Chapter 291: "Brother San isn't as bad as I thought..."
Du Siji withdrew from the Martial Soul Possession state and walked toward Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun.
He helped the two of them up.
This Crown Prince was to his liking.
A loss was a loss, Dai Weisi did not make any excuses nor did he dwell on it.
"Crown Prince, my achievements today are all thanks to the Sect Master's grace."
"If not for the Sect Master, I would not have been your match."
These words were both an acknowledgment of Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun and carried a hint of humblebragging.
Everyone knew the truth.
Without Zhongli, what was the Body Sect?
At most, it was just a sect with three thousand soul masters.
Without a powerful figure to support it, it was nothing more than a minor sect.
"The means of the Martial God are truly admirable."
"If Brother Siji doesn't mind, you can just call me Weisi."
Dai Weisi supported Zhu Zhuyun. Although he was more seriously injured, Zhu Zhuyun was his fiancée, it was his duty to take care of her.
"Brother Weisi!"
"Brother Siji!"
The two nodded at each other, exchanged glances, and ultimately smiled.
"Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team One versus Star Luo Royal Academy Team One. Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team One is victorious!"
With Dai Weisi conceding, the referee officially announced the match's result.
At that moment, the Star Luo team re-entered the stage. The women supported Zhu Zhuyun, while the men helped Dai Weisi.
There was no expected exchange of harsh words. Instead, they left the arena chatting amiably, much to the audience's amusement.
Meanwhile, those responsible for Dai Weisi' protection fell into deep thought.
The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess had certainly taken a beating, but the silver lining was that they had established a connection with such a talented young figure from the Body Sect.
The Star Luo Royal Family and the Body Sect had previously clashed over the incident with the two spies, but it had ended inconclusively.
Although the Star Luo Royal Family never spoke of it openly, they still harbored resentment.
After all, even when dealing with a mere dog, one must consider its master.
Yet, the Body Sect had outright killed two of Star Luo's spies, both Soul Saints, without hesitation.
"Fortunately, we didn't act rashly back then, or the consequences would have been unimaginable."
Two spies, even Soul Saint-level ones, were still just spies.
If they were killed, then so be it.
There were no eternal enemies in this world. If given the chance, who would want to be enemies with the Body Sect?
"Crown Prince, your performance this time was truly commendable. His Majesty will surely be pleased when he hears of it," an elder said to Dai Weisi.
Dai Weisi' smile faded, and he nodded expressionlessly.
Indeed, Du Siji was one of the strongest disciples of the Body Sect.
If not for that particular young woman, he would undoubtedly become the next Sect Master.
Building a relationship with him could only bring benefits, not harm.
"Once everything is settled, I will personally visit the Body Sect to offer my apologies and make amends."
"The Crown Prince is wise!"
The so-called "apology" naturally referred to the matter of the two spies.
Previously, there had been no proper excuse to do so, but now there was.
As long as he brought appropriate gifts and demonstrated sincerity, the past grievances could be put to rest.
And if he could strengthen ties with Du Siji and the others...
Thinking of this, a slight smile appeared on Dai Weisi' lips.
Huo Huo grumbled in dissatisfaction, "I knew it! Teaming up with this guy is nothing but trouble!"
"I didn't even get a chance to fight before he kicked me out of the match."
"Come on, we know you too well," the others shook their heads helplessly.
If he weren't afraid of Du Siji' fists, would he have stepped down so easily?
If he had just been a little more stubborn, he wouldn't have been forced off so quickly.
Du Siji patted Huo Huo's shoulder and said, "You'll get your chance next time. I'll let you fight then!"
With the top three teams now determined, the Great Soul Arena would return to its normal state.
The next matches would no longer take place there.
The contestants were given three days of rest before the championship battle would officially begin.
"It's a shame we won't get to see the finals, but we already know who's going to win."
"Oh? And you think you're the only one who knows?"
"We all know, okay?"
"There's no suspense at all..."
Hearing the spectators' discussions, the Golden Generation felt frustrated but had no way to refute them.
They really couldn't win.
Even the short-tempered Yan had accepted this reality.
"Let's train hard! Three days later, we must seize second place!"
Everyone: "…"
"Yes!"
Even Hu Liena had given up. What more could they say?
Their goal was the runner-up position, after all.
Tang San clenched his fists tightly, his eyes bloodshot. If he was only aiming for second place, then everything he had done would have been meaningless.
Absorbing spirit rings for his second martial soul would have been a foolish decision.
He had not come here to be second!
"There must be a way... There must be a way..."
Tang San clenched his fists so hard they turned white, his aura growing increasingly oppressive.
A faint blood-red mist began to rise from his head, but he failed to notice it.
Given their current state, defeating the Martial Soul Team would already require Tang San to give his all, let alone challenging the Royal Fighting Team.
"Brother San, must we win this match?"
Xiao Wu looked at Tang San indifferently and asked.
Tang San had sacrificed too much for this tournament.
But Xiao Wu felt nothing, not even the slightest bit of pity.
She had already figured something out: Tang San and Tang Hao's intentions toward her were not pure.
Tang Hao had tricked the Blue Silver Emperor into sacrificing itself.
And now, he was preparing to use the same method to make her sacrifice herself!
Did they love her?
Or did they just love her spirit ring and bones?
"We must win!"
Tang San instinctively responded.
He had sacrificed so much, how could he not win?
Seeing this, Xiao Wu said nothing more.
She had nowhere to go now.
Da Ming and Er Ming were most likely already someone else's spirit rings, and Star Dou Forest was no longer a safe place for her.
If she stayed by Tang San's side, who knew when she might become his spirit ring?
At that moment, a red glow entered Xiao Wu's mind, making her feel dizzy.
"Brother San isn't as bad as I thought... He once said that anyone who wanted to harm me would have to step over his dead body..."
Memories of the past echoed in her mind, and for a moment, Xiao Wu was lost in confusion.
"If that moment truly comes, Tang San-ge, I will help you win!"
She murmured to herself, her eyes flickering with uncertainty.
For the public, the tournament was over, and Martial Soul City had returned to its pre-competition state.
The eliminated teams had gradually left the city, camping outside and waiting for the tournament to conclude.
The Star Luo delegation had already departed.
With all their teams eliminated, there was no reason to stay in Martial Soul City any longer.
Once Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun recovered somewhat from their injuries, the Star Luo group set off on their journey home.