34 Ch.33: Spirit Hall

One month had passed, and the Tournament Final matches were just a day away. Luo Tian, the team's leader, broke the silence as they arrived in Spirit City. "Well, here we are, brats, Spirit City."

Ma Jun couldn't hide her excitement. "Finally, I thought we would never reach it."

Their journey ended at a popular hotel, where they would stay for the remaining period. After unpacking, Luo Tian gathered the team and declared, "Alright, until tomorrow, you are all free to explore the city, but stay out of trouble and avoid provoking anyone."

Meng Shu seized the opportunity and invited Chao for a date around the city. They were the first to leave. Ma Jun turned to Dugu Xin and asked, "Let's go explore the city, Boss Xin."

Dugu Xin hesitated for a moment before replying, "Sorry, but I have something I must do alone. You three should go ahead; I'll handle myself."

After bidding farewell to everyone, Dugu Xin set off for Spirit Hall. 'Well, let's do this. In the past month, I was able to refine some new pills. This should be enough to repay the favor for the book Elder Guan gave me,' he sighed, steeling himself for the road ahead.

Reaching the entrance to Spirit Hall, he was stopped by two guards. "Stop right there. Show your identification."

Dugu Xin calmly took out the Spirit Token of Yue Guan and presented it to the guards, who immediately panicked. "We're very sorry, please enter."

"Could you please notify Elder Chrysanthemum Douluo that Dugu Xin is here to repay his favor."

"Right away, sir. Please come with me to the guest lounge."

Dugu Xin nodded and followed one of the guards to the guest lounge. A servant promptly arrived with tea and cookies. "Please wait here until Elder Chrysanthemum arrives."

Dugu Xin couldn't help but marvel at the strength even the servants possessed in Spirit Hall. "Even a servant has the strength of a Spirit Elder. Worthy of being Spirit Hall."

…

Meanwhile, the other guard rushed to Elder Chrysanthemum's room and knocked. A voice from within demanded to know who was disturbing him.The guard stammered, "Someone with your Spirit Token has arrived, Elder. He said his name is Dugu Xin and has come to repay a favor."

Upon hearing this, Yue Guan's voice filled with joy, and he hastily opened the door. He couldn't help but remark, "This kid was quicker than I expected."

Soon, Yue Guan reached the guest room where Dugu Xin awaited. "What a pleasant surprise. Little Xin, you've arrived earlier than I anticipated. Shouldn't you be preparing for the final rounds of the tournament?"

"It's fine. I don't like leaving favors unpaid, and I think this is the perfect occasion. After the tournament, who knows when I'll have the chance." As he spoke, Dugu Xin retrieved a black box and opened it, revealing 100 green pills, 100 red pills, and 10 blue pills.

Yue Guan was astonished by the pills and asked, "What are the effects of these pills? I know the green ones help heal injuries, but what about the red and blue ones?"

"The green ones are called Body Mending Pills. The red one is the Bone Strengthening Pill, which can increase one's physical strength during training. A single pill can give a Spirit Master the physique of a Spirit Grandmaster, as long as they focus on physical training. However, they become useless once you reach Spirit Elder."

"The blue ones are Water Cleansing Pills. They are the most challenging to make and can raise the level of a Spirit Master below level 20 by at least one. However, their most valuable effect is cleaning the vessels and meridians."

Yue Guan was thoroughly impressed with the pills' effects. 'I wasn't mistaken in my investment after all.'

"What would be the actual worth of these pills?" Yue Guan inquired.

"The Body Mending Pills would go for 10 gold each, the Bone Strengthening Pills for 1,000 gold each, and the Water Cleansing Pills for 8,000 gold each."

Yue Guan found the prices reasonable considering their effects. "Then, consider the favor for the book repaid. I await our next cooperation. Would you like to explore the rest of Spirit Hall?"

"Thank you for your offer, but I have to decline. I must meet with the rest of my teammates."

"That's a shame. Be careful, little friend."

"Goodbye."

After Dugu Xin left, Yue Guan took the box and headed to meet the Supreme Pontiff, Qian Xunji, in the main hall. Alongside Qian Xunji were his father, Qian Daoliu, and his old friend Gui Mei. Qian Xunji was the first to speak upon seeing Yue Guan enter. "I heard you had a visitor, Yue Guan. I didn't know you were expecting anyone." Though his tone sounded casual, there was a hidden hostility in his words.

