As the battle ended, Su Cheng also withdrew his Eternal Sword.
There was no need to continue using this sword technique.
Continuing to gather power might offer a chance, but Su Cheng couldn't determine the upper limit of this sword's power. He had only recently comprehended it and hadn't fully utilized it yet, but he was certain it was stronger than his previous sword technique.
It would be difficult for the opponents to easily interrupt this sword technique.
But it wasn't necessary.
The likelihood of winning was low, and it would be a Pyrrhic victory.
The opponents still had support-type soul masters for endurance, as well as the formidable control-type martial soul fusion skill, Yanluo.
Of course, the most crucial factor was Qian Renxue.
In the previous one-on-one situation, Su Cheng had a slight advantage, but it would be challenging to deal with the opponents when they cooperated as a team, especially with the two domain skills from the Martial Soul Temple's team, which could significantly boost their combat power.
Su Cheng's goal had already been achieved; he had demonstrated enough strength.
This wasn't for Bibi Dong to see, but for those elders to see.
He could vaguely sense that at this moment, in the Pope Hall behind the square, several gazes were focused on the competition arena.
Considering Qian Renxue's involvement in this battle, perhaps even Qian Dao Liu was silently observing.
However, with that person's level of strength, it was obviously beyond his perception.
After stepping down from the stage, Su Cheng nodded gently to Shui Bing'er and said, "Sorry, the promise about the soul bones from before is off."
Others didn't mind, but he felt some remorse towards this girl.
She clearly didn't have a strong desire for battle, participating in this battle more for the championship reward.
Moreover, the strand of undying core in her martial soul gave him great inspiration.
Shui Bing'er shook her head, "I should be the one saying that. Our strength was insufficient, and we held you back."
As she spoke, there was a flicker of something peculiar in her eyes.
She had also seen Su Cheng's sword technique just now and felt the unique resonance she had experienced before, but this time it was much clearer.
"Perhaps I should find more opportunities to consult with him."
Shui Bing'er thought to herself.
As the members of the Tian Dou Royal Academy team exited the stage, only the members of the Martial Soul Temple team remained on the square.
They had won the final championship.
Although the final match was slightly more challenging than expected, that Su Cheng was stronger than imagined, they still emerged victorious in the end.
They didn't disappoint the Pope or their captain.
At this moment, the Pope and the several Titled Douluos all stood up, and a hint of joy appeared on Bibi Dong's face involuntarily.
The prizes, three soul bones, were treasures of the Martial Soul Temple.
She had taken a great risk by using them as rewards, but fortunately, her wish was fulfilled in the end.
"The champions of this year's Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament are the Martial Soul Temple team. Congratulations to all of you."
The seven members of the Martial Soul Temple team lined up, and apart from Qian Renxue, the others' gazes were fixed on the embroidered tray containing the three soul bones.
The High Priest, acting as the referee, exclaimed, "Please, representatives of the Martial Soul Temple, come forward to receive the championship rewards."
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Qian Renxue in unison.
Qian Rinyu didn't pay attention to their gazes and casually said, "Nana, go ahead."
Although they had won the match, she didn't feel particularly happy.
Even after absorbing the seventh soul ring, she still fell slightly short compared to Su Cheng.
However, the team members didn't let her down, and the three soul bones were a well-deserved reward for them.
Turning her head to glance at Qian Renxue and then at her teammates' excited expressions, Hu Liena couldn't help but smile.
After so much training, all their efforts had paid off.
It was also thanks to Qian Renxue's strict requirements over the years that they didn't take it lightly.
Under that terrifying pressure, they finally achieved victory in the final match.
Taking a deep breath, Hu Liena stepped towards Bibi Dong.
When she stood in front of her, she looked up at this person who was both a teacher and a mother figure to her.
So many years had passed, yet time seemed to have left no trace on her, still exuding astonishing nobility and beauty.
In her presence, Hu Liena couldn't help but feel a sense of inferiority.
Bibi Dong also looked at her, her eyes showing gentle satisfaction as she nodded and said, "Nana, congratulations."
