Bi Bidong watched Su Yu's figure, a trace of barely noticeable satisfaction flashing in her eyes.
The spar had already determined a winner.
Bi Bidong sat up straight, her gaze fixed on Su Yu below, her tone revealing little emotion:
"Xiao Yu, as I told you earlier, this is a spar. Just stop at the appropriate point and don't be too heavy-handed."
She paused, her eyes sweeping over Yu Tiandou who was trapped by the giant tree, then turning back to Su Yu:
"Since the outcome is decided, withdraw your Martial Soul. Don't overstep the bounds."
Hearing this, Su Yu nodded slightly and then focused his mind.
The giant tree that had been suppressing Yu Tiandou rapidly lost its vitality, its thick trunk and roots visibly withering, shrinking, and dissolving.
Eventually, it turned into countless wood chips that merged into the ground, leaving only slightly disordered stone slabs behind, as if the astonishing scene from moments before had never occurred.
Yu Tiandou staggered to his feet, his face still marked with some embarrassment and unwillingness, yet he knew he was truly outmatched.
He cupped his hands toward Su Yu and retreated silently to the seats of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
The murmurs in the square surged like a tide, gradually growing from hushed whispers to fervent discussions.
"My heavens... what kind of Spirit Ability was that? Growing into such a thick tree in the blink of an eye? That control is terrifying!"
A young Soul Master carrying a long sword gaped, unconsciously tugging at his companion's sleeve, his voice full of disbelief.
An older Soul Master nearby stroked his beard, his gaze fixed intently on Su Yu's back, and after a long moment, slowly said:
"This Wood Release Spirit is too overpowering. Look at the strength of those root entanglements and the speed of the trunk's growth!"
"He maintained restraint without going for the kill, yet clearly determined the winner. This level of control over his Martial Soul—how can he be like a ten-year-old child?"
On another side, several students from remote academies huddled together, their voices low but unable to conceal their excitement:
"Did you see how fierce Yu Tiandou's lightning power was just now? I felt my scalp tingling from far away, and yet he was trapped just like that? This Su Yu... is just too monstrous, isn't he?"
"Monstrous? Did you not see his Soul Rings? I didn't notice earlier, but now it's clear: purple, purple, black!"
"His Third Soul Ring is actually at the ten-thousand-year level, and he's only a Soul Elder!"
"Our academy's dean, a Soul Saint, only has a thousand-year Third Soul Ring!"
Among the crowd, elders from established families looked grave, exchanging low voices.
"That kid from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is considered outstanding among his peers, yet he couldn't even withstand a single move from him!"
"If this Su Yu grows up, the Spirit Hall's influence in the future might..."
"Hard to say, hard to say, but such talent is truly once in a century."
"Did you see how he withdrew his move just now? Composed and measured, neither arrogant nor impatient. Much better than those juniors who rely solely on their talent to act recklessly. The Spirit Hall certainly knows how to teach..."
Many also turned their gazes toward Bi Bidong on the high platform, their eyes complex.
"His Holiness the Pope must have found a successor! Otherwise, he wouldn't have been crowned Holy Son at such a young age. It seems His Holiness has high hopes for him."
Su Yu stood in the center of the square, having withdrawn his stance, his white robe gently fluttering in the breeze.
His eyes swept over the tens of thousands of gazes from below, his voice clear and resonant as a bell, reaching every corner.
"I, Su Yu, the Holy Son of the Spirit Hall, stand by my earlier words. If anyone wishes to challenge me, step onto the stage now."
As his voice fell, the murmurs in the square ceased abruptly, plunging into dead silence.
All eyes shifted between faces, filled with hesitation and scrutiny.
Yu Tiandou's crushing defeat was still vivid in their minds—the might of his Thunder Dragon Claw starkly contrasted with Su Yu's effortless resolution.
The young Soul Masters who had been itching to challenge Su Yu instinctively held back.
In the front row, a youth in black martial attire clenched his fists.
He was a genius from a mid-tier sect, with level 33 Soul Power, and had hoped to seize this chance to shine.
But gazing at the composed figure on the high platform, he slowly relaxed his grip.
The gap was too obvious; stepping up now would only invite humiliation.
On the other side, several students from the Imperial Academy whispered among themselves:
"Should we... give it a try?"
"Forget it. Didn't you see how quickly Yu Tiandou of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan lost?"
"That Wood Release Spirit is too bizarre. Once those vines entangle you, you can't move. Our Martial Souls would fare even worse."
On the high platform, Ning Fengzhi gently twirled his jade ruyi and glanced at Sword Douluo:
"It seems no one dares to step up. This Su Yu is not only strong but also bold—a single statement has silenced the entire crowd."
Sword Douluo nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on Su Yu with a hint of curiosity.
Just then, a rough voice boomed from behind the Star Luo Empire's seats:
"Hu Yan Meng of the Elephant Armor Sect wishes to seek guidance from the Holy Son!"
Everyone turned to see a nearly two-meter-tall brute striding forward.
Bare-chested, his bronze muscles coiled like stone, with formidable Soul Power fluctuations around him—clearly a Soul Elder.
He slammed his fists together, producing a dull thud, his eyes fierce:
"Your Highness, I am Hu Yan Meng from the Elephant Armor Sect. My Martial Soul is the Diamond Mammoth, a level 34 Power-Attack Battle Soul Elder. I don't believe your wood can withstand my strength!"
Su Yu's gaze swept over the newly arrived Hu Yan Meng, then turned to the crowd as he declared loudly:
"Are there any others who wish to challenge? Step up together."
As soon as he spoke, responses echoed from the crowd. Several figures leaped out, ascending the stone steps to the square, standing shoulder to shoulder with Hu Yan Meng.
"Your Highness, I am Huo Yan from the Fire Leopard Sect!"
A young man in crimson martial attire stepped forward, heat waves faintly roiling around him.
"Martial Soul: Fire Leopard, level 35 Power-Attack Battle Soul Elder. I seek your guidance!"
Next, a white-robed youth carrying a long sword stepped forth, his sword aura chilling:
"Feng Bailu of the Wind Sword Sect, Martial Soul: Wind Sword, level 34 Power-Attack Battle Soul Elder. I have long heard of the Holy Son's fame and specially came to seek advice!"
"Hu Ben of the Black Tiger Sect is here!"
A bear-like man spoke in a booming voice, his muscles bulging with a fierce aura.
"Martial Soul: Black Tiger, level 36 Power-Attack Battle Soul Elder. Let's see if your wood is harder or my tiger claws sharper!"
"Huo Wudi of the Blazing Fire Academy!"
A girl with twin buns raised her voice, flames seeming to dance in her hands.
"Martial Soul: Flame Chariot, level 35 Power-Attack Battle Soul Elder. Does the Holy Son dare to face my blazing fire?"
Finally, a youth in dark green robes gently smoothed his sleeves, his tone carrying a hint of effeminacy:
"Mu Yeqiu from the Plant Academy, Martial Soul Nether Vine King, thirty-fourth rank Control System Battle Soul Elder. As we both possess plant-type Martial Souls, I wish to exchange pointers with the Holy Son."
Within moments, six challengers had gathered in the plaza—three men and three women, all outstanding youths from various sects or academies.