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On the first day, there were fifteen arena matches scheduled. At exactly 10:00 AM, the three arenas built by the Spirit Hall began their battles simultaneously, thrilling the audience.
"Go! Go!" The spectators cheered as the teams stepped onto the stage, rallying behind the passionate student competitors.
Six teams took the stage at the same time, each consisting of three Spirit Ancestors and four Spirit Elders. Their spirit rings were also optimally configured: two yellow and two purple. This made the matches highly entertaining, as the teams were evenly matched, having all advanced to the finals.
After about twenty minutes, Arena 2 finally saw a victor emerge. The winning team advanced, while the losing team was eliminated. The other two arenas soon followed suit.
Two hours passed, and eight team matches had been completed. This meant eight teams advanced, while eight were eliminated. Such is the nature of competition—there are always winners and losers.
"This morning, eight teams have advanced. The second half of the matches will begin at 2:00 PM sharp. Please prepare yourselves to bring even more excitement to this finals tournament. Dismissed," announced Chrysanthemum Douluo.
"How did you find the matches, A Yin, Sister Rou?" Lin Yongming asked the two.
"Not bad. They were quite entertaining, and we got to see a variety of spirits and spirit skills," Sister Rou replied with a smile.
"Indeed. The teams were evenly matched, which made for a great visual experience," Blue Silver Emperor nodded in agreement.
"I envy you both," Lin Yongming sighed.
"Xiao Ming, what about you? Since you can't see, what did you feel?" Blue Silver Emperor asked curiously.
"Ah, what can I say? All I felt was a bunch of dark, wooden figures running around on the stage," Lin Yongming replied helplessly.
"Oh, my poor Xiao Ming. Don't cry. Come here, let me comfort you," Blue Silver Emperor teased.
"..." Lin Yongming was speechless. "A Yin, are you serious?"
"Haha!" Sister Rou couldn't help but laugh at their banter.
Bibi Dong watched their interaction with a hint of envy but chose not to join in.
Soon after, the crowd began to disperse. Qian Xunji returned to the Pope's Hall, and Bibi Dong approached Lin Yongming and the others.
"Xiao Ming, let's have lunch at the front hall cafeteria. A Yin, Sister Rou, you're welcome to join," Bibi Dong invited.
"That's very kind of you, but we wouldn't want to impose. We can eat outside," Blue Silver Emperor replied politely.
"Don't be so formal. It's no trouble at all," Bibi Dong insisted, taking Blue Silver Emperor's hand.
"Well, alright then."
"Captain, Vice-Captain, let's go. I'm getting hungry," Wang Yu said with a silly, innocent smile.
The group then headed to the front hall cafeteria of the Spirit Hall. Aside from Lin Yongming's group, there were other Spirit Hall members present. Qian Xunji, of course, was not among them.
Blue Silver Emperor and Sister Rou gradually relaxed, especially Sister Rou, who was meeting Lin Yongming's teammates for the first time.
After lunch, Bibi Dong led everyone to the rooftop of the front hall. They enjoyed the view of the sprawling buildings below, the cool breeze, and casual conversation.
The break passed quickly, and by 2:00 PM, the square was once again packed with spectators.
"The first match of the second half: Tianshui Academy versus Plant Academy," Chrysanthemum Douluo announced, resuming his role as the tournament's host.
On Arena 1, both teams consisted entirely of female members. The sight of fourteen girls standing on the stage electrified the audience.
"Wow, Tianshui Academy and Plant Academy are amazing. They're all beauties!" Wu Zhi exclaimed, his eyes gleaming.
"Hey, maybe after we graduate, we should teach at these academies. Finding a wife would be a breeze," Chen Wu joked, slinging an arm around Wu Zhi's shoulder.
"Dream on. Both Tianshui and Plant Academies primarily recruit female students and teachers," Dong Xiaofang retorted, rolling her eyes.
"Eh, we're tired of looking at you and Xiao Ling anyway," Chen Wu shot back.
"Xiao Zhi, let's go chat them up later," Chen Wu said with a mischievous grin.
"Sure thing," Wu Zhi nodded eagerly.
"Enough, you two. We're in the middle of a competition. Besides, these things depend on fate. If you can actually convince them to join the Spirit Hall, that would be ideal," Bibi Dong said, exasperated by her teammates' antics.
"Shui Xinrou, we meet again. In the qualifiers, it was individual matches. This time, it's a team battle. Let's see how you beat me now," the captain of Plant Academy, Shao Yunhua, taunted.
"Shao Yunhua, your Heavenly Blue Vine still needs work," Shui Xinrou, the captain of Tianshui Academy, replied calmly but dismissively.
