On the high platform, six imposing figures slowly turned to face the thousands of guests in the plaza.
All the guests present were knowledgeable and recognized several of Grand Martial Academy's senior staff, immediately identifying five of the six.
Dean of Grand Martial Academy—Jade Skin Douluo!
Vice Dean of Grand Martial Academy—Cloud Sword Douluo!
Head of the Assault Department—Breaking Spear Douluo!
Head of the Agility Attack Department—Phantom Douluo!
Head of the Control Department—Poison Douluo!
Five Douluos!
Five Titled Douluos appeared at once, their unparalleled soul power fluctuating without restraint, intertwining to create an even more thrilling force and aura than when Spirit Hall's four Douluos had appeared earlier.
However, what shocked everyone even more was that the principal of Grand Martial Academy, Jade Skin Douluo—who possessed the peak rank of 96 Titled Douluo—was not standing at the front of the six-member team.
A peak Douluo, yet he was actually standing behind someone else?
Everyone's eyes, filled with unparalleled shock and curiosity, were unconsciously drawn to the man standing at the head of the six.
He was a middle-aged man in a dark, gold-trimmed robe, his hair meticulously combed. His eyes, whether open or closed, lacked sharpness, but within them swam boundless wisdom and profundity, giving people an inexplicable pressure—as if he could see through and control the whole world.
In this moment, the simple image of "grand elder" or "the Body Sect's kindly neighbor" was utterly shattered. At this time, he was the leader of the continent's strongest faction and truly displayed the supreme majesty of the strongest in the soul master world.
The Grand Elder ignored everyone's shock. His gaze was as deep as the sea of stars, calmly sweeping over the crowd, finally falling upon Spirit Hall and the others—meeting the eyes of Golden Crocodile Douluo, who hovered in midair.
There was no explosive clash of soul power or surging momentum.
But the instant their eyes met, the entire plaza seemed to freeze. An invisible oppression enveloped everyone, like the dead silence before a storm.
Everyone held their breath, their hearts unconsciously pounding in their throats.
One was Spirit Hall's second worship, famed for over a century and leaving endless legends in the soul master world.
The other was the Body Sect's mysterious powerhouse, his strength unfathomable.
If these two were to clash here and now, the outcome would be unimaginable.
Time passed slowly in the suffocating silence.
One second, two seconds, three seconds...
Just as everyone felt they couldn't bear the invisible pressure any longer, both the Grand Elder on the high platform and Golden Crocodile Douluo in front of the plaza revealed understanding, inscrutable smiles. The smiles were neither friendly nor hostile, but seemed to acknowledge each other as equals—a subtle reconciliation and recognition.
It was as if two kings were greeting each other from above, overlooking the world.
The tense atmosphere suddenly eased. Many people realized their backs were soaked with cold sweat.
"Spirit Hall, Second Worship, Titled: Golden Crocodile!"
Golden Crocodile Douluo was the first to speak. His voice was low, dignified, and powerful as he introduced himself—not to show off, but out of basic respect for the strong man before him. This man was worthy of being treated as an equal.
The Grand Elder also smiled calmly, his voice gentle yet spreading throughout the plaza. Then, he uttered a title that would shake the continent after today.
"Body Sect, Great Elder, Titled: Wisdom Brain!"
Wisdom Brain Douluo!
This title perfectly matched his mysterious spiritual power and head spirit, embodying wisdom in planning and mastery over situations.
Golden Crocodile Douluo's expression did not change, but his heart suddenly sank.
Just from the brief eye contact and pressure earlier, he had already judged that the "Wisdom Brain Douluo" before him was no weaker than himself. The bottomless spiritual power radiating from him felt like a strong threat.
"His spiritual power must be at least on par with the Grand Worship (Qian Daoliu)!"
Such a strong person was actually just the Grand Elder of the Body Sect. In that case, the Body Douluo, who had never appeared before, must be even stronger! The Body Sect's strength far exceeded even the unified three great sects in Tang Chen's prime!
Golden Crocodile Douluo's mind raced, but nothing showed on his face. He simply exchanged a seemingly casual greeting with Wisdom Brain Douluo, his words full of subtlety and cunning.
The Grand Elder also responded freely, his words unfathomable.
All the other faction representatives standing nearby—especially Ning Fengzhi, Yu Luomian, and others—stared at the six figures on the high platform, their eyes full of unprecedented solemnity and awe.