Saying this, she handed the tray over to her.
"Thank you, teacher."
Feeling the powerful aura emanating from the three soul bones, Hu Liena reached out and accepted them.
Especially when she saw the faint blue glow of the Wisdom Skull, her heart couldn't help but feel excited.
These three soul bones were practically predetermined.
When she returned to the team, she quickly distributed them.
Xi Yue, Hu Liena, and Yan each received one soul bone, respectively obtaining the Wind Chasing Left Leg, the Wisdom Skull, and the Flaming Right Arm.
It had to be said that Bibi Dong had a strong preference for Hu Liena. This head soul bone was extremely valuable, second only to the hundred-thousand-year soul bones and external soul bones.
After glancing at the members of the Martial Soul Temple, Bibi Dong then shifted her gaze to the team from the Tian Dou Royal Academy.
She calmly asked, "Members of the Tian Dou Royal Academy team, your performance today was also outstanding, and you are the hope of the soul master world's future. Now, I ask you, would you like to join the Martial Soul Temple?"
After speaking, her gaze swept over Su Cheng and Ning Rongrong before focusing on the outstanding performers like Shui Bing'er, Xue Wu, and Feng Qingyu.
Especially Shui Bing'er, whom she admired greatly. Even today, facing three Soul Kings, she led the team and persisted for a long time.
"I'm willing."
However, what surprised Bibi Dong was that the first person to speak up and express willingness to join the Martial Soul Temple was the person she least expected: Su Cheng.
It wasn't just her; even Chrysanthemum Douluo, Ghost Douluo, and other members of the Martial Soul Temple showed a hint of surprise and delight on their faces.
Both of them were loyal to the Martial Soul Temple.
After seeing Su Cheng's performance today, they secretly felt that his talent surpassed even their young master.
Even if he were to grow normally in the future, he would undoubtedly become a top-tier powerhouse.
Being able to join the Martial Soul Temple was a great fortune.
Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi's expressions were somewhat complex, despite being prepared for this moment, their hearts still couldn't help but fluctuate.
Contrarily, Dugu Bo, who had known the situation earliest, remained the calmest at this moment.
Compared to the subtle expressions of the Titled Douluos on the stage, the emotions of Su Cheng's teammates were much more evident.
Ning Rongrong lowered her head, her expression showing signs of struggle.
In fact, when Ning Fengzhi talked to her that day, she had also asked her father if she could join the Martial Soul Temple together with him.
But Ning Fengzhi told her that her status was different now.
As a soul master with the Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda martial soul, Ning Rongrong was already the hope of the Seven Treasure Glazed Sect's future and would likely be the next sect master.
For others, it didn't matter, but she was not suitable for joining them.
Feng Qingyu looked puzzled, glancing at Su Cheng with a strange expression before casting a sidelong glance at Qian Renxue in the direction of the Martial Soul Temple.
Shui Bing'er was also somewhat lost in thought. Originally intending to refuse Bibi Dong's invitation outright, she was now hesitating.
But she also had a special status, being the most talented young generation in the Heaven Water Academy, and it wasn't suitable for her to join the Martial Soul Temple directly, at least not without consulting her family elders first.
"....."
At this moment, Bibi Dong was taken aback, inwardly furrowing her brows. "What does this guy want?"
In her view, the least likely people to want to join the Martial Soul Temple among these individuals were Su Cheng and Ning Rongrong.
Ning Rongrong was from the Seven Treasure Glazed Sect, and with her martial soul evolved, she would naturally not come to the Martial Soul Temple.
As for Su Cheng, since he had already become a disciple of the Sword Douluo Chen Xin, he could also be considered half a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Sect. Moreover, considering his complicated thoughts and obvious ambition, how could he be willing to be subordinate to others?
She was aware of Su Cheng's close relationship with Qian Renxue and their previous collusion.
But in her opinion, since Su Cheng didn't choose the Martial Soul Temple years ago, there was no reason for him to agree to her invitation now.
