"Will the Heaven Dou Royal Team Two and Shrek Team please take the stage!"
As the announcer's voice faded, a hush fell over the crowd.
For the spectators, prizes and rankings weren't important.
They were simply here to see an exciting match.
There was only one match at the opening ceremony, making it a rare event for them to witness.
Without hesitation, Yu Tianheng and his team stepped onto the arena first.
Tang San and his teammates exchanged glances and followed suit, climbing onto the stage as well.
VIP Seating.
"Lord Ning, your expression looks quite colorful. Are you worried that Heaven Dou Royal Team Two might lose?" Salas remarked sarcastically, his face expressionless.
"Colorful, my foot!" Ning Fengzhi thought privately.
Emperor Xue Ye raised an eyebrow, glancing between Salas and Ning Fengzhi without saying anything.
Ning Fengzhi, noticing this, shook his head, bowed slightly to Xue Ye, and said, "Your Majesty, I'm only concerned for my daughter, not about Heaven Dou Royal Team Two losing."
Salas and Xue Ye both paused, then understood.
One of Shrek's support members was none other than Ning Fengzhi's daughter, Ning Rongrong. Without his reminder, they might've overlooked this fact.
After all, Ning Rongrong had acted rather disrespectfully at Xiao Feilian's apprenticeship ceremony, displaying none of the refinement of a young lady and behaving more like a little troublemaker.
Just a support-type spirit master… this behavior was all from indulgence!
If their daughter acted this way, they wouldn't tolerate it.
"Ahem…"
Xue Ye cleared his throat, bringing a hand to his mouth. "Rongrong, staying with this Shrek group, may struggle to inherit the position of Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
This remark from Xue Ye was a subtle hint for Ning Fengzhi.
With Ning Rongrong's temperament, if she became sect leader, how could the Heaven Dou Empire maintain a favorable alliance with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?
Moreover, Ning Rongrong had already offended the Body Sect's Saintess, essentially making an enemy of the entire Body Sect, including Lord Martial God Douluo!
Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Body Sect had some cooperative dealings, the relationship was by no means stable!
Hearing this, Salas narrowed his eyes slightly, saying nothing, but a smile played on his lips. With the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's troubles on display, there was no need to fan the flames.
Ning Fengzhi fell silent, glancing at the spirited Ning Rongrong on the stage, then at Zhongli and Du Bafang.
Finally, Ning Fengzhi nodded. "If Rongrong enjoys this carefree life, then let her be happy and play."
He hadn't mentioned the sect master position. This was, after all, a Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect family matter, something even Emperor Xue Ye had no right to interfere with.
But Xue Ye had made a valid point—Ning Rongrong, as she was, couldn't inherit the sect master position.
It was an enormous price to pay, one that didn't align with the clan's ideals.
As "merchants," the sect leader must never compromise the clan's interests. That was non-negotiable.
Allowing someone with Ning Rongrong's character to take charge could be costly.
While he hadn't stated it directly, Ning Fengzhi's words carried a deeper meaning.
Since Ning Rongrong wanted to play around, then let her; the role of sect leader was not meant for her.
Ning Fengzhi didn't lack other children. He had several sons, even if they weren't born with Ning Rongrong's innate talent.
Due to the events at the apprenticeship ceremony, Xue Ye and the three education board members harbored considerable resentment toward Ning Rongrong and the entire Shrek Academy.
This was why Emperor Xue Ye had felt the need to subtly remind Ning Fengzhi.
His intention was clear—he wanted to ask Ning Fengzhi, "With Shrek in this state, how do you feel about it?"
Well, actually, they all understood. It was simply about the Clear Sky Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!
For a businessman, an investment was just that. As long as Ning Rongrong couldn't assume the role of clan master, everything else was negotiable.
Munch, munch…
In the midst of everyone's silence, the sound of someone eating broke the stillness.
There was no need to look; they already knew who it was. Only that little one would have the privilege to act so casually.
Sensing something, Paimon looked up, glancing around, and saw everyone staring at her. She froze for a moment, almost dropping her food.
"???"
A big question mark filled her tiny head.
"Sect Master Ning, Bishop Salas, Grandpa Ye—do you all… want some too?" Paimon asked softly.
She didn't quite understand. Each of them had a table with fruit plates in front of them, so why didn't they eat? Zhongli wasn't much for sweets; he merely sipped his tea. That's why he wasn't eating.
Just as Xue Ye was about to respond, Salas, putting on a "kind" expression, spoke up, "Then thank you, little Paimon!"
Upon hearing this, everyone subconsciously looked at Salas.
This old fox! Was he really acting so affable?
Truly worthy of his role as Platinum Bishop of the Spirit Hall! His power might not be the greatest among the Spirit Hall's Soul Doulou, but his diplomacy skills were absolutely top-notch.
Who was Paimon? It didn't matter who she was—what mattered was that she was the spirit of the Martial God Douluo!
It was essential to maintain a good relationship with her.
"Thank you, Paimon. I've actually never tried a treat like this before."
"Bring some over for Us, too…"
Fortunately, the audience's attention was on the arena and not on the VIP section. Otherwise, they would have been stunned to see this scene.
The Emperor Xue Ye, Sect Master Ning, and Bishop Salas—three of the most formidable factions—all sitting together, eating sweets with a little girl! It was an almost unbelievable sight.
Meanwhile, on the arena stage, more than a dozen eyes locked onto one another, their gazes burning with fighting spirit.
"Maintain a safe distance before the match!"
"Will either side introduce themselves?"
Both teams shook their heads, indicating it wasn't necessary. They were "old rivals" now; who didn't know who was on the other side?
"Activate martial spirits! The match begins!"
With the referee's announcement, all fourteen people on both sides released their martial spirits in unison.
In an instant, the entire arena was filled with spirit rings.
"Wait!"
Suddenly, someone cried out in shock.
"A black ring… a black spirit ring!!"
"Fi… Five rings!"
The crowd gasped. This was just the opening ceremony! A Spirit King appeared during the opening ceremony—what level of excitement would the later rounds bring?
Not only the audience but the competitors were also shocked.
A Spirit King? Everyone knew that the Heaven Dou Royal Battle Team had Spirit Kings, and not just one. But this was just second team!
They actually had a Spirit King as well?
"I recognize that girl! She's the granddaughter of the Poison Douluo, Dugu Yan!"
"How could she possibly be a Spirit King?"
"What? Are you looking down on my granddaughter?"
"???"
The person who had spoken felt a chill down their spine, cold sweat dripping from their forehead.
"My Lord, please, let me… explain!"