tiger."

Dugu Yan took the soul bone and looked at Lin Yi, her beautiful eyes shimmering with excitement, her voice trembling slightly: "Thank you... thank you, Teacher Lin Yi!"

This distribution was fair, reasonable, and pleased everyone.

Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan were even more devoted to Lin Yi.

With the tournament settled, the various factions began to depart one after another.

Ning Rongrong also officially "graduated" from Shrek Academy and was brought to Ning Fengzhi's side.

She looked at Lin Yi with complex emotions—sadness for her partners' loss, shock at Lin Yi's power, and confusion regarding her own betrothal.

After handling sect affairs, Ning Fengzhi found Lin Yi and asked gently: "Lin Yi, the tournament is over. What are your plans?"

Lin Yi had already planned clearly and replied: "Sect Master, after this tournament, I deeply feel that my own strength still needs improvement.

I intend to return to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well secret realm for long-term closed-door cultivation to break through to higher realms.

He paused and proposed a more important suggestion: "Sect Master, the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well is a wonder of heaven and earth. Its energy is abundant, and it nurtures countless rare flowers and herbs; its value is immeasurable.

Although it is currently occupied by Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, he is alone and lacks the power to fully develop and guard it.

Why doesn't our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect discuss purchasing it or developing it in partnership with him?

If we could bring it under the sect's banner and establish a secret branch as a strategic resource base for core disciples to cultivate and nurture spiritual herbs, it would play an irreplaceable role in our sect's future development!"

Upon hearing this, a sharp light erupted in Ning Fengzhi's eyes! As a sect master, he immediately realized the immense strategic value contained within!

A stable, top-tier cultivation treasure land and herb base was a fatal attraction for the sect!

"Good! This matter is of great importance. I will discuss it personally with Uncle Sword and Uncle Bone, and find an opportunity to contact Dugu Bo." Ning Fengzhi agreed solemnly, his gaze toward Lin Yi filled with admiration. "Lin Yi, you are not only gifted but also possess such foresight; it is truly the fortune of our sect!"