Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 149: The End of the Qualifying Tournament

In the following days of competition, Yang Potian adjusted the lineup by swapping Dugu Yan and Niu Mang's positions. Despite the change, even with the extra battles, Niu Mang remained stuck at level 45, unable to break through further. Yang Potian, however, had already reached out to Dugu Bo, asking him to go to the Sunset Forest to find suitable spirit rings for Dugu Yan and Yang Tianyue. Upon receiving the message, Yang Zhentian, Yang Potian's father, joined Dugu Bo. Given the proximity of the Sunset Forest—just a little over a hundred kilometers away—the two Titled Douluos could easily secure spirit beasts, even capturing them if necessary.

After fifteen intense days, the qualifying round came to an official close. Heaven Dou Team Two ranked first, while Team One secured second place once again. Divine Wind Academy took third. In individual standings, Tang San, Feng Xiaotian, and Yu Tianxin topped the leaderboard, each demonstrating outstanding personal achievements with frequent one-on-four, one-on-five, or even one-on-six victories. Despite his strength, Yu Tianheng's match count was limited, as Yu Xiaogang had placed a heavier focus on Tang San, even entrusting him with Heaven Dou Team One's tactical planning. As a result, Yu Tianheng's individual record fell short of his cousin Yu Tianxin's.

At the conclusion of the tournament, Emperor Xue Ye gave a heartfelt speech, particularly praising the top three teams. The Heaven Dou Royal Academy had never looked stronger, with both of its teams taking the top two spots in the qualifying round.

Following the tournament, a three-day break was granted before the teams would depart for Spirit City, where the finals would be held. Prince Xue Qinghe himself would lead the entourage, comprising participants, instructors, and a five-hundred-strong guard unit.

Right after the tournament, Dugu Bo and Yang Zhentian took Dugu Yan and Yang Tianyue to obtain their spirit rings. Within two days, the two girls returned to the team in high spirits, both successfully having acquired excellent spirit rings. Yang Tianyue, the team's beloved mascot, seemed so pleased that her nose was almost in the air, strutting around and amusing Yang Potian.

However, two unexpected events occurred upon returning to the academy.

First, Prince Xue Qinghe made a personal visit—and alone. Yang Potian met him at the council building. After sitting down, Xue Qinghe congratulated him with a bright smile. "Congratulations, Yang Potian! The team you've trained, Heaven Dou Team Two, ranked first in both the qualifiers and preliminaries. With such remarkable training results, I'm confident you'll achieve an outstanding outcome in the finals."

Yang Potian gave a polite smile. "Thank you, Your Highness. This is simply the result of our arrangement. It's enough if you're satisfied with the outcome."

"Considering Heaven Dou Team Two's strength, they certainly have a chance at the championship," Xue Qinghe continued, clearly pleased.

Yang Potian shook his head. "While I'm unconcerned about most teams, there is one individual who worries me."

Xue Qinghe looked intrigued. "Given your team's current power, especially with you competing as well, I'd think that even the Golden Generation from Spirit Hall should pose little challenge."

Yang Potian gave a sly smile. "I'm not particularly concerned about the so-called Golden Generation—it's someone else."

"Who is it that concerns you?" asked Xue Qinghe.

Yang Potian hesitated, then said, "It's a delicate matter. I worry speaking of it might bring calamity."

With a confident air, Xue Qinghe responded, "Yang Potian, you're safe in the Heaven Dou Empire. No harm will come to you here."

After a sigh, Yang Potian explained, "One year ago, in the Star Dou Forest, I saw an absolutely stunning blonde woman accompanied by two Titled Douluos, hunting a spirit ring. She seemed no older than twenty, maybe twenty-five at most, and she was acquiring a twenty-thousand-year-old Blazing Lion King spirit ring. I suspect she has reached Spirit Emperor rank, suggesting that Spirit Hall has a hidden powerhouse aiming for the championship."

Xue Qinghe's expression turned serious. "Do you remember any other details about her appearance? Are you certain she was from Spirit Hall?"

"There aren't many who would have two Titled Douluos assisting them," Yang Potian replied. "It's hard to imagine anyone besides Spirit Hall having such a team. As for the woman, aside from being beautiful with an impressive figure, I don't recall anything particularly distinctive."

Xue Qinghe: ...

After a pause, Xue Qinghe asked, "Have you shared this information with anyone else?"

Yang Potian shook his head. "It's a sensitive matter. Everyone present was a member of the Po Clan, and they're sworn to secrecy. Were it not for my complete trust in you, Your Highness, I wouldn't have mentioned it."

"By the way, about the Armo Mountains—are the arrangements settled?"

Xue Qinghe nodded. "Thanks to your team's performance in the qualifiers, you've been granted a viscount title. My father has agreed to your claim on the Armo Mountains."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

After further conversation, Xue Qinghe returned to his palace. In his study, a shadow emerged from the darkness—Snake Spear Douluo.