"Yes, Your Highness. I didn't expect him to arrive so early."

"And who is this visitor, holding your Elder token?" Qian Xunji pressed.

"It was Dugu Xin, the grandson of Dugu Yin," Yue Guan revealed. (Not too sure if mentioned his grandfather's name. If I did notify me and I will change the name to correspond.)

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone in the room turned serious, except for Qian Daoliu, who remained clueless. "Dugu Yin, you say? I seem to recall that incident. It was quite surprising to see someone using poison to achieve so much. A pity he died due to his own poison and hidden injuries. So, are his son and grandson strong?"

"Our spies report that Dugu Bo broke through to Titled Douluo four months ago and went to acquire his ninth spirit ring. We haven't been able to gather any more information since then."

Gui Mei scoffed, "That old poisoned snake has undoubtedly already acquired his ninth spirit ring and is lurking in the shadows. But I don't understand why his kid is here."

"He's the same kid I met when I went with the Holy Maiden to acquire her sixth spirit ring. He and his teacher helped us fight three Fifteen Ton Ant Emperors. If not for their help, I wouldn't have been able to obtain one of them as the Maiden's spirit ring," Yue Guan explained.

Qian Xunji spoke again, "I see. So, he's that kid. Why did he come here, and considering you're alone, did you fail to recruit him?" As he spoke, his tone grew graver, and his rank 92 pressure radiated.

Yue Guan, though only one rank lower at 91, still felt the effects of the pressure due to the difference in martial soul quality. Qian Daoliu intervened, saying, "Enough. Let the child speak. After all, he wouldn't have come here if he didn't bring some good news."

Qian Xunji retracted his pressure, and Yue Guan presented the black box from Dugu Xin, opening it to reveal the three types of pills. Qian Daoliu examined them closely. "The green ones seem to accelerate the healing process and mend wounds without the use of soul power. But I can't figure out the other two. What are they, Little Chrysanthemum?"

Yue Guan explained, "The red one is called the Bone Strengthening Pill. It can increase one's physical strength during training. A single pill can give a Spirit Master the physique of a Spirit Grandmaster, as long as they focus solely on physical training. However, they become useless once you reach Spirit Elder. The blue ones are Water Cleansing Pills and can raise the level of a Spirit Master below level 20 by at least one. However, their most valuable effect is cleaning the vessels and meridians."

Everyone was surprised by the pills' effects, even Qian Daoliu, who hadn't encountered anything like them in his role as the Angel God's messenger. "And I assume these pills aren't free, are they?"

"In fact, these pills are a repayment for the favor of giving him a copy of my book about spiritual and immortal herbs. As for further acquisition, Spirit Hall can purchase them at 60% their market price once they become available."

Qian Xunji chimed in, "Not half bad. If these pills' effects are as you say, their price will skyrocket when they hit the market. While you may have failed to recruit him, getting them for 50% less than others are a significant gain."

Everyone nodded in agreement. After all, the young Dugu Xin might create new pills in the future, potentially with even greater effects than these. This deal promised to be immensely beneficial to Spirit Hall.

…

The anticipation in the arena reached a fever pitch as White Tiger Douluo, Dai Tianxing, and Ice Swan Douluo, Xue Qingyun, observed the proceedings from their VIP seats. The atmosphere crackled with excitement as Qian Xunji, accompanied by Yue Guan and Gui Mei, took the stage to address the crowd. Qian Xunji stepped forward, his commanding presence silencing the arena's buzz of anticipation. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice carrying the weight of authority, "I am pleased to stand before you today to congratulate these extraordinary teams on their remarkable journey through this prestigious tournament."

As he spoke, with a flicker of his hand, two treasures appeared, floating in front of him. "A 9,000-year-old Sacred Soul Grass, a treasure renowned for its soul-reviving properties, and a rare 20,000-year-old spirit bone, of a Nightmare Flame Lord."

Gasps of amazement and whispers of awe spread like wildfire through the stands. Spectators craned their necks to get a better look at the priceless rewards. In the midst of the commotion, Ma Jun turned to Dugu Xin with curiosity shining in his eyes. "Dugu Xin," he inquired, "what exactly does the Sacred Soul Grass do? Why is it such a valuable reward?"

