Chapter 197: Chapter 197: The Grand Finale of the All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament
High atop a mist-shrouded mountain range lay a sacred site of Spirit Hall. Legends told of a spirit master who had discovered an angel statue here and founded an organization that, over time, evolved into the Spirit Master Association. Blessed with celestial energy and angelic protection, this organization grew from humble beginnings into the mighty Spirit Hall that commanded respect from the two great empires.
On this day, representatives from spirit academies across the continent gathered for the tournament's final match. Before the Pope's Hall, an elder announced solemnly, "Will the teams from Shrek Academy and Spirit Hall Academy please come forward for the final round."
Only Shrek Academy, dressed in their crimson uniforms, took to the stage.
The elder continued, "As the Spirit Hall Academy team has forfeited, I hereby declare Shrek Academy the champions of this All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament."
No one was surprised by the announcement. In previous matches, every team that faced Shrek Academy had chosen to forfeit rather than face them, knowing full well that each member of Shrek's team was a one-in-a-million talent. Especially their leader, Mu Chen, who not only led Shrek but was also the head of Tang Sect—a force to be reckoned with.
The battle between Mu Chen and Bibi Dong under the starry night had spread across the spirit master world, marking him as a peer to the Pope. Those who knew the truth understood it was Bibi Dong who had tasted defeat that night. With such a powerful opponent, what academy would willingly face Shrek on stage? Even Spirit Hall Academy had no desire to risk public humiliation.
"Nana, is he truly that strong? Is he really a Titled Douluo?" Yan, the red-haired spirit master from Spirit Hall Academy, asked Hu Liena, who stood beside him.
"I wouldn't know," Hu Liena replied, a faint glint of frustration in her eyes. She hadn't forgotten the time Mu Chen had employed his unique, somewhat devious techniques against her.
"But you're the Pope's disciple and Spirit Hall's saintess. You've always been close to the Pope; how can you not know?" Yan pressed.
"I just don't," she snapped. "I wasn't even there that night."
Yan's fist clenched in frustration, "Those three spirit bones were meant for us, only given as prizes due to the Elders' pressure on the Pope. Now, they're in Shrek's hands."
The Spirit Hall team members—Xie Yue, Xu Yu, Li Kai, and Zhang Ping—shared Yan's frustration, their expressions reflecting deep resentment. As for Hu Liena, she simply cast a lingering glance at Mu Chen before leaving in silence, her hands clenched, her eyes unreadable.
---
On the stage, Xiao Wu, upon stepping forward, became tense.
Mu Chen noticed this immediately and sensed the watchful gazes focused intently on her. Without the legendary herb that had protected her in the original timeline, Xiao Wu's true identity as a spirit beast was likely already known to the experts observing.
Mu Chen reached out, taking Xiao Wu's hand in his own. Her tense expression softened as she felt reassured by his steady presence.
"Congratulations to Shrek Academy on becoming the champions of this year's tournament. Now, let us proceed with the award ceremony. May the Pope step forward to present the champion's prizes."
At the elder's words, Bibi Dong approached with a graceful stride, holding her scepter with poise. Mu Chen noticed Xiao Wu's gaze, the bitterness in her eyes tempered by their recent promise to defer her vengeance.
"The champion of this year's All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament… is Shrek Academy. Congratulations to you, young spirit masters."
Bibi Dong's melodious voice carried as three items, bathed in a radiant glow, appeared before her.
"Spirit bones!" gasped the assembled academy teams, their envy unmistakable.
The presence of spirit bones signified a remarkable advantage. For Shrek Academy, and by extension, the emerging Tang Sect, possessing these treasures promised newfound power.
"May Shrek Academy's representative come forward to accept the championship reward."
Mu Chen approached, stepping up to Bibi Dong.
"Mu Chen," she whispered, leaning close, "don't forget our agreement."
"Of course," he replied calmly. "I haven't forgotten."
"It's not too late to reconsider. If you join Spirit Hall, I can guarantee a prominent position for you," she offered.
"Thank you, but I have no interest in Spirit Hall," he replied coolly.
"Very well. Best of luck, then," Bibi Dong smiled slightly, masking her thoughts.
With a wave of her hand, the three spirit bones floated toward Mu Chen, who brought them back to the Shrek team.
"Zhu Zhuqing!" he called.
Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward, and Mu Chen handed her the spirit bone, saying, "This Swift Wind Left Leg Bone is perfect for an agility-type spirit master like you, especially since you've trained in the Wind God Leg technique."
"Thank you, Mu Chen," Zhu Zhuqing replied gratefully.
"Ma Hongjun!" Mu Chen called next.
Ma Hongjun approached, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"This Explosive Blaze Right Arm Bone is yours," Mu Chen said, sending the fiery spirit bone his way.
"Thank you, Boss Mu!" Ma Hongjun grinned.
Finally, he turned to Tang San. "This Spirit-Focused Wisdom Bone is for you, Tang San. Since Rongrong and Jiangzhu already have spirit bones, you're next in line."
"Thank you, Boss Mu," Tang San responded, deeply appreciative.
As Mu Chen concluded the distribution, the elder's voice rang out once more, officially signaling the end of the tournament.
But before anyone could celebrate, a hoarse voice cut through the air.
"Guards, seize that girl!"
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