"Sorry, Brother Xue, I have to fight the final battle. Emperor Battle has made it to the last step; I can't give up," Tianlin firmly refused.
He knew that after the tournament, the Emperor Battle team would disband. After graduation, everyone would pursue their own goals; he didn't want any regrets.
Without him, Emperor Battle wasn't a match for Spirit Hall—he knew this very well.
"Sigh, I knew I couldn't persuade you. Once you're stubborn, not even ten Title Douluo could pull you back," Xue Qinghe smiled helplessly. If anyone in the world understood Tianlin, it was her and Ning Fengzhi.
She didn't persuade him further, but instead, quietly went to the Worship Hall to get some pills to help Tianlin recover, then sent them all to him.
Qian Daoliu shook his head at this scene. "My dear granddaughter, do you still remember which side you're on? You've already made him your own family, not just treating him as an ally!"
Not long after Xue Qinghe left, Ning Fengzhi arrived with Chen Xin and Ning Rongrong. Their son-in-law, disciple, and beloved was hurt—how could they care about appearances?
For Ning Rongrong, Shrek had already lost, so her responsibilities there were over. All that remained was to help Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai, and her sect members after the tournament. Nothing else mattered.
Today, she insisted on staying to care for her Sword Brother, and Tianlin could only let her.
Ning Fengzhi found Qin Ming and taught him much. He already knew Qin Ming planned to join their sect, so he didn't hold back any longer.
Ning Fengzhi trusted Qin Ming's character—after all, who else would challenge a Title Douluo for their teacher, even when exhausted? Such sincerity was rare.
That evening, Tianlin finished his cultivation and went to the Emperor Battle meeting room.
"Xiao Tian, how are you feeling?"
The team crowded around him with concern.
They felt guilty. Facing the Clear Sky Hammer Avatar, they were helpless. If not for Tianlin, they would have lost for sure against Shrek.
As seniors, they couldn't protect their junior—instead, Tianlin had to protect them. They were full of frustration.
Tianlin smiled calmly, "Don't worry, I'm fine. Just a bit drained. After meditating tonight, I should recover to at least 70–80%—it won't affect tomorrow's match."
"Xiao Tian, the match isn't that important. We can do without the soul bone, but your health can't have any problems," Shi Mo said seriously.
This rarely-seen serious expression from the normally amiable Shi Mo showed how much he cared for Tianlin. The others agreed.
"Thank you, Brother Shi. I won't push myself. If you're worried, you'll be my shield tomorrow," Tianlin joked.
He didn't need protection, but Shi Mo seemed to take it seriously and nodded solemnly.
"Alright, everyone, sit down. I have something to teach you," Qin Ming suddenly said. "Today's match hurt Xiao Tian, but actually, our chances of winning have increased—because I've learned that seven-in-one fusion skill."
"What?" Everyone looked at Qin Ming in shock. They knew he was good at theory, but to grasp the seven-in-one fusion skill just by watching?
Of course, Qin Ming didn't do it alone. It was Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong who really understood it. During the match, they secretly transmitted insights to Qin Ming.
Earlier, they taught him what they deduced from the fusion theory and what Ning Rongrong learned from the Grandmaster. Combined, Qin Ming was confident Emperor Battle's seven could also use a fusion skill.
Emperor Battle had a soul master with a fusion talent: Ye Lingling. If she used it, her healing could reach near-revival, but she would be exhausted for days.
She could be the core, but who would take the main role? Tianlin was best, but he was too drained. They couldn't let him bear the burden again.
Even if Tianlin was willing, Qin Ming would never agree.
Others, like Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, Gu Ran? No—beast soul masters' true bodies were even more demanding than weapon soul masters. They weren't up to it.
After seeing Shrek's seven-in-one, the Spirit Hall would be on guard. If Emperor Battle tried anything similar, they'd intervene.
At this moment, Tianlin's gaze fell on Huan Yin—who hadn't played since the finals. His eyes brightened. Who said you needed a martial soul Avatar? Boosting soul power with a fusion skill was enough.
"Everyone, I have an idea. Tomorrow, we can catch Spirit Hall Academy off guard."
"What idea?" they asked excitedly.
"Heh, Senior Huan Yin, this is about you. How's your musical ability? Can you learn a song in one night?" Tianlin looked at Huan Yin, who was surprised.
She thought she would just be a bystander, but now she was going to play? She quickly nodded. "Of course. If it's just practicing a tune, not even a night—I'll have it memorized in two hours, not a single note wrong."
To appear in the finals was a great honor, and she would seize the opportunity.
"Then that's settled," Tianlin smiled. He had a powerful Shu Mountain technique that was useless to him—but with Huan Yin, it could finally shine.
Tomorrow's finals—Emperor Battle would win for sure!