"Hmph! Second Spirit Skill: Heavenly Blue Entanglement!" Shao Yunhua lashed out with her vine, aiming directly at Shui Xinrou.
"Second Spirit Skill: Water Wall!" Shui Xinrou summoned a wall of water, three meters high and four meters wide, blocking the attack.
The water in Shui Xinrou's hand was her spirit, a droplet of water.
"Damn it, you always counter me. Everyone, attack!" Shao Yunhua ordered her teammates.
"Fourth Spirit Skill: Water Swords!" Shui Xinrou threw her water droplet into the air, causing a rain of water to fall over the arena. The droplets quickly transformed into sharp swords, raining down on Shao Yunhua's position.
"Wow! What kind of spirit is that? It's incredible!" Chen Wu exclaimed.
"It must be a mutated spirit. That droplet of water is likely her own spirit," Bibi Dong observed, impressed.
Shui Xinrou, a level 45 Spirit Ancestor, led her team to victory with her overwhelming area-of-effect attacks. The weaker members of Plant Academy couldn't hold out for long.
The outcome was clear: Tianshui Academy advanced under Shui Xinrou's leadership.
"As expected of Tianshui Academy, one of the renowned Five Elemental Academies of the Heaven Dou Empire. Having four Spirit Ancestors is quite impressive," Bibi Dong nodded in approval.
"Indeed. The other Five Elemental Academies are likely on par with Tianshui Academy," Lin Yongming added.
"In that case, we have nothing to worry about. Captain, you two don't even need to step in," Chen Wu said confidently.
"Oh? If that's the case, then no one help him. Let him take on all seven opponents alone," Bibi Dong ordered.
"Ah..." Chen Wu was stunned.
"Serves you right!"
The matches continued, and by the time the seventh match concluded, it was already past 4:00 PM.
After the second half ended, Qian Xunji didn't immediately return to the Pope's Hall. Instead, he approached Lin Yongming and the others.
"Tomorrow, it will be your turn to take the stage. Show everyone what you're made of," Qian Xunji said with a calm smile.
"Yes, Your Holiness!" Lin Yongming and the others replied in unison.
Once Qian Xunji left, Bibi Dong addressed the team.
"Alright, the first round of the finals is over. Everyone, get some rest and be ready for tomorrow. We'll meet at the main gate at the same time. Dismissed."
"Yes, Captain!"
With that, the group dispersed. Lin Yongming and the others returned to the Spirit Hotel.
"Brother Lin!" A voice called out from behind.
Lin Yongming turned to see Ning Fengzhi.
"Brother Ning, long time no see!" Lin Yongming greeted.
"Brother Lin, Miss Blue Silver, it's been a while. How have you been?" Ning Fengzhi asked cheerfully.
"Not bad. And you, Brother Ning?" Lin Yongming replied with a smile.
"Haha, I've been doing well. You know, Hongying has agreed to marry me. We're planning to hold the wedding after the finals," Ning Fengzhi announced proudly.
"Wow, that's great! Congratulations," Blue Silver Emperor said.
"Brother Ning, congratulations," Lin Yongming added.
"Thank you. If it weren't for you two giving me a push back then, things with Hongying might not have progressed so quickly. What about you two?" Ning Fengzhi asked.
"A Yin and I aren't married yet, but we've already had our engagement ceremony," Lin Yongming replied honestly.
"I'm not surprised. You two were already inseparable back in Heaven Dou City," Ning Fengzhi said with a knowing smile.
"It's been so long since we last met. How about we have dinner together?" Ning Fengzhi suggested.
"Brother Ning, it's the middle of the competition, and I'm part of the Spirit Hall team. I wouldn't want to give anyone the wrong impression. How about we meet after the finals? We can invite Hongying and the others," Lin Yongming suggested.
"That makes sense. Alright, we'll meet after the finals. But if you end up facing Hongying's team, go easy on them," Ning Fengzhi said with a laugh.
"Of course, though we might not even face them," Lin Yongming agreed.
"Alright, I'll see you later. Where are you staying?"
"Spirit Hotel."
"Ah, I see."
With that, Lin Yongming and Ning Fengzhi returned to the hotel, exchanged a few more words, and then went to their respective rooms.
The night passed quickly, and soon it was the next morning.
The rules for the second round of the finals were as follows: the top two teams from each empire's qualifiers would receive a bye, while the remaining sixteen teams would compete for eight spots in the next round.
During the draw, Chen Wu eagerly volunteered to represent the team.
"Alright, since this will determine whether you can take on seven opponents alone," Bibi Dong teased.
"Fine, if that's how you want to play it, don't blame me for stealing the spotlight," Chen Wu retorted before rushing to the stage to join Chrysanthemum Douluo.
