...
Under the twilight, Spirit City resembled a slumbering ancient behemoth, exuding immense pressure when viewed from afar under the crimson sunset.
No one knew what kind of storm it would bring to the world when it awakened.
Under the dusk sky, a massive convoy moved slowly along a straight passage, resembling a dragon. Their destination was the gigantic city gate of Spirit City.
"We're finally arriving at Spirit City." Tang San sighed as he walked with the main force, his body covered in dust. Looking ahead at the blurry immense city in the distance, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.
Recalling the events of the past few days, it could be described as thrilling.
Never did Tang San expect that he would encounter an assassination attempt from a Titled Douluo powerhouse on the way.
Fortunately, they had Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin protecting them.
Under the strong protection of Sword Douluo, their team remained unharmed and managed to repel the opposing Titled Douluo.
As Tang San looked at the approaching Spirit City, he couldn't help but clench his fist.
For the first time, he felt the insignificance of his own strength. In the face of absolute powerhouses, his current strength was like an ant with no resistance.
Tang San had witnessed the battle between Sword Douluo and that Mysterious Titled Douluo, where the casually released invincible aura caused surging spirit power fluctuations like an endless sea. Even without utilizing spirit skills, just the pressure from their spirit power alone could crush him.
Although they had narrowly escaped this ordeal, Tang San remained vigilant. He knew that within this city that resembled a beast, there were more hidden dangers.
At the same time, there were stronger opponents waiting for him to challenge.
He now yearned for strength more than ever, the power to protect himself and his loved ones.
"Third Brother, what's wrong with you?" Xiao Wu, who was by Tang San's side, noticed his brother's apparent anxiety and couldn't help but worry as she asked.
Tang San looked at Xiao Wu, shook his head, and responded with a warm smile.
"Xiao Wu, no matter what happens, I will protect you!"
Seeing Tang San's sincere expression, Xiao Wu felt a bit puzzled but still reached out and held his hand. Their hands clasped together.
"Yeah, I believe in you!"
The other members of the Seven Devils, who were by their side, watched this scene speechlessly.
Although they hadn't done anything, they had been unintentionally fed dog food and couldn't help but feel envious and jealous.
Among the Seven Devils, Tang San and Xiao Wu were already in a romantic relationship. Though they didn't admit it, it was clear to everyone with discerning eyes.
Sometimes, these two siblings didn't distinguish the appropriate occasions and unexpectedly displayed their affection, catching everyone off guard and causing a sour feeling in their hearts.
Ma Hongjun couldn't bear to look and shifted his gaze towards Spirit City in the distance. He sighed, "This city is really huge. Looking from afar, it feels more vast and majestic than the Heaven Dou Imperial City. The aura is even more imposing."
"Naturally, this city is the largest and most prosperous city on the continent. It is located at the border of the Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire, serving as a hub for the two empires' commercial activities. It can be considered the pearl of the continent." Ning Rongrong explained to Ma Hongjun.
"Moreover, this city is the headquarters of the Spirit Hall."
Upon hearing this, Ma Hongjun couldn't help gulping and looked at Spirit City in the distance with anticipation. "Such a prosperous city, I wonder what interesting things are inside?"
Oscar glanced at Ma Hongjun, their eyes meeting, and they couldn't help but share a mischievous smile. Oscar teased, "Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. Keep those inappropriate thoughts to yourself in this city. Remember, the current Supreme Pontiff of the Spirit Hall is an exceptionally beautiful female spirit master. In her jurisdiction, such vulgar places don't exist."
"What? How can that be!" Ma Hongjun's face immediately fell upon hearing Oscar's words. Seeing his dejected expression, Oscar smirked beside him.
A large hand patted Ma Hongjun's shoulder, and he turned to see Dai Mubai.
Dai Mubai smiled and said, "Hey fatty, you've already overcome your evil fire issue, yet you still have these thoughts? Seems like you still have some issues with your mindset."
"Hehe, old habits are hard to break. I'm slowly adjusting." Ma Hongjun embarrassedly replied.
