Ning Fengzhi drew in a sharp breath, the jade ruyi scepter in his hand nearly slipping from his grasp.
He had never imagined that a young man's potential could be so terrifying.
"Spirit Hall... they intend to nurture someone capable of changing the balance of the entire continent."
Ning Fengzhi murmured, his gaze growing more complicated as he looked at Bibi Dong.
Her Holiness the Pope had probably known of Su Yu's potential from the very beginning, which was why she had staged such a grand coronation for him.
Sword Douluo said no more and merely closed his eyes again, though his fingertips remained on his sword hilt.
On the other side, Xue Ye's hand stopped in midair as he lifted his teacup, the tea trembling slightly.
He looked at Bibi Dong, a barely perceptible tremor in his voice. "Pope, is this... the true strength of Spirit Hall's Holy Son?"
Bibi Dong did not answer directly. She merely rested her gaze on Su Yu, the faintest curve lifting the corners of her lips.
At the center of the square, Hu Ben struggled a few times as he hung suspended by the vines. Looking at the boundless sea of green beneath his feet, he finally gave up in dejection.
The ferocity on his face had long since faded, leaving only bewilderment and awe.
Only now did he understand that the gap between them could not be measured by soul power level at all.
The other challengers were much the same. Some bowed their heads, others lowered their eyes, not a trace of their earlier arrogance remaining.
Su Yu raised his hand and gave a gentle wave, and the towering ancient trees receded like a tide.
The vines loosened and the trunks dissolved. In mere moments, the square returned to its original