Spirit Hall's Reaction

The love letter exploded. Zhu Shen looked at the ashes, wanting to cry but having no tears. Tang San supported him, his expression complex. The two had just exited the forest when they saw a squad of Spirit Hall knights. The leader was a Cardinal. He swept a glance over the two, his gaze lingering on Zhu Shen. "Master Yu, the Pope requests your presence." Zhu Shen's heart skipped a beat. Did Bibi Dong know? He steeled himself and nodded. "Lead the way."

On the road, Zhu Shen secretly asked the system, "The love letter is gone, will the favorability drop?" [Item consumed, favorability bonus retained.] Zhu Shen breathed a sigh of relief. At least it wasn't all for nothing. Tang San asked in a low voice, "Teacher, will there be trouble?" Zhu Shen grinned. "Don't worry, your teacher is still as handsome as ever." Tang San's mouth twitched.

In the side hall of the Pope Palace, Bibi Dong sat upright in the main seat, her purple eyes icy. She looked at Zhu Shen, her fingertips tapping the armrest lightly. "Explain the anomaly in the Soul Hunting Forest." Zhu Shen cursed inwardly but wore a smile on his face. "Your Holiness, that was an accident." He quickly recounted the events, omitting the details of how he had pitted Tang San against the danger, and emphasizing the conspiracy of the Evil God Temple. Bibi Dong listened quietly, her expression unchanging.

Tang San added, "That Evil Soul Master called himself the Holy Child, and his strength was formidable." Bibi Dong's eyes flickered. "Holy Child?" She looked at Zhu Shen. "And the love letter?" Zhu Shen touched his nose awkwardly. "It exploded." Bibi Dong was silent for a moment. "A pity." She waved her hand. "You may leave first. Spirit Hall will handle this matter." Zhu Shen felt as if he had been granted amnesty and pulled Tang San away. As they reached the door, Bibi Dong suddenly spoke. "Yu Xiaogang." Zhu Shen turned back. "Present." Bibi Dong looked at him, her eyes deep. "Three months from now, the Spirit Hall Elite Tournament. I want you to lead the team." Zhu Shen was stunned. "Me?" Bibi Dong nodded. "Notting Academy is granted a special exception to participate." She paused. "Do not let me down."

Walking out of the Pope Palace, Zhu Shen was still a bit dazed. Tang San tugged at his sleeve. "Teacher, the Elite Tournament..." Zhu Shen came back to his senses, his eyes brightening. "Xiao San, we're going to be famous!" He slapped Tang San hard on the back. "Go back for special training! Train until you drop!" Tang San stumbled from the slap and sighed inwardly. The teacher was at it again.

Returning to Nuoding City, the work-study students crowded around. Wang Sheng was the first to rush over. "Teacher, are you hurt?" Zhu Shen waved his hand. "Minor injuries, nothing to worry about." He looked at the group. "I have good news." The children pricked up their ears. Zhu Shen cleared his throat. "The Pope has granted Notting Academy special permission to participate in the Elite Tournament." Silence fell. Wang Sheng picked at his ear. "Teacher, what did you say?" Zhu Shen repeated it. The children exploded. "We can go to Spirit City to compete?" "Oh my god, am I dreaming?"

Zhu Shen waited for them to finish their commotion before speaking. "Don't get happy too soon." He scanned the circle. "The roster is limited. Only the strong go." The children instantly wilted. They were only at the first ring; how could they compare to those geniuses? Zhu Shen smiled. "That's why for the next three months, we're doing special training." He pointed at Tang San. "Use Xiao San as the standard. Those who don't meet it will be automatically disqualified." Tang San stood straight, feeling the immense pressure.

