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The actions and discussions of the seven teams were all captured by Tang San's Blue Silver Domain and broadcasted live at the central arena in Spirit City.
When Oscar and Ma Hongjun's conversation was aired, the audience reacted with disdain and scorn, feeling that their tactics were underhanded and dishonorable.
"Your Holiness, is this within the rules?" Xue Beng asked.
"The rules don't explicitly prohibit such actions. In fact, finding and safely delivering intelligence is itself a test for the participating teams," Bibi Dong replied calmly.
"That may be true, but the actions of Shrek's captain and vice-captain seem rather disgraceful," Xue Qinghe commented, covering his face with a hand to feign embarrassment and helplessness.
After all, Shrek Academy was an institution within the borders of the Tian Dou Empire.
[Perhaps it's time to standardize the academy's code of conduct. We can't let academies with such low moral standards continue—it tarnishes the Empire's reputation!] Xue Qinghe thought to herself, for now, she was indeed the Emperor Qinghe.
Xue Beng sneered at his "brother's" response and countered, "Deceit is a scoundrel's passport, Brother. You need to respect the diversity of behavior."
Xue Qinghe: "..."
The two statements, while reasonable on their own, sounded bizarre when combined.
Besides, it was unusual for Xue Beng to speak with such profundity.
It appeared there was a "mastermind" in the Traveler's Alliance, one to be cautious of.
"Oh, really?" Xue Qinghe smirked slightly. "This is a competition; the teams should show some honor."
Xue Beng replied, "That's just to play it safe. Even Her Holiness finds it acceptable."
Xue Qinghe responded, "In that case, perhaps I, as Emperor, should suggest relocating Shrek Academy to your New Tian Dou Federation. Then, I'll personally inform the Academy's dean of your high regard for Shrek…"
"No need to trouble yourself, Brother," Xue Beng's expression shifted instantly. Shrek Academy was the last thing he wanted, so he quickly changed the topic, turning to Tang San and asking, "Your Holiness, the champion's prize this year includes not only a soul bone but also a special reward from you. We're all very curious. Might you share it with us?"
Tang San chuckled and replied, "It's a secret."
Xue Beng: "..."
Not even a hint?
Xue Qinghe, however, spoke up, "Count of Silver Blue, may I hear it?"
"Of course," Tang San agreed.
Xue Beng: "..."
Such blatant favoritism! This was truly unfair!
"The champion's reward includes a soul bone and a new cultivation technique I've developed: Essence Cultivation," Tang San explained. "This technique strengthens the bones, skin, organs, and even the mind itself. Even Spirit Hall members must make significant contributions to be allowed to practice it."
"This technique doesn't cultivate soul power but focuses purely on essence and vitality, so even ordinary people can train with it."
"If someone can master this technique to the highest level, even with zero soul power, they could take on soul masters below the Soul Saint level. Of course, this is the ideal scenario. My research shows that when one's life force is sufficiently strong, it naturally circulates within the body and transforms into soul power. In other words, at a certain level of mastery, even someone born with no innate soul power can develop it and begin the path of a soul master."
Xue Qinghe's eyes widened, glancing subtly at Bibi Dong. Seeing no reaction from her, Xue Qinghe realized she had known all along, feeling a hint of annoyance. This woman kept such a secret from me. How infuriating!
"Such an impressive feat in spirit cultivation! It's truly remarkable—a technique that can change fate itself!" Xue Qinghe turned back, full of admiration. "With such strong life force, the body itself grows stronger, eventually allowing the user to bear higher-level spirit rings. It must be why the Count of Silver Blue can withstand such powerful spirit rings—you must have a formidable physique!"
"Well, put it this way," Tang San replied with cautious humility, "if I relied solely on my body and life force without soul power or mental strength, I'd need two hands to defeat a Titled Douluo above level 98."
Xue Qinghe: "…"
The gap between him and Tang San was only widening. This wouldn't do. Once back in Tian Dou City, he'd have to plant Blue Silver Emperor all over the place, immerse himself in the spirit beast illusion realm, and cultivate his own spirit ring years. He'd need to study Tang San's theories and techniques to keep pace with him.
The Six-Winged Angel spirit is no weaker than any other spirit!
Tang San continued, "Besides Essence Cultivation, I'm offering another recent breakthrough as a reward." As he spoke, Tang San drew a small, translucent bead from his storage wristband.
It was no larger than a fingernail, yet it radiated a distinct energy—similar to soul power, yet slightly ethereal.
"What is this?" Xue Qinghe asked, puzzled.
"An artificial spirit ring."
Tang San had already tested artificial spirit rings on Shen Hou and others, with promising results. Introducing it here was an opportunity to present the concept that one could obtain a spirit ring without hunting spirit beasts.
This was a step toward subtly shifting public perception—a gradual process over time.
Examining the bead in Tang San's hand, Xue Qinghe asked, "Is this truly a spirit ring?"
"It certainly is."
Tang San injected a strand of his soul power, and the bead began to levitate, slowly expanding into a white spirit ring.
"This spirit ring bead, formed from pure energy and mental power, activates when a soul master injects their own soul power into it. The contained energy begins to circulate, forming a spirit ring. The mental power within it connects with the soul master's mental energy, gauging their physical and mental endurance, allowing the ring to evolve during absorption to match the soul master's limit."
"Of course, this ring's year limit can only be increased during the absorption process. Once absorbed, raising its year limit further would require entry into the spirit beast illusion realm and hunting spirit beasts."
In other words, anyone wishing to enhance their spirit ring's age would need to join Spirit Hall.
And even then, entry into the spirit beast realm wasn't immediate. New members would have to make significant contributions to Spirit Hall and become deeply integrated into its structure first.
"And what about spirit abilities?" Xue Qinghe's interest in spirit abilities was clear; after all, most soul masters pursued spirit rings not only to break through cultivation barriers but also to acquire potent spirit abilities.
"The spirit ability will evolve based on the type of martial spirit and the soul master's own intentions," Tang San explained. "However, it generally aligns with the martial spirit's natural abilities. Under normal circumstances, abilities that are entirely unrelated to the martial spirit won't appear."
(End of Chapter)