Champion!!!

The surroundings immediately fell silent.

Everyone from Skywater Academy turned to look at Long Tian.

Ling Yuan sat among the elders without saying a word.

The figure in the red dress merely watched her disciple calmly.

Long Tian stored the three soul bones within the Rainbow Dragon Staff.

"Your Holiness the Pope."

"I am now the captain of Skywater Academy."

"At least today, I stand here solely as a representative of Skywater Academy."

Bibi Dong looked at his handsome face.

"You refuse Spirit Hall's invitation?"

"My teacher has shown me great kindness."

Long Tian looked toward Ling Yuan among the elders.

"I will not leave my teacher."

"As for joining Spirit Hall, when my teacher believes the time is right, I will naturally make my choice."

Satisfaction appeared in Ling Yuan's eyes.

Bibi Dong fell silent for a moment.

"Very well. Spirit Hall will not force you."

"The championship belongs to Skywater Academy."

"I hope that when we meet again, you can bring Spirit Hall even more surprises."

Long Tian nodded lightly.

"Certainly."

Bibi Dong turned and returned to Pope Hall.

Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo followed behind her.

The golden gates slowly closed.

The referee stepped into the center of the awards platform.

A golden champion's trophy, even more magnificent than the Heaven Dou Division trophy, was brought before the Skywater Team.

Long Tian accepted the trophy with both hands.

Shui Bing'er and the other five team members placed their hands on the cup at the same time.

The seven of them raised the champion's trophy together.

Sunlight fell across the golden cup.

The Ice Phoenix emblem and the phantom of a Nine-Colored Divine Dragon appeared above the Skywater Team at the same time.

Cheers erupted from the stands once more.

"Skywater Academy!"

"Champions!"

"Long Tian!"

Shui Yue'er looked at the captain beside her, her eyes brimming with joy.

"Captain, we did it."

Xue Wu nodded softly.

"Skywater Academy defeated Spirit Hall's Golden Generation."

Yu Hairou looked at the trophy raised high overhead.

"From today onward, no one will think Skywater Academy can only fight by relying on the environment."

Shui Bing'er stood at Long Tian's side.

The clear golden radiance of the champion's trophy reflected in her eyes.

"Long Tian."

"Thank you for coming to Skywater Academy."

Long Tian turned to look at her.

"You were the one who invited me to join back then, Bing'er."

"Without you, I would not be standing here either."

Shui Bing'er smiled gently.

"So, I brought back a champion captain that day?"

"Not just that."

Long Tian raised the trophy in his hand.

"You also brought Skywater Academy the overall championship."

A blue flag unfurled in the wind at the foot of Spirit Mountain.

The seven members of Skywater Academy stood side by side at the center of the awards platform.

The three Ten Thousand Year Soul Bones were already theirs.

The Golden Generation had suffered a complete defeat.

At this moment, the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament officially came to an end.

The champions—

Skywater Academy!

At the foot of Spirit Mountain.

The champion's trophy and the three soul bones had already been brought back to Skywater Academy's residence.

In the center of the courtyard, the blue flag fluttered in the wind.

Long Tian placed the golden champion's trophy on the stone table, then took out the Rainbow Dragon Staff.

Nine-Colored Divine Light flickered.

The three soul bones flew out from the staff and hovered quietly before everyone.

The pale blue skull emitted a gentle glow.

The Flame Right Arm Bone burned with crimson flames.

Azure currents swirled around the Wind-Chasing Left Leg Bone.

Shui Yue'er stood beside the stone table, her bright eyes continually examining them.

"Captain, are all three of these soul bones at the ten-thousand-year level?"

"They are all Ten Thousand Year Soul Bones."

Long Tian raised his hand.

Nine-Colored Divine Light swept over the three soul bones one by one.

"The Wisdom Skull can enhance spiritual power, as well as soul skills and spiritual abilities."

"The Flame Right Arm Bone is suitable for fire-attribute Soul Masters."