After dinner, Zhu Shen called Tang San to his room. He took out the reward the system had just given him. "Look at this." Tang San took it; it was a jade-green soul bone. "Ten-year Lone Bamboo left arm bone?" Zhu Shen nodded. "That makes five pieces." Tang San hesitated. "Teacher, will absorbing them so frequently..." Zhu Shen interrupted him. "Less talk, absorb it quickly." Tang San had no choice but to sit cross-legged. The soul bone merged into his left arm, green light flickering. A quarter of an hour later, he opened his eyes. "How does it feel?" Tang San moved his left arm. "Strength increased, soul power circulates faster." Zhu Shen nodded with satisfaction. "Not bad. Starting tomorrow, combat training."

Early the next morning, on the open ground, nine work-study students stood in a row. Zhu Shen paced back and forth with his hands behind his back. "Today's training content: getting beaten up." The children looked at each other. Zhu Shen pointed at Tang San. "Your opponent is him." Tang San was stunned. "Teacher, I have to fight nine people alone?" Zhu Shen nodded. "No hidden weapons allowed, no Clear Sky Hammer allowed." He grinned. "Let me see your limits." Tang San's mouth twitched. The teacher was trying to sabotage him again.

Wang Sheng rushed up first. His martial soul was a bear, and his strength was decent. Tang San sidestepped, and Blue Silver Grass wrapped around his ankles. With a pull and a jerk, Wang Sheng fell flat on his face. The other children swarmed forward. Tang San used a pole vault to dodge, and the Blue Silver Bamboo Prison was activated. Bamboo cages sprouted from the ground, trapping three people. The remaining four children panicked. Tang San landed and took them out one by one. In less than five minutes, all nine children were lying on the ground.

Zhu Shen clapped. "Beautiful." He walked to Tang San's side and lowered his voice. "Did you hold back?" Tang San gave a wry smile. "A little." Zhu Shen patted his shoulder. "No holding back next time." He turned to the children. "See that? That is the gap." Wang Sheng climbed up, grimacing. "Teacher, this is too discouraging." Zhu Shen glared at him. "If you want to compete, then train. From today on, three sparring matches a day." The children wailed.

In the afternoon, Zhu Shen trained Tang San alone. "Xiao San, it's time to prepare your third soul ring." Tang San's eyes lit up. "Does Teacher have a target?" Zhu Shen smiled mysteriously. "The system says there is a thousand-year Lone Bamboo in the Star Dou Great Forest." Tang San frowned. "The Star Dou Great Forest is too dangerous." Zhu Shen waved his hand. "What are you afraid of? You have your teacher here." He pulled out a map. "I've already planned the route." Tang San looked at the map, muttering to himself. How was the teacher planning to sabotage him this time?

Three days later, the two set off. On the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest, Zhu Shen looked at the map left and right. "It should be right ahead." Tang San vigilantly observed his surroundings. This place was much more dangerous than the Soul Hunting Forest. Suddenly, a beast's roar echoed. Zhu Shen's eyes lit up. "It's here!" He dragged Tang San behind a tree. A thousand-year Wind Baboon charged over, its target the Lone Bamboo. Tang San gripped his Clear Sky Hammer. "Teacher, should we act?" Zhu Shen shook his head. "Wait until they are both exhausted." He lowered his voice. "Remember, steal the kill."

The Wind Baboon and the Lone Bamboo fought fiercely. The Lone Bamboo was tough, and the Wind Baboon was fast. The two sides traded blows, neither able to overcome the other. Tang San watched in shock. If he were facing them alone, the outcome would be uncertain. Zhu Shen, however, was delighted. "Xiao San, get ready." The moment the Wind Baboon bit into the Lone Bamboo, Zhu Shen pushed Tang San. "Go!" Tang San was caught off guard and charged out. The Wind Baboon spotted him and turned to pounce. Tang San cursed under his breath and pole-vaulted away. The Lone Bamboo took the opportunity to whip the Wind Baboon's back. The Wind Baboon shrieked, its attacks becoming even more ferocious.