Snake Spear Douluo bowed and spoke respectfully. "Young master, the Pope has sent word. She hopes you will attend the finals of the Spirit Master tournament. Both Heaven Dou Team Two and Team One have far exceeded expectations, and Star Luo's power isn't weak either. This tournament is critical for the possession of three top-grade spirit bones and for our Spirit Hall's prestige."

Xue Qinghe's face darkened. "Tell that woman to handle her own problems."

He paused, then added, "Yang Potian is under my protection. I have my own plans for the Po Clan. She is not to interfere."

Snake Spear Douluo nodded hastily, fearful of offending either side.

Returning to his dorm, Yang Potian was surprised to find Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Ning Rongrong waiting for him. After inviting them inside, he addressed Ning Fengzhi. "Welcome, Sect Master Ning. May I ask what brings you here?"

Ning Fengzhi, looking somewhat anxious, asked, "Yang Potian, I've heard that Ye Lingling's self-created spirit ability was developed by you. Is that true?"

Yang Potian nodded. "Lingling is a plant-based spirit master with limited offensive power, so I created a self-made ability for her as a means of self-defense."

Ning Fengzhi, satisfied, continued, "Yang Potian, this technique would be invaluable to our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Would you consider sharing it? You may name your price."

Yang Potian simply shook his head. "Sect Master Ning, surely you understand better than anyone what it is I truly want, don't you?"

At this, Ning Fengzhi fell silent. He knew exactly what Yang Potian desired.

More than anything, both Yang Potian and the Po Clan wanted stability, freedom from interference, and a complete disassociation from forces like the Clear Sky Clan and the other great factions. They wanted assurance that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would stay neutral even in matters involving the Clear Sky Clan, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, or even the Heaven Dou Empire.

After all, if Yang Potian were ever to act against Tang San and Yu Xiaogang, the Seven Treasure Clan would almost certainly stand against him, citing the supposed solidarity among the Three Great Clans as grounds for their alliance. Given their allegiance with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Clear Sky Clan, the Seven Treasure Clan would always be a potential adversary, and Yang Potian had no interest in supporting any potential foe.

After a long pause, Ning Fengzhi finally replied, "The Three Great Clans are bound by solidarity, Yang Potian. I cannot sever those ties merely to acquire a self-created spirit ability. That alliance is our foundation against Spirit Hall."

Yang Potian shook his head. "I don't care about your alliances or your Three Great Clans. I simply want a clean break from the Clear Sky Clan and for your clan to treat mine with true neutrality, without such airs of superiority."

"Consider what happened with the Po Clan. If Tang Hao had actually acted, would your Seven Treasure Clan have joined him against us? For the sake of your alliance, I'm certain you would."

Yang Potian had no illusions about the ruthlessness within the Seven Treasure Clan; any clan that could achieve their power and endure for centuries had undoubtedly made some dark choices along the way. This was also why he had chosen to recruit Shi Nian as a hidden weapon for the Po Clan. Every powerful clan had certain matters they preferred to handle discreetly, and Shi Nian, with his stealth and skill, was the perfect person for such tasks.

As for Shi Nian's history of targeting geniuses—wasn't that a common tactic? Whether it was Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, or even the Clear Sky Clan, they all dealt ruthlessly with any genius they deemed a threat.

Ning Fengzhi, after some thought, finally spoke. "I can promise not to interfere with any conflicts between the Po Clan and the Clear Sky Clan, nor will I involve myself in any issues between your clan and other factions, including your disputes with Tang San and Yu Xiaogang. Will this suffice?"

Yang Potian nodded. "That will do. Then I'll arrange for Miss Rongrong to come to the Po Clan for her training. Given her talent, she should learn quickly."

Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo's expressions shifted. "Yang Potian, you can't possibly mean to hold her as a hostage?"

Yang Potian chuckled and shook his head. "Hostage? Not at all. If I'm going to teach her a self-created technique, I can hardly be expected to travel to the Seven Treasure Clan myself, can I?"

Ning Fengzhi's face darkened. "I understand your fiefdom is in the Almo Mountains. Are you suggesting that Rongrong would go with you there as well?"

"That depends entirely on Miss Rongrong's progress. My teaching capabilities have been recognized here, so under my instruction, I believe Miss Rongrong will not only master the technique but will also greatly improve her strength."

Ning Rongrong interjected, "Father, Sword Grandpa, let me go to the Po Clan for training. With my talent, I'll learn it quickly, and then I can return home."

She turned to Yang Potian with a smile. "Brother Yang, I'm exceptionally talented, so you'd better teach me as thoroughly as you did Sister Lingling. No holding back!"

Yang Potian couldn't help but think to himself, Most of Lingling's "teaching" happened in bed. This is hardly the same! If your father or your grandfathers find out, they'll kill me for sure.

Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo still looked undecided, but after a few more words, they finally led Ning Rongrong away for now.

(End of Chapter)

Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.

Read 15 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1