(Third update)
The square before the Papal Hall.
The square ground was paved with special stone slabs, carrying a faint, lustrous sheen.
Amid a wave of applause, the seven members of the Spirit Hall Academy Team stood in the center of the square like wooden statues. Their faces were expressionless, without the slightest joy at winning the championship.
As Spirit Hall's Golden Generation, several of them, Caesar included, were proud. That pride had been branded deep into their bones. Naturally, they found today's easily obtained victory rather galling, feeling as though the Shrek Academy Team had bestowed it upon them.
But no matter what, they had to keep acting out this play today, however difficult it was, for the outsiders to see.
Pope Bibi Dong and the Titled Douluo all rose to their feet. No injuries from her battle with Tang Hao could be seen on Bibi Dong's face, nor was there any awkwardness from today's forced performance. She truly deserved to be called an actress of the highest caliber as she calmly announced:
"The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament's final champion this year is Spirit Hall Academy. Congratulations, you young genius Spirit Masters."
The seven members of the Spirit Hall Academy Team stood in a row, with the academy teachers who had instructed them behind them.
Though they knew today was merely an act, when it came time for the award ceremony, the gazes of the seven, Caesar included, as well as everyone present, fell upon the brocade tray. It held three Soul Bones: the fifty-thousand-year Spirit-Concentrating Wisdom Skull, the thirty-thousand-year Explosive Burning Flame Right Arm, and the thirty-thousand-year Swift Pursuit Windchaser Left Leg. Of course, there was also the final item, the highest-grade Spirit Hall Elder Token, which could swiftly promote someone to elder rank.
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