Zhu Shen crouched behind the tree, muttering, "Fight, fight." The system's notification sounded. [Detected Tang San in a bitter struggle, condition for sabotaging the disciple met.] Zhu Shen grinned. It was done. He quietly circled to the side and unleashed Dragon Breath. Golden flames burned the Wind Baboon's rear. The Wind Baboon felt the pain, and for a split second, it was distracted. Tang San seized the opportunity and brought down his Clear Sky Hammer. Boom! The Wind Baboon fell to the ground, and a purple soul ring emerged. The Lone Bamboo was also severely wounded, and a green soul ring floated up. Tang San panted heavily and looked at Zhu Shen. "Teacher, you just now..." Zhu Shen looked innocent. "I was helping." He walked over quickly. "Absorb it quickly, don't waste it." Tang San looked at the two soul rings and hesitated. "Teacher, which one should I choose?" Zhu Shen pointed at the Lone Bamboo soul ring. "This one, of course." He patted Tang San's shoulder. "A thousand-year soul ring is enough to last you until you become a Soul Ancestor." Tang San nodded and sat cross-legged.

The absorption process was painful. The thousand-year soul ring's energy was violent, battering his meridians. Tang San gritted his teeth, sweat pouring down like rain. Zhu Shen crouched nearby, counting silently. "One, two, three..." [Ding! Tang San absorbed a thousand-year soul ring beyond his limit, enduring great pain. Congratulations to the host for a major sabotage of Tang San! Reward: Evolution Points +100! Dragon God Bloodline purity can be increased to 26%!] Zhu Shen almost laughed out loud. He quickly covered his mouth. Tang San's body trembled, his soul power fluctuating violently. Half an hour later, the soul ring was absorbed. Tang San opened his eyes, his soul power surging to level thirty-seven. He felt his new strength, his expression complex. The teacher had sabotaged him again, but he had indeed become stronger.

Zhu Shen leaned in. "What is the soul skill?" Tang San released his martial soul. Three soul rings flickered on the Blue Silver Grass. The third soul ring lit up, and countless bamboo thorns sprouted from the ground. "Blue Silver Bamboo Thorn, area-of-effect attack, with a paralyzing effect." Zhu Shen's eyes lit up. "Not bad, not bad." He took out a soul bone. "A reward for you." Tang San took it; it was a right arm bone. "Ten-year Lone Bamboo?" Zhu Shen nodded. "That makes six pieces." Tang San absorbed it silently. He calculated that he was only one piece away from a full set.

On the way back, Zhu Shen hummed a little tune. Tang San couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, can we really win the Elite Tournament?" Zhu Shen stopped and looked at him seriously. "Xiao San, do you trust your teacher?" Tang San nodded. "I do." Zhu Shen smiled. "Then don't ask. Train well, and you'll scare them to death when the time comes." Tang San smiled too. "Yes, Teacher."

Back at Notting Academy, Wang Sheng and the others crowded around. "Teacher, you're back!" Zhu Shen waved his hand. "Assemble, meeting." The children stood in line quickly. Zhu Shen cleared his throat. "For the tournament in three months, I have decided on the preliminary list." He read out the names: "Tang San, Wang Sheng, Xiao Lian, Li Erniu." The four named were excited. Those not named were dejected. Zhu Shen added, "The others will be substitutes, but you must train too." He looked at Tang San. "You are responsible for leading the training." Tang San was stunned. "Me?" Zhu Shen nodded. "That is an order." Tang San had no choice but to agree.

For the next two months, the training intensity doubled. Tang San bullied the "vegetables" every day, and Wang Sheng and the others improved rapidly. Xiao Lian's martial soul was a flower, and her combat power had originally been weak. Tang San taught her control techniques, and now she could trap soul masters of the same rank. Li Erniu's martial soul was a bull; he was strong but clumsy. Tang San trained him in evasion, and now he was much more agile. Wang Sheng had the biggest change; his soul power broke through to level twenty. Zhu Shen took him to the Soul Hunting Forest to find a hundred-year soul ring. When he returned, Wang Sheng was full of pride, only to be slapped awake by Tang San.