Dugu Xin smiled knowingly. "Sacred Soul Grass, also known as Immortal Spirit Grass," he explained, "is a rare and naturally psychic Immortal Herb. It possesses the remarkable ability to invigorate one's soul, providing exceptional nourishment for both spirit beasts and spirit masters. Even a thousand-year-old Sacred Soul Grass is considered a priceless treasure."

As the excitement settled, a Spirit Hall representative entered the center of the arena, bearing four badges representing each academy. With a display of soul power, he levitated the badges and arranged them in a specific order before tossing them to the ground.

The arena's host, standing at the center, seized the moment. "Ladies and gentlemen," he declared, "it appears that our matches have been decided. The first bout will feature Hollow Beast Academy against Star Luo Imperial Academy, while the second will see Haotian Grand Battle Academy face off against Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. I kindly request all others to exit the arena, allowing the two competing teams to prepare for battle."

In the midst of roaring cheers from the audience, the two teams entered the arena. The Hollow Beast team, under the leadership of Dugu Xin, appeared with a confident stride. On the opposing side, the Star Luo Imperial Academy team, led by a young man in sleek light armor with a determined expression, also made their entrance. There was no need for empty words; they both knew what was at stake. They summoned their martial souls, and the gleaming spirit rings around them illuminated the arena.

Dugu Xin's Monochrome Phosphor Serpent Emperor materialized behind him in a magnificent display. Five spirit rings under his feet shone brightly as he introduced himself with calm confidence, "Dugu Xin, Level 55 control system Spirit King, Monochrome Phosphor Serpent Emperor."

As he spoke, his soul power surged. His arms sprouted dense gray scales, morphing into venomous claws that oozed corrosive toxin. Scales appeared on his face, and his eyes transformed into serpent-like pupils, emitting a mesmerizing golden glow. Meng Shu, standing beside Dugu Xin, wore a hearty smile as he declared, "Meng Shu, Level 40 power attack system, Martial Soul Dragon staff." Three spirit rings beneath his feet gleamed brightly.

Next up was Ma Jun, brimming with fiery confidence, "Ma Jun, Level 33 Power Attack System, Martial Soul: Flame War Horse."

Yao Chen, with predatory determination, declared, "Yao Chen, Level 36 Agility Attack System, Martial Soul: Black Lined Ghost Leopard."

Chao Tianxiang, with a serpentine aura, stated, "Chao Tianxiang, Level 33 Agility Attack System, Martial Soul: Serpent Cane."

And finally, Ye Jingying, with anticipation in her eyes, concluded the introductions, "Ye Jingying, Level 28 Auxiliary System, Martial Soul: War Flag. Please advise."

The captain of the White Tiger Military Battle Team, Dai Minghao, locked eyes with Dugu Xin. His soul power erupted, and three standard soul rings beneath his feet illuminated. An eerie white tiger with mismatched pupils manifested behind him as he declared, "Dai Minghao, level 43 power attack system, martial soul evil-eyed white tiger."

Zhu Yuqi, stood up next. Three standard soul rings appeared beneath her feet, and a large purple civet materialized behind her. She spoke with a charming smile, "Zhu Yuqi, level 37 agility attack system, martial soul Hell Civet."

A sturdy young man with a powerful build followed suit. Three standard soul rings radiated beneath his feet, and a white earth dragon roared to life behind him. His voice was cold as he introduced himself, "Tuoba Qi, level 33 power attack system, martial soul White Armored Dragon."

The remaining teammates introduced themselves in succession:

"Dong Xing, level 26 agility attack system, martial soul Star Moon White Eagle."

"Yan He, level 27 defense system, martial soul White Scale Heavy Armor Shield."

"Lin Jing, level 27 auxiliary system, martial soul golden scepter."

Dugu Xin scrutinized the team led by Dai Minghao. To outsiders, their Hollow Beast Academy had a clear advantage in overall strength. However, the opponent's martial soul fusion and the abilities of Lin Jing's golden scepter will be slightly troublesome without his intervention.

The soul power of both teams exploded in a dazzling display of energy, filling the arena with an electrifying atmosphere. The beautiful host, sensing the anticipation in the air, announced, "It seems that the two teams are ready. Let the game begin!"