As the tournament drew to a close, the spectators' enthusiasm actually began to fade.
This tournament had turned entirely into an internal showdown between Shrek and the Tang Sect. Even the Holy Spirit Sect, which also had Soul Sages, could not compete.
There was no helping it. The Tang Sect had a full six Soul Sages and one Soul Douluo. Ordinary teams did not even have the courage to step onto the stage.
For Shrek's diehard fans, however, it felt like New Year's. Shrek topped every unofficial ranking, and they were riding high.
Some Titled Douluo even declared that this tournament was the greatest in ten thousand years-a golden age brimming with vitality.
Compared with the excitement on the surface, some better-informed sects and academies had already sensed something wrong behind the scenes.
Bright City remained bustling, yet it was like a stagnant pool that allowed things in but never out.
Almost none of the people they had sent out had returned. Their latest news from the outside world was still several days old.
This was undoubtedly alarming.
That day, while the various factions were making inquiries everywhere, guests arrived at Shrek and the Tang Sect's reception room.
"Princess Jiujiu!"
Zhang Lexuan went forward to welcome Xu Jiujiu and her two companions into the reception room.
However, she took an extra look at the black-robed figure beside Xu Jiujiu. The person was hiding her face, but her aura felt somewhat familiar.
"Sister Lexuan! Where's Jiang Yi?"
Xu Jiujiu caught Zhang Lexuan's hand and immediately asked.
The two women were old acquaintances, especially since Zhang Lexuan had caught her having a friendly exchange with the great Pavilion Master Jiang a few days earlier.
"He's resting..."
Zhang Lexuan gave a light cough and glanced toward the bedroom inside, her cheeks reddening slightly.