When training ended that day, Zhu Shen called Tang San to his room. "Xiao San, there is something I need to tell you." Tang San sat down. "Teacher, please speak." Zhu Shen's expression was serious. "At the tournament, you might meet an acquaintance." Tang San was puzzled. "Who?" Zhu Shen lowered his voice. "Your father, Tang Hao." Tang San's pupils shrank. "Father? Will he come to watch the tournament?" Zhu Shen nodded. "I received news that the Haotian Douluo is active in the vicinity." He paused. "Also, be careful regarding Spirit Hall." Tang San understood what the teacher meant. His identity was special; if it were exposed, the consequences would be dire.

Zhu Shen patted his shoulder. "Don't be afraid, you have your teacher." Tang San felt a warmth in his heart. "Thank you, Teacher." Zhu Shen grinned. "What are you thanking me for? You are my disciple." He took out a letter. "Bibi Dong just sent this." Tang San took it, and his face changed after reading it. "Spirit Hall Academy will also participate?" Zhu Shen nodded. "And they are the seeded team." He sighed. "It will be hard for us to win." Tang San clenched his fists. "I will work hard." Zhu Shen smiled. "That's more like it." He stood up. "Let's go, let's eat. Extra food today."

In the cafeteria, Wang Sheng was bragging. "When I win the championship at the tournament, I'll go back to the village and marry Cuihua." Xiao Lian covered her mouth and laughed. "Who is Cuihua?" Wang Sheng blushed. "My neighbor." Li Erniu teased, "Oh, Wang Sheng is lovesick." Everyone laughed. Zhu Shen and Tang San walked in, and the atmosphere became even livelier. Zhu Shen announced, "Rest tomorrow, and we start the final sprint the day after." The children cheered. Wang Sheng leaned in. "Teacher, what does 'sprint' mean?" Zhu Shen smiled mysteriously. "You'll know when the time comes."

Late at night, Zhu Shen lay on his bed looking at the system panel. He had saved up quite a few evolution points, enough to raise his bloodline by two levels. He thought about it and raised it by one level first. [Dragon God Bloodline purity increased to 26%.] A warm current flowed through his body, and his strength increased once more. Zhu Shen nodded with satisfaction. With the tournament approaching, every bit of strength mattered. He looked out the window at the bright moonlight. Three months would pass quickly. He wondered what expression Bibi Dong would have when she saw his performance. Zhu Shen fell asleep thinking about it. In his dream, he was holding the championship trophy, and Bibi Dong was smiling at him. Then Tang San jumped out and kicked the trophy away. "Teacher, you sabotaged me again!" Zhu Shen woke up in a fright.

In the next room, Tang San wasn't asleep either. He sat cross-legged, cultivating, his soul power circulating through his body. The Mandala Eye at the back of his head glowed faintly, his perception covering the entire dormitory area. Wang Sheng was snoring, Xiao Lian was talking in her sleep, and Li Erniu was grinding his teeth. Tang San's mouth curled upward. He had to protect these companions. And the teacher—although he always sabotaged him, he was truly good to him. Tang San took a deep breath and continued to cultivate. He had to win the tournament.

Two days later, the final sprint began. Zhu Shen took the nine people to the Soul Hunting Forest. "Today's training: survival." He pointed to the depths of the forest. "Stay inside for three days and come out alive." Wang Sheng's face turned pale. "Teacher, people will die." Zhu Shen glared at him. "If you're afraid of death, don't participate." He looked at Tang San. "You lead the team and protect them." Tang San nodded. "Yes." Zhu Shen waved his hand. "Go in. I'll come to pick you up in three days." The nine people looked at each other and walked into the forest, gritting their teeth.

Zhu Shen watched their backs, muttering to himself, "System, this doesn't count as sabotaging Tang San, right?" [Team training, it does not.] Zhu Shen breathed a sigh of relief. He was actually worried, but the tournament was cruel, and they had to adapt in advance. He turned and left, preparing to handle another matter. He had to pull some strings with Spirit Hall to ensure at least some fairness in the competition.