The world's most mysterious sect?
No, from today on, it would be called the world's number one sect!
Everyone's hearts were filled with emotion. They knew the pattern of the Douluo Continent was about to change completely, and the title of "world's number one sect" that the Clear Sky Sect had held for nearly a century would now pass to someone else.
Meanwhile, the disguised Qian Renxue (as Xue Qinghe) was staring at the Wisdom Brain Douluo on the high platform. She saw him converse as an equal with her second grandfather, and even attract awe from her golden crocodile grandfather. Her eyes sparkled, as if trying to engrave the elder's image deeply in her heart.
The Grand Elder seemed to sense something, glancing briefly at "Xue Qinghe." In those deep eyes flashed a trace of inexplicable doubt, but it faded quickly and he did not pursue it.
Soon, the Grand Elder's gaze shifted past Golden Crocodile Douluo to the black-robed, icy-breathed Ghost Douluo behind him. His eyes softened slightly, his voice tinged with concern as he called out quietly:
"Ghost."
Ghost Douluo trembled slightly at the sound. He had just witnessed this Wisdom Brain Douluo contend with the Golden Crocodile Worship, an existence he deeply revered. He dared not be negligent; quickly stepping forward, he bent deeply in a salute, his voice full of respect and restraint:
"Ghost pays respects to Wisdom Brain!"
But before he could fully bow, a warm and powerful hand gently supported his arm, preventing him from bowing his head further.
The Grand Elder shook his head lightly, his tone gentle:
"No need to be so formal. Your Ghost spirit is among the main lineages as well. If you wish, you may call me 'Elder.'"
The second elder behind the Grand Elder also looked on with gentle approval, showing clear agreement.
Ghost Douluo was stunned, then quickly raised his head, his shadowed face showing shock and disbelief.
He… was actually acknowledged and treated as a fellow disciple by this world-class powerhouse, even invited to call him 'Elder'…?
Indescribable emotions surged in his heart. Raised in Spirit Hall from childhood, all his loyalty and beliefs belonged to Spirit Hall. He had never imagined that as a "Ghost" spirit, long regarded as alien, there could be a "home" for him.
But ultimately, he was Spirit Hall's Ghost Douluo, and years of faith and duty were deeply engraved in his bones. He took a deep breath, suppressed his emotions, and gently declined, his voice trembling:
"Your Excellency is too kind… Ghost does not dare."
He refused, but deep inside, a long-frozen corner of his heart was quietly warmed.
Seeing this, the Grand Elder's eyes showed understanding and a trace of regret, but he did not insist. He gazed intently at Ghost, his look seeming to pierce the black robe to the depths of his soul.
"It's alright."
"Take some time to return to the sect. There is another path for you there… your opportunity."
Ghost Douluo was stunned again. After his clear refusal, not only was this Wisdom Brain Douluo not displeased, but even offered him a "chance." Having such a "chance" offered by a world-class powerhouse equal to Golden Crocodile Douluo was unimaginable, and it would be immensely valuable for breaking through his long-standing bottleneck at rank 95.
Ghost Douluo opened his mouth to speak, but Wisdom Brain Douluo gave him no further chance. After speaking, the elder nodded gently and turned to rejoin the other five Douluos in the central position on the high platform.
Ghost watched his retreating back, his heart complicated, and finally could only sigh quietly. He glanced helplessly at Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan, whose eyes were full of amazement and inquiry. Yue Guan shook his head gently, then silently followed Golden Crocodile Douluo and Glowing Feather Douluo to the Spirit Hall VIP seats.
All the faction representatives present watched this scene and were left astonished.
Who knew that Ghost Douluo, raised by Spirit Hall since childhood, actually had true heritage, and was almost impossible to turn?
Yet, before the world, this Wisdom Brain Douluo showed acceptance, and after being refused, even promised a "chance."
This kind of heart, tolerance, and continued support for those who shared the same spirit origin deeply impressed everyone. The saying "All Body Under Heaven Are One Family" was no empty phrase in this sect. The identity and sense of unity among soul masters with the same spirit origin was likely far beyond anyone's imagination.
While everyone's minds were still reeling, the second elder of Grand Martial Academy, standing high on the platform, stepped forward. He looked over the guests below, his steady voice resounding powerfully:
"The auspicious hour has arrived! I hereby announce the opening ceremony of Grand Martial Academy—"
"—has officially begun!"
…
Bonus Chapter at 300 PS