The shock from Xiao Tianyang's blade lingered for a long time.
Even on the final day of the promotion tournament, discussions about it still hadn't died down.
During this time, Xiao Tianyang never fought another match.
If there had been those who still dared challenge him before—clinging to a sliver of hope—then after that single Spring and Autumn Slash, even that last trace of luck had been utterly crushed.
Thus, long before the tournament concluded, the outcome was already set in stone.
The Whitebeard team securing a spot in the finals was all but guaranteed.
However, Xiao Tianyang was slightly surprised by the final day's matchups.
God Wind Academy vs. Shrek Academy!
"I thought my interference would prevent Huo Wu and Feng Xiaotian from crossing paths, avoiding any conflict between Xiao San and him."
Xiao Tianyang couldn't help but smile. "Yet, it seems fate still played out as it was meant to..."
What truly surprised him, however, was how different the battle was from the original timeline.
First, Feng Xiaotian didn't use his Stormwind Demon Wolf's Thirty-Six Successive Chops—a technique originally inspired by Tang San's Chaotic Strikes.
Perhaps due to Xiao Tianyang's influence or Feng Xiaotian's own explosive potential, he had instead developed his own Autumn Wind Mad Blade, a fusion of soul skills crafted entirely through his own efforts.
Second, Tang San never once revealed the Clear Sky Hammer, relying solely on his Blue Silver Grass and Eight Spider Lances to battle his opponent.
To the untrained eye, the fight seemed evenly matched—neither side gaining a clear advantage.
But true experts could see it: Tang San held the upper hand in every aspect except raw martial soul quality.
As expected, Tang San emerged victorious.
Yet Feng Xiaotian wore his defeat with pride. It wasn't a crushing loss, and thanks to Edward's earlier guidance, he no longer obsessed over victory or defeat.
Because Xiao Tianyang had taught him two truths: Failure isn't shameful—what's shameful is being unable to rise after failing. And winning or losing doesn't matter—what matters is what you gain from the battle itself.
Had Xiao Tianyang known how deeply Feng Xiaotian took these words to heart, he might've been a little embarrassed.
After all, when he'd said them, he hadn't thought that deeply about it…
With Tang San never unveiling the Clear Sky Hammer, Xiao Tianyang remained the most dazzling figure of the tournament.
1st Place: Whitebeard Team (undefeated, only one fighter ever needed)
2nd Place: Shrek Academy (despite two losses, still outperformed Blazing Academy)
3rd Place: Blazing Fire Academy
4th Place: Tianshui Academy
5th Place: God Wind Academy
The rankings painted a staggering picture—the top five were all teams from the Heaven Dou City Division!
Even more telling? The standings never shifted.
No matter how hard the lower-ranked teams fought, no matter what trump cards they revealed, they couldn't surpass those above them.
This spoke to two things: The Heaven Dou Division was overflowing with talent and the top three teams still had hidden aces up their sleeves.
Shrek Academy, in particular, left even Salas and Emperor Xue Ye feeling they were unfathomable.
But the one who truly held their attention?
It was Edward (Xiao Tianyang).
That final match had shaken them to their core, leaving an impression not easily forgotten.
…
After the tournament, Emperor Xue Ye delivered the customary praise and rewards—titles, doubled prize money, and an upgrade from a 3,000-year soul beast to a 4,000-year one.
But the next stage of the competition wouldn't be held in either empire.
It would take place in Spirit Hall's domain—Spirit Hall City.
A city independent of both empires, with its own governance, economy, military, and laws.
It was, in essence, an empire in all but name.
A saying once circulated among soul masters: They know only the glory of Spirit Hall City, not the decline of the empires.
Of course, this was an exaggeration.
While Spirit Hall suppressed the two empires, they weren't in decline—and Spirit Hall itself dared not push too hard.
A wounded tiger is still a tiger.
The empires' millennia-old legacies couldn't be toppled overnight.
Thus, a three-way balance persisted.
But tensions simmered—especially over borders and talent recruitment.
A trip to Spirit Hall City?
For some, it would be anything but smooth.
Especially for Xiao Tianyang… and Tang San.
…
The journey from Heaven Dou City to Spirit Hall City would take at least ten days.
Emperor Xue Ye wouldn't personally escort them—Spirit Hall would never allow it.
Still, to leave a good impression, he spared no expense: twenty luxurious carriages and an escort of Royal Knights.
But that was for tomorrow.
Tonight, they rested.
…
Rose Hotel
"Three things to remember for this trip." Miao Zhenshan's voice was grave as he addressed his three-and-a-half disciples. The "half" being Saber, who wasn't officially his student yet.
"It's confirmed—Spirit Hall is planning something big for this tournament."
"Who their target is, we don't know yet. But given your talents, that woman from Spirit Hall won't let you go easily."
Fei Xue tilted her head. "Wasn't this already mentioned before? Is there more?"
Miao Zhenshan shook his head. "I am still investigating."
Xiao Tianyang smirked, swirling his tea. "With only sixteen days until we arrive, I doubt there's time to uncover much, Teacher."
Miao Zhenshan frowned. "Always the clever one, aren't you?"
"Once there, speak sparingly. Don't give them any excuses to act against you."
Xiao Tianyang cut in. "No need to soften it, Teacher. I know how dangerous this is."
"Spirit Hall won't let the issue with Bibi Dong stay buried forever."
"And using that as a pretext to target Shrek Academy? Perfect."
"They'll either stand aside and be seen as cowards… or intervene and face Spirit Hall's wrath."
…
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