Word Count: 2,756 Words
******
BOOM—
The Rainbow Cannon carried seven stacked effects: dizziness, concussion, explosion, and more. Ning Tian activated only the rainbow dizziness component, but at point-blank range, the impact from the Class 6 Spirit Guidance Device knocked the Speed Dragon Spirit King unconscious on the spot.
His attempt to steal the chicken had cost him the rice instead. With their vice-captain neutralized, the Heavenly Dragon Sect's precarious defense instantly collapsed.
Xie Huanyue's body swelled into a massive sphere after his Rubber Elephant Manifestation. A thunderous Mount Tai Press pinned a Heavenly Dragon Sect Spirit King firmly beneath his considerable rear.
Na Na shifted into her Specter form, dispatching her opponent with elegant efficiency before pivoting to help Nanmen Yun Er finish hers. Wu Feng, meanwhile, unleashed her spirit skills with devastating force. Her 10,000-year fifth spirit ring blazed brilliantly as the surrounding temperature skyrocketed. A tangible flame dragon materialized and roared skyward, its dragon might flooding the arena.
Fire Dragon's Fifth Spirit Skill, Dragon's Might!
Earlier, three opponents working in desperate coordination had barely managed to contain Wu Feng. Now, with the Speed Dragon Spirit King eliminated in an instant, how could the remaining two Spirit Kings couldn't possibly withstand a Fire Dragon Spirit Emperor at full eruption?
Dragon's Might exploded outward from the center of the three-person battlefield. The terrifying wave of Ultimate Fire expanded ten meters in every direction, refusing to dissipate as fierce, searing flames shot outward like scattered stars. The two Spirit Kings were blasted clean off the platform, their manifested dragon scales shattering inch by inch as blood streamed from their wounds.
Heavenly Dragon Sect elders rushed forward to examine their disciples. A thorough inspection revealed only superficial wounds with meridians and organs unharmed. They breathed sighs of relief and cast grateful glances toward Wu Feng, who stood tall and heroic upon the stage. She had clearly shown mercy.
With his teammates completely routed by Angelic Sanctuary's sweeping assault, Yu Tianlong knew the Heavenly Dragon Sect's defeat was sealed. He gazed at the cold, proud Ling Qiuxi before him and rubbed his chest, where waves of intense pain continued to pulse.
His six spirit rings rose once more. Yu Tianlong possessed an extremely proud personality; otherwise, he wouldn't have felt such anger at Ling Bai's absence. Even alone, he would fight to the bitter end, never admitting defeat!
A high-pitched dragon roar pierced the air as he pushed the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's secret skill, Dragonization, to its absolute limit. Yu Tianlong's tall frame swelled dramatically, shooting past two and a half meters in height as sharp, angular blue-violet scales jutted from his skin.
Ling Qiuxi's eyes narrowed. She gripped her Golden Dragon Spear as residual black lightning crackled along its tip, then flicked it aside dismissively. She recognized his desperate last stand and resolved to personally shatter that stubborn pride!
Golden light flashed. She closed the distance in an instant, the Golden Dragon Spear sweeping horizontally through the air with mountain-swallowing force.
Yu Tianlong gritted his teeth and channeled every ounce of spirit power without reserve. Thunder rumbled as a blue-violet dragon head materialized behind him, its whiskers, pupils, and horns all rendered in lifelike detail.
Thunder Dragon Head!
"ROAR—"
A passionate dragon cry echoed throughout the venue, answered immediately by another dragon head, this one gleaming as if carved from pure gold!
Golden Dragon Head!
Ling Qiuxi's toes touched down and she launched forward. The Golden Dragon coiled around her body, carrying unstoppable momentum as it lunged straight at Yu Tianlong!
BOOM BOOM BOOM!!!
The instant they collided, the competition stage erupted in brilliant radiance. Vast swathes of mixed gold and blue light scattered in all directions. There was the brilliance of the Golden Dragon, the thunder of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, and devastating shockwaves. The Spirit Barrier surrounding the stage rippled with concentric halos of light as spectators lost sight of the battlefield entirely.
