Two quarters of an hour later, the lightning arcs around the main arena finally dissipated, and the shattered stones on the ground were cleared away. From the VIP seats, the master of ceremonies stepped forward, holding a sound-amplifying soul tool, his voice loud and clear.
"Next, will the top six academies please move to the designated positions under the guidance of the staff."
At his words, Yang Yunhai, already prepared under staff direction, strode forward.
As the captain of the team that had secured an undefeated record in the qualifiers and ranked first, it was only natural for him to lead his team to the front.
Following behind were the Four Element Academies—Godwind, Blazing, Skywater, and Thunderclap—along with Shrek Academy.
It was worth noting that due to injuries, the Thunderclap Academy team members did not appear. Their instructor received their certificate and rewards in their stead.
"First, will the representative of Heaven Dou Royal Academy come to the stage." With the announcement, Xue Ye, Ning Fengzhi, and Salas stepped forward to the platform.
Yang Yunhai, leading Dugu Yan, was the first to ascend and receive the qualification certificate and rewards.
Afterwards, the other academy representatives stepped forward in order of rank.
Before long, the awards were handed out, and each representative returned to their teams. The master of ceremonies withdrew, giving the floor to Emperor Xue Ye, who looked warm and kindly as he began to speak.
"First, I must congratulate all of you."
"As captains and vice-captains, I have decided to grant you the title of viscount. The other competing students will be granted the title of baron. Once you graduate from your academies, your lands will be distributed to you. The gates of the Imperial Family will always remain open to you."
"Your Majesty, is this really proper?" Salas interjected suddenly, his face unpleasant.
After some back and forth, Xue Ye continued his speech. "If any one of your teams secures the final victory of the Soul Master Tournament, then every member of that team will be promoted another rank in nobility. In addition, your academy will receive the 'Royal' prefix and the full support of the empire's treasury."
Yang Yunhai listened silently until Xue Ye finished his words and departed, accompanied by a host of officials.
Wasting no time, he led his teammates to turn and leave the Great Spirit Arena, heading straight back to the hotel.
"The qualifiers are over. I trust everyone has gained much during this time. Over the next month of rest, you must consolidate your progress. Use this time to address your weaknesses and strive to advance further."
Yang Yunhai swept his gaze over his teammates as he spoke.
"For that reason, I'm giving everyone three days off. After that, we return to the academy to begin targeted training against your shortcomings."
"Yes, Captain!" Everyone nodded in unison.
On the other side, in Shrek Academy.
"Teacher, there's something I want to ask your opinion about." Tang San sought out Yu Xiaogang in private.
"Speak." Yu Xiaogang nodded slightly.
"Teacher, it's like this." Tang San said respectfully, "When I absorbed my fourth soul ring in the Sunset Forest, I used the Eight Spider Lances to absorb the poison from the Widow Spider's corpse. When I came back, I noticed my Eight Spider Lances seemed to have evolved."
"Evolved?" Yu Xiaogang's expression flickered with a trace of surprise.
"Yes." Tang San nodded, "Even the poison it contains has grown stronger. It seems to have mutated."
'The Eight Spider Lances came from the Man-Faced Demon Spider. Could this be the inheritance of its devouring ability? A mutation of poison… most likely the result of absorbing multiple types of soul beast toxins and producing a mixed aberration.' Yu Xiaogang speculated silently.
Then as if realizing something, his face grew solemn and he asked, "Tang San, when you used the Eight Spider Lances to absorb the Widow Spider's poison, did you also absorb any other kind of energy?"
Tang San kept his face calm and replied without hesitation, "It could also absorb soul power to replenish my own, but I never used it. After all, it's external soul power, and I was worried it might harm my body."
How could he not know the truth?
From his earlier attempts, the energy filtered by the Eight Spider Lances was incomparably pure. It brought him no harm at all.
"Tang San, that's the right way to think." Yu Xiaogang showed relief, speaking solemnly. "Remember this well—unless it's a matter of life and death, you must never rely on the devouring ability of the Eight Spider Lances to restore your soul power."
"And absolutely never use it to assist in cultivation."
He would not allow his disciple to become an evil soul master, condemned by all.
'Still, it shouldn't come to that. His disciple Tang San had always been steady and mature in temperament. With such high talent and twin martial souls, as long as he followed the right path, becoming a Titled Douluo in the future was practically guaranteed. There was no need to cut corners.'
"This disciple understands." Tang San nodded solemnly. "Cultivation must be step by step. There are no shortcuts. External forces are always external. Relying on them too much only makes one lose the heart of a true strong man."
"A flawed state of mind will always limit one's achievements. Such a simple principle—how could I not understand it?"
Of course, that depended on the person.
Having lived two lives, his will was already as firm as stone. How could he possibly be swayed by external influence?
And power itself is neither right nor wrong. It all depends on the person using it—whether it is used by villains for twisted ends or by the righteous to uphold justice.
How could someone from Tang Sect not understand this? In his previous world's Jianghu, poison and hidden weapons were always branded as evil by so-called righteous sects. But in truth? Those same "righteous" hypocrites committed countless vile acts behind closed doors. In contrast, Tang Sect punished evil in the shadows, doing much good.
"Exactly so." Yu Xiaogang smiled and continued, "Tang San, I already know why you came. Later I'll ask your Aunt Liu Erlong to accompany you. She'll take you to a nearby forest to hunt a poison-attribute soul beast for you to absorb its toxins. You should depart tonight. With the qualifiers just ended, Heaven Dou City is full of activity. It's the perfect chance for you to leave without drawing attention."
"As for the team, I'll tell them you're in closed-door cultivation."
The head soul bone reward for the Soul Master Tournament champion would no doubt suit Tang San perfectly, but securing that championship would not be easy. At this stage, every bit of extra strength mattered.
Special circumstances required special measures.
Soul beasts were humanity's natural enemy. Killing them was only natural. And in a single month, how many could he even kill?
"Thank you, Teacher." Tang San bowed his head, then added, "Teacher, I'll return to cultivation now."
"Go." Yu Xiaogang nodded slightly, watching Tang San leave.
In the Heaven Dou Palace, inside the Crown Prince's bath.
Qian Renxue leaned back against the tub, her snow-white skin faintly flushed, water droplets sliding down her shoulders. Slender jade-like fingers played with flower petals, sending ripples across the water, shadows dancing across her form. Her voice was low and sultry as she murmured, "I didn't expect Yang Yunhai's strength to be this overwhelming."
For the first time in her life, she felt inferior.
Possessing the Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul and born with rank 20 innate soul power, she had always believed herself to be at the peak among her peers, unmatched.
But today, she had to admit—in terms of combat strength at the same age—she was no match for Yang Yunhai.
He was too strong, especially in his comprehension of martial souls and his development of martial soul abilities, the likes of which she had never seen.
Not only among her peers—even now, as a Soul Emperor, she had to admit she could not confidently block Yang Yunhai's fused fourth soul skill without injury.
For a moment, she sank into silence.
After a while, her beautiful eyes opened, gleaming with light. "But doesn't this make things more interesting?"
"If I could make him mine, that woman would certainly be displeased."
"Tomorrow, I'll pay him a visit. The Heaven Dou Royal Team won first place in the qualifiers. As the Crown Prince, it's only proper I offer my congratulations."
"I'm sure Xue Ye will be more than happy to see me draw closer to Yang Yunhai, pulling him over to the empire's side."
With that thought, she slowly rose, golden hair cascading like a waterfall, water rippling around her.
(End of Chapter)
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