Soul Land V: Rebirth of Tang San

"Very well, in that case, tomorrow will mark the commencement of the final battle of the Occupy Emperor Tournament, which also serves as the decisive match of the Marriage Tournament. After the match, spouse selection will proceed. This concludes today's proceedings."

The tournament came to an end. However, there was no longer any chant of "Purple Crystal Coin Warrior" from the spectators' stands.

How could today's performance by Jin Miaolin be explained by just being a Purple Crystal Coin Warrior?

Xu Anyu approached Tang San, his gaze complicated as he looked at him and said, "Brother Jin, I've always considered myself to possess the deepest foundation. Yet I never imagined that your hidden strength could be this profound. You are indeed the true powerhouse!"

Tang San smiled faintly and said, "We flatter each other, Brother Xu. You too have truly astonished me today. It was sheer luck on my part; I merely benefited from the elemental advantage."

Xu Anyu let out a sigh and said, "I won't be taking part tomorrow. I need to hurry back to my retreat and try to grasp some insights from the sacred breath you left behind. I must prepare for the final breakthrough. So here, let me offer my early congratulations for your success."

Tang San asked, "You're not going to choose a spouse?"

Xu Anyu shrugged and said, "I'm not in a rush. Until I've inherited the role of City Lord of Crystal City, these matters are of no importance. Besides, the one I originally intended to choose seems out of reach now."

Tang San's lips twitched slightly. Why didn't I crush him earlier? How dare he still covet my wife?

He had granted Xu Anyu some benefits, naturally out of respect for Jingjing.

Xu Anyu suddenly shot Tang San a meaningful look before saying, "I'll take my leave now." With that said, he turned around and strode off briskly.

Pretty Girl, at this point, had already arrived at Tang San's side.

"Chief Jin, may we talk?" Pretty Girl said to Tang San.

Tang San turned to her. At this moment, his mind was noticeably more relaxed than before. To him, achieving victory in the Occupy Emperor Tournament was not particularly challenging; the true difficulty lay in gaining the approval of all Emperors, ensuring his real capabilities remained concealed, while simultaneously sealing victory in the tournament.

Everything had unfolded according to his plan. Even the initial incident of Xu Anyu acquiring the light-element spirit monster was part of his scheme. Now, the pieces were all coming together, culminating in his reunion with his beloved in the championship match.

Defeating Xu Anyu twice had always been part of Tang San's design. Even if Xu Anyu hadn't conceded in the previous match, the outcome would have been the same. Only in this way could Pretty Girl avoid facing Xu Anyu. As things stood, Pretty Girl's current strength was still insufficient to defeat a powerhouse of Xu Anyu's caliber.

"Alright!" Tang San smiled at his beloved before him.

Pretty Girl spoke, "Chief Jin, if you can promise not to choose me after tomorrow's match, I am willing to concede and let you win the championship."

Tang San, however, shook his head. "I cannot agree to that, City Lord Mei. I don't know if you'll believe me, but from the moment I first met you, I fell deeply in love with you. I have loved you at first sight. To me, this tournament—this Marriage Tournament—is even more crucial than the Quest for Supremacy itself. Why not give me a chance? I am willing to offer the Blessing Life Necklace as a betrothal gift, and I ask for your hand in marriage."

Pretty Girl's face instantly turned sour. She let out a cold snort, "See you on the battlefield tomorrow."

With that, she turned and left in a swirl of her sleeve.

Watching her departing silhouette, Tang San felt a tinge of helplessness. At this moment, everything was under the divine consciousness of the Emperors; Tang San dared not reveal even the slightest hint. It wasn't that he feared exposing flaws on his end, but rather that he worried about Pretty Girl's emotional response upon suddenly learning his true identity, which might arouse the suspicions of the Emperors.

Still, it's about time to figure out how to let her know his identity. Otherwise, what if she fights him desperately tomorrow? And what happens afterward if she finds out his identity and pushes herself even harder?