In the forest, Tang San walked at the very front. Wang Sheng followed closely behind. "Tang San, where are we going?" Tang San's perception was fully open. "Find a safe place to set up camp." Xiao Lian whispered, "I heard the roar of a soul beast." Tang San nodded. "Follow me." He led the group around dangerous areas and found a mountain cave. The entrance was narrow, easy to defend and hard to attack. Tang San arranged for Wang Sheng and Li Erniu to guard the entrance while the others rested. He set traps in the vicinity himself. Blue Silver Grass combined with bamboo thorns to form a simple defensive net.

At night, soul beasts were active. A hundred-year wolf-type soul beast approached the entrance. Wang Sheng was about to act, but Tang San held him back. "Don't be hasty." The wolf soul beast stepped into the trap, and bamboo thorns pierced its paws. It shrieked and fled. Wang Sheng breathed a sigh of relief. "Tang San, you're really amazing." Tang San shook his head. "This is just the beginning." He looked into the depths of the forest, his eyes solemn. The teacher's training this time was definitely not that simple.

Sure enough, at noon the next day, a group of ten-year soul beasts besieged the cave. There were over twenty of them. Wang Sheng and the others turned pale. "What do we do?" Tang San commanded calmly. "Xiao Lian, use pollen to interfere; Li Erniu, hold the entrance; everyone else, long-range attacks." He released his third soul skill, and bamboo thorns sprouted from the ground, piercing several soul beasts. The battle was intense and lasted for half an hour. The soul beasts retreated, and everyone was exhausted. Xiao Lian's arm was injured, and Tang San bandaged it with Blue Silver Grass. "Hold on, we can get out tomorrow." Xiao Lian nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I'm not afraid."

On the third day, the most dangerous moment arrived. A thousand-year soul beast smelled the blood and came knocking. It was an Earth Cave Spider, skilled in lurking and sneak attacks. Tang San discovered the anomaly immediately. "All members, alert!" The Earth Cave Spider burrowed out from the ground and lunged at Xiao Lian. Tang San pole-vaulted to knock her away, his own arm getting scratched. Wang Sheng roared, his Bear martial soul erupted, and he smashed a fist at the spider. The spider dodged nimbly and sprayed venom at Li Erniu. Tang San activated the Blue Silver Bamboo Prison, trapping the spider for an instant. Li Erniu narrowly avoided it.

The battle reached a stalemate. The spider had strong defense, and its venom was lethal. Tang San had consumed most of his soul power, and the others were reaching their limits. At the critical moment, Tang San remembered his teacher's teachings. "Attack the weak points." He activated his Purple Demon Eye and found the nerve node behind the spider's eyes. "Wang Sheng, attract its attention!" Wang Sheng gritted his teeth and rushed up, taking a hit head-on. Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer struck out, smashing into the node with all his might. Boom! The spider shrieked and collapsed to the ground. A purple soul ring emerged. Everyone slumped to the ground, panting heavily. Tang San's arm was bleeding, but he smiled. "We won."

Three days later, Zhu Shen came to pick them up. Seeing that the nine were disheveled but alive, he nodded. "Not bad." He looked at Tang San. "How does it feel?" Tang San answered seriously, "Teamwork is very important." Zhu Shen smiled. "As long as you understand." He clapped his hands. "Pack up and return to the academy. The tournament is about to begin."

Back in Nuoding City, the atmosphere was already different. The streets were filled with soul masters discussing the Elite Tournament. Wang Sheng looked around excitedly. "Teacher, will we become famous?" Zhu Shen knocked him on the head. "Win first, then talk." They returned to the academy and found someone standing at the gate. A Cardinal, along with a squad of Spirit Hall knights. The Cardinal saw Zhu Shen and stepped forward. "Master Yu, the Pope's decree." He unfolded a golden scroll. "The Notting Academy representative team is to proceed to Spirit City immediately. The tournament has been moved up." Zhu Shen was stunned. "Moved up? Why?" The Cardinal shook his head. "I do not know. The Pope's order, no delays." He looked at Tang San and the others. "Please prepare as soon as possible; we depart tomorrow."

