Chrysanthemum and Ghost slipped into the shadows of the corridor, and calm returned to the raised platform.
Qian Xunji slightly lifted the hand resting on his armrest. The noisy square swiftly fell silent, and tens of thousands of gazes converged on the seat of honor.
"For the grand final, both teams may enter." Qian Xunji's steady voice carried throughout the city.
As his words fell, Qian Renling strode out at the head of the passage on the eastern side of the square.
Behind her, Yu Xiaozhu, Tian Ling, Xiao Wu, Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan walked onto the stage in an orderly line.
Tian Ling walked third, staring at the opposite passage entrance and rubbing her hands in anticipation.
Earlier, she had pestered Qian Renling to visit the Pope Hall and ask for a soul spirit. Qian Xunji had not refused outright, leaving them with only one remark: "That depends on your performance in the final."
By now, soul spirits were no longer a secret within the Spirit Hall Team.
The ice luan on Qian Renling's shoulder, the dragon egg in Yu Xiaozhu's arms—even that food-type Soul Master from Shrek across from them had obtained a Mirror Image Beast. Hu Liena, Xie Yue, Yan, and Xiao Wu were all burning with determination.
Today's final was not just about Spirit Hall's glory. It was also their chance to earn an opportunity before the Pope!
If they could crush Shrek in spectacular fashion, perhaps they, too, would receive a ten-thousand-year soul spirit after the match!
As Spirit Hall's seven members stepped onto the stage, deafening cheers erupted from the stands.
Meanwhile, in the passage on the western side of the square, Tang San led Tang Long, Dai Mubai, Ning Chengjiu, Ma Hongjun, Zhu Zhuqing, and Oscar out at a measured pace