Chapter 271: This man is blocking our path to nobility!

Today marks the official conclusion of the qualifiers!

The five teams advancing to the next round have taken their seats in the VIP section: the Whitebeard Team, Tianshui Academy, Shrek Academy, Blazing Fire Academy, and GodWind Academy—in that exact ranking.

To be honest, few pay much attention to the top spot in the qualifiers—unless, of course, there's an exception like the Whitebeard Team, led by Edward.

Names like Edward, Knight, Bai Xue, and Dashan have already spread throughout Heaven Dou City! Even the Spirit Hall has taken special notice.

The reason is simple.

Though the qualifiers are merely the first stage of elimination—often filled with weaker teams—there are always dark horses and the elite elemental academies that emerge every year. Yet, none of them could pose a challenge to the Whitebeard Team.

To put it more dramatically, their matches ended without even forcing them to reveal their true strength.

For ordinary teams, participation was just a formality.

But this year, even the geniuses of Tianshui Academy, Blazing Fire Academy, and GodWind Academy fell short. Doesn't that say enough?

Take yesterday's final match: Shrek Academy vs. Whitebeard Team.

Shrek was another dark horse in the qualifiers, fielding only five players per match while conserving their strength—yet still dominating their opponents.

But against the Whitebeard Team?

They lost. And it was a crushing defeat.

This time, perhaps out of caution or respect, the Whitebeard Team sent out two members: Bai Xue and Dashan.

Shrek, on the other hand, fielded all seven of their members—three substitutes and the rest main fighters.

Yet, when the two sides clashed, the outcome was clear from the start.

There was no prolonged battle.

Dai Mubai, renowned for his overwhelming offense, was nearly flattened by Dashan.

Tang San, the ever-calculating tactician, was defeated by Bai Xue in just three exchanges.

This was only the beginning—yet within five minutes, the match was decided.

The audience was stunned. They had expected a fierce dragon-vs-tiger showdown, but instead, Shrek's core fighters were taken out in moments.

Still, Shrek deserves some praise. Knowing the inevitable outcome, they fought to the end, lasting nearly ten minutes—a record against the Whitebeard Team, whose matches usually ended much faster.

At least they didn't go down without a fight.

That's also why Edward's rewards tripled.

The original champion's prize was 10,000 gold soul coins—but Edward received 30,000!

And then, Emperor Xue Ye dropped today's bombshell.

With a kind smile, he announced: "To encourage your efforts in the coming matches, I hereby grant the captains and vice-captains of these five teams the title of Viscount. The remaining members shall be named Barons!"

The moment he finished, Salas, standing nearby, darkened.

"Your Majesty, this seems... inappropriate?"

This move was undeniably a recruitment tactic. Though it wouldn't have immediate effects, acting before Spirit Hall could extend its own offers was too bold—almost a slap to Spirit Hall's face.

As a Platinum Bishop, Salas couldn't let this slide.

Emperor Xue Ye remained silent, but Ning Fengzhi beside him smiled.

"These youths may hail from different academies, but they are still subjects of the Heaven Dou Empire. While they represent themselves and their academies, they also represent our Empire. Is it wrong for His Majesty to reward them?"

"Or does the Bishop object to our encouragement of these talented youngsters?"

In just a few words, Ning Fengzhi shifted the blame squarely onto Salas.

The captains, all sharp-minded, immediately caught the tension in the air—but the wisest move was to play dumb.

Political spats were for the adults. They were just kids.

So they stayed silent, eyes downcast, as still as statues.

Of course, not everyone was pleased.

While the captains and vice-captains were mature enough to understand the implications, some of their teammates weren't.

One player's eyes gleamed greedily at the promise of nobility—until Salas' intervention doused his excitement like cold water.

Though they dared not speak, their dissatisfaction with Spirit Hall—or at least with Salas—was palpable.

'This man is blocking our path to nobility!'

Their resentment was plain on their faces, and Salas noticed—but what could he do? Scold children?

His actions were for Spirit Hall's benefit, not personal gain. So he ignored them, turning instead to Ning Fengzhi, who had thrown him under the carriage.

His expression frosty, Salas retorted: "Sect Master Ning exaggerates. I merely worry—if such rewards are given now, what if these youths return victorious? Will His Majesty then make them Earls? Marquises?"

The provocation was obvious.

Ning Fengzhi tensed. Agreeing would mean speaking for the Emperor—but refusing would force Emperor Xue Ye into a direct confrontation with Spirit Hall.

This was no longer subtle recruitment; it would be open defiance.

Yet he forgot—Emperor Xue Ye was no fool. A ruler who had long tread carefully around Spirit Hall wouldn't recklessly escalate tensions.

Moreover, the Emperor couldn't afford to disillusion the young talents he'd just praised.

So, with a calm smile, Xueye replied: "Further promotions are unlikely, but additional rewards will be granted—their value no less than a title."

Ning Fengzhi's eyes brightened. The answer was flawless, leaving no room for criticism.

At the very least, Salas was left speechless and it was the best outcome possible.

Yet Ning Fengzhi couldn't shake a foreboding thought, 'His Majesty's move will undoubtedly alert Spirit Hall. They'll soon extend their own offers... and then, trouble will follow.'

…

If you'd like to support me and gain access to advanced chapters, you can follow the link:

patreon.com/DarkLord621