The qualifying rounds moved quickly, with each match being a one-on-one battle, ensuring that winners were decided in no time.
After a few days, the teams that maintained an undefeated record remained the established powerhouses—Emperor Team, Godwind Team, and Tianshui. In addition to these familiar names, there was also the Botanical Academy. While not exceptionally strong overall, they were unique in that all their students specialized in control-type spirit techniques.
Lacking flashy attack methods, the Botanical Academy instead relied on their exceptional control abilities, effectively neutralizing even the most formidable offensive fighters. Even the strongest spirit masters struggled to hold their ground against them in prolonged battles, ultimately succumbing to the relentless control of this team of skilled female cultivators.
Today, Emperor Team's opponents were none other than the Botanical Academy.
The match was scheduled immediately after the battle between Shrek Academy and the Cryptid Academy. As the name implied, most of the team members from the Cryptid Academy were beast spirit masters. Meng Yiran had originally been a part of this academy, but due to her possessing a weapon spirit rather than a beast spirit, she had been somewhat out of place and had ultimately chosen to leave.
The members of the Cryptid Academy seemed to regard her as a traitor and fought with particular determination against Shrek Academy.
Unlike the Botanical Academy's control-based fighters, the Cryptid Academy was filled with offense- and defense-oriented spirit masters. However, they were completely countered by Tang San's control abilities. If Tang San had participated, he could have effortlessly taken down several of them in a row. But to Jun Tianlin's surprise, two key members were missing from Shrek's lineup—both Tang San and Oscar were absent.
Curious, Jun Tianlin turned to Yu Tianheng "Tianheng, do you know where Tang San and Oscar went? Why aren't they participating in the promotion matches?"
"I heard they left with our academy teacher, Zhao Wuji, a few days ago. Oh, and they were accompanied by a Soul Saint sent by your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. They haven't returned since then" Yu Tianheng replied
Hearing this, Jun Tianlin's thoughts began to align. The sudden disappearance of two key competitors—both of whom had been stuck at level 39—pointed to only one possibility.
'It seems that Oscar and Tang San have broken through to level 40 after consecutive battles' Jun Tianlin concluded 'That's the only logical explanation. Since the promotion matches don't eliminate teams, losing a few rounds isn't a big deal. It makes sense for them to take this opportunity to hunt for spirit rings and fully adapt to the Spirit Ancestor realm before the finals.'
Uncle Ning even sent a Soul Saint to accompany them. It was clear that he wanted to ensure Oscar obtained a specific type of spirit ring, though it was certainly not an amplification-type ring.
"Dai Mubai wins!" the referee suddenly announced.
Shrek Academy had already secured a significant advantage. With Dai Mubai taking down three opponents in a row, the Cryptid Academy had little chance of turning the tide.
Meng Yiran, who had been a vice-captain at just level 37 in the original storyline, was evidence enough that the Cryptid Academy's strength was lacking. They had managed to advance in the tournament only because their division lacked formidable teams like the Five Elements Academy.
After three consecutive victories, Dai Mubai was visibly exhausted. Without the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum herb, his spirit power and physical strength were far inferior to what they could have been. His Vajra Indestructible Body was also absent. His ability to defeat three opponents was entirely thanks to the natural superiority of his martial soul.
The Evil-Eyed White Tiger was one of the rare beast spirits capable of rivaling the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon.
In the fourth match, the captain of the Cryptid Academy took the stage. He was the only Spirit Ancestor in their ranks, standing at level 42, with a martial soul—the Mighty Bull. A powerful offensive-type beast spirit, the Mighty Bull was slightly inferior to the White Tiger but still formidable. Given Dai Mubai's exhausted state, he had no chance of winning. Unable to maintain White Tiger's Vajra Transformation, he was swiftly defeated.
Next to take the stage was Zhu Zhuqing, an agile attack-type spirit master.
The Mighty Bull lacked exceptional speed, so Zhu Zhuqing initially relied on her agility to employ a hit-and-run strategy. Unfortunately, her spirit power was significantly lower than the Cryptid Academy captain's, preventing her from securing a quick victory.
Once her opponent adapted to her attacks, he launched a counteroffensive.
His third spirit ring flashed as he intercepted Zhu Zhuqing's strike and cast a red glow over her body. Then, activating his strongest fourth spirit skill, he launched a devastating charge. Zhu Zhuqing tried to evade, but she seemed to be locked onto—no matter where she moved, the attack relentlessly pursued her.
'That third spirit skill appears to be a homing ability' Jun Tianlin noted 'With it, the captain of the Cryptid Academy won't stop his assault until he lands a hit. This battle is already decided.'
Endless dodging rapidly drained Zhu Zhuqing's energy. Continuous rapid movement consumed significantly more stamina than usual. Moreover, in terms of sheer endurance, she was no match for a power-based Spirit Ancestor. As her speed faltered, she was struck directly by the captain's ferocious charge and sent flying out of the arena.
Jun Tianlin's keen senses picked up a distinct cracking sound
'Her ribs are broken, and her internal organs might be damaged. That was a brutal hit.'
In truth, the captain of the Cryptid Academy wasn't entirely at fault. His third spirit skill not only locked onto opponents but also sent him into a frenzied state—much like how a bull goes mad when it sees red. Once activated, he had no control over his actions.
"Zhuqing!" Ning Rongrong rushed over in concern, helping her injured teammate up. Though their relationship wasn't as deep as in the original story, they were still teammates, and Ning Rongrong genuinely cared for her
"Cough!" Zhu Zhuqing coughed up blood the moment she was helped up. If she didn't receive proper treatment soon, she might not be able to participate in the finals.
Jun Tianlin glanced at Dai Mubai, who looked somewhat concerned but made no move to assist. He frowned "Isn't Zhu Zhuqing his fiancée? Why isn't he reacting?"
"Of course, he doesn't care" Osler interjected "From what I've gathered, when Dai Mubai was in Heaven Dou City, he spent all his free time in meixiang yuan. He'd invite several girls at a time and enjoy himself without a care in the world. He never paid any attention to his fiancée."
Meixiang yuan was Heaven Dou City's most luxurious brothel, catering to nobility. It far surpassed the establishments in Soto City. No wonder Dai Mubai had been so reluctant to leave.
Qin Ming sighed as he looked at Osler, shaking his head. Allowing Osler to accompany Yu Tianheng in gathering intelligence had been a mistake—while Yu Tianheng brought back useful information, Osler only brought back gossip.
Dugu Yan, however, was furious "What a scumbag! His fiancée was right there, and he still openly indulged in debauchery. If it were Tianheng, I'd have melted him into sludge already!"