Chapter 28: The Calm Before the Storm – Secrets in Spirit City
According to the latest announcement from Spirit Hall,
the finals would officially begin in three days,
allowing participating teams enough time to recover and adjust after the intense rounds of competition.
During this period, all the teams chose to conserve their energy and maintain a state of optimal rest, preparing for the decisive battles ahead.
It was during this lull that Liu Erlong, who had remained emotionally withdrawn, finally stepped out—at the suggestion of Xiao Wu.
When she returned, she appeared in much better spirits.
At the same time, Xiao Wu also successfully obtained a fourth spirit ring, officially advancing to the rank of Soul Sect.
Everything seemed to be progressing smoothly.
But within the Shrek team, a silent yet significant change took place.
Despite everyone's efforts to dissuade her, Zhu Zhuqing announced her decision to break up with Dai Mubai and voluntarily left Shrek Academy.
Though Tang San and the others had anticipated this outcome,
Zhu Zhuqing's sudden departure still cast a heavy cloud over the team's morale.
Dai Mubai sank into a state of depression for two days.
Ultimately, after discussion between Tang San and Dean Flender, a decision was made:
they would activate the substitute member—Jiangzhu—to take Zhu Zhuqing's place in the team lineup.
Just like that, the three days passed in a flash.
The finals had arrived.
The Grand Arena of Spirit City
The venue for the finals was located at the heart of Spirit City—a massive arena that Spirit Hall had specifically modified for the occasion.
Soul tools were integrated into the arena's construction, reinforcing the ring to withstand intense battles without collapsing.
The scale of preparation clearly reflected the importance Spirit Hall attached to this year's tournament.
As Qin Chuan followed Qian Renxue and the Heaven Dou Royal Team into the competition zone, they were greeted by a packed audience.
The stadium was completely full—people filled every seat, and more had gathered in the standing areas to witness the climactic battles.
Across from the ring, several Spirit Hall workers were seen hastily setting up a large elevated platform.
Qian Renxue frowned slightly at the unusual sight.
"What's going on?" she asked one of the attendants beside her. "Weren't all the preparations for the stadium completed days ago? Why are they still setting up the venue now?"
The attendant gave a bitter smile and explained,
"Your Highness, the platform was only added yesterday. I've already sent someone to find out what's going on."
Just as he finished speaking, a messenger ran over and whispered into the attendant's ear.
After the man left, the attendant's face took on a more solemn expression.
"There's news," he said slowly.
"It seems that, originally, the Pope of Spirit Hall only planned to attend the last two matches of the finals."
"But for some unknown reason, the Pope gave an order yesterday—she will be personally attending today's match."
"That's why they're rushing to prepare the high platform now."
Hearing this, Qian Renxue turned and looked at Qin Chuan.
The two locked eyes, exchanging a silent understanding.
Was Bibi Dong up to something again?
Unease in the Shrek Camp
Meanwhile, within the Shrek team camp…
Liu Erlong stood alone, her voluptuous figure tense, her chest rising and falling as she practiced deep breathing.
"Mom, try to relax," Xiao Wu said gently as she took Liu Erlong's hand. "The Master will be okay."
Liu Erlong forced a smile.
"You're right, Xiao Wu. Xiao Gang will be fine. Don't worry."
A few days ago, when they had gone out to get Xiao Wu's spirit ring, the girl had spoken with her for a long time—trying to cheer her up.
Liu Erlong had finally come to accept that Yu Xiaogang was likely still alive.
After all, if the Pope truly meant to kill him, she wouldn't have just sent back his legs—she would've sent his head.
The fact that Bibi Dong only returned his legs…
at least meant he was alive for now.
From another angle, Liu Erlong consoled herself.
Maybe it wasn't such a bad thing…
Without his legs, Xiao Gang would never be able to walk again.
At the very least, he wouldn't be able to run away anymore…
That slightly twisted thought brought a strange sense of relief to her heart.
Rumors of the Pope's Arrival
Suddenly, a voice came from the team next door.
"Did you hear? The Pope is coming to watch the match today."
Everyone nearby was shocked.
"What? That's impossible. In previous years, the Pope only attended the final rounds!"
"Hiss… Does that mean we actually get to see the Pope in person? That alone is worth the trip!"
"I don't believe it. The Pope is an incredibly busy figure. Why would she come for a preliminary match?"
The first speaker snorted.
"Still don't believe me?"
He pointed toward the hurried construction on the opposite side of the arena.
"Look over there. That stage is being built just for the Pope and the Titled Douluo elders."
"I also heard there's another major figure coming today. Someone even more important than the Pope!"
Gasps and shocked expressions spread among the participants.
"More important than the Pope? How is that possible?!"
Due to the close proximity of the teams, the Shrek team could clearly hear the conversation.
Tang San turned toward Flender, concern in his voice.
"Dean… is there really someone more powerful than the Pope?"
Flender was silent for a long moment before shaking his head.
"Unlikely. The Pope is the core of Spirit Hall's power structure. Even if such a person exists, they're far beyond my reach."
"If your teacher were here, maybe he'd have some insight. He is, after all, an honorary elder of Spirit Hall."
Mentioning the Master brought a shadow over Flender's face.
Tang San sighed.
"Teacher…"
"I've asked around these past few days," he said softly. "Teacher was indeed seen in Spirit City—and more than that, his leg was broken… in public."
He tried to lower his voice, hoping Liu Erlong wouldn't hear.
But it was too late.
"What did you say, Xiao San?" Liu Erlong's eyes widened, her voice trembling.
"Xiao Gang… his leg… it was broken in public?"
The entire Shrek team turned to look at Tang San, waiting.
Tang San sighed again.
"I didn't want to say anything before the match ended… but I guess you all heard now."
"Third Brother, what happened? Tell us everything," Ning Rongrong whispered urgently.
Oscar and the others also stared at him, eyes filled with worry.
Tang San hesitated for a moment, then finally said,
"I've confirmed the Master's injury wasn't directly caused by the Pope. The information I found says… he had a conflict with someone in Spirit City, and then…"
"Someone stomped on his leg—and broke it. On the spot."
A chill ran through everyone.
Just imagining that kind of pain made them wince.
Liu Erlong could no longer hold back her tears. She closed her eyes and sobbed softly.
"Xiao Gang… where are you…"
She trembled as she cried, and her body swayed dangerously.
Flender looked much older than usual. He cast a blaming glance at Tang San, then addressed the group.
"Little monsters, don't think too much for now. The competition is about to begin. Once it's over, we'll go look for the Master together."
"We will find him."
Tang San took a deep breath and added,
"I'm almost certain that Teacher is inside Spirit Hall."
"I heard that after he was seriously injured, soldiers from Spirit City carried him straight to the Pope's Hall."