The day's matches had concluded, and as the crowds dispersed, news of the results spread quickly. Tang San's second martial soul, after some delay, was finally recognized by many, and word of it spread far and wide.
It was the Clear Sky Hammer, the inherited martial soul of the once world-renowned Clear Sky Sect, previously hailed as the greatest sect under the heavens. Most commoners were unaware of the true circumstances, only knowing that few members of the Clear Sky Sect had been seen in recent years, as though the sect had retreated from the world.
However, soul masters with a bit more knowledge realized that beneath the seemingly calm surface, unseen undercurrents were surging.
Tang San had become a sensation — a full-blown sensation.
The appearance of a direct descendant of one of the Upper Three Sects, showcasing such astonishing talent, made many forces restless.
Speculation arose about how the Spirit Hall would respond, but suddenly, rumors surfaced that the Holy Son and the Platinum Bishop of Spirit Hall had merely reported the matter to Wuhun City and left it at that.
The tournament continued as usual, but those paying close attention noticed that the Holy Son of Spirit Hall, who had appeared not long ago, had quietly disappeared from the stands.
Now, only Salas, with a sour, plague-ridden expression, remained present.
The common spectators continued to enjoy the matches enthusiastically, as the advancement rounds began following the conclusion of the preliminary qualifications.
Five teams had secured their spots: Skywater Academy, Canghui Academy, Blazing Academy, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, and Elephant Armored Academy.
Godwind Academy, unfortunately, was eliminated at the last moment due to Feng Xiaotian's injury.
Facing the slightly weaker Elephant Armored Academy — a team they had never lost to in previous sparring matches — Godwind Academy was drained of all its soul power and lost the match, dropping to sixth place and joining Thunderclap Academy in seventh.
As the advancement rounds began, Han Li, the Holy Son of Spirit Hall, was still absent. He only made a brief appearance when Zhu Zhuqing participated again for Skywater Academy during their match against Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's second team.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't say a word this time, swiftly delivering another one-vs-seven victory. Tang San, her final opponent, didn't even have the chance to release his martial soul before being taken down instantly by her shadow army.
In subsequent matches, Skywater Academy returned to its regular lineup. Though they appeared weaker in terms of top-tier strength compared to Blazing Academy, Godwind Academy, or even Thunderclap Academy, they held a distinct advantage with five Soul Ancestors.
Or rather, six — though one had just broken through and hadn't yet obtained her fourth soul ring. Through simple endurance tactics, they once again maintained an undefeated record.
This caused many knowledgeable individuals to grow even more restless. Was the Holy Son of Spirit Hall expressing dissatisfaction by venting his frustration? It had also been some time since any rumors surfaced about the prince interacting with him.
As a result, the number of secret visitors to Moon Pavilion increased significantly.
The advancement rounds were far more exciting than before. All the teams, whether to secure a stronger position in the finals or to carve out a better future, made no effort to hide their sharpness, leaving Canghui Academy and Elephant Armored Academy severely beaten.
Canghui Academy fared the worst. Though they had been undefeated in team battles during the preliminary rounds, they were knocked out in the advancement rounds by a team ranked outside the top ten, drawing heavy criticism.
But rules were rules. Canghui Academy remained a team in the finals, while Godwind and Thunderclap did not. As spectators, there was nothing to do but accept it.
Today, Han Li's residence unexpectedly welcomed two teams — Blazing Academy and Godwind Academy — which surprised him.
They had no matches scheduled for the next three days, so they had come together.
"Great Holy Son Han, you still owe us a match. You're not planning to back out, are you?"
Huo Wu's voice rang out as soon as she entered.
"What brings you here?"
Han Li lazily got up from his lounge chair, using his mental power to notify the girls still training on the practice field.
"I told you, we're here for a match! A match!"
Huo Wu grew frustrated, suspecting that Han Li's hearing might not be all that great.
"This was agreed upon earlier, and the academy approved it. Besides, we owe you a favor," Huo Wushuang said, stopping his sister and replying earnestly.
Seeing Han Li's relaxed demeanor, the anxiety in his heart dissipated. The rumors outside were swirling, and no one knew what to believe. Han Li and his team had been absent from public view for days, and coming here had been a risky move.
Han Li smiled and didn't bring up the matter of the favor again.
"How do you want to lose? Same style of combat, or do you want to try something different?"
Han Li stood up straight in a provoking manner, pointing toward the four girls walking over from the training field, and looked at the two teams in front of him.
Feng Xiaotian and the others were momentarily stunned by his arrogant questioning. How has this guy survived until now?