Chen Wu reached into the draw box and randomly pulled out a slip.
"Please, not us!" The other teams silently prayed as they watched Chen Wu, a member of the Spirit Hall team, draw the slip.
"Spirit Hall team versus Divine Wind Academy!" Chrysanthemum Douluo announced loudly.
"Oh no, we're done for. We're out in the second round," the captain of Divine Wind Academy groaned.
"Captain, it's fine. The dean won't blame us as long as we don't lose too badly. The other teams won't say much either," the vice-captain said resignedly.
"Haha, Brother Wang, you're out before us. Pay up," the captain of Blazing Fire Academy teased.
"Here! Hmph," the Divine Wind captain grumbled, handing over the money.
The draw rules stated that once a team was drawn, they could no longer be selected by others, as the matchups were now set.
Soon, all the matchups were announced, and the matches began at 9:00 AM.
"Please welcome the Spirit Hall team and the Divine Wind Academy team to the stage!"
Since there were only eight matches today, they were divided into two halves, with four matches each. The three arenas had been merged into one large stage overnight, providing a better viewing experience and more space for the competitors to move freely.
"The Spirit Hall team is taking the stage. I wonder what their strength levels are."
"I bet the minimum is seven Spirit Ancestors, with possibly one Spirit King."
"I think there are two Spirit Kings, given the captain and vice-captain."
Amidst the audience's speculation, both teams stepped onto the stage.
"Both teams are now on the stage. I declare the second match of the day: begin!" Chrysanthemum Douluo announced from the edge of the stage.
"Brothers, don't hold back! Release your spirits!" the Divine Wind captain shouted, rallying his team.
"Divine Wind Sword!" The captain summoned a sky-blue sword.
The Five Elemental Academies focused on five attributes: wind, fire, water, thunder, and earth. Each academy specialized in one element, pursuing extreme mastery.
Divine Wind Academy's members were all wind-attribute spirit masters, known for their speed and mobility.
The team consisted of four Spirit Ancestors and three Spirit Elders, with the captain at level 44 and the lowest at level 37.
On the Spirit Hall side, the weakest member was the support spirit master, Zhang Yuling, at level 43. The strongest was, of course, Bibi Dong, a level 55 Spirit King.
"Release your spirits!" Bibi Dong commanded coldly.
The Continental Advanced Spirit Master Tournament was a platform for healthy competition, with strict rules against killing. Thus, releasing spirits was a sign of respect for the opponents.
Bibi Dong's spirit rings lit up one by one, though she didn't activate her spirit possession.
"A level 55 Spirit King!" The audience gasped.
Next, Lin Yongming released his five spirit rings, and his spirit, the Thunder Blade, appeared in his hand.
"Another Spirit King! And his spirit ring configuration is one yellow, two purple, and two black!"
"The Spirit Hall remains the Spirit Hall. How can anyone compete with this?"
Chen Wu, Wu Zhi, Wang Yu, and the others also released their spirits and spirit rings.
"A level 49 Spirit Ancestor, two at level 47, one at level 46, and even the support is at level 43."
"Even if the two Spirit Kings don't fight, the rest of us are no match for them."
The other teams and spectators couldn't help but discuss the overwhelming strength of the Spirit Hall team.
"Captain, should we even fight?" the Divine Wind vice-captain asked helplessly.
"Fight! Of course, we fight! Don't back down. The worst that can happen is being thrown off the stage. It's better than forfeiting," the captain replied, though his tone betrayed his despair.
From his elevated seat, Qian Xunji watched the scene with satisfaction, nodding slightly.
With that, the Divine Wind captain led the charge, launching the first attack.
"First Spirit Skill: Divine Wind Blade!" A crescent-shaped, sky-blue energy blade shot toward the Spirit Hall team.
Chen Wu, wielding his Blood Shadow Piercing Spear, dashed forward and shattered the blade with a single strike.
"First Spirit Skill: Blessing of Light! Second Spirit Skill: Guardian of Light!" Zhang Yuling cast her support skills, enhancing Chen Wu.
"Xiao Ling, you really care about me," Chen Wu said with a grin.
"Shut up, or I'll take it back," Zhang Yuling blushed.
"Haha!" Chen Wu laughed awkwardly before charging forward.
Despite her earlier teasing, Bibi Dong naturally wouldn't let Chen Wu fight alone. She signaled Wu Zhi and Wang Yu to join him.
"Little Orange, I'll help you too," Dong Xiaofang teased, appearing beside Chen Wu in a flash.
"Stop calling me that in public!"
"Little Orange!" Wu Zhi also joined in.
"Little Orange!"
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 232 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 60 power stones I will publish the next chapter.