An elemental storm raged at the collision's epicenter, carving a pitch-black crater of unfathomable depth into the ground.
Ling Qiuxi stood at the crater's edge, golden vertical pupils gazing downward. Yu Tianlong lay at the bottom, blood spurting from his mouth. The scales across his right shoulder and chest were torn and mangled, as if savaged by the Golden Dragon's own jaws.
Staring skyward, unwillingness filled Yu Tianlong's eyes, yet no amount of frustration could change his defeat.
He had originally wanted to challenge Ling Bai, to battle that monster who lived in the same era yet surpassed all peers by impossible margins.
Instead, the Golden Dragon had shattered his dream, showing him that many among the Douluo Continent's younger generation surpassed him. Within Angelic Sanctuary alone, he could find three.
The team battle concluded to thunderous cheers. Driven by worship of strength, the audience screamed themselves hoarse, calling out the names of Angelic Sanctuary and their Martial Spirits. The cries of 'Golden Dragon,' 'Fire Dragon,' and 'Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda' rang loudest of all.
Their overwhelming popularity stemmed not just from raw power but also from the three women's breathtaking beauty.
Ling Qiuxi's looks needed no elaboration. Sharing Ling Bai's peerless bloodline, she was destined to be the center of attention wherever she went. Ning Tian and Wu Feng had both consumed immortal herbs that evolved their Martial Spirits while dramatically enhancing their appearance and bearing. The three standing together created a stunning vision that drew every eye.
In stark contrast to the roaring audience, the rest areas had fallen deathly silent. Competing teams looked at one another and saw only deep despair reflected in each other's eyes.
After three preliminary rounds, they had finally witnessed Angelic Sanctuary's complete lineup:
Seraphim Spirit Douluo, Golden Dragon Spirit Emperor, Fire Dragon Spirit Emperor, Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Spirit Emperor and Spirit Guidance Master, Specter Spirit King, Rubber Elephant Spirit King, and Jade Azure Bird Spirit Ancestor.
Strictly speaking, the team's sole weakness was the lack of a control-type Spirit Master. But the words 'Spirit Douluo' alone compensated for any and all flaws.
Layer upon layer of gloom shrouded the major teams. They couldn't find even a shred of hope for victory. Only the Tang Sect seemed to harbor any dreams at all.
Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong Er firmly believed that with reasonable tactical coordination and their unexpected Spirit Fusion Skills, they could definitely defeat the great demon king Ling Bai.
…
Following the elimination rounds' conclusion came the drawing ceremony for the top thirty-two group stage. Since Angelic Sanctuary had appeared relatively late in the third round, the drawing commenced shortly afterward.
The group stage rules differed from the direct eliminations. Thirty-two teams would be divided into four groups of eight, competing in round-robin tournaments where each team faced the other seven in their group once.
The format remained individual matches plus team battles for points, with the top two teams by accumulated score advancing to the finals.
Before tens of thousands of watching eyes, thirty-two team representatives stepped onto the competition grounds.
Ling Qiuxi appeared for Angelic Sanctuary, determined to shed the 'unlucky little golden dragon' title that Ling Bai had mockingly bestowed upon her.
With their Big Senior Brother Bei Bei seriously injured, the Tang Sect sent Wang Dong Er. Perhaps due to some innate incompatibility with Ling Qiuxi, their eyes, one pair powder-blue and the other brilliant gold, instantly locked in an unyielding glare. The other representatives quietly edged back a few steps. Even outsiders could smell the gunpowder between these two stunning beauties.
Shrek Academy sent Dai Huabin, the White Tiger Spirit King. The Body Sect still played dead under their Snowdemon Sect disguise, with Young Sect Master Mu Xue representing them.
The Holy Spirit Cult competed under the name 'Holy Spirit Sect,' with Bone Dragon Spirit Saint Yan Feng drawing for them, while Sun Moon Imperial Academy's representative was obviously their captain Xiao Hongchen, who appeared eager and supremely confident about the drawing battle ahead.
