Douluo: Soul-Breaking spear

Chapter 146: Ye Lingling's Advancement in the Qualification Matches

Not long after, Yang Wudi returned to the chamber. Looking at his grandson with a puzzled expression, he asked, "Potian, is it really worth spending so much to recruit someone like Shi Nian?"

Yang Potian shook his head lightly. "Shi Nian's spirit is quite unique and highly valuable for certain situations. Under the right conditions, it could prove to be invaluable."

However, his father, Yang Zhentian, still seemed worried. "Aren't you concerned that Shi Nian might eventually expose us? If word gets out that he carried out those kills for the Yang Clan, we'll have made plenty of powerful enemies."

Yang Potian only smiled faintly. "These criminals deserve their end, and even if the major factions learn of our involvement, they would only see it as an act of justice. They wouldn't risk a confrontation with us over these lowlifes. We can bear that fallout—Shi Nian cannot."

"Shi Nian's just a Spirit Sage. If he's caught executing some vigilante justice, the major factions will crush him without hesitation. Aligning himself with the Yang Clan may be his only choice." Yang Potian continued with a calm confidence, "Besides, with Shi Nian's spirit and skills, he can easily accomplish this without drawing attention. He knows how to cover his tracks well. And that Illusory Spirit Flower—it's likely his last chance to break through. I doubt he'll pass it up."

Even his grandfather, Yang Wudi, showed some hesitation. "The Illusory Spirit Flower is valuable. Isn't it a bit of a waste to use it here? Aren't you concerned he'll become a Title Douluo with it?"

Potian shook his head. "With Shi Nian's limited potential and constitution, the most he'll reach is high-level Spirit Douluo. To reach Title Douluo, he'd need far more than this flower."

With that decided, they left the matters to Yang Potian, and Yang Wudi took the flower for further study. It wasn't surprising that Potian valued Shi Nian so highly; Shi Nian's Nightmarish Phantom spirit was, in the Douluo Continent, almost like a form of soul-searching, able to manipulate memories through illusions. It was a power that could yield unexpected benefits when used strategically.

Afterward, Potian put Shi Nian out of mind and focused on training with his team. Time flew by, and soon enough, the Qualification Matches began.

During this time, Ye Renxin, Ye Lingling's father, had sent word to warn her about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's interest in her self-created spirit skill, advising her to be cautious. Surprisingly, though, no one from the clan approached them directly, which left Potian wondering if they had other plans. After all, the self-created skill held immense potential for development.

On the last day of training, the team completed their intense plum blossom post training. Everyone appeared much improved, although their spirit power hadn't advanced yet, they were all close to breaking through.

Especially Yang Tianyue, who excitedly said, "Brother, your training method was amazing! I think my spirit power's gone up a lot. Maybe one or two more months, and I'll reach Spirit Ancestor!"

"I even feel like I can jump higher, and my speed and strength have improved too," she added cheerfully.

Yang Potian smiled, satisfied with everyone's progress. "You've all done well this month. The Qualification Matches are next, and I'll make sure everyone gets the chance to compete. Push your limits in the matches and aim for breakthroughs."

That evening, they returned to Heaven Dou Royal Academy to join the teachers and other academy staff heading to the Qualification Match venue. The matches would be held in a heavily secured military camp outside Heaven Dou City, with ten thousand soldiers stationed around the perimeter to ensure no one could leave during the event.

The Qualification Matches brought together sixteen teams, including the top six from the Heaven Dou region and the best teams from other areas. It was a gathering of the continent's top talents.

Potian's main instruction to his team was straightforward: focus on self-improvement and do their best in each match. The outcome was secondary; the goal was personal breakthroughs.

The Qualification Matches were much more about individual prowess compared to the team-centric preliminary rounds. Additionally, Emperor Xue Ye's rewards—especially the promise to supply top-tier spirit beasts to the winners—held little appeal for Potian and his team. The Yang Clan's elders could personally hunt high-quality spirit beasts, often at the Spirit Douluo or even Title Douluo level, making the empire's rewards largely irrelevant.

On the first day of the competition, when Heaven Dou Team Two took the stage, the lineup caught everyone by surprise. Instead of Niu Mang, Dugu Yan, or Yang Ping'an, it was Yang Tianyue who stepped forward to open the match.

Traditionally, teams aimed for a strong start, sending one of their best fighters first and another one last, aiming to gain momentum and secure a win. But Potian hadn't followed this conventional strategy; instead, he'd decided the order with a roll of dice, much to Yang Tianyue's amusement as she eagerly rolled the dice.