"Let's move on. It's been days since we've had a bath. When we enter the city, let's find a hot spring tavern and give our bodies a good relaxation."
At the mention of hot springs, everyone's eyes immediately lit up. After days of traveling on the road, covered in dust, it wasn't only the boys who suffered, but also the girls who cherished cleanliness.
Being able to soak in warm spring water before dinner would be an ultimate indulgence.
"But too bad, Zeng Yi isn't here. It's the most intense moment of the tournament, yet he returned to the sect for cultivation." Ning Rongrong expressed regret, sighing as she held up a silver-patterned kitten, rubbing her face against its fur.
"Xiao Ju, your idiot master really left you behind. Why don't you come with me from now on!" Ning Rongrong held up the little kitten's small and soft body, speaking to it to herself.
"Meow."
The mention of Zeng Yi led the conversation to other topics.
Dai Mubai said regrettably, "I thought we could have a match against Zeng Yi in the tournament, but it seems there's no hope now."
"Well, it's not a bad thing. I've already developed a shadow from Yi-ge. If he were here, we really wouldn't be able to win the championship." Oscar said with some relief.
"Just that, without Yi-ge as an opponent, it does feel a bit dull."
"Hey hey, let's not be too presumptuous. Do you think we can easily defeat Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's Second Team?" Ma Hongjun's face turned somewhat gloomy upon hearing Dai Mubai's words. He had forgotten about this matter. Although Zeng Yi wasn't part of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's Second Team, the reconstituted team was truly formidable, and it didn't feel any weaker than their Shrek Seven Monsters.
"Rongrong, your senior sisters there are something else. I never expected your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to have so many talented spirit masters." Oscar commented.
"Hmph, don't think that our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, as one of the top three sects, is just talk." Ning Rongrong snorted proudly, a look of self-confidence on her face.
"However, our complete Shrek Seven Monsters will never lose to any team!"
"Hahaha, of course!"
Tang San remained silent, listening quietly to their conversation. However, he had a feeling that Zeng Yi's sudden disappearance from the tournament was definitely not as simple as Ning Rongrong had described it.
Perhaps, just like us, he was kept in the dark.
Another quiet person was Zhu Zhuqing. She had maintained a cool demeanor throughout the journey, trailing behind the team.
As she looked at the approaching Spirit City, Zhu Zhuqing's mind wandered.
We've arrived at Spirit City, which means the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament is nearly halfway over.
Zeng Yi.
That figure once again appeared in Zhu Zhuqing's mind. She looked down at the two swords hanging at her waist, one with a scabbard named Clear Shadow, the other an ordinary looking bamboo sword named Yi Sword.
Gazing at these two swords, Zhu Zhuqing's cold gaze softened. Even though Zeng Yi was not here, with these two swords, it felt as if he were by her side.
...
"Haha ha ha ha..."
In a pink room filled with a girlish atmosphere, a girl sat in front of a dressing mirror, humming a cheerful tune and meticulously adorning herself.
Applying a light layer of powder, drawing her eyebrows, and applying a faint pink lipstick, the girl pursed her lips and admired her reflection in the mirror, revealing a smile as charming as peach blossoms.
After a while, the girl stopped her actions, her eyebrows slightly furrowed as she seemed to be thinking about what she wasn't satisfied with yet, what she hadn't done.
"I remember!"
A gleam flashed in the girl's eyes as she picked up a pink ribbon and tied a cute butterfly knot around a strand of silver-white hair that fell vertically over her chest.
"That should do it."
The girl wore a pink dress and twirled in front of the mirror. Finally, she was satisfied with her current appearance.
"I hope I have good luck today and meet my beloved Ge-ge. Bye-bye, Little Bear."
The girl turned around, waved her hand, then opened the room door, her small feet skipping with joy as she walked out.
Bang!
The sound of the door closing echoed in the room. A gust of wind blew from outside, lifting the pink curtains and letting sunlight into the room.
On the bedside under the sunlight, a clean teddy bear sat, covered in various patches.
Its originally adorable smile now appeared as a sinister grin, making it look particularly eerie and terrifying.