Chapter 211: The Preliminary Round Ends, Dreams of All
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How much confidence does it take to pull off something like this in a qualifying match?
Hu Liena was stunned by the audacity. At the same time, she felt a surge of anger. This kind of behavior showed that Xiao Wu had no respect for the strength of their so-called "Golden Generation."
"Take this!"
Hu Liena, though fuming, forced herself to stay calm. She was about to use her sixth spirit skill, but as soon as she started channeling her spirit power, her whole body trembled. It felt like her internal organs were about to explode.
"Cough!"
Hu Liena spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed, glaring resentfully at Xiao Wu. "What trick are you using?"
"I just told you, didn't I?" Xiao Wu shrugged, watching the dissipating smoke around them. She explained, "I struck your pressure points, causing your spirit power to go haywire. Although you can use spirit ring skills by infusing them with spirit power, spirit masters also need to make specific physical movements for these skills to activate. Your disrupted spirit power made it impossible for you to use your skill properly."
She paused for a moment, thinking. "How can I explain it simply? Oh, it's like a spirit-powered lamp. If one of the circuits breaks, the lamp won't light up—or it might even short-circuit."
Xiao Wu's explanation coincided with the fading of the pink smoke, revealing the battlefield—where Hu Liena lay on the ground, defeated.
"Tian Dou Royal Academy, Xiao Wu wins," Chrysanthemum Douluo announced with a sigh, lamenting the loss for the Spirit Hall team. This result was unexpected. While everyone knew the Tian Dou Royal team was strong, few expected two women to defeat all seven members of the Spirit Hall team—including three Spirit Emperors!
Why was Tian Dou Royal Academy so formidable? One thing was clear: the "Twin Wus" of Tian Dou Royal Academy were making a name for themselves.
"Xiao Wu, you're amazing," Guang Ling said, looking at her with admiration. "You defeated one Spirit Emperor, four Spirit Masters, and another Spirit Emperor in one go!"
Xiao Wu laughed, waving off the compliment. "It's nothing. I just didn't expect their individual fighting skills to be so lacking."
In truth, the Spirit Hall team was, on average, more experienced in combat than Xiao Wu. The Spirit Hall team regularly participated in dangerous missions to hone their fighting skills. However, under Tang San's guidance, Huo Wu advanced in her mastery of gravity, while Xiao Wu followed Tang San's lead, compensating for their lack of battle experience with their superior power.
After Hu Liena was healed, she approached Xiao Wu, extending her hand. "You're a formidable opponent. I hope we can face each other again someday."
"I don't mind," Xiao Wu replied, shaking Hu Liena's hand, acknowledging her as a worthy rival. "But you know, when it comes to being cunning, you can't beat a rabbit."
"Not so sure about that," Hu Liena retorted, releasing Xiao Wu's hand with a dismissive flick, which annoyed Xiao Wu but didn't provoke her to react further.
Hu Liena then turned to Tang San and asked, "Are you planning to compete in the qualifying rounds?"
"I don't like being in the spotlight," Tang San replied with a smile.
Hu Liena: "..."
Not one for the spotlight?
Yet you showed off your 100,000-year spirit ring in the first match of the preliminary round? Hu Liena guessed that Tang San might have been severely injured during his fight with the 300,000-year spirit beast and hadn't fully recovered. It could also mean that he wouldn't be at full strength during the finals.
If that were the case, then Spirit Hall's chances of winning were quite high. After all, Hu Liena and her brother had a spirit fusion technique, "Enchantment," which was as strong as a Soul Douluo. Even though Xiao Wu, Huo Wu, and Yu Tianheng were formidable, this fusion skill could still hold its own.
However, it would be a challenging battle.
"You, the master of spirit theory, have quite a sense of humor," Hu Liena chuckled lightly. "I look forward to facing you in the finals. Just don't say we didn't win fair and square."
"I'm looking forward to it," Tang San replied courteously, not explaining further. He shook hands with Hu Liena, signaling mutual respect between the two team captains.
***
After their match against the Spirit Hall team, the only battle left for Tian Dou Royal Team was against the Xing Luo Royal Team. However, when it was time for these two teams to face off, Xing Luo suddenly forfeited, choosing not to compete.
"Why aren't we having the match?" Tang San asked curiously.
"Since you, the team captain, won't be playing, I figured it wouldn't be much fun. So why not just surrender?" Dai weisi stretched with a languid ease, his broad chest rising and falling with his breath, exuding a royal authority that bore down on the Tian Dou Royal Team.
Except for Tang San and Xiao Wu, who remained calm, the rest of the team seemed a bit tense. Dai weisi had been hiding his power throughout the preliminary rounds, but now, his aura was intense, radiating the majesty of a true Tiger King.
No one could imagine what rigorous training Dai weisi underwent before the Continental Elite Tournament.