Zhu Shen frowned. Moving the tournament up must have a reason. But he didn't have time to think. "Go back and pack your things; assemble in an hour." The children ran back to the dormitory in a hurry. Tang San walked to Zhu Shen's side. "Teacher, could there be a trap?" Zhu Shen shook his head. "I don't know. But the arrow is on the string, and it must be fired." He looked at the Cardinal. "We will depart on time." The Cardinal nodded and left with his men.

An hour later, the nine stood on the open ground with their luggage. Zhu Shen scanned the circle. "Remember, the tournament is not a game. Obey my commands in everything." Everyone replied in unison, "Yes!" Zhu Shen waved his hand. "Let's go." They boarded the carriage prepared by Spirit Hall and drove toward Spirit City. Tang San looked at the scenery flying past the window and clenched his fists. The tournament—he was coming. Father, will you come to watch? Zhu Shen leaned against the carriage, closing his eyes to rest, but he was asking the system in his heart, "Is the tournament being moved up related to the Evil God Temple?" [Insufficient data, unable to determine.] Zhu Shen sighed. Let the soldiers come and the generals block.

Spirit City drew closer and closer. The towering walls and magnificent buildings left Wang Sheng and the others dumbfounded. Tang San was also secretly shocked. This was the number one city on the continent. The carriage passed through the city gate and headed straight for the accommodation arranged by Spirit Hall. It was an independent villa in a quiet environment. The Cardinal waited at the door. "Master Yu, this is your residence. The tournament starts in three days; this is the schedule." He handed over a piece of paper. Zhu Shen took it and glanced at it. First match: Notting Academy vs. Canghui Academy. His mouth curled upward. "Canghui Academy? Old acquaintances." Tang San was puzzled. "Teacher knows them?" Zhu Shen nodded. "I've heard of them. A bunch of illusionists, all flash and no substance." He looked at the group. "Get a good rest tonight; we start analyzing our opponents tomorrow." Everyone agreed and chose their rooms.

Late at night, Zhu Shen studied the schedule alone in the living room. Canghui Academy wasn't strong, but their illusions were troublesome. Tang San had the Purple Demon Eye and should be able to break them. But what about the other children? Just as he was thinking, there was a knock on the door. Tang San pushed it open. "Teacher, not asleep yet?" Zhu Shen beckoned him to sit. "Worried about the match?" Tang San nodded. "Wang Sheng and the others are participating for the first time, I'm afraid..." Zhu Shen interrupted him. "What are you afraid of? If you lose, treat it as experience." He paused. "But you are different. Tang San, I want you to win." Tang San's eyes were firm. "I will." Zhu Shen smiled. "Go to sleep. Get enough rest." Tang San stood up and left. Zhu Shen continued to look at the schedule until late at night.

Three days later, the tournament opened. The Spirit Hall square was packed with people. Bibi Dong sat in the main seat, with representatives of various forces on both sides. Zhu Shen led the Notting Academy team into the arena, attracting many gazes. "Look, that's Notting Academy." "The leader is Yu Xiaogang? Isn't he a theory master?" "Rumor has it his martial soul evolved, and he is very strong." The whispers reached his ears, and Zhu Shen held his head high. Tang San and the others followed behind, their expressions solemn. Wang Sheng's legs were shaking a bit, and he was pinched by Xiao Lian. "Don't embarrass us." Wang Sheng gritted his teeth and stood straight.

Bibi Dong announced the start of the tournament. In the first round of the draw, Notting Academy was matched against Canghui Academy. Both sides took the stage, and the referee explained the rules. "No intentional killing, no use of forbidden items. Violators will be disqualified." Both sides bowed, and the match began.

The seven members of Canghui Academy quickly formed a formation.