The knights of Spirit Hall had barely formed ranks when Chen Xin stepped in front of the stairs, sword held across his body.
"Bibi Dong, what are you doing?"
"Presenting the awards."
Bibi Dong raised a hand to halt the knights. Her voice betrayed neither pleasure nor anger.
"The champions have yet to receive their prizes."
Ning Fengzhi watched her, his fingers shifting slightly inside his sleeve.
"If this is an award ceremony, then please follow the tournament rules, Your Holiness."
"Rest assured, Sect Master Ning. I won't deny Shrek Academy its rewards."
Three Soul Bones rose from an attendant's hands and hovered in midair.
One gleamed dark gold. The other two were bluish white and emerald green. The Soul Power rippling from them drew longing looks from many Soul Masters below the stage.
Tang San looked up, his breathing growing heavy.
Xiao Wu tugged at his sleeve.
"Your injuries haven't healed. Don't rush over."
"The Soul Bones are the tournament prize. Spirit Hall won't make a move here."
Tang San spoke quickly.
He had survived several assassination attempts, yet he still believed the powerful would mind their status and the rules. Now that Shrek Academy had won the championship, the Heaven Dou Empire and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would stand behind them.
Ji Yuan lay hidden in the sole of a shoe, his roots spreading beneath the stone slabs.
He could sense the power within the three Soul Bones, but he did not linger on it.
Tempting as that power was, it could not compare to Pope Hall before him—or the Rakshasa aura still stirring within Bibi Dong.
"Tang San, step forward to receive the prize."
The referee called out.
Tang San helped Xiao Wu to the front of the stage.
Bibi Dong personally lifted the first