"The Wind-Chasing Left Leg Bone can increase speed and also comes with an acceleration soul skill."

Xue Wu looked at the Flame Right Arm Bone.

"Our Skywater Academy has no fire-attribute Martial Souls."

"We have no use for this soul bone for now."

"Keep it for the time being."

Long Tian withdrew his gaze.

"Soul bones are unlike ordinary resources. They cannot be forcibly absorbed simply for the sake of distribution."

Yu Hairou nodded lightly.

"What about the Wind-Chasing Left Leg Bone?"

Shui Bing'er glanced at the azure soul bone hovering in the air.

"My Martial Soul specializes in control and ice. Speed is not my main focus."

"Yue'er's water-attribute Martial Soul is more agile, so it may suit her better."

Shui Yue'er immediately waved her hands.

"Sister, if you give the soul bone to Yue'er, won't Yue'er become too fast?"

"Only by moving quickly in battle can you better avoid attacks."

Long Tian looked at Shui Yue'er.

"Your Martial Soul excels at variations in water flow. The Wind-Chasing Left Leg Bone can make up for your lack of close-range speed."

"You can try absorbing it."

Shui Yue'er immediately straightened up.

"Captain, can Yue'er really have it?"

"You can."

Long Tian gestured with his hand.

The azure soul bone turned into a streak of light and landed before Shui Yue'er.

Shui Yue'er caught the soul bone with both hands, her pretty face full of delight.

"Thank you, Captain!"

"Don't rush to absorb it yet."

Shui Bing'er reminded her:

"Once we return, have the dean and teachers examine your physical condition."

"The power of a soul bone is formidable. Nothing can go wrong during absorption."

Shui Yue'er nodded repeatedly.

"Yue'er understands."

Long Tian turned his gaze to the Flame Right Arm Bone.

"This soul bone will be sealed away for now."

"When we encounter a suitable fire-attribute Soul Master in the future, we will decide who receives it."

Xue Wu looked at the remaining skull.

"What about the Wisdom Skull?"

"It goes to me."

Long Tian did not hesitate.

The Rainbow Dragon Martial Soul already possessed formidable spiritual power.

If he absorbed the Wisdom Skull as well, both the Nine-Colored Double Pupils and his Spiritual Origin would improve.

To him, this soul bone was more valuable than the other two.

Shui Bing'er nodded softly.

"The captain is the most suitable person for this soul bone."

"No objections."

Xue Wu and the other team members agreed at the same time.

Long Tian raised his right hand.

The pale blue soul bone slowly drifted over and settled against his forehead.

Boom!

Waves suddenly surged through his spiritual world.

Vast spiritual energy transformed into a sea of blue light and instantly flooded the depths of his Sea of Consciousness.

The Nine-Colored Double Pupils opened on their own.

Seven colors—red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and violet—flashed alternately within his spiritual world.

The Rainbow Dragon's Heart pulsed in response.

Nine-colored spiritual power spread from his Sea of Consciousness, covering all of Spirit City in the blink of an eye.

The city gates, streets, palaces, and every aura atop the distant Spirit Mountain became clearly imprinted in his senses.

Long Tian closed his eyes.

The Wisdom Skull's power did not increase his Soul Power.

Yet it made his Spiritual Origin even more condensed.

His spiritual detection, which had once only been able to lock onto Soul Kings, could now clearly sense the auras of Soul Sages.

If he faced Demon again, Hu Liena and Xie Yue's Martial Soul Fusion Skill would no longer be able to conceal themselves from his spiritual perception.

A moment later.

The blue radiance gradually receded.

Long Tian opened his eyes, and a layer of pale blue luster had appeared in the depths of his Nine-Colored Double Pupils.

Shui Yue'er moved closer.

"Captain, your eyes seem even prettier now."

"The soul bone has fused."

Long Tian picked up the champion's trophy.

"You should return to your rooms and rest. We will head back to Heaven Dou City tomorrow."

Hugging the Wind-Chasing Left Leg Bone, Shui Yue'er immediately nodded.

