NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 148: Chapter 148
Shi Nian cast a cold glance at Shrek and the Emperor Team before leading Canghui's people away. Watching Shi Nian's departing figure, both Flender and Qin Ming remained wary. It was clear that Shi Nian's reputation across the continent was far from positive.
"Brother Jian, do you know this Shi Nian? The teachers seem quite afraid of him" Ning Rongrong asked curiously
Jun Tianlin nodded "I've heard of him. His spirit is quite unique—named Brutal Dream—it can generate all kinds of illusions, trapping people within them until they die. His abilities in both offense and defense are extremely peculiar. Even spirit masters of the same level tend to avoid battling him."
"Furthermore, he's known for his vicious nature and holds grudges for the smallest slights. His spirit power reached the peak of Spirit Emperor years ago, so he's likely broken through to level 70 by now."
Hearing Jun Tianlin's explanation, everyone exchanged uneasy glances. A spirit like that truly sounded dreadful—who would willingly engage in battle with someone so unpredictable?
However, Jun Tianlin had another thought. According to the original storyline, Shi Nian should have acquired the ten-thousand-year Gemstone Spirit Illusion Skull by now. That spirit bone would later belong to Rongrong. It seemed he had to figure out a way to intercept it.
With his million-year-old spiritual skull and an external eye-shaped spirit bone, Jun Tianlin had no fear of illusions. What others dreaded would be meaningless against him. At this point, Shi Nian posed less of a threat to him than an average Spirit King.
Yet, even if Shi Nian were ten times bolder, he wouldn't dare provoke Jian Douluo's followers. The one who would ultimately take action had to be Tang San—but Jun Tianlin was planning to step in before that could happen
"Alright, the real opening ceremony is about to begin. Let's go inside. Dean Flender, this way, please." As a teacher at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Qin Ming had some privileges. Having been here several times before, he was quite familiar with the battle venue
Jun Tianlin and the others followed their teacher. As they walked past Tang San and the latter's expression turned unpleasant.
Despite using the Purple Demon Eye, Tang San still couldn't see through Jun Tianlin's strength. That meant the gap between them had widened yet again.
His ambition had grown—he now dreamed of reviving the Clear Sky Clan, establishing the Tang Sect, and using the power of both to bring the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan under his control. After all, he had already received their financial support, and he couldn't let Tang Sect's hidden weapons remain in another's hands. Even the most basic ones—if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had them, then in the future, they would either surrender or be eliminated.
'It doesn't matter. I have twin spirits. He may be temporarily stronger than me, but in terms of potential, I surpass him.' Remembering his master's teachings, Tang San regained some confidence and strode forward to catch up with the others.
Inside the massive, open square, countless spectators cheered and shouted. A golden-robed announcer stood at the podium, introducing each academy as they entered. In front of the main stage was a rostrum with a golden backdrop, behind which was the VIP area.
The battlefield itself was over 150 meters in diameter, with teams lined up in orderly formations. As the Emperor Team made their entrance, they were met with enthusiastic cheers. Shrek, on the other hand, was once again greeted with laughter.
Jun Tianlin's gaze shifted to the VIP seats. At the center sat a dignified middle-aged man. Though his face showed signs of aging, his bearing was undeniably regal. Clad in golden robes and a golden diamond crown, he exuded an aura of authority—everything seemed to revolve around him.
Even the head of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Fengzhi and along with Titled Douluo Gu Rong and Prince Xue Xing, sat slightly lower than him. There was no doubt—this man was Emperor Xue Ye of Heaven Dou.
Beside the emperor sat a massive figure clad in armor—Huyan Zhen, head of the Elephant Armored Clan. His early arrival suggested some underlying scheme. Next to him was a man in red robes. Judging by his platinum crown and attire, he was from the Spirit Hall—a high-ranking official, no less.
In the Spirit Hall, aside from the Pope and the Titled Douluo elders, only four individuals held the esteemed title of Platinum Bishop. This man had to be Salas, the master of the Heaven Dou Temple and a Spirit Douluo above level 80.
At that moment, Ning Fengzhi's gaze met Jun Tianlin's. They exchanged a subtle nod.
The opening ceremony continued with speeches from Emperor Xue Ye and Ning Fengzhi. Once they concluded, Xue Ye turned to Ning Fengzhi and asked, "Clan Head Ning, which team do you favor this year?"
"Of course, it's the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's Emperor Team. As the face of the empire, I trust they will put on a spectacular performance." Ning Fengzhi's response gave Xue Ye enough face, and the emperor nodded in satisfaction
Watching this, Gu Rong mused inwardly "The Emperor Team does have the best chances, but that's thanks to our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, not your royal family."
Meanwhile, Salas smirked—not out of joy, but mockery. The Emperor Team meant nothing to him. Only Jun Tianlin held his interest, but even then, he was just one person. Against the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall, he was still insignificant.
Due to past events, the Golden Generation had trained relentlessly to redeem their previous disgrace. Now, they had not only reached the Spirit King level, but their spirit power far surpassed their peers.
Although the Spirit Hall and the two empires maintained a façade of tolerance, they had long been at odds. After Emperor Xue Ye's speech, Salas had wasted no time recruiting talent from the academies. The Spirit Hall's ambitions were no longer hidden.
As the tournament progressed, the first match was soon announced: the Emperor Team versus Elephant Armored Academy. Unlike in the original timeline, Shrek was not their opponent.
Ning Fengzhi glanced at Salas and Huyan Zhen. No wonder Huyan Zhen had arrived early—this was a calculated move by the Spirit Hall. Their goal wasn't to win but to probe Jun Tianlin's strength.
To the Spirit Hall, rules were mere tools to be manipulated.
For them, Jun Tianlin was the only real threat. They had to gather intel on him to help the Golden Generation prepare. Even if Elephant Armored Academy couldn't defeat him, they could at least expose his limits.
"The first battle is between a veteran powerhouse and a championship favorite. How interesting" Flender remarked, settling into his seat with great interest. For him, this was also an opportunity to assess the Emperor Team.
On the sidelines, Qin Ming pondered. He realized the trap: Elephant Armored Academy had been sent to target Jun Tianlin. However, the Emperor Team wasn't just those seven members—he could opt to keep Jun Tianlin out of this match. His other students would still be more than capable of handling the Elephant Armored Academy.
But before he could make a decision, Jun Tianlin spoke "Teacher Qin, don't hesitate. I'll go. The Spirit Hall likely already suspects I've broken through to Spirit King. There's no point in hiding it."
"Besides, the clans and academies here all know Elephant Armored Clan is targeting me. If I refuse to fight, it will seem like I'm afraid. I refuse to be branded a coward."
Jun Tianlin was the first to jump onto the fighting arena after he finished speaking, leaving Qin Ming shaking his head helplessly "Actually, what I want to say is Xiaotian, be gentle!"