On the Pope's Platform, Bibi Dong gripped her scepter tightly, her gaze fixed on the arena below. Frowning, she said,
"The Grand Championship of the Elite Spirit Masters across the continent is about to officially begin. Shrek Academy, Heaven Dou Royal Academy, return to prepare. In three days, the match will take place on the Spirit Arena outside the Spirit Hall."
With that, Bibi Dong turned and walked into the Pope's Hall with two Titled Douluos in tow. The Spirit Hall Academy team, led by Hu Liena, trailed behind her, their faces filled with disappointment.
All the other teams, upon hearing the announcement, returned to their hotels to rest. Some students wanted to witness the final championship in person, while others, especially the Heaven Dou representatives who had previously suffered attacks from the Spirit Hall, were wary.
The four elemental academy teams, led by Shen Feng, had already predicted the outcome of the final match. After the championship, they might once again face the Spirit Hall directly targeting and eliminating talented students. They knew they had to leave quickly, sticking together for safety.
As the sun set, the four elemental teams were ready. Eight carriages and sixty royal guards appeared at the hotel entrance.
"Bing'er, it's a shame you won't see us claim the championship!"
Dugu Yan held Shui Bing'er's hand with a hint of regret.
"It's fine. Your victory is also a victory for the Heaven Dou Empire. When you return, the sisters and I will have a proper reunion."
Ignaz stood nearby, watching the two women chatting and saying their goodbyes. He reminded them once more,
"Bing'er, even though you're leaving Spirit City early, if you encounter dangers like last time on the way, it'll still be tough to handle. The four elemental academy teams must stick together until you pass the Jialing Pass."
"Understood. The teachers have planned everything; we'll have a safe journey back," Shui Bing'er replied, though her eyes betrayed concern for Ignaz and Dugu Yan.
"You all take care too. The three Spirit Bones for the championship are rare treasures of the Spirit Hall. They won't let things go easily. Even with Poison Douluo Yang protecting you, be careful."
"Understood. We'll take care of ourselves and return safely."
After a heartfelt hug, Ignaz watched as the Skywater Academy carriages disappeared over the horizon.
Meanwhile, in the Pope's Hall, the black-robed Bishop of Spirit Hall stood respectfully and reported what he had observed.
"Your Holiness, the four elemental academies of the Heaven Dou Empire and the five academies of the Star Luo Empire left Spirit City before dusk. I recommend executing the plan to eliminate them immediately, especially the four elemental academies, which harbor many highly talented, hard-working students."
Bibi Dong waved off the suggestion.
"No need to worry about that. If they want to leave, let them. We must avoid provoking the two empires into seeing Spirit Hall as a threat and starting a war against us."
For Bibi Dong, nothing was more pressing than dealing with Tang San in three days. Tang San must die. This was not only Spirit Hall's grudge against Tang Hao but also Bibi Dong's way of settling the score with Yu Xiaogang, severing all connections ruthlessly. She intended to destroy everything Yu Xiaogang valued.
Juhua Guan spoke up,
"Your Holiness, Ignaz is extremely talented. I suggest eliminating him early to remove a major threat to Spirit Hall."
Juhua Guan didn't care about Ignaz's backing, whether Dugu Bo or Yang Wudi—essentially just two stronger individuals. If he and Old Ghost struck first to subdue Dugu Bo, Yang Wudi could be handled at leisure.
"No. Do not move against Ignaz. Just monitor Tang San closely. If he refuses to submit to Spirit Hall, strike immediately to eliminate him."
Bibi Dong had other plans for Ignaz. Previously, elders who protected Qian Renxue had reported to her that Ignaz had submitted to Qian Renxue. In her eyes, Qian Renxue was no different from a bastard child, but since she was her flesh and blood, those she selected would get some leeway. No need to go overboard.
"Yes, Your Holiness."
...
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. On the Spirit Arena, aside from Ning Fengzhi of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and Dugu Bo, only Spirit Hall personnel and the Wind Sword team remained.
The announcer was unusually excited.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the final championship of the Elite Spirit Masters! Let us welcome the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team and Shrek Academy team to the arena!"
Although the stands were sparsely filled, it did not dampen the announcer's enthusiasm.
As the two teams entered the arena in order, Ignaz could clearly sense Tang San's strategy.
"The poison control trick again? Does he just love playing with poisons that much?"
Before Ignaz could speak, Dugu Yan couldn't help but voice her thoughts.
"Even if he likes using poison, most of it is useless against me."
"Little sister, don't be careless. His Eight Spider Spears poison isn't ordinary spider venom. Besides that, he has a special technique to precisely strike us with fragments of the Eight Spider Spears spirit bone."
With Ignaz's current poison resistance, he wasn't afraid of Tang San's mixed venom. But the six teammates were another matter. Even Dugu Yan, with some resistance, couldn't fully withstand the poison's torment. The others had no defense at all.
"Brothers, let's make our move within the first minute of the match. We must defeat Shrek completely and prevent Tang San from using that strange technique."
The team nodded, eyes fixed on the Shrek Seven Devils, who returned the same level of focus toward Ignaz's team.
"Oscar, once I use that move, you must immediately get the team airborne. Rongrong, the outcome of this match depends on you," Tang San instructed.
"Don't worry, Third Brother. I've got this with Oscar!"
Ning Rongrong was confident in her support abilities, believing she and Xiao Ao could lead Shrek Academy to victory.
Once both teams were ready, the announcer shouted,
"Shrek Academy versus Heaven Dou Royal Academy—the championship match begins!"