"Yue'er will go find the dean right away."

Several team members gradually left the courtyard.

Shui Bing'er did not leave immediately.

Her graceful figure stood beside the stone table as she watched the blue light slowly fading from Long Tian's forehead.

"How much did the Wisdom Skull improve you?"

"My spiritual power has increased by ten percent."

Long Tian completely concealed the aura of the soul bone.

"The Nine-Colored Double Pupils have also become more stable."

"That's good."

Shui Bing'er smiled softly.

"Giving this soul bone to you really was the most suitable choice."

Outside the courtyard gate.

Crimson firelight descended from afar.

Ling Yuan, dressed in a red gown, stepped into the courtyard atop flames.

The slit in her dress revealed a pair of long, slender legs. Black stockings wrapped around her delicate calves, while red high heels clicked against the bluestone ground, making her look both sharp and radiant.

"My good disciple."

The moment Ling Yuan saw Long Tian, her eyes filled with a smile.

"Have you absorbed the soul bone already?"

"I just fused with it."

Long Tian bowed in greeting.

"Why have you come, Teacher?"

"His Holiness the Pope wishes to see you."

Ling Yuan walked to the stone table and picked up the champion's trophy for a look.

"You defeated the Golden Generation in the finals. Everyone in Spirit Hall has been talking about it."

"Bibi Dong summoning you personally is also a sign of how highly she regards you."

Shui Bing'er looked at Ling Yuan.

"Is His Holiness the Pope planning to have Long Tian join Spirit Hall?"

"She probably has that intention."

Ling Yuan did not hide it.

"But you needn't worry."

"Long Tian is my disciple. Whether he joins Spirit Hall or not is up to him."

Long Tian stored the champion's trophy in the Rainbow Dragon Staff.

"Rest assured, Teacher."

"I will not change my choice."

Ling Yuan looked at his handsome face and nodded in satisfaction.

"Let's go."

"Go meet His Holiness the Pope."

Pope Hall.

The golden doors slowly opened.

Ling Yuan led Long Tian into the hall.

Bibi Dong sat upon the elevated platform.

Her papal robes draped across the floor, golden patterns flowing along their hems.

She carried herself with nobility and authority. Her exposed legs were wrapped in black stockings, their slender lines especially eye-catching beneath the hall's radiance.

Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo stood on either side.

Bibi Dong looked toward Long Tian.

"You are Long Tian?"

"This junior greets Your Holiness the Pope."

Long Tian stopped in the middle of the hall and bowed slightly.

Bibi Dong raised her scepter, her gaze sweeping past the center of his brow.

"You have already absorbed the Wisdom Skull."

"Your spiritual power is stronger than the records indicate."

"Thank you for the praise, Your Holiness the Pope."

Bibi Dong lowered her scepter.

"Fourteen years old, a level forty-eight Soul Ancestor. Your third Soul Ring is ten thousand years old, and your fourth Soul Ring is one hundred thousand years old."

"You possess the Rainbow Dragon Martial Soul, as well as the ability to control fire, ice, lightning, and life."

"You led a Skywater Team that was originally not favored and defeated Spirit Hall Academy."

"With talent such as yours, Spirit Hall is willing to provide you with the highest level of cultivation."

Bibi Dong's gaze settled on Long Tian.

"Now, I formally invite you to join Spirit Hall."

"If you are willing, the resources of Pope Hall will be devoted to you."

"You may enter Elder Hall to cultivate, or remain in Pope Hall, where I will personally arrange your future."

Long Tian remained calm.

"I appreciate Your Holiness the Pope's kindness."

"However, I cannot join Spirit Hall for the time being."

Chrysanthemum Douluo's brows twitched slightly.

Ghost Douluo also looked toward the white-clad figure in the hall.

Bibi Dong did not speak immediately.

"Why?"

"I am already an elder's disciple."

Long Tian turned and looked toward Ling Yuan behind him.

"Teacher Ling Yuan took me as her disciple and has protected and nurtured me."