Turning away, Tang San gazed at the competition arena, at the audience gradually departing, and then at the towering, majestic Ancestral Hall Mountain. Tang San exhaled deeply, a surge of powerful energy spreading through his chest and heart. Everything began to feel beautiful in his mind.

In this dimension, he could finally take control over everything. Though there was still one final step left, everything was within reach.

A faint divine radiance emerged on Tang San's face as he gazed into the distant horizon.

The battle fought a thousand meters high was not just visible to the spectators at the site; practically the entire Ancestral Court could witness it. Jin Miaolin of the Blue Golden Tree Clan, after this one battle, had left an indelible mark in the hearts of every citizen in the Ancestral Court.

Quasi Emperor Jin Miaolin—or rather, surely-to-be Emperor Jin Miaolin. Even though one last match remained, discerning eyes could tell his strength from today's fight. Pretty Girl would find it very difficult to stand in his way toward ultimate victory.

Yet another undercurrent had begun to silently stir.

Tianyang Palace.

Tianyang Spirit King sat upon his enormous throne, with Jiang Chenchou standing before the steps below—this year's fourth-place contestant, a master of the Immortal Golden Body.

"Today's battle, what are your impressions?" Tianyang Spirit King asked Jiang Chenchou indifferently.

Jiang Chenchou raised her head to look at the Tianyang Spirit King, her eyes brimming with frustration. "Two schemers grinding against each other. They're both far too cunning."

The corner of Tianyang Spirit King's mouth twitched slightly. "You are simply too innocent. Innocence itself is not a fault, but to achieve great things, it falls short."

Jiang Chenchou lowered her head, "I've let you down."

Tianyang Spirit King waved dismissively. "You also gave it your best effort. It's just that your opponents' abilities were far too strong. Chenchou, what do you think of Jin Miaolin?"

Jiang Chenchou froze. "Jin Miaolin? Are you suggesting...?"

The Tianyang Spirit King gazed at her meaningfully and said, "Don't forget, this tournament doubles as a Marriage Tournament. Jin Miaolin's future prospects are limitless. With the Blue Golden Tree Clan now a neutral race, under his leadership, significant growth is guaranteed, perhaps even to become the most important race across the Continent in the future. Certainly the wealthiest. Jin Miaolin, as the Clan Leader, is all but certain to ascend to Emperor, and the heritage of the Crystal Great Demon Emperor has also resolved his weaknesses."

Jiang Chenchou was not slow-witted; she instantly understood the implications of Tianyang Spirit King's words. Indeed! Among the Spirit Monster race, she was their pride, while Jin Miaolin stood as a budding Quasi Emperor, destined to ascend. She hadn't secured an Occupy Emperor position herself, but such a formidable individual was truly worthy of her.

Her cheeks flushing slightly, Jiang Chenchou lowered her head and said, "Everything is subject to Your Majesty's guidance."

Tianyang Spirit King said, "Happiness is something you must fight for yourself. Since the tournament isn't over yet, I cannot approach him directly. But tomorrow, before the final match, I'll create an opportunity for you..."

"Alright..."

Earth Yin Palace.

Earth Yin Spirit King looked at Shen Xiao before her, asking, "Reflecting on today's battle, do you still feel it was unjust to lose now?"

Shen Xiao lowered her head, somewhat embarrassed, "I truly have a long way to go. I will absolutely strive harder."

Earth Yin Spirit King regarded her with a hint of loving affection and said, "Though you didn't secure an Occupy Emperor position this time, a brighter future awaits. I must move on someday, leaving behind the vacancy of my Emperor seat. Among my disciples, you are the one I have the highest hopes for. Once I depart, my seat shall naturally become yours. In truth, this tournament's main value was the tempering it offered you."

"Thank you, Master." Shen Xiao moved closer to Earth Yin Spirit King and wrapped her arms around her mentor's arm, playfully asking, "Master, how do you think they've grown so strong? I truly could never have imagined that Great Demon Kings could reach such heights. We're all peak Great Demon Kings, yet why am I lagging so far behind?"