The Sword Monarch
For over 30 years, the Sword Monarch had roamed the Douluo Continent undefeated. His martial soul, the Seven Kills Sword, and his soul power level of 97 made him a peerless figure.
Yet, his desire to ascend to a higher realm of strength consumed him. One day, he sought out Qian Daoliu and requested a duel.
Qian Daoliu, the pinnacle of the Spirit Hall and a Level 99 Title Douluo, regarded him calmly.
"Considering how hard you've worked to cultivate, I will say this: a battle with me might kill you. Go back."
The Sword Monarch's reply was resolute:
"To die is no regret, as long as I can face a true master."
With a sigh, Qian Daoliu struck a single blow. The disparity in power between Level 99 and Level 97 was insurmountable.
The Sword Monarch was gravely injured, on the brink of death. Yet Qian Daoliu allowed him to leave. Despite the outcome, the Sword Monarch's courage and devotion to the way of the sword earned his respect.
In the moments before death, the Sword Monarch achieved a breakthrough to Level 98, coming within one step of the human pinnacle at Level 99.
Only then did he realize how naive his challenge to Qian Daoliu had been. If the gap between Level 97 and Level 98 was monumental, the chasm between Level 97 and Level 99 was immeasurable.
"Qian Daoliu… it wasn't my swordsmanship that fell short, only my soul power," he lamented, his greatest regret in life.
As he lay dying, the Sword Monarch instructed his son Chen Xin not to seek revenge.
Why?
Because with Chen Xin's talent, Level 99 was an unreachable dream. He could never defeat Qian Daoliu.
Moreover, the challenge was the Sword Monarch's own decision, despite Qian Daoliu's warning. There was no reason for revenge.
Return to the Present
"If Chen Xin stays with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, protecting their modest domain, he will never reach Level 98 in his lifetime," Qian Daoliu commented placidly.
At Level 96, Chen Xin could, under ideal conditions, reach Level 97 in a few decades. But he would likely go no further.
The elders of the Hall of Worship rarely left its confines, often isolating themselves in closed-door cultivation. Was it because they didn't want to leave? Of course not.
The truth was that after Level 95, each subsequent breakthrough required a massive accumulation of soul power.
At their level, only total focus on cultivation could provide even a sliver of hope for advancement. Wasting time on trivial matters? A breakthrough? Dream on. No one has such luck.
The other worship elders nodded in agreement. The Grand Worship was absolutely correct.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere among the golden-armored Spirit Hall elders was oddly restrained.
Observers were perplexed. Why were these mighty Title Douluos, paragons of strength, sitting so upright and stiff? Shouldn't they exude confidence and poise? Yet, they looked like mischievous students caught by a teacher.
The elders' collective thoughts: "…"
It's not like we want to be like this! But the Worship Hall elders are watching us!
Who would dare show off under their scrutiny? If one of those elders decided to "offer some guidance"…
Just thinking about it sent shivers down their spines. It was enough to make them feel cold.
The Unexpected Forfeit
"What? This… there's no rule for this!"
The referee was dumbfounded. He was just about to draw lots when he was informed that Star Luo Royal Academy had forfeited. They voluntarily accepted third place, refusing even to contest for second.
In all the tournament's history, such an event had never occurred!
They had made it to the Pope's Palace, standing just one step from the championship. What if they won? Yet Star Luo Royal Academy chose not to compete, even relinquishing the second place battle.
The referee hurried to inform Bibi Dong, Ning Fengzhi, and the other decision-makers. As a referee, this was beyond his authority to resolve.
Hearing this, Bibi Dong and Ning Fengzhi exchanged incredulous glances. Star Luo Royal Academy didn't think they could defeat Shrek Academy, but to give up on second place too?
After a brief pause, Bibi Dong made her decision. She didn't want to see that blonde brat—Dai Mubai—any longer than necessary. The sooner the championship was decided, the sooner he could leave.
"Let it be," she said dismissively. "Let the Spirit Hall team and Shrek Academy fight one match to determine the winner. Whoever wins is the champion."
No matter what the rules were, Hu Liena's team couldn't win against Shrek Academy—unless they disqualified Dai Mubai outright. Only then might victory be possible.
With Bibi Dong's approval, Ning Fengzhi and the others raised no objections.
Ning Fengzhi cast a curious glance at Bibi Dong. The Pope seemed particularly displeased today, as if everyone owed her millions of gold soul coins.
How odd. Today was supposed to showcase Spirit Hall's strength. Why did she seem so unhappy?
With the decision made, the referee hurried to modify the competition rules. Normally, such changes wouldn't be allowed, but since everyone agreed, why not?
With only two teams remaining, the lot-drawing process was skipped entirely.
Star Luo Royal Academy's Rest Area
In the rest area, while Davis and Zhu Zhuyun maintained calm expressions, the other team members looked unsettled.
It was the Crown Prince's decision to forfeit, so they didn't dare complain. Still, they couldn't hide their dissatisfaction.
They had made it to the top three! Why surrender now?
Davis, noting their unease, initially didn't want to explain. These people were mere subordinates. But after some thought, he decided to address their concerns.
"You're wondering why I chose to forfeit, aren't you?"
The team exchanged glances.
"We wouldn't dare!"
"Hmph. Wouldn't dare?" Davis scoffed. As if they hadn't been cursing him internally! Their faces gave them away.
"Take a good look. Those two teams are not opponents we can defeat," Davis said coldly. "Soon, we'll be leaving Spirit City. We cannot afford to get injured on the journey."
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuyun smirked disdainfully. She alone knew the truth.
Even if their team joined forces with Hu Liena's, they still wouldn't be able to handle Dai Mubai alone.
What was the point of competing for second place against the Spirit Hall team? Better to end the tournament quickly and return to Star Luo Empire.
"So that's how it is!"
The team members suddenly understood. The Crown Prince had their safety in mind. They had misjudged him!
Davis: "…"
No, you didn't misjudge me. I really am terrified.
Especially after seeing Dai Mubai's spirit rings, Davis had been utterly shaken.
How could he and Zhu Zhuyun possibly face Dai Mubai?
In fact, even their father, Emperor Xing Luo himself, might not be a match for Dai Mubai now!
One could only imagine what was going through Davis's mind.
(Chapter ends)