After the red-robed bishop stormed off, the Shrek team had no choice but to find their assigned hotel on their own.
With Tang San injured, Flender no longer insisted that his star student apologize to Chen Xuan. He'd only suggested it as a formality, and seeing Tang San's weakened state left him unwilling to press the matter.
After about an hour, the team finally located their exclusive hotel, where several other academies had already checked in.
The hotel was expansive, covering over 2,000 square meters and six stories high, complete with large courtyards at the front and back, a pool, gardens, and pavilions. It resembled more of an estate than a hotel.
Two female staff members approached with warm smiles, guiding the Shrek team to their rooms.
"Finally, a proper rest. The journey has been exhausting," Ma Hongjun sighed, stretching his arms. After more than ten days on the road, he was worn out and had even lost some weight.
The others were just as weary, eager to rush into their rooms after not having a good night's sleep since leaving Heaven Dou City.
Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong declared that they needed a bath before indulging in a good night's sleep.
"Chen, you can room with Tai Long," Flender suggested.
The rooms provided by Spirit Hall were limited, with each being shared by two people. Huang Yuan and Jing Ling shared one, while Jiang Zhu and Zhu Zhuqing were assigned together, leaving Tai Long without a roommate.
"No need. I'll just get a room for myself," Chen Xuan replied, immediately heading downstairs to the reception.
The cost was indeed steep; an extra ten days required three hundred gold soul coins, much higher than the standard rate.
Chen Xuan reached into his pocket but found it empty, suddenly remembering he'd left all his gold soul coins with his sister, Chen Yiyi, before departing.
After giving the receptionist an awkward but polite smile, he turned to Ning Rongrong, who lent him a thousand gold soul coins without hesitation, saying he didn't need to pay her back as thanks for saving her life earlier.
With his own room secured, Chen Xuan could finally rest by himself.
The Next Morning
Bright and early, the Shrek Seven and the backup members were summoned to gather in front of the hotel.
"Dean, why so early? We haven't even had breakfast," Ma Hongjun grumbled, sporting a disgruntled expression.
The sun hadn't even risen, and being called to assemble filled the group with complaints.
Flender, face stern, delivered a swift kick to Ma Hongjun's backside, chiding him, "All you think about is eating. Show some ambition!"
Seeing this, the Shrek team quickly fell silent, no one daring to voice further complaints.
Clearing his throat, Flender said, "In three days, the finals of the Continental Spirit Master Tournament begin. You must focus on training and avoid slacking off."
The reminder jolted the group to attention. They realized they hadn't trained or engaged in any combat practice for over ten days.
Tang San quickly organized the team, saying, "Let's stick to the usual plan: Dai Mubai, you partner with Fatty and Xiao Ao; Rongrong and Zhuqing, team up as usual; everyone else can make their own arrangements."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Finally, Tang San looked at Xiao Wu, asking, "Xiao Wu, what level are you at now?"
"Brother, I'm at level thirty-nine, but I feel I'm very close to reaching level forty," Xiao Wu replied, though her eyes betrayed a hint of unease as she tried to maintain composure.
Tang San beamed, giving her an encouraging look. With her advancement, the entire original Shrek team would reach the Spirit Elder rank.
"Xiao Wu, keep it up, or you'll fall even further behind me!" Dai Mubai and Oscar laughed.
Chen Xuan knew Xiao Wu was downplaying her progress. Her actual spirit power might have already surpassed Dai Mubai's.
With the time and energy put into the rare Crystal Radish, her spirit power certainly wouldn't have stopped at level thirty-nine.
In the following days, the Shrek team maintained a balance of adequate rest and focused on training and meditation, aiming to reach their peak condition.
Two days later, Xiao Wu excitedly announced, "Everyone, I've reached level forty!"
"Xiao Wu, amazing job!" Dai Mubai gave her a thumbs up.
The Shrek team congratulated her, thrilled for her progress. Among the original seven, she had achieved this without using spirit herbs and had managed not to lag behind.
Liu Erlong, ecstatic at the news, embraced Xiao Wu warmly, saying, "My dear Xiao Wu, you're incredible! I'm so proud of you." Her face glowed with happiness.
Since losing Grandmaster, she had often felt heartache and sadness, so this good news brought a glimmer of joy.
"Xiao Wu, before the tournament starts, let Teacher Erlong take you to hunt a spirit beast," Dai Mubai suggested.
Everyone urged her to hurry and acquire her spirit ring, which would mean Shrek would have eight Spirit Elders on their team.
However, Xiao Wu's expression turned downcast; she didn't want to hunt spirit beasts.
As a spirit beast in human form, she hated seeing her kind killed. Additionally, her method of obtaining spirit rings was unique and couldn't be revealed.
Just as she began to find an excuse to refuse, Liu Erlong seized her hand, pulling her along excitedly, saying, "Perfect timing! I'll take you to hunt a spirit beast right now. My precious Xiao Wu, you're truly impressive."
Oscar nudged Tang San, asking with a puzzled look, "Isn't having someone help hunt a spirit beast a good thing? Why does Xiao Wu look so reluctant?"
Tang San simply shook his head and smiled without answering.
"Dean Erlong, wait a moment!"
A sudden voice stopped Liu Erlong and Xiao Wu just as they were stepping out.
Everyone looked over in surprise, seeing Chen Xuan step forward. What did he intend to do?
Liu Erlong frowned, though she paused and turned to him, her expression cool as she asked, "Chen, what is it?"
Time was running short, with only a day and a half left to obtain Xiao Wu's spirit ring.
"I'd like to come along as well," Chen Xuan replied.
At these words, Tang San's gaze turned cold, barely suppressing a surge of killing intent.
What was he planning by tagging along with Xiao Wu? Trying to steal the spotlight?
Flender furrowed his brow, walking over and saying, "Chen, your priority should be training. Erlong can handle hunting a spirit beast alone."
"Dean, I mean, I need to acquire a spirit ring as well because I've reached level fifty," Chen Xuan explained calmly.
He shared that his spirit power had already reached level forty-nine back in Heaven Dou City and had finally broken through to level fifty just now.
Chen Xuan's tone was composed, as if this achievement was expected. Based on feedback from the supreme plant in his soul world, he'd anticipated this breakthrough within ten days, and it had occurred on the eighth day.
His calm words, however, struck the Shrek team like a bolt of lightning, leaving them stunned and unable to contain their shock.
The Shrek Seven were in disbelief. The unexpected revelation had shaken them deeply, leaving them unable to recover.
Zhu Zhuqing's lips parted slightly in astonishment. Although she'd always known Chen Xuan was holding back, this result was still shocking.
"Chen, are you serious?" Ma Hongjun asked in a daze, struggling to process the news.
After all, they had trained intensely under Grandmaster's guidance and had even used immortal herbs, yet they'd only advanced seven or eight levels in over a year.
"Chen, are you joking? Have you really reached level fifty?" Flender exclaimed, his jaw dropping in surprise as he realized his voice had risen.
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