Once the Golden Crocodile falls, she will soon be able to take back all the power of the Pope.
Similarly, Golden Crocodile also needs to quickly find a legitimate reason to depose her from the Pope; if this stalemate continues, those below will have even more ulterior motives.
" Soul Emperor?"
After the Imperial Fighting Team's match ended, news about Gu Yuena quickly reached the Pope's Palace.
Despite having spoken with Gu Yuena before, Bibi Dong was still somewhat shocked upon hearing this news.
No wonder Qian Renxue has become so obedient; she must have been discouraged.
" Your His Holiness the Pope, news of this has spread, and the Elder Hall will likely take action soon," Yue Guan said.
Such extraordinary talent, if it cannot be harnessed for one's own use, must be extinguished. If this were not in Spirit City, someone would probably have taken action as soon as the competition ended.
"Ignore it," Bibi Dong said calmly.
"If they want to die, then let them."
Although she couldn't sense any Soul Beast aura on Gu Yuena, the fact that she could mingle with those Ferocious Beast and even hold a very high position meant that her identity was definitely extraordinary!
No, the Star Dou Great Forest is not far away. If something happens here and angers that Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King, Spirit City might be razed to the ground by the beast tide...
Chapter 284 Good Luck
"Forget it, go and give them a heads-up. Gu Yuena and Xuan Ming are in cahoots," Bibi Dong said.
Yue Guan was slightly taken aback, "What about Elder Golden Crocodile..."
"He just made a fool of himself; he won't step forward and humiliate himself," Bibi Dong said calmly.
As Elder Hall of Elders, he actually joined forces with the Seven Great Families to attack the Pope's convoy, damaging the Pope's and the Spirit Hall's prestige!
Although no evidence was left behind, the elders in the Elder Hall must know that everything has its limits. Golden Crocodile has already gone too far, and if she were to cause any more trouble and break ties with her at this time, then everyone would be in trouble.
"By the way, let's find out about the Angel Legion's situation," Bibi Dong said.
The Angel Legion is the most secretive force of the Spirit Hall. On the surface, they are known as the Douluo Warrior Corps, a force dedicated to guarding the Douluo Hall. All members are flying-type Soul Master, and they only obey the Elder Hall.
The actions of the Angel Legion require approval from the Council of the Elder Hall; even the Pope does not have the direct authority to mobilize them.
But now, she can't find any information about the Angel Legion.
Did that old bastard Golden Crocodile transfer the Angel Legion out of Spirit City?
But where can he transfer them?
" Your His Holiness the Pope, Shui Bing'er from the Skywater Academy Team and Huo Wu from the Blazing Fire Academy request Huo Wu."
Shortly after Yue Guan left, the Gui Mei entered the main hall again.
Bibi Dong frowned slightly. "What problems do they have that you can't handle?"
"Both of them are wearing pendants made by Xuan Ming," the Gui Mei said.
Bibi Dong paused slightly, then said, "Let them in."
Pope's Palace, the bright lights illuminated the spacious hall, giving it a solemn and dignified atmosphere, yet also a touch of coldness.
Shui Bing'er and Huo Wu followed behind Ghost Douluo and entered the highest power center of the Spirit Hall.
Both of them couldn't help but feel a little nervous, especially when they felt the scrutinizing gaze from the figure perched high on the Pope throne, which made them feel an invisible pressure.
They bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Your His Holiness the Pope."
Bibi Dong's gaze did not linger on them for long, but instead fell on the two pendants that the Gui Mei had presented.
The Ice Shell and Fire Core possess a unique aura, undoubtedly the work of Xuan Ming. Although the power contained within is weak, it is exceptionally pure, carrying his unique charm that blends the Ultimate Ice and fire.
"Did Xuan Ming send you?" Bibi Dong's voice was calm and expressionless, revealing neither joy nor anger.
Shui Bing'er composed herself and respectfully replied, "Your His Holiness the Pope, Xuan Ming... gave us this token and suggested that we... consider the future of the Spirit Hall. After careful consideration, we are willing to represent our family to express our intentions to the Spirit Hall, hoping to gain your acceptance."
Bibi Dong lightly tapped the armrest of her chair with her fingertips, producing a rhythmic, soft sound that echoed in the hall, making the atmosphere even more stagnant.
"For Xuan Ming's sake, I can give you a chance," Bibi Dong said slowly.
