Spirit City stood amid the mountains on the border between the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire, an independent city under Spirit Hall's complete control.
Its walls towered into the clouds, built entirely from massive gray-white stones and covered with reliefs and emblems of Spirit Hall's past popes.
No imperial troops guarded its gates. In their place stood elite Soul Masters wearing Spirit Hall's standard armor, and everyone entering or leaving underwent strict inspection.
The fifteen finalist teams entered Spirit City one after another under the escort of the Imperial Golden Armor Guard.
The Shrek Team traveled near the middle of the procession, with Tang San riding among them, his expression calm.
Two days had passed since the canyon ambush. Though his injuries had not fully healed, they no longer hindered his movements.
He glanced back at Xiao Wu behind him. She rode another horse, looking somewhat pale but otherwise in decent spirits.
Spirit City was far more prosperous than Tang San had imagined.
Its streets were broad and straight, lined with shops on both sides, with merchants and travelers streaming past without pause.
It lacked Heaven Dou City's imperial grandeur, but possessed a solemn dignity all its own. Every brick and tile carried Spirit Hall's distinctive weight of authority.
"Tang San!"
A familiar voice came from the roadside.
Tang San turned to see Yu Xiaogang standing in front of an inn, hurrying toward him.
He looked considerably older than he had a month ago, with far more gray in his hair. But the moment he saw Tang San safe and sound, his tightly knitted brows finally relaxed.
"Teacher." Tang San dismounted.
Yu Xiaogang approached and looked him over several times. Once he confirmed that Tang San was not seriously hurt, he let out a long breath.
"As