The Pope's Palace in Spirit City.
Bibi Dong sat upright on the papal throne, while the three members of the Golden Generation-Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan-stood below.
"This tournament is unlike any before it. All the teams that have advanced to the finals are formidable. The three Soul Bones offered as the championship prize were intended for you in the first place. Spirit Hall's honor is at stake, so you must win," Bibi Dong said.
"Yes, Your Holiness," the three answered in unison.
Bibi Dong lightly rested her forehead against her hand and continued, "But you needn't put yourselves under too much pressure. At the critical moment, I will have Shuofeng and Yu Yao fight."
"Teacher, what sort of opponents could possibly require those two to act?" Hu Liena stepped forward and asked.
"Your Holiness, Ghost Elder and the others have returned," someone entered and reported just then.
Bibi Dong told Hu Liena and the others, "Someone will brief you on the details. You may leave."
"Yes." The three withdrew.
Bibi Dong looked at the messenger. "Let them in."
A moment later, Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, and Ghost Leopard Douluo entered, supporting one another.
"Greetings, Your Holiness." The three bowed to Bibi Dong.
At their voices, Bibi Dong raised her head and glanced at the three bedraggled men. Seeing their condition, she already had a fair idea of what had happened.
"How did the mission go?" Bibi Dong asked.
"Your Holiness, the mission... failed! The men we took with us... were all wiped out as well," Ghost Douluo said apprehensively.
Bibi Dong's expression turned cold. She had considered the possibility of failure, but she had never expected such a complete defeat.
"Three Titled Douluos leading over a hundred Soul Masters. Failing the mission was bad enough, but you actually