The atmosphere among the spectators grew increasingly tense. Battles of this caliber were rare, especially when the combatants' strength was as exceptional as these two. In their respective ranks, both were undeniably elites. What surprised everyone was that Qian Renxue, with her rank 95 spirit power, managed to gradually suppress Sword Douluo, who was rank 97.
As the battle progressed, the initial probing moves gave way to all-out attacks from both sides.
With each passing moment, spirit skills were exchanged relentlessly, including both combatants' ninth spirit abilities.
However, it was precisely due to this that Sword Douluo's situation became more precarious. Qian Renxue had two hundred-thousand-year spirit abilities, not to mention her set of top-tier spirit bones. Ultimately, Qian Renxue narrowly secured victory, with Sword Douluo's spirit power completely drained, leaving him barely able to stand, supported only by his Seven Kill Sword.
After the fight, Qian Renxue left the arena alone, heading back to her room to rest and recover.
Sword Douluo, too, struggled to leave the stage. As soon as he returned to his room, he spat out a mouthful of blood, his face pale and his condition alarming.
After some time spent recovering, Sword Douluo finally spoke, his voice heavy: "I never expected Qian Renxue to be so formidable. Despite being two ranks below me, she still managed to defeat me. This young woman has limitless potential."
Bone Douluo quickly consoled him, saying, "Old Sword, you were simply unfamiliar with Qian Renxue's martial spirit. If it weren't for the suppression from her martial spirit, you should have been able to defeat her."
Sword Douluo gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "There's no hope. I probably won't be able to defeat her ever again. Remember, Qian Renxue is not even thirty years old. Her spirit power will continue to grow rapidly, while mine has already reached its limit. I'll never advance beyond rank 97 in this lifetime."
Ning Fengzhi interjected thoughtfully, "I didn't realize Qian Renxue was so exceptional, with such extraordinary talent. Given time, she could very well become another Qian Daoliu—or even surpass him."
"Yang Podi has always avoided direct conflict with the Spirit Empire. Perhaps he foresaw the rise of such a peerless genius and chose to steer clear of unnecessary enmity."
Ning Fengzhi sighed bitterly and continued, "I've been too arrogant, both in the past and now. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has never had the capital to truly oppose the Spirit Empire, nor will we ever have such potential."
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo quickly tried to comfort him. "Fengzhi, though Qian Renxue is indeed a prodigy with immense potential, her talent is nowhere near that of Yang Podi. We're now part of the Heavenly Academy. No matter what happens, there are others who will stand with us."
Ning Fengzhi shook his head, a wry smile on his lips. "Yes, others will bear the burden. Looking back, I now believe the Breaking Clan made the right decision when they left Heaven Dou City. Their departure allowed them to avoid two of the Spirit Empire's soul-hunting campaigns, giving them valuable time to grow and develop."
"I was too conceited back then. If I had acted decisively and followed Yang Podi's example by distancing ourselves from these conflicts, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan wouldn't have ended up in its current state."
Bone Douluo reassured him, "Fengzhi, you've done extraordinarily well. It was under your leadership that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan reached its peak. Now that we've joined the Heavenly Academy, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda will live on. At least we won't end up like the Clear Sky Clan or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
In response, Ning Fengzhi sighed deeply. "Regardless, my decisions were wrong in the past. I can only hope I've made the right choice this time."
With those words, a heavy silence fell over the room.
Breaking the quiet, Ning Fengzhi asked, "Sword Uncle, do you think Yang Zhentian has truly reached rank 98?"
Sword Douluo nodded. "He should have. Although I haven't fought him directly, his aura and strength far exceed mine. Especially with his Breaking Soul Spear, which is entirely focused on attack-type spirit rings, his actual combat strength must be even greater."
"And what are the chances of Yang Zhentian breaking through to rank 99?" Ning Fengzhi pressed further.
"That's hard to say," Sword Douluo replied thoughtfully. "Yang Zhentian is much younger than I am, so he still has some potential. But his martial spirit and natural aptitude pose significant limitations, and he doesn't possess any hundred-thousand-year spirit rings. From what I know, it's nearly impossible to reach rank 99 without them. Honestly, it's already a miracle that he's reached rank 98."
Ning Fengzhi smiled bitterly. "It seems the Breaking Clan truly holds some great secrets—or perhaps great fortune. But whatever it is, it has nothing to do with us."
Meanwhile, in a small city in the western part of the Heaven Dou Empire, a group of spirit masters appeared.
These individuals were heavily injured and looked utterly exhausted, their expressions worn and their appearances disheveled. They were none other than Titan and his group.
During the Spirit Empire's second soul-hunting campaign, while its primary focus was on eliminating the Heaven Dou royal family, the Clear Sky Clan, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, they did not spare the Strength Clan and the Speed Clan. The Spirit Empire had dispatched several Spirit Douluo to attack these clans as well.
As former vassals of the Clear Sky Clan, the two clans suffered tremendous losses. Now, the combined survivors of both clans numbered just over a hundred, a result of countless sacrifices made by clan members to hold off their attackers.
Titan was no longer the same proud and indomitable figure he once was when he joined the Clear Sky Clan. His current state was one of bitterness and defeat.
Among this group were also several familiar faces, including Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong, and Flender, along with other former members of Shrek Academy such as Zhao Wuji.
Although the Spirit Empire had not specifically targeted Shrek Academy, they now found themselves wandering like refugees, far removed from their former status as educators and spirit masters.
As they fled Heaven Dou City, the group had been pondering how to evade the Spirit Empire's pursuit.
Tai tan couldn't help but recall the single-attribute clans' alliance. In just a few years, the disparity between them had grown insurmountable. Those he once considered brothers had now become strangers.
After much discussion, the group finally decided to head for Vast sea City. Being one of the few places beyond the Spirit Empire's immediate reach, it offered a glimmer of hope. If necessary, they could even take to the sea to escape.
Their journey to Vast Sea City was also driven by the possibility of providing support for Tang San when he returned from Sea God Island.
Recent news had confirmed the fall of the Clear Sky Clan and the near-destruction of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, which had since joined the Heavenly Academy. With the addition of two new Title Douluo, the academy's strength had grown significantly.
The destruction of the Heaven Dou and Star Luo imperial families also meant the Clear Sky Clan had lost its final opportunity.
Tai tan, filled with regret, reflected bitterly on the past. His steadfast loyalty to the Clear Sky Clan had ultimately led to his clan's downfall.
Beside him, Flender sighed and said, "With the Spirit Empire's current strength, conquering Vast Sea City is only a matter of time. What hope do we really have there?"