"The Spirit Hall Spirit Hall welcomes talented individuals and will not turn away those who sincerely pledge their allegiance. You, and your families, are welcome to join us, and we will provide you with appropriate protection and support."
Upon hearing this, Shui Bing'er and Huo Wu were overjoyed and were about to express their gratitude.
But Bibi Dong abruptly changed the subject, her tone now carrying an undeniable air of authority. "However, if you want to obtain it, you must first demonstrate your worth and... loyalty."
The two felt a chill run down their spines and looked up at Bibi Dong.
" Your His Holiness the Pope, please give your orders."
"In the upcoming finals, you will face a team called Shrek." Bibi Dong's gaze deepened. "I want you to lose the match against them."
"Losing to Shrek?" Huo Wu blurted out, her face full of confusion and a hint of resentment.
She has a proud personality and takes winning and losing very seriously, especially losing to someone she had once defeated. It was simply unacceptable to her.
Shui Bing'er also frowned slightly, clearly surprised by this request.
"Why?" Shui Bing'er asked cautiously.
"This is not something you need to know." Bibi Dong's voice turned colder. "All you need to know is that this is what the Spirit Hall needs. You should know which is more important: the outcome of an insignificant match, the future of your family, or the friendship with the Spirit Hall."
She paused, looking at the struggling expressions on their faces, her tone softening slightly but becoming even more authoritative. "Besides, you two may not be a match for the Shrek Academy."
"The specifics of how to proceed will be explained to you at that time. This is both a mission and a test of your character and abilities. If you do well, you and your families will naturally have a bright future within the Spirit Hall."
Shui Bing'er and Huo Wu exchanged a glance, both seeing the complex emotions in each other's eyes.
They never expected that the conditions for seeking refuge would be like this.
Refuse? That would likely immediately offend the Pope, rendering all previous efforts futile.
To accept it would go against their pride as Soul Master.
But then he thought of Xuan Ming's warning, of the family's future, and of the Spirit Hall's unfathomable strength and ambition...
After a moment of silence, Shui Bing'er lowered her head first. " The Skywater Academy Team will obey His Holiness the Pope's orders."
Huo Wu bit her lip, and finally managed to say with difficulty, " Blazing Fire Academy Team... Yes, sir."
"Very good." A barely perceptible smile appeared on Bibi Dong's face. " Gui Mei, take them away and arrange the follow-up matters. Remember, if even a trace of what happened today is leaked, you know the consequences."
"Yes, Your His Holiness the Pope," Gui Mei replied with a bow, then gestured for Shui Bing'er and Huo Wu to follow him away.
Watching the three figures depart, Bibi Dong's gaze returned to the two ice and fire pendants, her fingertips gently brushing across their cool surfaces.
"After all this fuss, Golden Crocodile, your good days are over!"
The final match proceeded quickly, and after four rounds, the top three were determined.
The Imperial Fighting Team, the Spirit Hall Academy Team, and the Shrek Academy Team, who got incredibly lucky.
What's going on?
In the Pope's Palace, two rows of paladin knights lined up from the Pope's Palace gates all the way down the mountain. Their gleaming silver armor and heavy swords made the entire Pope's Mountain even more majestic.
The eliminated teams have all been sent out of Spirit City by the Spirit Hall, without giving them the opportunity to watch the subsequent matches.
Early in the morning, the three teams that had made it to the final three were already quietly waiting in front of the Pope's Palace.
Xuan Ming, who had been in seclusion deep within the Pope's Palace since entering Spirit City, finally made his appearance.
Looking at the Shrek Academy Team that had appeared here, Xuan Ming wondered if he was dreaming.
Even if Tang San is strong enough, how could he possibly lead Shrek to victory against so many strong teams in the finals all by himself?
"You have no idea how lucky they are, so lucky that we can't believe it," Dugu Yan complained.
"Good luck?" Xuan Ming frowned slightly.
How exactly did you get good luck?
Dugu Yan lowered her voice, but not completely; at least everyone in the several teams standing in the square could hear her clearly.
In the first round of the finals, Shrek Academy drew a team from the Star Luo Empire. The opponent's strength was not strong, and Shrek won.
In the second round, Shrek Academy drew Blazing Fire Academy. Due to Tang San's martial soul evolution, his strength greatly increased, and Yu Tianheng also went on stage, making it not too difficult for Shrek to win the match.
