Chapter 359. In Concert (Part Two)

Let alone entering the Elder Palace.

Flandre's face was already plastered with a broad smile. "Your Excellency Bishop, don't be in such a hurry to leave! We were at fault earlier too—too impulsive, I admit. How about this? Among our students, Tang San isn't seriously hurt. His injuries are light. Why not question him instead? He's the soul of the entire team, after all. I imagine he'd have a clearer picture."

Zalas shot Flandre a glance, inwardly seething. If you'd said that sooner, would I have had to lay eyes on that Papal Token? Well, I've already conceded face—might as well go all the way. Even if I do dig something up, can I really disqualify you from the competition?

"No, no need. I've thought it through. That Canghui Academy participant was probably just suffering from a soul skill backlash. Under those circumstances, how could your students possibly have done anything? I'll take my leave."

With that, Zalas brushed past Flandre's attempts to keep him, didn't even remember to bid farewell to Ning Fengzhi, and strode out with his two red-robed bishops in tow.

Ning Fengzhi cast a long, meaningful look at the Great Master before following the Bone Douluo out.

The Golden Iron Triangle saw all three of them to the academy gates.

"There's no need to see us off any further. Sorry for the disturbance today. Great Master, about the Pope…"

The Great Master met Zalas's evasive gaze and smiled faintly. "Rest assured, Your Excellency Bishop. This year's tournament has been entirely fair."

A flicker of satisfaction crossed Zalas's face. He nodded, turned, and departed with his entourage.

Ning Fengzhi lingered, smiling at the Great Master. "I never imagined the Great Master was also an honorary elder of Spirit Hall. Fengzhi was truly remiss before."

The Great Master's gaze grew placid. "It's merely a way of keeping certain mediocre minds in check."

Ning Fengzhi seemed about to press further but held his tongue. "The children's health comes first. If tomorrow's match proves too much, just forfeit. It'll give the tournament committee a way out."

After these words, Ning Fengzhi finally took his leave of the three and turned to go with the Bone Douluo.

Watching the pair's silhouettes fade into the distance, the artificial smile on Flandre's face quietly dropped away. "That Clan Master Ning lives up to his reputation. But Xiao Gang—even though you scared off those Spirit Hall people this time, you've probably drawn even more of their attention going forward."

Before the Great Master could respond, a sudden sharp pain shot through his ear as Liu Erlong's icy voice rang out: "Yu Xiaogang! You're still in contact with that woman! Tell me—are you—"

Flandre watched Liu Erlong about to unleash her fury, blinked once, then hurriedly stammered, "Er—I just remembered something urgent. I'll head back first. You two talk." With that, he turned and fled without a shred of loyalty.

"It hurts! Erlong, let go. You've got it wrong." The Great Master stared at her with a helpless expression.

Liu Erlong's eyes had gone red, tears trembling on the rims. "Got it wrong? That woman gave you the Papal Token! What could possibly be wrong? She's practically throwing herself at you, dignity and all!"

The Great Master's rigid face hardened further. "Nonsense. Let go. This Papal Token wasn't given to me by her."

Though Liu Erlong's strength far surpassed the Great Master's, when he truly grew angry, she felt a twinge of fear. She released his ear. "Then tell me—who gave it to you? If I don't get an explanation that satisfies me, this won't be over."

The Great Master sighed helplessly. "You, Erlong—you're getting on in years and still this impulsive."

Liu Erlong's willowy brows shot upward. "Are you calling me old?"

"I—you know that's not what I meant. Do you want to hear where the Papal Token came from or not?"

"Go on." Liu Erlong reined in her emotions a fraction.

The Great Master exhaled softly. "Xiao San's father gave it to me."

Liu Erlong knew very little about Tang San's background. Since the Great Master had come into her life, her entire world had revolved around him alone. Now she blurted in surprise, "Xiao San's father? How is that possible? Could it be…?"

The Great Master took Liu Erlong's hand and led her back into the academy, walking slowly as he uttered four quiet words: "Titled: Haotian."

To prove that their students were truly gravely injured, the next day Shrek Academy announced that it was forfeiting its next two matches, granting the team members ample time to recover.

Thus, Shrek Academy's undefeated streak was broken. Moreover, the two teams drawn to face them in those rounds turned out to be none other than Shenfeng Academy and Leiting Academy—two powerhouses in their own right.

If Leiting Academy felt somewhat fortunate, then Feng Xiaotian, captain of Shenfeng Academy, was thoroughly mired in gloom. Shrek's forfeit handed them a victory on paper, but Huo Wu's temper would hardly cool just because they'd won without a fight. And Feng Xiaotian still hadn't truly bested Tang San, so his dream of winning the beauty's heart would have to remain on hold a while longer.

The preliminary rounds raged on. When Shrek Academy returned, their strength had not diminished as some spectators had predicted—they continued to march triumphantly forward. Before long, the twenty-seven-round preliminary stage was drawing to a close. Only the final round remained before it would all be over.