The first part of the fifth round was an individual elimination match, identical in format to the Promotion Competition. However, this time all three remaining teams participated simultaneously. Although this wasn't the final battle for the championship yet, it was equally vital.
Victory here meant more than just glory; it secured extended rest time and the ability to wait at one's ease for the final decisive battle tomorrow. The two losing teams would be forced into a team match this afternoon to determine who would face the morning's winner. At this elite level, the strength gap between teams was minimal. Competing twice in a single day would undoubtedly lead to massive exhaustion or potential injury, making it almost impossible to return to peak condition for the finals. Thus, the winner of this individual match was very likely to become the ultimate champion.
Spirit Hall's decision to display three soul bones undoubtedly intensified the atmosphere. While on the surface, Spirit Hall appeared impartial, any discerning observer could see that these three bones were effectively prepared for the Spirit Hall Academy team.
This individual stage was also a prime opportunity for these genius soul masters to showcase their talents before the high-ranking officials and the Pope. If one were to catch the eye of a Spirit Hall Elder, it would be a singular honor—a literal step into the heavens.
A row of gilded chairs was arranged before the doors of the Pope's Palace. At Bibi Dong's signal, she took the center seat. To her left sat Clan Leader Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin. To her right sat Ghost Douluo Gui Mei and Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan.
The three academies each sent out their first participating member. These three were the captain of the Heaven Dou Imperial Team, Gu Xuan; Dugu Yan of the Seven Treasure Team; and Qian Renxue of the Spirit Hall Academy team.
Indeed, Spirit Hall had sent Qian Renxue instead of their captain, Xie Yue. At this moment, the only people remaining on the square were the high-level officials and the teachers of the three academies. Qin Ming, looking at Qian Renxue, realized he had absolutely no intelligence on her to provide to Gu Xuan.
High on the platform, Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin watched Qian Renxue ascend, each harboring their own suspicions.
"Your Holiness, this Qian Renxue should be the progeny of the previous Pope, correct?" Ning Fengzhi turned and asked Bibi Dong with a smile.
The moment Bibi Dong heard the phrase "previous Pope's progeny," her soul power fluctuated uncontrollably for a split second. She quickly steadied herself and replied indifferently, "Correct. Her Martial Soul is the Six-Winged Angel. Without her, the Imperial Team might have had the greatest chance of winning this year. But since she is acting, the final victory will remain with Spirit Hall."
Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin exchanged a glance. "It seems Your Holiness has great confidence in her," Ning Fengzhi remarked casually.
Bibi Dong offered no further comment, clearly unwilling to discuss Qian Renxue at length. "Clan Leader Ning, let us wait and see."
Suddenly, a streak of light flashed across the sky, landing directly on the high platform before the palace. Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo surged to their feet instantly, entering a combat stance. Gu Xuan and Dugu Yan, who were about to draw lots, also turned their gazes toward the platform.
The figure within the light became clear. It was a middle-aged man, nearly 2.5 meters tall, clad in a magnificent golden robe embroidered with a ferocious, silver-stitched giant crocodile. He radiated a supreme, domineering aura.
The two "Generals" were about to shout a reprimand, but cold sweat broke out on their brows as they recognized the newcomer. Had they spoken, they might not have lived to see the afternoon. The man was no ordinary person; he was a Worship from the Elders Hall, the second-ranked expert of Spirit Hall with a soul power of Rank 98—surpassed only by the First Worship Qian Daoliu. He was the Second Worship, the Golden Crocodile Douluo.
"Greetings, Lord Golden Crocodile," the two Douluos said respectfully, swallowing their previous anger.
The Golden Crocodile Douluo didn't even glance at them. He gave a slight cupped-hand salute to Bibi Dong. "Your Holiness, I have stayed in the Elders Hall for too many years. Today, I wished to come out for some fresh air and join the festivities. I hope I am welcome."
Bibi Dong's grip tightened on her scepter. "Of course. It is an honor for these young ones that Elder Golden Crocodile chooses to attend." She then turned to her subordinates. "Provide a seat."
"Elder Golden Crocodile, please take the seat of honor." Chrysanthemum Douluo gave up his spot, which was the first to Bibi Dong's right, and moved further down the row.
Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded and sat down with a commanding presence. His gaze swept over the three youngsters below, primarily focusing on Gu Xuan. This was his first time seeing the boy. Aside from supporting Qian Renxue, he carried a mission from Qian Daoliu: to properly assess Gu Xuan's talent and strength. After all, the Holy Maiden had risked participating in this tournament specifically because of this brat.
The arrival of the Golden Crocodile Douluo caused a stir, but Chrysanthemum Douluo quickly silenced the crowd. The match continued.
Qian Renxue's gaze had not left Gu Xuan since the start. Gu Xuan felt helpless; Dugu Yan was standing right next to him. As the three stepped forward to draw lots, Qian Renxue spoke up. "Have we met before?"
'You're asking when you already know the answer!' Gu Xuan grumbled inwardly.
Dugu Yan looked at Qian Renxue with confusion, then cast an unfriendly glance at Gu Xuan. 'When did this dog of a man hook up with such a beauty?' she wondered.
Gu Xuan could only steel himself and admit it. "We saw each other once from a distance in the Star Dou Great Forest a few months ago. I didn't know your identity then. I didn't expect you to be from Spirit Hall."
Dugu Yan's heart relaxed. 'A single meeting? Then it's fine!'
Qian Renxue, however, thought differently. 'A single meeting? This kid has taken quite a few liberties with me over the years. Let's see how I handle you today!'
The three drew lots to decide which team would get the first-round bye. The result: Spirit Hall Academy.
A Cardinal acting as the referee announced loudly. "First match: Heaven Dou Imperial Team vs. Seven Treasure Team. Spirit Hall Academy team, be prepared."
Gu Xuan and Dugu Yan exchanged a helpless look and returned to their respective areas. A fifteen-minute break followed for tactical planning. Once the seven-member rosters were confirmed, the order of appearance could be changed at will to keep the match unpredictable.
Because Ning Rongrong was a Support Type, she was replaced by a substitute for the Seven Treasure Team. Spirit Hall did the same, swapping their support for Qian Renxue. However, the Imperial Team could not swap Ye Lingling, as they had no substitutes...
(End of Chapter)
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