In the third round, Shrek drew Skywater Academy, making this match quite intriguing. Although it was expected that Skywater Academy would be no match for Shrek Team, they didn't even use their Martial Soul Fusion Skill!
In the fourth round, Shrek Academy drew Godwind Academy. This match was quite tense, and Shrek narrowly won in the end only after Tang San used the Clear Sky Hammer.
Although the Shrek Team is indeed quite strong, there's something strange about them.
They were so lucky!
If ranked by the strength of the teams in the finals, Shrek would definitely not be a match for the Star Luo Royal Academy.
Because the Imperial Fighting Team's opponent was the Star Luo Royal Academy, if it weren't for Gu Yuena, an exceptionally powerful Soul Emperor, they really wouldn't know how to deal with the Star Luo Empire's Hell White Tiger.
Although Shrek made it to the top three, all three teams present, and even Shrek itself, knew very well that they were no match for the Imperial Fighting Team and the Spirit Hall Academy Team!
" His Holiness the Pope has arrived!"
The heavy, gilded doors of the Pope's Palace slowly opened inward, emitting a solemn and dignified hum.
Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to it, and the atmosphere in the air became incredibly heavy.
Two rows of paladin knights, clad in silver armor and wielding knight's swords, filed out first, lining both sides with synchronized movements, exuding an aura of menace.
Immediately afterwards, a total of twelve figures emerged from the Pope's Palace.
Leading the group was Pope Bibi Dong.
Today, she wore a golden Pope robe, a purple-gold crown, and held a scepter. Her face was shrouded in a faint aura of majesty, making her appear noble and unapproachable.
Her stunningly beautiful face held an indifferent expression as her gaze swept over the three teams in the square. Calm and composed, yet naturally exuding a powerful aura of complete control.
Five people followed behind her.
Three of them were dressed in bright red formal attire with shimmering gold patterns, one of the symbols of the Spirit Hall, formal attire that only Titled Douluo were qualified to wear.
They are Yue Guan, Gui Mei, and Sword Douluo Chen Xin of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect School.
Beside Chen Xin was Ning Fengzhi, the honorary elder of the Spirit Hall and the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
But the last person made everyone in the know gasp.
He was a tall, white-haired old man. He was not wearing the Pope's Palace robes, but a simple gray robe. He stood quietly half a step behind Bibi Dong, his eyes gleaming with a sharp light. Even without being deliberately released, an indescribable heavy pressure made people feel uneasy.
It is none other than the Second Worship of the Elder Hall, Golden Crocodile Douluo!
Why does it have to be this way...?
Xue Qinghe stood at a distance, quietly watching Bibi Dong and her group above.
Xuan Ming used to ignore her and always argued with her. But after she finally managed to improve her relationship with Xuan Ming, her grandfather stopped listening to her again!
Last time it was Xuan Ming who wouldn't stop, now it's her grandfather who won't stop!
Chapter 285 The Snipe and the Clam Fight?
"This morning will be the individual elimination rounds, with each of your three teams fielding seven players. The team that remains will have an advantage and will directly enter the championship match tomorrow. The two losing teams will compete for the other final spot this afternoon. Now, you can send out your first player."
After announcing the rules, Bibi Dong sat down on the throne, Golden Crocodile Douluo and the others also took their seats on either side of her, their eyes all fixed on the arena in the center of the square.
Because of Xuan Ming's existence, the Spirit Hall is keeping even the final champion's reward a secret, which only fuels everyone's curiosity.
"The first match is between the Shrek Academy and Spirit Hall Academy Team. Please send out your first players." The referee announced loudly.
The individual elimination tournament format means that each team needs to send out seven players to take turns playing until all seven players on one side are eliminated. This tests not only individual skills but also the team's strategic deployment and ability to sustain combat.
On the Spirit Hall Academy Team's side, Xie Yue stepped forward first, appearing in the center of the arena in a flash.
As the team captain, he was the first to appear, clearly aiming to secure the first victory with Thunderclap force and boost morale.
On the Shrek Academy's side, Yu Xiaogang frowned deeply.
Facing a formidable enemy like Xie Yue, it would be extremely difficult to send anyone into battle.
Moreover, in terms of both individual and overall strength, Shrek Academy is inferior to these two strong teams.