In Shrek's rest area, Cao Jinxuan and Zhou Sichen clasped their hands together in sincere prayer:
"Ancestor Sea God, please protect us! Don't let Shrek draw Angelic Sanctuary, Tang Sect, Sun Moon Imperial Academy, or the Holy Spirit Cult..."
Once the representatives were positioned, Unbreakable Douluo Zheng Zhan addressed them. "I'm delighted to see you young talents here. The top thirty-two group round-robin begins tomorrow. I hope you'll complete this tournament while upholding the principle of friendship first, competition second.
In a moment, I'll toss out thirty-two identical white balls. You'll compete for them using your own abilities. Attacks are permitted during the process, but spirit skills are not allowed. Once someone obtains a white ball, others cannot snatch it away.
Inside each white ball is a smaller ball in one of four colors, yellow, purple, black, or red, representing the four groups. Matching numbers indicate your first-round opponent in the group stage. Are you ready?"
"Ready!"
The thirty-two representatives responded in unison.
"Prepare yourselves!"
Zheng Zhan's warning was immediately followed by thirty-two balls of white light shooting into the air simultaneously.
The representatives had been poised for action. The instant Zheng Zhan moved, they released their Martial Spirits and rocketed skyward, racing toward the white balls at maximum speed.
The aerial battle proved truly spectacular. With attacks permitted, it became a perfect opportunity to settle old scores and repay grudges.
The Golden Dragon and Light Goddess Butterfly completely ignored the white balls. Ling Qiuxi and Wang Dong Er tangled in an all-out brawl instead. After the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum's enhancement granted her Vajra Indestructibility, the Golden Dragon grew even more formidable. The Light Goddess Butterfly instantly fell to a disadvantage, making Tang Sect members break into cold sweats for Wang Dong Er.
Like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each displayed their unique abilities. This highly anticipated drawing provided the perfect showcase for individual prowess, and every representative gave their absolute all, maneuvering and weaving through the air with desperate intensity!
Since this was aerial combat, Spirit Masters with flight abilities naturally held the advantage. Xiao Hongchen and Bone Dragon Yan Feng, relying on superior Spirit Guidance Devices and cultivation levels, claimed the top two positions.
Xiao Hongchen gripped his white ball tightly, an irrepressible smile spreading across his face.
Ling Qiuxi noticed that every other representative had already secured their white balls. She kicked Wang Dong Er away, reached out casually, and plucked one from the air with effortless grace.
She broke it open to reveal a blood-red sphere inside marked with a straight '1.' Yellow, purple, black, red. Angelic Sanctuary was in the Red Group and would face whichever team drew Red Group Number One in the opening round.
Wang Dong Er donned her veil to cover her swollen cheek while clutching Yellow Group Number Three. The Tang Sect members finally relaxed. No one wanted to face Angelic Sanctuary too early.
Bone Dragon Yan Feng examined his ball's number. His expression gradually lost all composure as he spoke with sinister menace:
"Red Group... Number Two!"
The Holy Spirit Cult had drawn the same group as Angelic Sanctuary. Evil Spirit Masters drawing the Seraphim... what difference was there from a mouse meeting a cat? There couldn't possibly be a worse draw!
Snowdemon Sect's Mu Xue drew Black Group, while Dai Huabin, representing Shrek Academy, stared at his Red Number Four ball with a face as dark as the bottom of a pot.
Another team had joined the Red Group. Shrek Academy!
The Tang Sect members covered their faces in unison, sighing in dismay.
Good news: they had avoided the two monster-level teams, Angelic Sanctuary and the Holy Spirit Cult.
Bad news: Shrek Academy had run straight into both!
How could they possibly fight this? Would Dai Huabin lead a group of Spirit Ancestors to serve themselves up as fodder?!
Team representatives announced their draws one by one. Whenever two teams revealed matching assignments, gasps rippled through the audience.
As results continued to pour in, the spectators, mostly Sun Moon Empire locals, suddenly realized something. Which group had their Sun Moon Imperial Academy drawn?
Ling Qiuxi waited for whichever lucky soul would announce Red Group Number One, but she waited and waited without result.
Angelic Sanctuary, the Holy Spirit Cult, and Shrek Academy all grouped together. Xiao Hongchen, who loved watching chaos unfold, grinned widely and cackled with glee.
