Douluo Dalu (Soul Land): Shadow Monarch

''Sigh, back then I really wanted to take him as my disciple, but unfortunately, he had no interest in my theories at all. Even if I wanted to accept him, the truth is, he wasn't keen on the idea at all," the Grandmaster sighed deeply, feeling somewhat stifled.

"Xiaogang, you can't blame yourself for that." Flender patted the Grandmaster on the shoulder, his face filled with bitterness. "It's just a pity that such a prodigy didn't join our Shrek Academy. When the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament comes around, we're likely in for a tough time."

"Don't worry, Flender." The Grandmaster's stiff face revealed a confident smile as he said, "I've already gained some understanding of Cheng Xiao's spirit abilities. Once I fully analyze his abilities, our Shrek Academy students won't need to fear him."

Flender nodded slightly, replying, "Alright, Xiaogang, I'll leave that to you. As for Xiao San and the others, their injuries aren't too serious. Let them rest for a couple of days. We still need to continue with the second phase of training. The academy's funds are running low. If they don't participate in the Spirit Arena battles, our academy's finances will be insufficient."

"Also, make sure to remind them to be frugal with the gold spirit coins they got from the Spirit Hall. Our academy is in the most difficult phase right now, so save wherever we can."

"Mm." The Grandmaster nodded lightly.

---

At the same time, in the Prince's Mansion of Heaven Dou City.

In a serene pavilion, a young girl in a pale gold gown stood quietly, exuding an elegant aura. A gentle breeze brushed against her, lifting her waterfall-like golden hair that cascaded down to her waist, creating ripples like golden waves on a calm lake.

By now, the people in the Prince's Mansion had all been replaced with those from the Elder Hall. Qian Renxue wasn't always in the role of Xue Qinghe; sometimes, she would return to her true form, though such occasions were rare.

As she gazed calmly at the azure sky, a hint of coldness flickered in her golden eyes. After a long time, Qian Renxue elegantly turned around, her delicate red lips parting as she spoke in a clear, ethereal voice, "Come out, Snake Spear Elder."

As her words fell, the space around her rippled slightly. In the next moment, a tall, slender figure clad in golden armor appeared before her in an eerie manner, kneeling respectfully.

"Young Master." Snake Spear Douluo Yu Long greeted her with utmost respect.

Qian Renxue furrowed her brows slightly, her tone questioning, "Didn't I instruct you to stay hidden near Cheng Xiao, observing his every move while also protecting him? Why have you returned?"

"Reporting to the Young Master, I came back today because I have urgent news to report." Snake Spear Douluo Yu Long paused for a moment before continuing, "Cheng Xiao was recently threatened by the Dean of Shrek Academy in Suotuo City. Although he wasn't physically harmed, you once mentioned that Cheng Xiao's other identity is as Elder Chrysanthemum's disciple. Should I inform Elder Chrysanthemum about this and perhaps give this audacious Spirit Saint a little warning?"

"Spirit Saint?" Qian Renxue was taken aback for a moment, a trace of surprise flashing across her delicate face. Then, in a cold voice, she said, "A mere Spirit Saint dares to lay a hand on one of my people?"

"Er..." Sensing the soul power radiating from Qian Renxue, Snake Spear Douluo swallowed nervously, thinking to himself, "Since when does the Young Master get angry over a stranger? Could it be... the Young Master has feelings for him?"

Without speculating further, Snake Spear Douluo took a deep breath and replied solemnly, "Young Master, if that's the case, I will notify Elder Chrysanthemum. Knowing his temper, he will surely avenge Cheng Xiao for this insult."

Qian Renxue pondered for a moment before saying, "Alright, go ahead and inform Elder Chrysanthemum. If possible, try to bring Elder Ghost Douluo into the fold as well. I believe Cheng Xiao's presence could be an opportunity for us."

"Understood, Young Master." Snake Spear Douluo nodded.

"That's all. You may go. Cheng Xiao is of great importance to me, so nothing must happen to him." After giving her instructions, Qian Renxue waved her hand, a glint of light flashing in her golden eyes.

Upon hearing her orders, Snake Spear Douluo bowed slightly and gradually vanished from sight. Once he was completely gone, Qian Renxue, standing tall and graceful, slowly raised her delicate hand. Her fair and smooth skin gleamed like the clear waters of spring.

In her white palm, golden energy intertwined with black energy, eventually forming a holy sword that was completely different from the angelic holy sword she was familiar with.

The blade of the sword was a deep, dark black, as if it could swallow all light, while the hilt was a brilliant gold, radiating divine splendor.

With her phoenix eyes lowered, Qian Renxue stared at the sword formed in her palm, her expression filled with complexity.

After a long silence, Qian Renxue let out a soft sigh, and with a wave of her hand, the sword slowly dissipated into nothingness.

---

Back in Suotuo City.

During this time, the Emperor Team had been making waves in the Great Spirit Arena of Suotuo City, gaining widespread fame. Every battle they participated in resulted in an unbroken string of victories. Even without Cheng Xiao in their team battles, they remained undefeated!

Such a powerful team naturally attracted the attention of the nobles in Suotuo City. Betting on the Emperor Team became a surefire way to make a fortune, causing the Great Spirit Arena to suffer heavy losses.

A team that had never lost a single battle drew crowds of nobles and spectators. Everyone rushed to place bets on the Emperor Team, eager to cash in. After all, when else would they have the chance to fleece the Spirit Arena?

Cheng Xiao, especially in his individual matches, used his shadow soldiers to secure easy victories. As the matches progressed, he didn't even need to fight anymore. The moment the host announced the start of the match, he would immediately declare it over.

Thanks to his shadow soldiers, Cheng Xiao became widely known in Suotuo City, and people began calling him by a new title: the King of Shadow Beasts, the Shadow Sovereign! As the name of the Shadow Sovereign spread, his battles became even easier. Not only in singles, but even in two-person battles with Ye Lingling, they needed to do nothing to secure victory.

So far, Cheng Xiao and Ye Lingling had achieved the best winning streak in the history of the Great Spirit Arena. When this news broke, the entire Spirit Arena was shocked.

However, just when the nobles and spectators were eager to continue profiting from the Emperor Team, news broke that the team would soon be leaving Suotuo City. The exact time was unclear. This was arranged by Qin Ming, as it was time to return to Heaven Dou City after being away for so long.

On the other side, Shrek Academy deliberately avoided any confrontation with the Emperor Team, intending to prevent any conflicts.

After steering clear of the Emperor Team, the Shrek Seven Devils also achieved an equally impressive record.

Today, the Shrek group arrived as usual at the team battle registration area. When the Grandmaster handed over their team badge, the staff member asked, "Hello, are you the team leader of the Shrek Seven Devils, Grandmaster?"

"I am. Why?" The Grandmaster frowned, his instincts telling him this wasn't good news.

"Sir, please wait a moment. Our supervisor would like to meet with you," the staff member said.

As soon as he finished speaking, the staff member stood up and hurried towards the work area.