"I was preparing to face you, even though there's no more pressure from competing for the throne. I went to places like the Sunset Forest and Star Dou Forest to fight 10,000-year-old tiger kings," Dai weisi said nonchalantly. But everyone in the audience felt a surge of respect. Not everyone has the courage to seek out and battle 10,000-year-old spirit beasts in such dangerous forests.
People couldn't help but compare Dai weisi to Dai Mubai. No matter how they looked at it, whether in terms of royal pride, spirit master effort, or the courage to face danger, Dai weisi seemed on a whole different level. Dai Mubai had lost the right to compete a long time ago, and he didn't even come close to matching Dai weisi.
"Well, let's settle it in the finals," Tang San stepped forward, extending his right hand to Dai weisi.
Their hands clasped tightly. Dai weisi squeezed, channeling his spirit power, but Tang San felt like a towering mountain, or perhaps an entire starry sky—utterly immovable.
What kind of terrifying physical strength was this?
He can't be injured! As these thoughts raced through his mind, Dai weisi realized that Xing Luo Royal Team stood no chance against Tang San. This guy was as strong as a 100,000-year-old spirit beast!
"Um, can you let go now? Holding hands too long isn't proper for a prince," Tang San gently reminded with a smile.
"Haha! Sorry, got a bit carried away," Dai weisi replied with a hint of innuendo, laughing as he let go. He wanted to continue chatting with Tang San, but Chrysanthemum Douluo quickly intervened, saying, "Don't obstruct the next match," and ushered them both off the stage.
"What's up with Tang San?" Zhu Zhuyun asked, looking over her shoulder at the Tian Dou Royal Battle Team as they walked toward the other exit. "Did he really get seriously injured while dealing with that 300,000-year-old soul beast? Do we have any chance of beating him?"
"Not at all," Dai weisi replied, his expression grave. "His physical strength is terrifying. It's even stronger than the Ten Thousand Year Tiger King I've faced. I can't gauge his soul power, but given how tough his body is, I'm sure his soul power isn't lacking. I suspect his strength is already comparable to a Titled Douluo."
"Isn't that an exaggeration? Even if he has a hundred-thousand-year-old soul ring, he's still just a Soul King," Zhu Zhuyun said with a shiver.
A Titled Douluo?
What are we even fighting for then? A death wish?
"Maybe," Dai weisi said, not fully sure himself. "But I'm certain that if he steps into the arena, even if it's seven against one, we don't stand a chance."
"So—"
"We need to think about our strategy for the finals. We need a plan that can at least contain Tang San," Dai weisi added.
Even if he couldn't beat the opponent, Dai weisi wouldn't settle for second place. It was all or nothing. Otherwise, what's the difference between him and Dai Mubai?
Zhu Zhuyun thought of a possible solution and said, "What if we call over Xu Xing from the Star Crown Academy for the finals? He's not very strong, but his domain technique, the Celestial Array, nearly beat the Spirit Hall Team's fusion skill. It could be useful."
"Him?" Dai weisi was taken aback, then his expression darkened. "That guy's presence could spell trouble for both our families."
"Isn't that even better?" Zhu Zhuyun said with a cold smirk. "If the Star Crown Sect has a rising star like him, he'll likely be eyeing the throne someday. Plus, I heard Xu Xing isn't too fond of Tang San."
"Using someone else's hand to do our dirty work?"
Davis pondered the pros and cons, then said, "It's a smart plan. Xu Xing's arrogance will drive him to challenge Tang San. Even though Tang San is easygoing, he doesn't take kindly to insults. He'd definitely retaliate."
"However, Xu Xing's domain technique requires six other people to convert their soul power into celestial power and channel it to him. If we add him to our team, he'd just be dead weight. We'd have to split our focus to protect him."
Davis's thoughts drifted. Get rid of Xu Xing? Sure. Win the championship? Absolutely.
"Is there a rule that prevents contestants from receiving soul power from non-participating soul masters before the match?" Zhu Zhuyun asked.
"I don't think so." Dai weisi was confused. He tried to recall the rules of the continental elite tournament, but there wasn't such a rule. In past tournaments, external soul power was only used to help contestants regain their strength before a match. However, transferring soul power was risky; if the attributes didn't align, it could cause a backlash.
But Xu Xing didn't seem to have that issue...
Perhaps the next tournament will add a rule: No receiving soul power from non-contestants before a match. This could be credited to Tang San's work on the "Three Types of Martial Soul Fusion Techniques."
In previous tournaments, fusion techniques were extremely rare. Even the Spirit Hall or Star Luo Empire couldn't always find two people who could fuse their martial souls.