At this moment, she couldn't help but recall the limited memories of this guy digging pits for her after joining the Martial Soul Temple.
She became somewhat wary.
"Pope?"
It wasn't until she heard a light reminder from Ju Douluo beside her that Bibi Dong snapped back to her senses.
Looking at Su Cheng with a complex expression, she nodded gently and then turned to the others, "What about you?"
Shui Bing'er respectfully bowed and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Pope. However, I am already extremely honored to participate in this competition. As for joining the Martial Soul Temple, I will have to discuss it with my family elders before making a decision."
The others followed suit, expressing similar sentiments.
Bibi Dong didn't force them and waved her hand, indicating, "Those who are not members of the Martial Soul Temple may leave, and the others may go their own way."
With that, she turned and walked towards the Martial Soul Temple, saying, "Su Cheng, come with me."
Su Cheng was momentarily stunned but quickly followed.
He happened to have something he wanted to discuss privately with her.
Seeing this scene, the members of the Martial Soul Temple team and Hu Liena immediately cast admiring glances.
To join the Martial Soul Temple immediately after joining, and to have the qualification to enter the Pope's Hall, was quite extraordinary.
Indeed, with his talent, even the Pope would value him greatly?
In a side hall of the Martial Soul Temple, Bibi Dong and Su Cheng stood facing each other.
Contrary to what others imagined, there was no heartwarming scene of seeking talent eagerly and showing affection.
Bibi Dong's expression was unusually cold, as she stared at Su Cheng and said in a deep voice, "Su Cheng, why do you want to join the Martial Soul Temple?"
Su Cheng's heart trembled secretly at her attitude, feeling that something was off.
Even though he had a good relationship with Qian Renxue, there was no need for her to act like this, right?
Was it because of the hundred-thousand-year soul ring incident?
Or was it because of Yu Xiaogang?
Although wary in his heart, he remained calm on the surface and sincerely replied, "The Martial Soul Temple is a sacred place in the hearts of all soul masters. As a commoner soul master, I naturally can't help but be attracted to it. When I heard the invitation from the Pope today, my heart was filled with excitement. I deeply feel honored to be able to join the Martial Soul Temple."
"..." Bibi Dong stared at him for a moment before asking, "If I'm not mistaken, you previously became a disciple of the Sword Douluo, Chen Xin?"
"That's correct." Su Cheng nodded. "Whether it's in the past, present, or future, he will always be my mentor. However, the Seven Treasure Glazed Sect has never forbidden me from joining any power. In fact, the Sect Master also has a great fondness for the Martial Soul Temple."
Hearing this, Bibi Dong looked at him suspiciously.
Ning Fengzhi might not be strong, but he was a well-known old fox. Although he hadn't openly opposed the Martial Soul Temple, he often made some moves behind the scenes.
Su Cheng, however, understood that as an auxiliary soul master without self-protection ability, it was basic operation to insert oneself among multiple forces for inheritance.
Even supporting the Tian Dou Royal Family was because the sect was too close to Tian Dou City.
In fact, for Ning Fengzhi, there was always only one core demand: the sect's inheritance must not be lost, and it must not be annexed by any force.
As long as this condition was met, it didn't matter which force he associated with.
Su Cheng's current words could also be considered as laying the groundwork for the future, so as not to be the first target of attack by Bibi Dong one day.
However, the Martial Soul Temple's subordinate forces currently lurking within the Tian Dou Empire are not many, so they shouldn't be so irrational.
In contrast, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, which is remote and weak in strength, is obviously much easier to deal with.
"Pope, it seems that you have some hostility towards me?" Seeing Bibi Dong scrutinizing him but not speaking, Su Cheng took the initiative to probe.
"You're overthinking it, I've just paid some attention to you before. I didn't expect you to be willing to join the Martial Soul Temple, which surprised me a bit," Bibi Dong said calmly, "In this competition, you made quite a splash in the Tian Dou competition area. The Martial Soul Temple's influence is spread across the continent, so how could no one pay attention?"
"I see." Su Cheng nodded, feeling relieved inwardly.