Two major competitors eliminated from contention, their old rival Shrek's advancement now questionable... could there be a better draw for Sun Moon Imperial Academy?!
But his laughter gradually died. Every other representative had announced their draw except him. The other groups were full. Only the Red Group lacked one final member!
He opened the white ball with trembling hands. The sight of that bright red sphere marked '1' sent Xiao Hongchen's world spinning. A small bolt of lightning seemed to crack behind him as a chill north wind began to blow.
Angelic Sanctuary. Holy Spirit Cult. Shrek Academy. Sun Moon Imperial Academy!
The two top academies that had monopolized championships for thousands of years, this tournament's universally acknowledged number one seed Angelic Sanctuary, and the Holy Spirit Cult that had carved a bloody path through every round...
Four teams. Two advancement spots!
The Group of Death was born!
The drawing results caused a massive uproar. Now no one suspected the Sun Moon Empire of rigging the draw. Who would throw their own precious treasure into a wolf's den?!
Back at the Bright Moon Hotel, Ling Qiuxi silently contemplated life.
This shouldn't be happening. The Emperor Destiny Beast enjoyed the spirit beast race's blessed fate and had always possessed emperor-level luck. How had it mysteriously stopped working in the human world...
…
Evening had fallen when Ling Bai returned to the Bright Moon Hotel. Upon hearing about the group assignments, he showed complete indifference. It was all the same no matter who they fought; it was simply a matter of sequence.
Having not spent time alone with Han Ruoruo in a while, he visited Shrek's top-floor villa and invited her for drinks at the hotel's first-floor lounge.
They sat facing each other on soft sofas, each ordering a brilliantly colored cocktail. Han Ruoruo propped her delicate profile with one hand and smiled:
"Angelic Sanctuary and Shrek Academy are competitors now. I'm Shrek's supervising teacher, you know. I must sternly condemn this pre-match fraternization with the enemy."
"Fraternizing implies enemies. Elder Sister could never be an enemy."
Ling Bai chuckled softly as he clinked glasses with her.
Han Ruoruo's dark eyes curved into crescents, utterly captivating under the lounge's intimate lighting. She drained her glass in one go and sighed:
"Facing your three teams this time, Shrek Academy's ten-thousand-year glory is about to be buried."
"Does Elder Sister truly care about Shrek's ten-thousand-year glory?"
"After staying there so many years, there's bound to be some emotional attachment. I hope the academy won't end in desolation." Han Ruoruo's gaze grew hazy. "The Spirit Master Tournament values strength above all. Only the strong deserve championships. If Shrek's skills fall short, there's nothing to be done about it.
We can hardly ask your Angelic Sanctuary to deliberately throw matches, can we? That would be utterly shameless. Besides, even if they advance from groups, three more rounds remain. How would Shrek Academy win in the top eight?
By cheating?"
They looked at each other and smiled, but their smiles held different meanings. Han Ruoruo's was a joking smile; she couldn't imagine anyone being so audacious under tens of thousands of watching eyes. Ling Bai's smile carried far deeper implications. Cheating...
Hard to say!
After drinking for another half hour, Ling Bai slowly moved to her side and wrapped his arm around her slender, supple waist. Han Ruoruo had drifted into a slightly tipsy state, her pretty face flushed, her breath carrying the fragrance of orchids:
"The moonlight outside enchants, while inside curtains draw over quilted beds. Elder Sister won't disturb your wonderful evening."
She patted away the warm hand at her waist and rose to leave.
"That won't do." Ling Bai pulled her back.
"Forcibly keeping your Elder Sister here. What exactly do you intend?" Han Ruoruo tilted her head questioningly. Ling Bai smiled without a word, his golden eyes fixed on her vibrant, alluring lips.
Han Ruoruo hummed softly, instantly understanding his meaning. This wasn't their first kiss, so she felt no overwhelming shyness.
Their faces drew quietly closer. Just as their lips were about to meet, a figure suddenly rushed out from the side with a joyous cry:
"Ling Bai, I finally found you!"
Meng Hongchen!