"Xiao Wu, no—!"
Tang San's voice cracked as he watched Xiao Wu being brutally struck by Ignaz while trying to protect him.
Rage burned through him, but he was utterly powerless to intervene.
Xiao Wu, flung violently by Ignaz's sweeping attack, slammed against the Spirit Arena's force shield and bounced to the ground.
The force of the impact and her movements caused a crystalline, ginseng-shaped Sacred Soul Grass to fall from her embrace.
Every Spirit Master of Douluo rank and above froze in surprise. Several eyes turned toward Xiao Wu, particularly Bibi Dong and Ju Hua Guan, who both glimmered with excitement.
"This rabbit isn't content in the Star Dou Forest and has wandered into my Spirit City," Bibi Dong muttered under her breath.
Ju Hua Guan, even more exhilarated, whispered to her,
"Your Highness, this herb dropped by a 100,000-year-old spirit beast is extremely rare among immortal-grade medicinal herbs — Sacred Soul Grass. It can greatly enhance a Spirit Master's spiritual power. I'd wager this very herb is what concealed the spirit beast's aura."
Bibi Dong smiled silently. Today's match had brought unexpected rewards: not only could they finally capture the 100,000-year-old Soft-Bone Rabbit that had eluded them for years, but they also obtained a valuable immortal herb.
Neither Tang San nor that 100,000-year-old rabbit would leave today.
Ning Fengzhi looked at Xiao Wu and felt a pang of sympathy. Yet as he glanced around, he noticed the intense, unusual gazes of several Titled Douluo on her. He immediately understood something and asked,
"Uncle Iggyan, what's wrong with Xiao Wu?"
"Fengzhi, today we're in serious trouble. That little girl… she's the transformed form of a 100,000-year-old spirit beast."
Their whispers were unheard by anyone else. Ning Fengzhi was stunned — Xiao Wu, who had grown up alongside Rongrong, was actually a 100,000-year-old spirit beast in disguise. Today's choice would have lasting implications for the continent: helping her or not, both were difficult decisions.
On the stands, Dugu Bo and Yang Wudi's expressions turned grave.
"Old Goat, now that this 100,000-year spirit beast's form has been exposed, the Spirit Hall won't let it slide. If they can't intervene before the awards ceremony ends, we'll have to protect the kids during the chaos. Don't fail us."
"No problem. It's just a pity about the Sacred Soul Grass the 100,000-year spirit beast possessed — that's a priceless treasure!"
…
Each major faction had its own agenda. Xiao Wu, realizing her spirit beast aura had been exposed, clenched her teeth against the pain and quickly retrieved the Sacred Soul Grass, using it to once again conceal her 100,000-year-old spirit beast aura.
Bibi Dong, watching Shrek Academy nearly wiped out on the arena floor, grew impatient,
"Shrek Academy's leader, with your seven members in this state, will you surrender?"
Yu Xiaogang glared at Ignaz in anger, then resignedly said,
"Shrek Academy officially concedes this match."
The host glanced at Yu Xiaogang and, urged by Bibi Dong's stare, hurriedly announced,
"Congratulations to Clear Sky Royal Academy! You are the champions of this year's Continental Advanced Spirit Master Tournament!"
"Oh yeah! We're champions!"
The Shi brothers leapt with joy.
Soon, Shrek Academy retreated in an orderly manner. Xiao Wu, sensing danger, told Liu Erlong,
"Mom, we should leave immediately. Everyone needs urgent treatment."
"Alright."
As the Shrek Academy members prepared to leave the Spirit Arena, several Spirit King soldiers from the Spirit Hall blocked their path.
"Hold! His Holiness the Emperor has decreed: until the awards ceremony concludes, no one is allowed to leave."
This instantly drew the attention of Yu Xiaogang, Flander, and others. Surrounded by the gaze of Douluo and Titled Douluo, unease stirred in their hearts.
Bibi Dong, meanwhile, had no interest in ceremoniously awarding prizes. She produced three spirit bones, waved her hand, and they floated in front of Ignaz.
"These are the champion team's rewards, rightly yours. Ignaz, will you join the Spirit Hall?"
"I serve only one master in life. I belong to the Clear Sky Empire, sworn to Prince Xue Qinghe. I cannot accept the Spirit Hall's offer."
He glanced toward Xue Qinghe to demonstrate his loyalty.
From the stands, Xue Qinghe's satisfaction deepened — Ignaz had resisted the Spirit Hall's temptation while remaining true to his convictions. A promising candidate.
Bibi Dong, hearing his words, did not press further; instead, she smiled faintly.
Ignaz brought the spirit bones to his teammates,
"These three spirit bones were earned together and should be fairly distributed."
"No, we didn't contribute much. Most of the victories came from you, Brother Iggy. The spirit bones belong to you," they protested.
"Exactly, none of these bones suit our attributes, so we don't need them."
Seeing this, Ignaz accepted the spirit bones graciously. Any detailed distribution could be handled privately after leaving Spirit City, avoiding disputes over killing for bones.
"Alright, the awards ceremony is over. Those who should leave, do so. But…"
Bibi Dong's tone slowed, eyes fixed on Xiao Wu,
"Shrek Academy cannot leave yet."
"Surround them!"
In an instant, the weather in Spirit City shifted. The sky darkened as countless Spirit Emperors and Spirit Sages flew in from afar. Within seconds, the entire Spirit Arena was sealed off.
"Bibi Dong, what are you doing? Can't you accept losing?"
"Impudent! How dare a mere Spirit Elder question the Emperor's authority?"
Ju Hua Guan unleashed her terrifying Spirit Power pressure at Yu Xiaogang, forcing him to kneel.
Yu Xiaogang looked up at Bibi Dong with difficulty, asking,
"Why? Why?"
Bibi Dong, though pained seeing her former lover treated this way, cast a sharp glance at Ju Hua Guan, who wisely withdrew her Spirit Pressure.
Then Bibi Dong spoke seriously,
"Now is not the time to ask me. You should be questioning your own disciple — the little girl who is a 100,000-year-old transformed spirit beast."
"Ah? Xiao Wu… a 100,000-year transformed spirit beast?"
Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong, and others turned in shock, eyes settling on Xiao Wu far behind them.