The air within the Heaven Dou City's Great Spirit Arena trembled not from the clamor of the crowds, but from the aftermath of silence—a silence that followed a spectacle so strange, so overwhelming, that many in the audience still hadn't found the words to describe what had happened.
Just minutes ago, Cang Hui Academy—a team composed entirely of control-type Spirit Masters—had released a terrifying Seven-in-One Soul Skill. Though not a martial soul fusion technique, it had imitated one to an eerie degree. A mysterious domain had enveloped the stage, giving rise to an illusory realm that most assumed would crush the will of Shrek Academy.
But what truly happened within that dreamlike battlefield was unknown to almost everyone.
The only undeniable truth was this:
Tang San stood victorious.
The other seven students of Cang Hui now sat slumped against the arena walls—blank-eyed, drooling, their mouths mumbling incoherent sounds. Their minds shattered, their spirits broken.
The official announced Shrek Academy's victory, but his voice trembled slightly as he did so. The crowd didn't erupt in cheers this time. Instead, murmurs buzzed like agitated bees:
"What did Tang San do to them?"
"Was that really a fusion technique? I've never seen anything like it!"
---
In the VIP stands, Bishop Salas of Spirit Hall narrowed his eyes, his expression unreadable.
He had been waiting. Watching. Hoping for an opportunity to clamp down on Shrek Academy.
He did not act then—not because he was afraid, but because he was calculating.
---
Later – Shrek Academy Quarters
The tournament staff allowed Shrek Academy to return to their residence without issue. The students remained silent. Even Ma Hongjun didn't joke. The gravity of what happened lingered in the air.
Just as the silence stretched on, footsteps echoed outside the entrance.
The door opened abruptly—Bishop Salas of Spirit Hall strode in, surrounded by several Spirit Hall attendants. His sharp eyes swept the room before settling on Yu Xiaogang and Flender.
He did not greet them.
> "Shrek Academy," Salas said coldly, "regarding today's match, I have matters that require immediate investigation."
Flender frowned. "This isn't the arena. On what grounds do you barge in here?"
Salas ignored him and looked directly at Tang San. "Student Tang San, during today's battle, the entire Cang Hui team lost the ability to think. You were the primary target of their Seven Asura Dreamland, yet you emerged unharmed. The circumstances are far too suspicious."
Tang San remained calm. "The backlash was caused by their own mental strain. If Bishop Salas is questioning whether we harmed them intentionally, I can only say—we defended ourselves."
Salas narrowed his eyes. "Your response is inadequate. I must question each of you separately, especially regarding the methods used—"
Before he could finish, Yu Xiaogang stepped forward and calmly retrieved a badge from his robe.
It bore a golden insignia of a scepter with twin wings—the unmistakable mark of the Supreme Pontiff.
"Bishop Salas," Yu Xiaogang said coldly, "if you're questioning the actions of my students, then I must remind you of this."
"By decree of Her Holiness the Supreme Pontiff, Bibi Dong, Shrek Academy is to continue participating in the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament, unimpeded and unquestioned. Any conflict arising shall be resolved under Her Holiness's authority."
The room fell completely silent.
Salas's pupils shrank slightly as he stared at the document. Of course he recognized the Pope's seal—no one in Spirit Hall would dare to defy it.
Still, his expression darkened.
He respectfully greeted Yu Xiaogang as Elder and returned the pope decree he has taken to verify.
He and his guards left without another word.
As the door closed behind them, Flender let out a long breath. "That was too close."
Dai Mubai looked at Yu Xiaogang. "Grandmaster, how do you have a direct decree from the Supreme Pontiff?"
Yu Xiaogang only said: "That's not something you need to concern yourselves with. Focus on preparing for your next opponent."
–––
Time went to arena when everyone was shocked from today's incident.
The battle between Shrek Academy and Cang Hui Academy had ended in a bizarre and chilling fashion.
From the spectator stands, Jiang Yun, narrowed his eyes. What had looked like a routine high-stakes match had devolved into chaos. The famed control-type team of Cang Hui—boasting a rare seven-in-one illusory soul skill—had been utterly dismantled. Worse, they were left mentally ruined, their gazes empty, minds shattered beyond recovery.
"What just happened in that illusion?" muttered Zhu Zhuqing, seated beside him, her arms crossed.
Jiang Yun didn't answer immediately. His focus remained on Tang San, who stood calm in the arena, eyes steady, not even panting. That level of spiritual strength was no longer at the level of a typical control-type soul master.
"They used a seven-in-one technique. Not martial soul fusion, but spiritual force integration," Jiang Yun murmured. "That kind of teamwork is rare… but it backfired."
"Because of Tang San?" Bai Ling asked softly.
Jiang Yun nodded. "He used a spiritual counter-technique, likely attacked their minds mid-illusion, causing direct backlash.
Feng Ming shook his head. "To think someone could weaponize their own spiritual trauma to destroy others… terrifying."
Below in the arena, officials scrambled to carry away the incapacitated Cang Hui team. Confusion and horror spread among the crowd.
Later – Azure Dragon Academy Quarters
The team had returned to their compound when a quiet knock sounded at the door. One of their informants from the city entered, bowing slightly.
"Senior Jiang, something just occurred at Shrek Academy's quarters. Bishop Salas attempted to investigate them—most likely regarding the Cang Hui incident—but was forced to retreat after Grandmaster Yu produced a personal decree from the Supreme Pontiff."
A silence followed the report.
Dugu Yan frowned. "Wait, a decree from Bibi Dong? Doesn't that mean Shrek has protection at the highest level of Spirit Hall?"
"It means," Jiang Yun said slowly, "that Yu Xiaogang still has influence. Or that Bibi Dong… still watches him."
Qiao Xuan looked up. "Wasn't there a rumor they were once… close?"
"That's a story for another time," Jiang Yun replied. "But keep this in mind: the politics surrounding this tournament are more dangerous than any match."
"Shrek Academy is strong," Jiang Yun said bluntly. "But their strength makes them a target. If we face them, it will not be a fair fight—not because of them, but because of who wants them to fail."
"Spirit Hall?" Bai Ling asked.
"Yes," he replied. "And others."
He looked around at his squad—the Azure Dragon Academy, already an anomaly in this tournament, a new force rising in a world of hidden powers.
The team nodded, solemn and confident.
Outside, the tournament continued. Shrek Academy's next match would be against Tianshui Academy, but Jiang Yun knew—
The real battles were only just beginning.