The next day.
The six remaining teams drew lots to determine their opponents.
The Spirit Hall Academy Team, Blue Star Academy Team, and Godwind Academy Team all drew relatively weaker opponents.
Very quickly, the fourth round of the tournament concluded.
The final three teams were: Spirit Hall Academy Team, Blue Star Academy Team, and Godwind Academy Team.
The championship match was now just a step away.
Bright sunlight shone down.
The Pope's Palace glittered with gold, as if it were a divine residence.
In front of the palace, two rows of palace knights extended all the way down the mountain from its gates, clad in silver armor and wielding heavy knight swords, adding even more majesty to the palace.
All eliminated teams had been sent away.
They were not permitted to witness the final day's battles.
Early in the morning.
The three finalist teams had already arrived at the plaza in front of the Pope's Palace, waiting in silence.
Even the teachers of the three academies were not allowed inside the square—only allowed to wait outside.
Twenty-one finalists stood silently in the grand plaza, waiting for the moment of final combat.
The Spirit Hall Academy Team, led by Xie Yue, looked the most relaxed.
Among the Blue Star Academy members, some were nervous while others were calm.
The plaza in front of the Pope's Palace was vast.
A group of people exited from a side door of the palace.
Twelve red-robed bishops, second only in rank to platinum bishops, walked out slowly.
They stood in two rows, six on each side.
"His Holiness the Pope has arrived!"
"Long live! Long live! Long live!" The three cries echoed like a tsunami throughout the Spirit Hall.
The massive doors opened slowly.
All eyes turned to the entrance.
Even the seven members of the Spirit Hall Academy Team felt their heartbeats quicken.
Though they were the Hall's Golden Generation, they had only seen the Pope once—when they received the Purple Record Medals.
Wearing a golden ceremonial robe from head to toe, with a purple-gold crown and a scepter in hand, the stunningly beautiful Bibi Dong stepped out of the palace.
She exuded an almost ethereal presence, as though she were untouchable.
Her perfect beauty embodied the majesty of the current generation's Pope of the Spirit Hall.
Her dazzling golden robe shimmered with light, studded with over a hundred red, blue, and gold gemstones. The crown on her head radiated light as if all illumination was focused solely on her.
The members of the Spirit Hall all knelt on one knee: "Greetings to Your Holiness the Pope!"
Such a grand scene stunned even veterans like Xiao Wu and the others—it was their first time witnessing this.
Following behind Bibi Dong were four individuals.
They wore red ceremonial robes, distinct from those of the red-clothed bishops, embroidered with gold and silver patterns. A shining gemstone on their chests exuded a noble aura.
This ceremonial garb symbolized prestige—an honor reserved only for Title Douluo.
Zhang Fan instantly recognized them.
One was Chen Xin, a Level 96 Title Douluo.
Another had an illusionary aura surrounding him, his face indistinct—this was Ghost Douluo.
The third had soft, baby-like skin and an androgynous appearance—this was Elder Chrysanthemum.
The fourth was none other than the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi.
Bibi Dong's gaze swept over the seven from Blue Star Academy, and so did the eyes of the entire Spirit Hall delegation.
Her eyes eventually settled on Zhang Fan, the corners of her mouth subtly curling upward into an imperceptible smile—one only Zhang Fan noticed. She quickly returned to a solemn demeanor.
Zhang Fan met her gaze calmly.
"How dare you stare at Her Holiness the Pope!" a red-clothed bishop who had never seen Zhang Fan before roared angrily.
"No matter,"Bibi Dong raised a hand to halt him. With a soft smile, she spoke gently: "You must be Zhang Fan?"
"Yes, Your Holiness."Zhang Fan replied calmly.
"You're quite impressive,"Bibi Dong said meaningfully.
"Thank you,"Zhang Fan replied, understanding the deeper meaning behind her words.
"No need to be so polite,"Bibi Dong responded.
No one expected Bibi Dong to be so cordial—especially toward Zhang Fan. Her slight, barely concealed smile took everyone by surprise.
"From you all, I see the hope of the future. I hope you'll fully display your talents and strength to earn your rewards."
As she spoke, she waved her scepter.
Three beams of light instantly bloomed before her.
Three distinct items appeared: a left arm bone, a skull, and a left leg bone, glowing in fiery red, pale blue, and dark green hues.
The appearance of these three spirit bones caused the entire venue to erupt in excitement.
Many people's eyes flashed with greed.
Had they not been in the Pope's Palace, someone might have attempted to snatch them already.
Each of the spirit bones had come from ten-thousand-year-old spirit beasts—incredibly rare and valuable for spirit masters.
The deep voice of Ghost Douluo rang out: "The three spirit bones are the Wisdom Skull of Spiritual Condensation, the Flame Right Arm of Explosive Burn, and the Wind-Chasing Left Leg for Rapid Movement. All just beneath external or hundred-thousand-year spirit bones in value."
"The championship team will receive these three bones. Fight with all your strength,"Bibi Dong added flatly.
"Today, you will engage in a seven-person individual elimination match. The last standing team will gain the advantage and proceed directly to the championship match. The two losing teams will compete for the other finalist spot. You may now choose your first competitor."
The final round followed the same individual elimination format as the previous one—only this time, with all three teams involved.
Although it wasn't the final championship match, it was critical.
Winning meant immediate qualification for the final duel.
A row of golden chairs had been set up before the palace doors. Bibi Dong sat in the center, motioning for the others to be seated.
Each academy sent their first contestant.
From Blue Star Academy, of course, Zhang Fan stepped forward first.
However, he drew a first-round bye.
A stroke of good fortune.
Godwind Academy sent out Feng Xiaotian, who clearly wanted to test himself against Spirit Hall.
He easily defeated the first opponent.
But his second opponent turned out to be a Spirit King, who promptly defeated him.
With Feng Xiaotian eliminated, Godwind Academy had no chance of advancing to the final two.
So he stepped forward and declared, "We forfeit."
"Reason?"Bibi Dong looked at Feng Xiaotian. She admired his courage and talent.
"We can't win, so we surrender!"Feng Xiaotian answered bluntly.
"In that case, let's proceed directly to the final match: Spirit Hall Academy Team versus Blue Star Academy Team,"Bibi Dong turned to Chen Xin, Ning Fengzhi, and the others.
"As Your Holiness commands,"Ning Fengzhi said with a smile.
This would save everyone time.
No need for another match tomorrow.
"Very well. You have five minutes. The team battle final will begin in five minutes,"Bibi Dong said with a faint smile.
"Yes!" the participants answered.
No one expected things to unfold this way.
"Zhang Fan, you'll continue organizing the strategy,"Liu Erlong looked at him.
"Alright, the seven team members for the battle will be: me, Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, Jiang Zhu, Tang San, and Tai Long."
Zhang Fan turned to the others.
"Good!" everyone had no objections.
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(End of Chapter)