NOVEL NEXT Chapter 81: chapter 81
[TL:ends here]
As Hu Liena admitted defeat, cheers erupted from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. The crowd's joy was palpable, but none were more enthusiastic than Ning Rongrong. She rushed toward Tianlin and threw herself into his arms her face beaming with satisfaction. The Spirit Hall had bullied them but now they had delivered a resounding response.
Yan, seeing Hu Liena struggling, immediately went onstage to help her down. His eyes burned with hatred as he glared at Tianlin. The person he despised most had hurt his beloved and at that moment and he vowed to make Tianlin his mortal enemy.
Gui Mei quickly examined the injured trio. To his relief their injuries weren't as severe as they appeared. Yan's back bore two long scars but they weren't deep, and with rest he'd recover. The sealing of his soul power would dissipate naturally through meditation.
Hu Liena's condition was better than expected. Her weakness was due to the depletion of her mental strength and with some rest, she'd regain her vitality.
Xie Yue however, bore the worst injuries. His body was marked with three deep wounds Yet, Gui Mei noticed something peculiar—despite how dangerous they looked they were superficial, thanks to Tianlin's precise swordsmanship.
Gui Mei's expression turned grim as he examined Xie Yue's wounds a slash on his neck, a cut on his wrist, and another on his chest and weach was close to a fatal point. If the sword had been just a centimeter off in any direction, Xie Yue would have died instantly.
Even Chen Xin, renowned for his mastery of the Seven Kill Sword, might have struggled to achieve such delicate precision.
Gui Mei's face darkened with realization 'I fell for that old man Chen Xin's tricks again! He said that Tianlin's sword skills were average? This level of finesse is far beyond average!'
Xie Yue's injuries weren't just the result of swordsmanship and his attempt to unleash the powerful Full Moon technique had drained his soul power and leaving him defenseless. Gui Mei stopped his bleeding and transferred a bit of his own soul power to Xie Yue and before long, Xie Yue was back on his feet, though his spirit remained shaken.
"Xie Yue, what happened in there?" Gui Mei asked his voice tinged with disbelief "How could your martial soul fusion technique be broken? That technique can rival a high-level Soul Emperor!"
Xie Yue clenched his fists, anger simmering beneath the surface "Tianlin's third soul skill… it's a perfect counter to our fusion. We poured all our soul power into the Full Moon and expecting to finish him in one move but before we could strike, he used his soul skill to forcibly separate our fusion state."
Gui Mei's eyes widened in shock
"Because of that sudden split, our technique collapsed" Xie Yue continued "I lost all my soul power and became completely vulnerable."
In frustration Xie Yue slammed his fist into the ground, leaving a deep dent and his fingers bled from the impact, but he paid no heed to the pain. His mind was consumed by the humiliation of defeat.
Meanwhile, Tianlin basked in the cheers of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and with Ning Rongrong and Gu Ran by his side, he walked up to Ning Fengzhi and bowed respectfully.
"Clan Head, the three of us have fulfilled our mission and returned victorious" Tianlin declared
Ning Fengzhi's gaze swept over the trio with pride "Well done, Jun Tianlin, Ning Rongrong, and Gu Ran. In recognition of your success, I hereby credit each of you with a great contribution to our clan."
The crowd murmured in approval. A great contribution wasn't just an honorary title. It was a testament to their achievements, granting them access to the clan's resources and ensuring their rise within the hierarchy and for Tianlin and Gu Ran, it solidified their future positions as elders. For Ning Rongrong, it strengthened her claim to inherit the clan leadership.
"Thank you Clan Head" the three responded in unison Even Ning Rongrong, who often acted spoiled, bowed gracefully following Tianlin and Gu Ran's example.
Yu Yuanzhen, Clan Head of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, watched with a sour expression "Clan Head Ning, I must admit, I envy you" he muttered "Your clan's next generation is truly outstanding. My own grandchildren pale in comparison."
Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin, both promising members of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, were no match for Tianlin and Gu Ran. And with Ning Rongrong's unparalleled talent, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's future was brighter than ever.
Dugu Bo standing nearby, couldn't resist taking a jab at Gui Mei "Well, old ghost, what do you have to say now? Your so-called golden generation couldn't even win a single match."
Gui Mei's face twisted with frustration Although he wanted to deny it but the evidence was undeniable. Swallowing his pride he sneered "Hmph. The Spirit Hall will no longer contest Yin Mengyang's title. You can name him whatever you like."
Dugu Bo wasn't finished "What about the ten-thousand-year gemstone soul bone? You made a public bet, and everyone here heard it. You wouldn't dare go back on your word, would you?"
Gui Mei's expression darkened further. He had indeed hoped to renege on the wager Ten-thousand-year soul bones were precious even to the Spirit Hall. But with the entire crowd as witnesses, reneging would ruin the Spirit Hall's reputation.
Grinding his teeth Gui Mei spat "Fine. The Spirit Hall will honor its word."
At that moment Ning Fengzhi stepped forward "My fellow soul masters" he addressed the audience "there is one more important announcement to make. Today, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will establish a fourth elder position."
The crowd stirred in surprise. Until now the clan had only ever recognized three elders. Was Ning Fengzhi implying that they had found someone worthy of the fourth seat?
Ning Fengzhi smiled "I believe many of you noticed the empty fourth seat in our hall. It wasn't placed there as a mere symbol of ambition. Today, I'm proud to announce that the fourth elder of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan is none other than His Majesty, Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo!"
The audience erupted in gasps Dugu Bo, a notoriously independent soul master had resisted every attempt by the Spirit Hall to recruit him And now, he was joining the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?
All eyes turned to Dugu Bo and waiting for confirmation.
With a mischievous grin Dugu Bo approached Ning Fengzhi "Clan Head Ning, I have a request. I'd prefer not to call you Clan Head. It feels too formal."
The crowd held its breath. Was this Dugu Bo's way of rejecting the offer?
Dugu Bo chuckled "From now on, I'll call you Fengzhi. It sounds more friendly, don't you think?"
Relieved laughter spread through the crowd as Ning Fengzhi replied warmly "I'd be honored, Uncle Dugu."
With that the announcement was sealed. Dugu Bo was officially part of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
"Four Douluo in one clan" someone murmured in awe "This marks a new era for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
Indeed with four powerful elders and a promising younger generation and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was poised to become an unshakable force in the soul master world.