Tianlin quickly sensed something was wrong. All the powerful soul masters, from Soul Douluo up, were silent, and all eyes were on Shrek.
"The Soul Douluo's skill just erased the Concealment Pill's effect. Looks like a storm is brewing," Tianlin thought. Even though he'd given Xiao Wu the pill, she was still exposed—plot correction is truly unpredictable.
"No, it's not plot correction—it's Uncle Ning's design," Tianlin realized. He had told Ning Fengzhi about Xiao Wu's secret long ago; Ning was trying to force Tang Hao out using Tang San and Xiao Wu.
The seven Spirit Hall team members, after briefly recovering, were helped off the stage, leaving Emperor Battle alone on the square.
Every member's face was filled with pride—they were the champions.
The Pope and all the Title Douluo stood up. Bibi Dong calmly announced, "The champion of this year's Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament is Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Congratulations, talented young soul masters."
The ten Emperor Battle members stood in a line, led by Qin Ming.
A beautiful girl came over with a brocade tray. All eyes fell on it—inside were three ten-thousand-year soul bones.
At this moment, Bibi Dong showed her composure, taking the tray personally and glancing longingly at the three soul bones.
The presiding cardinal declared, "Would the Emperor Battle Academy representative please come forward to receive the champion reward?"
Everyone looked at Tianlin. Yu Tianheng said, "Go, Xiao Tian—this honor should be yours. Even though I'm the captain, everyone knows you're the soul of our team and our greatest contributor."
"Yeah, Xiao Tian, don't hesitate," Dugu Yan agreed.
Tianlin looked at his teammates' eager faces, smiled, nodded, and walked steadily toward Bibi Dong.
It was his first time seeing Bibi Dong up close. She did resemble Qian Renxue, but was even more noble, full of commanding presence.
Bibi Dong watched Tianlin. "Jun Tianlin, you are truly outstanding—more so than anyone I've seen. It's a pity you're already Chen Xin's disciple. Otherwise, I would spare no effort to bring you into Spirit Hall and nurture you."
Tianlin knew this was a test—an olive branch. Accept it, and he'd get everything Bibi Dong promised. Refuse, and Spirit Hall would eventually try to eliminate him.
But was Tianlin afraid? In all of Spirit Hall, including Bibi Dong, there were only three people he truly feared. As long as they didn't act, no one else could assassinate him easily.
"Your Majesty flatters me. My achievements are all thanks to my sect's cultivation," Tianlin replied, crediting the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—making it clear he'd never betray them.
Ning Fengzhi smiled in relief. His son-in-law's best quality was never forgetting his roots.
Bibi Dong's face showed regret, but she quickly returned to normal. "In that case, I wish you even greater achievements in the future—may you enter Douluo Hall soon." She handed over the tray.
Feeling the powerful aura from the three soul bones, Tianlin took the tray. Even he found it hard to ignore such treasures.
Countless greedy eyes stared at the soul bones. But these were given by Bibi Dong herself—who would dare snatch them? Besides, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were not to be trifled with.
Tianlin brought the soul bones back to his team. First was distribution.
"I'll pass—none of these suit me," Yu Tianheng was first. He needed lightning or sub-dragon type bones—none here fit.
Gu Ran nodded. "I'll pass too. None suit me."
"Xiao Tian, why don't you pick one first? If you don't, the rest of us wouldn't feel right taking any," Dugu Yan said. Everyone agreed that Tianlin, as their greatest contributor, must take one.
"Alright. I'll take this one: Blazing Flame Right Arm." Tianlin chose the fire-type bone, which suited no one else in the team. "As for the rest, Teacher Qin, why don't you distribute them?"
Qin Ming picked up the Swift Wind Left Leg. "This one is best for agility-type soul masters. Yu Feng can fly, so he doesn't need it as much—so it goes to Oslo."
He handed the bone to Oslo, who was overjoyed. "Thank you, everyone—thank you, Teacher Qin!"
"As for the Crystal Body bone, it speeds up soul power recovery—perfect for Lingling. With faster recovery, our team's endurance increases."
The last bone went to Ye Lingling. Everyone agreed.
"Now that your distribution is done, leave the stage at once," Bibi Dong urged.
Tianlin sighed, "Alright, everyone. The next part isn't for you—leave immediately."
Bibi Dong looked at Tianlin in surprise—did he already know what would happen next? But she didn't have time to think. The important thing was the hundred-thousand-year soul beast. She pointed at Xiao Wu, "The tournament is over. Elder Gui, Elder Ju, seize that girl."
Instantly, everyone was shocked. Tang San instinctively shielded Xiao Wu, Shrek's others stepped forward, and the Grandmaster shouted, "Your Majesty, what are you doing?"
Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo ignored him and moved to act, but Ning Fengzhi and Yu Yuanzhen blocked them. "Your Majesty, shouldn't you ask before acting?"
Yu Yuanzhen wasn't protecting Xiao Wu but didn't want both a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and bone to fall into Spirit Hall's hands.
Ning Fengzhi was just pretending—he knew the real rescue would arrive soon.