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Chapter 144: Shrek Finally Arrives at Skywater City
🕑 Added 2025-09-25 04:18:16 +0000 UTC“Don’t worry, my body is no longer in danger.”
If it hadn’t been for the six healers working tirelessly to suppress the poison raging through him, Tang Hao could never have recovered enough spirit power in such a short time to unleash his ninth spirit ability—the healing skill.
Looking at Tang Yuehua, Tang Hao said gravely, “Yuehua, the one who dealt me such heavy injuries was Dugu Bo. I didn’t expect his poison to be even stronger than I imagined.”
“Second Brother, Dugu Bo is just one man. And his granddaughter, Dugu Yan, is his greatest weakness. With my persuasion, plus Big Brother taking over as Sect Master of the Clear Sky Sect, if you wish to return to the sect, we can help you.
Once you return, you can lead the sect to destroy Dugu Bo, and while you’re at it, eliminate that Ignaz who bullied Little San.”
“No one man’s strength can withstand the might of an entire sect.”
At her words, Tang Hao shook his head firmly.
“No. I am a sinner of the sect—I cannot return. But Little San is different. With his twin martial spirits, he is a once-in-a-century prodigy. Under his leadership, the Clear Sky Sect will surely regain the glory it held under Grandfather.”
He pulled on his outer robe. Just before leaving, he turned back once more and said,
“My greatest purpose in coming to Yuexuan was for Little San. With his talent, he is the one most suited to walk the same path that my brother and I once did. After the tournament ends, I will take him away. In three years at the least, five years at the most, I will bring Little San here to Yuexuan. When the time comes, Yuehua, I must trouble you to teach him well.”
“Of course, Second Brother.”
Tang Yuehua understood all too clearly what he meant. Though she worried deeply for Tang San’s safety in the City of Slaughter, she couldn’t deny Tang Hao’s reasoning. The domain skill gained from surviving that place was unimaginably powerful.
As she wrestled with her thoughts, Tang Hao leapt away in several bounds, vanishing completely from Yuexuan.
---
Five days later—
In the final match of the qualifiers, Tian Ling Academy faced Shrek Academy. Both teams had the same record leading up to this decisive battle. With the host’s announcement of Shrek’s victory, the Heaven Dou Empire’s continental elite tournament qualifiers came to a close.
From his seat on the high platform, Emperor Xue Ye looked down at the six advancing academies. His voice rang out with passion:
“Congratulations to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Thunderclap Academy, Godwind Academy, Skywater Academy, Blazing Academy, and Shrek Academy. As representatives of our empire, you have all advanced. You are the true talents of Heaven Dou.
I hereby grant every team’s captain and vice-captain the title of viscount, and every member the title of baron. Upon graduation, fiefs will be issued.”
At his side, Platinum Bishop Salas frowned, visibly displeased.
“Your Majesty, never before has the Spirit Master Tournament involved the granting of titles. Is this not inappropriate?”
Emperor Xue Ye turned his stern gaze upon him.
“Platinum Bishop, matters of noble rank are internal affairs of the empire. They are no concern of Spirit Hall.”
He paused, then added heavily,
“Not long ago, two Titled Douluo clashed within Heaven Dou City, leaving hundreds of civilians injured. I urge you, our empire’s finest elites, to be cautious in your daily actions.”
Though he did not name names, from what Dugu Bo had revealed, Xue Ye already knew the black-robed Douluo’s target had been Ignaz. His words carried a thinly veiled rebuke toward Spirit Hall, condemning them for attempting to snuff out such a brilliant talent.
Even if Spirit Hall denied involvement, Xue Ye made sure the blame rested squarely on their shoulders.
Then he continued:
“If in the finals a team from our Heaven Dou Empire claims the championship, every member of that team shall have their titles raised by one rank, and their academy will be granted the honor of bearing the title ‘Royal.’”
His voice grew heavier with each word.
“You are the empire’s pride. I expect all of you to shine in the advancement rounds. Furthermore, the three most outstanding participants will be provided with the soul beasts needed for their breakthroughs—any under thirty thousand years, freely chosen.”
“His Majesty is wise.”
Ning Fengzhi stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
Salas, however, scowled inwardly. To him, this was nothing less than Xue Ye deliberately nurturing Spirit Masters loyal to the empire. Yet there was nothing he could do to stop it.
---
Down below, the elemental academies and even the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy seemed unimpressed by the rewards. But for Shrek Academy—who had never dreamed of such honors—the news was electrifying.
Noble titles. A soul beast under thirty thousand years for advancement. That was the kind of opportunity reserved for Spirit Emperors.
At the same time, the captains and vice-captains of each team turned their gazes toward Ignaz. If any of them could defeat him in the upcoming individual battles, that achievement would outshine any title.
But not everyone merely wanted to defeat him. Tang San, and especially Yu Tianheng of Thunderclap Academy, looked at Ignaz with murderous hatred.
Since leaving Heaven Dou Academy and enrolling in the sect-backed Thunderclap Academy, Yu Tianheng’s resources had dropped by twenty percent, and his standing within the sect had plummeted.
Meanwhile, his cousin Yu Tianxin had steadily risen, gaining both resources and prestige, to the point where his influence now overshadowed Tianheng, the sect’s direct grandson.
And all of this, in Tianheng’s eyes, was Ignaz’s fault.
If not for that man’s meddling, he would already have married Dugu Yan and secured Dugu Bo’s support.
Ignaz, however, remained utterly indifferent to the blazing, murderous stares fixed upon him.
Defeat him in the individual matches? Impossible.
“Iggy, during the next month’s break, we should stay in the academy. Don’t forget Grandfather’s warning.”
Dugu Yan’s eyes were sharp—she had clearly seen the viciousness burning in Tang San’s gaze. Her grandfather’s words echoed in her mind.
“Alright. I won’t step foot outside this month. I’ll stay in the academy with you all, and we’ll use the time to polish our teamwork.”
Ignaz squeezed her hand gently, calming her nerves. This month of rest would also give him time to plan their next moves.
And so, the six academies each returned to their respective bases. Shui Bing’er lingered reluctantly in Heaven Dou City for a single day before departing with her team.
As for Shrek Academy, after three days of rest, Yu Xiaogang and Flender set out northward from the city, bringing along Ma Hongjun and Tang San.