Each of the first five participants would only fight one match before switching, win or lose. Dugu Yan was set as the second-to-last member, just one step short of a breakthrough herself, with combat experience being the final push she needed. Yang Ping'an, who didn't care much for winning or losing but preferred not to lose, would serve as the anchor, ensuring a solid close to their lineup.

Their first opponent was the Barak Academy. The Barak team captain—a level 42 Spirit Ancestor—was up first, facing off against Yang Tianyue. To everyone's surprise, Tianyue fought fiercely, wielding her spirit weapon, the Po Soul Spear, like a dragon as she battled through a grueling match to clinch victory.

The audience was stunned. Yang Tianyue had just defeated a Spirit Ancestor as a Spirit Elder. Barak Academy's captain, an experienced and battle-hardened fighter, had lost. Even more surprising, without waiting for the referee's signal, Tianyue promptly stepped down after her win, leaving the referee somewhat at a loss.

Niu Kui went up next, facing another Spirit Elder. With his powerful defense and impressive strength, he secured an easy victory and also stepped down without hesitation.

In both cases, Heaven Dou Team Two's fighters acted as if the final win was irrelevant, focusing more on maintaining readiness and preparing the next person for battle.

While most teams fought for glory, Potian's team seemed driven by a different purpose. They were honing themselves, pushing limits, and, with Potian leading the way, they were preparing for something greater than any single tournament victory.

After Niu Kui's victory, the next fighter from Heaven Dou Team Two was Niu Mang, who boasted an impressive 45th-level power. With his formidable abilities, he swiftly overpowered his opponent, spending only minimal effort to secure the win. However, following his victory, he too immediately stepped off the stage. Next up was Yang Yuxuan.

Yang Yuxuan faced off against a Spirit Ancestor from the opposing team, and despite giving it his all, he ultimately lost, marking Heaven Dou Team Two's only defeat of the day.

Then, to everyone's surprise, Ye Lingling entered the ring. In the Qualification Matches, it was nearly unheard of for a support-type Spirit Master to compete directly. Yet, standing against the opponent who had just defeated Yang Yuxuan, Ye Lingling showed no hesitation. With agile movement and impressive speed, she held her own in a fierce battle.

Throughout the match, Ye Lingling occasionally used her self-created spirit skill, forming a ball of light in her hands to launch at her opponent. Adding to her unpredictability, she periodically healed herself with her support skills. Each time her opponent managed to land an attack, Ye Lingling would immediately heal, leaving him frustrated and nearly ready to explode with irritation.

After a lengthy and drawn-out battle, Ye Lingling emerged victorious, leaving the audience in shock. Watching her, many couldn't believe that a female support-type Spirit Master could fight so fiercely.

Among the spectators, countless support-type Spirit Masters looked on in admiration. Ning Rongrong, the "Little Witch," seemed especially absorbed, contemplating what she'd just witnessed.

The sixth match saw Dugu Yan take the stage. Unlike the others, she competed in back-to-back rounds, filling the arena with a thick, toxic mist and covering everything in a green haze. She easily defeated her opponents, even those at the Spirit Ancestor level, without facing much pressure.

Heaven Dou Team Two secured a comfortable victory, with every team member except Yang Ping'an getting a chance to compete.

The next day's events were even more surprising. When it was Heaven Dou Team Two's turn to compete, Ye Lingling was sent in as the first contestant. Her opponent was the opposing team's captain—a 42nd-level Spirit Ancestor.

Most spectators assumed Heaven Dou Team Two was forfeiting the match by sending in a support-type fighter against an attack-type Spirit Ancestor. But Ye Lingling defied expectations once again, becoming the day's highlight. As a 48th-level support-type Spirit Ancestor, she faced off against a 42nd-level power-attack Spirit Ancestor whose spirit was the Mighty Vajra Bear, a formidable spirit renowned for its strength but lacking in agility and flexibility.

This match turned into the longest battle in the tournament, lasting over an hour. Ye Lingling, with her nimble movements, darted around the ring, occasionally sneaking in attacks with her self-created spirit skill. Any damage she sustained, she healed immediately, infuriating her opponent, who repeatedly activated his fourth spirit skill in a desperate attempt to land a decisive blow. Yet, each time Ye Lingling healed, she left him gnashing his teeth in frustration, as his relentless moves failed to make a lasting impact.

Unable to match her agility, her opponent grew increasingly frustrated. The battle dragged on for over an hour, ending with Ye Lingling's hard-won victory, further astonishing everyone and solidifying her unique reputation.

(End of Chapter)

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