"Why can't we leave?"
Dai Mubai stepped sideways, blocking the way to Tang San.
A Spirit Temple official produced a token.
"All seven members of Tiandou Team Two suffered serious injuries and depleted Soul Power. His Excellency the Bishop suspects Shrek Academy used prohibited means."
"If you can't stand losing, just say so."
Ma Hongjun squeezed in beside them.
"Who was shouting that they'd finish us in one minute before the match? Now they're flat on their backs, you want to investigate us instead?"
The official ignored him.
"The referee can only determine the winner. He has no authority to inspect for unusual toxins or Soul Tools. Every Shrek Academy contestant must stay."
Tang San pressed a hand to Dai Mubai's shoulder and stepped out from behind him.
"How do you intend to inspect us?"
"Release your Martial Souls, hand over your Soul Tools, and submit to an examination by a healing-type Soul Master."
"My Soul Tool contains personal belongings. I won't hand it over."
"That's the bishop's order."
Tang San removed the Twenty-Four Moonlit Bridge from his waist but kept his hand clasped around it.
"The referee and tens of thousands of spectators watched the entire match. We used no weapons and took no drugs. What gives Spirit Temple the right to search competing Soul Masters?"
The official raised his token.
"Spirit Hall is responsible for overseeing this tournament."
The Soul Power of Dai Mubai's White Tiger rose again.
"Then have Salas come here himself."
More than a dozen temple guards closed in from both sides of the passage. The air grew taut.
The Shrek Six Monsters stayed together, all of them within the reach of the Blue Silver Grass.
Ning Rongrong raised the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Its seven-colored glow fell across the official's token.
"I'm Ning