Two days later, the Spirit Hall Team faced the Star Luo Royal Team. Despite being weaker, Davis used his Soul King-level skills to defeat the Soul Emperor-level Yan. However, in the second match, Dai weisi lost to Xie Yue due to soul power depletion and injuries from his earlier fight with Yan. Xie Yue then proceeded to defeat the remaining six members of the Star Luo Royal Team.
"Davis is pretty impressive," said Yufeng. "He managed to beat a Soul Emperor with just a slight advantage. But, vice-captain Huowu, don't you think Yan, who was defeated by both you and Dai weisi, might be considered the weakest Soul Emperor?"
Huowu scoffed and put one hand on her hip and the other on the railing. "Yan isn't weak. He can fight beyond his level, but Dai weisi and I can fight at even higher levels. When you become a Soul King and refine your custom soul techniques under Tang San's guidance, you might find that it's not as easy to beat him as you think."
Yufeng shrugged. "But I'd still win, right?"
Huowu nodded but added, "Only if you're a Soul King, and Yan doesn't improve while you're getting there."
Tang San chimed in, "Yan might seem rigid, but that's only in personality. Reaching Soul Emperor level at his age isn't just about resources; he has a solid understanding of his martial soul. I'm sure he'll come up with something new after losing twice."
"This world has no shortage of geniuses," said Yu Tianheng. "But there's no genius quite like our captain."
"Don't butter me up, isn't Huo Yuhao just as remarkable?" Tang San chuckled.
"Can they be compared? He's a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast in human form, and moreover, a soul beast of three hundred and eighty thousand years... Who knows, there might even be million-year-old soul beasts in areas humans haven't explored yet," Yufeng's eyes flashed with a hint of mystery. Then, he solemnly shared his dream with Tang San and the others, "I've decided. After this event ends, I'll go explore unknown territories with Xiangxiang and become adventurers together!"
Bai Chenxiang blushed and exclaimed, "Hey, I haven't agreed yet!"
"Huh? You haven't?" Yufeng was taken aback, then he grinned, dropped to one knee, and earnestly asked, "Then, may I now seek your opinion again? Are you in agreement now?"
"It depends on the situation in the sect. My grandfather is easy to talk to, but the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—"
Ning Rongrong snorted, "A guy who forgets his friends for love. But, I'll reluctantly agree to your and Yufeng's marriage. I'll convince my father; you don't have to worry."
Bai Chenxiang was grateful, "Thank you, Rongrong."
"Hmph!" Ning Rongrong put on a stern face ╭(╯^╰)╮, "You used to call me Miss, now you call me Rongrong. It's like the first time you met Brother and me, but I'll allow it this time."
After the laughter subsided, Tang San asked about the future plans of others, "What are your plans for the future? Going back to your respective families to inherit the family business?"
Yu Tianheng chuckled and said, "The family has plans for me, but for now, it's classified."
Dugu Yan sighed helplessly after glancing at Yu Tianheng, "As for me, it's naturally 'marry into a family and adapt to its customs'."
Huo Wu shrugged, "I don't have much planned. Maybe just accept the titles bestowed by the Tian Dou Empire, have a noble title, and then return to the Blazing Academy to inherit the family business? Or perhaps strive to cultivate and aim for the Titled Douluo... probably something like that."
Osler scratched his head and said, "My situation is similar to Vice Captain Huo Wu's. I'll go back to manage the family, after all, I'm the eldest son. Before my parents plan to have another child, I shouldn't be too reckless."
Shi Mo said, "After my brother and I graduate, we plan to go to the coastal areas. Both of our martial souls are Tortoises, water attributes. We can practice faster there."
Shi Mo added, "In addition to that, we want to explore the oceans. After all, since the effects of whale oil spread, our family has allocated some resources to the coastal cities, hoping to one day catch whales and obtain whale oil."
Ye Lingling pondered for a moment and said, "As for me, maybe I'll consider the suggestion Captain once made to me, become a doctor, heal the sick and save lives. After all, my martial soul is best at healing. I just need to figure out how to persuade my family."
After all, as a soul master, even if her martial soul has no attack power, she shouldn't be serving as a doctor for civilians at low cost.
Even healing should be provided to nobles or other soul masters.
That's common sense on the continent.
Ning Rongrong said, "My future plan is to strive to become the first Titled Douluo in the sect, then rename the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
"That might be a bit difficult." Tang San couldn't help but laugh. After all, only one person's martial soul is the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. What's the point of calling it the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect if the flaw in the martial soul can only be resolved by immortality grass? Renaming the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect won't change the individual strength of the sect.
"What about you?" Tang San looked at Lan Yin.
"As for me, if Captain doesn't mind, I can temporarily follow you." Lan Yin smiled slightly, almost confessing, surprising everyone with her boldness.
"Okay."
Surprisingly, Tang San agreed, but then added, "There's something I'd like to discuss with you alone later. I hope you won't refuse or come up with other excuses."
(End of this chapter)
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