Seeing their blank expressions, Han Li waved his hand dismissively and decided for them.
"Let's try everything."
He winked at Shui Bing'er, who nodded and led the two teams toward the training field.
Huo Wu, meanwhile, was being carried off — her mouth covered by Huo Wushuang lifted alongside Feng Xiaotian. She glared daggers at Han Li as if trying to cut him down with her gaze.
Han Li didn't follow them. About fifteen minutes later, both teams came out, looking utterly defeated.
Feng Xiaotian seemed to have fared the worst, glancing at Xiu'er with fear in his eyes. His left arm hung limp, clearly having taken a heavy blow.
Huo Wu still had a layer of frost on her eyebrows and looked somewhat numb.
Huo Wushuang fared slightly better; only half of his sleeve was gone, and half of his hair had been burned off, leaving him with a buzz cut.
Both teams' members still had expressions of disbelief. In just fifteen minutes, they had been thoroughly beaten by the four girls. Aside from Zhu Zhuqing, who was slightly easier to deal with, they had been utterly powerless against the other three.
Especially when facing Xiu'er — their gazes instinctively avoided hers. They had never imagined that someone their age could withstand their attacks and rush straight at them, slapping them silly.
When facing Feng Xiaotian, Xiu'er allowed him to complete all thirty-six of his Gale Demon Wolf Strikes, yet that single slap still left them stunned. The deep pit left by Feng Xiaotian's body in the training field remained as evidence.
"How are you feeling after the fight?"
Han Li's soul power surged, and a wave of life energy shot toward them, healing their surface wounds. He wanted to ensure that when they left, no one would realize anything was amiss. That was all he could do — compared to Ye Lingling, his healing abilities were far inferior.
"Good thing you guys didn't compete."
After a long silence, Huo Wu finally muttered, looking somewhat dejected.
"Don't compare yourselves to them. They're exceptions, not the standard."
Han Li didn't say much more but added, "But I can assure you, on the finals stage, you won't stand a chance."
Now it was Feng Xiaotian's turn to feel dejected. At least Blazing Academy had made it to the finals, but due to his misjudgment, Godwind Academy didn't even make it past the qualifiers.
"You can discuss it with your dean when you get back — merge your two teams. Your attributes complement each other. The Soul Master tournament only restricts the participation of registered students, not the composition of the teams."
Han Li's words were directed at Huo Wushuang, carrying a deeper meaning.
The fact that both teams had come here today already represented something. Returning a favor wasn't out of the question. Besides, even without his suggestion, the original story had the two academies merging anyway. He was merely confirming that decision and helping them solidify their positions.
"Wouldn't that be…"
Feng Xiaotian trailed off. He noticed the excited glint in his teammates' eyes, and he too felt tempted.
"It's up to you. If you feel awkward about it, just say you did it because you owe me a favor."
Han Li chuckled nonchalantly. Many people were testing him, so why not fan the flames further? The bolder they became, the better.
"Gather your things and head back. It's up to you whether or not you share what happened here."
Han Li made a clear gesture for them to leave. The group exchanged glances, and following his instructions, tidied themselves up before heading back to their academy's camp. They needed to discuss things with their superiors.
...
At Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, after finishing his practice, Tang San found a letter on his desk.
After reading it, he excitedly left Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and headed toward Heaven Dou City. He was going to a place called Moon Pavilion.
...
At the Wuhun City gates, Yu Xiaogang crossed the threshold, looking at a place he hadn't set foot in for over twenty years.
Stepping aside to clear the main road, he stood by the roadside, gazing toward the Supreme Pontiff Hall. Unconsciously, he touched his belt, remembering how he had regained the token from Tang Hao before leaving. It was his only chance to meet Bibi Dong.
I wonder how Xiao San is doing. By now, the advancement rounds should be almost over, Yu Xiaogang thought, lowering his gaze.
He had been rushing to make up time along the way. Wuhun City, however, didn't yet reflect the atmosphere of the tournament, as the competitions in the two great empires were still ongoing.
Tomorrow, I'll go see Bibi Dong. No matter what, I've come this far, I have to give it a try.
Encouraging himself, Yu Xiaogang surveyed his surroundings before entering a decent-looking hotel. He needed to rest and freshen up.
...
Outside the Supreme Pontiff Hall, a guard, upon receiving a response, entered with a report and placed it respectfully before Bibi Dong.
Bibi Dong's gaze swept over it, her eyes freezing on the name Yu Xiaogang.
She quickly picked up the report and read through it. After a long while, she placed it back on the table and murmured:
"Xiao Gang…"
In the silent hall, time passed without another sound.