"Teacher did not have me enter Spirit Hall directly because she hoped I would gain experience outside first."

"So, at least for now, I will not enter another's tutelage."

Satisfaction appeared in Ling Yuan's eyes.

"Your Holiness the Pope, Long Tian has made himself very clear."

"He is my disciple."

Bibi Dong looked at Ling Yuan for a moment before turning back to Long Tian.

"So that is how it is."

"As Ling Yuan's disciple, you are not an outsider."

"Since you belong to the elder faction, I naturally will not forcibly alter your arrangements."

Long Tian nodded slightly.

"Thank you for your understanding, Your Holiness the Pope."

Bibi Dong rose and walked down from the platform.

Her golden robes spread along the steps.

She came before Long Tian and studied the young Soul Master closely.

"Your choice is not wrong."

"There are indeed many factions within Spirit Hall. Taking a side too early may not be a good thing."

"Cultivating under Ling Yuan will instead allow you to retain your freedom."

Ling Yuan smiled faintly.

"Your Holiness the Pope sees things clearly."

Bibi Dong looked at Long Tian.

"After the finals, do you plan to return to Skywater Academy?"

"Yes."

"Skywater Academy suits you."

Bibi Dong nodded.

"The environment there is simple, and the team members are willing to follow your arrangements."

"To reach this level at fourteen, aside from your Martial Soul and bloodline, your personal will is equally important."

"Talent, temperament, judgment—you surpass Soul Masters of your age in every regard."

"Long Tian, you have not let down the Rainbow Dragon Martial Soul."

"Nor have you made Ling Yuan misjudge you."

"Thank you for your recognition, Your Holiness the Pope."

Long Tian's tone remained calm.

Bibi Dong handed her scepter to an attendant behind her, then lifted her eyes toward the outside of the hall.

"However, there is another matter for which I summoned you today."

Long Tian followed her gaze.

Outside Pope Hall.

Shrek Academy's group had stopped at the edge of the plaza.

Tang San sat in a wheelchair, his arms still unable to move.

Yu Xiaogang stood beside him, his expression grim.

Xiao Wu stood behind Tang San, her expression filled with vigilance.

Bibi Dong's gaze fell upon the petite figure.

The next instant.

A vast wave of spiritual power spread from her body.

Xiao Wu's body suddenly stiffened.

The emotions in her eyes changed rapidly.

Bibi Dong's scepter lightly struck the ground.

"A one-hundred-thousand-year Soft Bone Rabbit."

Those few words brought every Soul Master in the plaza to a halt.

Tang San abruptly turned and shielded Xiao Wu behind him.

"Your Holiness the Pope, what are you saying?"

Bibi Dong looked at the figure behind Tang San.

"I cannot be mistaken."

"Xiao Wu is not a human Soul Master."

"She is a transformed Soul Beast."

The surrounding Spirit Hall Soul Masters released their Martial Souls at once.

Soul Rings rose one after another.

Xiao Wu's face turned pale as she stepped back.

Tang San spread his arms, blocking her from view.

"Who dares approach Xiao Wu?"

Bibi Dong raised her scepter.

"All Spirit Hall personnel."

"Capture Xiao Wu."

Outside Pope Hall.

Xiao Wu's face was pale.

Around her, Soul Rings had already risen one after another.

The Spirit Hall Soul Masters surrounded the plaza so tightly that not even water could pass through, every gaze focused on her.

"A one-hundred-thousand-year Soft Bone Rabbit."

Bibi Dong spoke again.

"A transformed Soul Beast actually entered the human world of its own accord."

Tang San spread his arms, shielding Xiao Wu behind him.

"Your Holiness the Pope, Xiao Wu is a human Soul Master."

"She possesses Soul Rings and has participated in the Soul Master Tournament. You cannot decide she is a Soul Beast based on just a few words."

Bibi Dong raised her scepter.

"After transforming, a Soul Beast can conceal its aura."

"But the Soul Beast origin within her cannot escape my notice."