"Rest assured, since you've made a wise choice, the Martial Soul Temple naturally won't treat you unfairly."
At this moment, Bibi Dong's desire for destruction was not particularly strong yet. Faced with talented individuals, she had always had the intention of recruiting and nurturing them.
Her attitude and rewards towards the Golden Generation Trio in the Martial Soul Temple Academy were evident.
If Tang San and others performed outstandingly in this competition, she would also speak up to recruit them.
It's just that due to special reasons, she had biases against Su Cheng, which made her attitude initially cold.
Su Cheng didn't comment on her remarks, as Bibi Dong often made verbal promises that she didn't intend to keep.
"Pope, since you have understood me before, I believe you also know that I have absorbed soul rings across years multiple times in the past. I am willing to contribute the secret method of helping soul masters absorb soul rings across years to the Martial Soul Temple, for the benefit of the soul master world."
Bibi Dong was somewhat surprised by his words, her delicate eyes slightly widened as she scrutinized him.
"You're willing to contribute it?"
At the same time, she couldn't help but think, "Could it be that I was too suspicious?"
She did want to obtain Su Cheng's secret method of absorbing soul rings across years, and she coveted his various special techniques.
Such as those powerful sword techniques.
Such as why he could simultaneously use twin martial souls.
Such as how he could resurrect and control the sacrificial hundred-thousand-year soul beast...
But Bibi Dong also knew that there were other forces behind Su Cheng.
Whether it was the elders who were preparing to join the Martial Soul Temple recently, the peak Titled Douluo Dugu Bo, or his teacher Sword Douluo Chen Xin, and even the forces represented by Qian Renxue, they all needed to be considered.
And she herself was currently restricted by the Rakshasa God's Trial, facing many constraints, so she couldn't afford to provoke Su Cheng.
It must be said that Su Cheng's willingness to stay in the Martial Soul Temple now was indeed very beneficial to the Martial Soul Temple.
Even without considering other factors, his current strength alone was extremely rare.
Even before he became a Titled Douluo, his strength was unpredictable once he became a Soul Saint.
In addition, Bibi Dong still had a wish in her heart, that is, her god trial.
Since she opened the Rakshasa God's Trial, it has been stuck for a long time, and many of the problems are very inexplicable.
Maybe with Su Cheng's ability, he could help her think of some solutions.
But this matter still needed to be discussed in the long term and couldn't be mentioned lightly.
As for the hatred towards Qian Xunji, Bibi Dong had never forgotten it.
She wanted to destroy the Angel Clan, but Qian Renxue obviously wouldn't allow it, and it was difficult to deal with the Qian Clan.
So how to deal with it, she also needed to think carefully.
Moreover, there was the inheritance of the divine position in the Hall of Worship, which also made her conflicted.
The dreamland was somewhat ambiguous, some things were verified, and some were completely inconsistent with reality.
It was hard for her to predict whether Qian Renxue would become the God of Angels in the future.
Fortunately, she still had time and could wait.
As her thoughts shifted, she saw Su Cheng speak again, "But I have a small request."
"....." Hearing these familiar words, Bibi Dong's expression paused slightly, but she didn't get angry.
She said calmly, "What request?"
"I heard that you have been to the City of Slaughter before?"
Bibi Dong raised her eyebrows slightly, "Yes, I have. Do you want to go to the City of Slaughter?"
She wasn't surprised that Su Cheng knew about this.
Her visit to the City of Slaughter was not a secret within the Martial Soul Temple, and given Su Cheng's relationship with Qian Renxue, it was not surprising that he knew about it.
She just wondered why he would bring it up.
"It's not me who wants to go." Su Cheng explained, "I have a friend who is more suitable to improve her strength there. If it's convenient, I hope you can give her a ride and take her to see the world."
"Your friend?" Bibi Dong frowned slightly, her gaze slightly strange, "Not your enemy?"
The City of Slaughter was not a good place to get along with.
Even if she took him there, she couldn't guarantee his safety. At least he had to be above the rank of Soul King to have a chance to come out successfully.