Soul Land: Legend of Saint Seiya

Chapter 153: Spirit Hall Academy vs. Godwind Academy

Exposed by Xiao Yu with ease, Yu Tianheng's expression darkened. Beside him, Xue Ying's face also fell.

With Yu Tianheng's straightforward nature, it was impossible for him to devise such a cunning plan outside the arena. It was evident that such a despicable ploy exploiting the rules had come from Xue Ying, who had grown up steeped in the scheming environment of the royal family.

"Yu Tianheng, if you think losing three spirit bones last time wasn't enough to weaken your Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, then go ahead and court death again!"

Xiao Yu swept a cold gaze over Yu Tianheng as he took a step forward. Yu Tianheng, standing tall at 1.9 meters, towered over Xiao Yu, who was only about 1.8 meters. Yet Xiao Yu's commanding presence made him appear to look down on Yu Tianheng from above.

That aura of a superior made Yu Tianheng involuntarily shiver and take several steps back.

"Pathetic!"

Seeing Yu Tianheng retreat in fear, Xiao Yu snorted disdainfully. "Just like your uncle, Yu Xiaogang—useless trash that can't amount to anything."

"You've gone too far!"

Xue Ying, who had been pampered her entire life, couldn't hold back when her beloved was insulted. Her almond-shaped eyes widened in anger as she scolded Xiao Yu.

Yu Tianheng, too, burned with fury, but when he thought of Xiao Yu's background, he hesitated and stopped Xue Ying, who was about to step forward and argue.

This behavior was strikingly similar to that of his uncle, Yu Xiaogang, who was all bluster against allies but submissive to outsiders.

Xiao Yu's disdain deepened at the sight, as if he were swatting away flies. He dismissed Yu Tianheng and Xue Ying with a wave and led the Nine-Star Academy team toward the competition arena.

As they reached the competition area, someone else stood in their way: Feng Xiaotian, captain of Godwind Academy.

"Xiao Yu!"

Today, Feng Xiaotian's expression was grim, a far cry from his usual playful demeanor. Taking a deep breath, he said to Xiao Yu, "It seems I won't get the chance to face you again in the finals!"

"You drew Spirit Hall Academy's team today?"

Xiao Yu glanced at Feng Xiaotian, his tone calm. He had spent the past three days at the hotel reflecting on his battle with Ice Phoenix and hadn't paid attention to the draw.

Feng Xiaotian gave a bitter smile and nodded helplessly. While he himself was strong enough to compete with Spirit Hall's Golden Generation, his teammates were far weaker.

Other than Feng Xiaotian, the strongest member of his team was the vice-captain, who had a spirit power of only level 44. On the other hand, Spirit Hall's team reportedly didn't have a single member below level 45. Feng Xiaotian, no matter how confident, knew there was no way he could carry the entire team to victory against such overwhelming odds.

And this was without knowing that Spirit Hall Academy had a hidden trump card: a Spirit Emperor with a god-level martial spirit.

Xiao Yu wasn't surprised to hear that Godwind Academy had drawn Spirit Hall Academy as their opponent. After all, Xiao Yu's standout performance in the first round had made waves, and as the host, Spirit Hall wouldn't tolerate being overshadowed.

It was only natural for Spirit Hall to flex its strength, especially by showcasing Qian Renxue, their Spirit Emperor, to crush the morale of the Nine-Star Academy.

Among the other teams, those lacking even a single Soul Sect at level 45 weren't even qualified to shine Qian Renxue's shoes. The only remotely competitive teams were Godwind Academy, with its lone Soul King, and Star Luo Royal Academy, with its martial spirit fusion ability.

Clearly, Spirit Hall had chosen Godwind Academy as the stepping stone to display their might. This also confirmed Xiao Yu's suspicion that their next opponent would be Star Luo Royal Academy.

"Do your best, Feng Xiaotian."

Facing a team with a Spirit Emperor and three Spirit Kings, Xiao Yu didn't hold much hope for Feng Xiaotian. Still, he offered some words of encouragement: "If you give up before the match even begins, you've already lost. No matter how strong the opponent, you should give it your all. As Shui Bing'er from Tianshui Academy once said, even in defeat, leave no regrets!"

"I will," Feng Xiaotian replied with a self-deprecating smile. "Even though I don't have much hope, I'll still give it my best shot."

With that, Feng Xiaotian turned and walked away.

"Finals, Round Three, Match One: Spirit Hall Academy Team vs. Godwind Academy Team! Will both teams please enter the arena!"

As the referee announced the match, both teams walked onto the stage from opposite sides of the platform.

During the second round of the competition, four substitutes took the stage for the Spirit Hall Academy team. Qian Renxue and the Golden Generation trio did not appear.

This arrangement was meticulously planned by Qian Renxue. She understood that as the top seed in the Heaven Dou division, Nine-Star Academy would have a bye in the second round. Knowing Xiao Yu's personality, she anticipated he would remain at the hotel, meditating and reflecting, rather than coming to observe the matches.

Therefore, Qian Renxue deliberately planned to showcase her strength in the third round, ensuring Xiao Yu would witness her unparalleled power. This strategy of silent intimidation was approved by Bibi Dong.

As the team entered the arena, Qian Renxue walked proudly at the front, while Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan followed a few steps behind, walking abreast in the second row.

This arrangement greatly displeased Yan, but fortunately, Hu Liena, who knew Qian Renxue's true identity, and Xie Yue, who had vaguely guessed it, managed to restrain him. Without their intervention, Yan's rash nature would likely have led to a public embarrassment.

"Look at those three in the second row of the Spirit Hall Academy team. They're the Golden Generation—three prodigies hailed by the Spirit Hall.

The black-haired young man in the middle is Xie Yue. His martial spirit is the Moon Blade, and he's a level 52 assault-type Battle Soul King.

The girl to his left is his sister, Hu Liena. Her martial spirit is the Charm Fox, and she's a level 51 control-type Battle Soul King.

To Xie Yue's right is the red-haired Yan. His martial spirit is the Flame Lord, and he's a level 52 assault-type Battle Soul King."

The Golden Generation, personally promoted by Bibi Dong, represented the face of the Spirit Hall's younger generation. Their exploits and cultivation levels had been heavily publicized by Spirit Hall branches across various cities. As a result, most academy teachers were well-acquainted with their reputations and eagerly explained their feats to their students.

Only a few teachers, like Yu Xiaogang and Flender from Shrek Academy, remained oblivious due to their arrogance, failing even to research their opponents' capabilities.

"Teacher, who's that beautiful woman leading the Spirit Hall Academy team?"

A curious student raised this question. Logically, the person walking at the forefront of the team would be the strongest member. Given that the three in the second row were already at the Soul King level, how powerful must the leader be?

The question stumped the teacher. Qian Renxue's identity was one of the Spirit Hall's most closely guarded secrets. Even someone as well-informed as Ning Fengzhi had no idea, let alone these academy teachers. The flustered teacher stammered a vague response:

"Um… the teacher doesn't know either. Perhaps she's a hidden expert from the Spirit Hall."

(End of Chapter)

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