Chapter 42: Ao Si Luo's Predicament and the Formation of the Royal Fight Team - Douluo's spirit bead sword

Chapter 42: Ao Si Luo's Predicament and the Formation of the Royal Fight Team Upon hearing Yu Tian Heng concede, there was an uproar from the audience. Nobody expected Tian Lin, with just a spirit power level of 22, to defeat Yu Tian Heng, who was at level 26. The shock was palpable. This boy was not yet eight years old. Was he a genius, or a prodigy? This battle prompted many to recognize Tian Lin. The fear that arose from the incident with the Ordo family was gradually transforming into admiration. This change was not only due to his immense strength but also to his restraint in battle, always knowing when to stop. It was clear he wasn't someone with a deep-seated desire to kill; instead, he seemed like a kind-hearted child. Moreover, with a face that was universally adored, it was hard not to like him. "Wow, I never noticed before. This junior is not only strong but also adorable, with a great temperament. I absolutely love him," someone in the crowd commented dreamily. "Previously, everyone avoided him, so of course we failed to see his good side. It's so frustrating! I should have taken him under my wing while everyone else was distant. Then, as a future Titled Douluo, he would be exclusively mine." Some even contemplated bringing Tian Lin home as a child husband. Though many had lost gold soul coins because of Tian Lin, the nobles cared little for such losses; hundreds or thousands of coins meant nothing to them. However, one person was devastated. Ao Si Luo rushed to the edge of the stage and shouted, "Tian Heng, how could you concede? My entire livelihood depends on you!" "What are you talking about?" Yu Tian Heng was puzzled. "I can't beat Xiao Tian. Should I wait to get beaten up more?" Yu Tian Heng knew Tian Lin had spared him during the fight; his sword energy deliberately missed his body. Aside from some torn clothes, Yu Tian Heng only had minor scratches that would soon heal. Being a man of sense, he wouldn't resort to pointless stubbornness, especially in this fair and just competition; he could afford to lose. In the worst-case scenario, he would just double his training time and strive to win back later. "Why don't you try again, Tian Heng? Maybe Xiao Tian is low on spirit power after using so many techniques, and you might have a chance," Ao Si Luo, grasping for hope, suggested. "Are you joking? While Tian Lin might be drained, I've had my spirit ring sealed, dropping me to the Spirit Master level. I absolutely have no chance," Yu Tian Heng decisively rejected the idea. At that moment, a slender jade hand appeared behind Ao Si Luo and tapped him on the shoulder. Turning around, Ao Si Luo saw the beautiful yet expressionless Ye Ling Ling. "Ao Si Luo, I won. The odds on Tian Lin were 1:2. Besides the 130,000 gold soul coins I bet, you'll owe me an additional 260,000, totaling 390,000 gold coins. Considering we're future teammates, I'll waive the odd amounts – an even 400,000!" she stated plainly, yet her words were chilling. "You're waiving amounts? That's clearly just rounding up!" Ao Si Luo protested, trying to drag Yu Feng into the fray. "Yu Feng, you were involved in the betting too!" Yu Feng quickly summoned his Bellbird spirit and said, "I was just here to help you set things up, not the bookie. Don't drag me into this." With that, Yu Feng flew off, leaving Ao Si Luo high and dry. "Ao Si Luo, pay up. Otherwise, next training, I won't use the Nine Heart Begonia to heal you even if you get hurt," Ye Ling Ling threatened. According to the earlier agreement with Tian Lin and Gu Ran, half of the winnings would be hers. After returning the 130,000 bet, she'd net at least 130,000 gold coins. Being a support-type spirit master, her resource consumption was even higher than attack-type masters. This money would last her a long time. "Can I just issue an IOU and pay in installments?" Ao Si Luo pleaded with puppy eyes. Though noble, his family didn't have the financial clout of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Four hundred thousand gold coins could fund his household for years. Ye Ling Ling nodded, "Sure." She had no intention of being too harsh. After all, they were teammates; she wouldn't really withhold treatment. "So that's why you didn't want me to give up," Yu Tian Heng realized. Ao Si Luo had been gambling on his match against Tian Lin, and because Ye Ling Ling bet so heavily, he faced huge losses. "Teacher Qin Ming frequently warns about the perils of gambling, yet you never listen. Good luck with that," Yu Tian Heng chuckled, leaving with Du Gu Yan hand in hand. Even without injuries, the exertion of spirit and energy had left him drained. Rest was needed, and what better way to recover than in the company of a girlfriend? "Sister Ling Ling, when Ao Si Luo repays you, take your share first. As a support spirit master, you need resources faster than us. Give any leftover to me and Gu Ran," Tian Lin chimed in, driving another point home. "You collaborated with Gu Ran to swindle me?" Ao Si Luo felt betrayed by the world. "I wasn't plotting against you. I just had faith in my abilities," Tian Lin replied innocently, his youthful and innocent face adding to the deception. But now, to Ao Si Luo, he seemed profoundly cunning. "I simply had confidence in our leader's abilities!" Gu Ran cheerfully defended as he followed Tian Lin away. His simplicity was rewarded by following his 'big brother,' guaranteeing he wouldn't go wrong. Ye Ling Ling soon brought a piece of paper. "Ao Si Luo, I've drafted the IOU. Leave your fingerprint." Defeated, Ao Si Luo extended his hand, allowing Ye Ling Ling to finalize the agreement. In his injured world, a beacon finally appeared. After this battle, Tian Lin's reputation soared. Despite his loss, Yu Tian Heng was not mocked, thanks to his commendable performance. Qin Ming saw the benefits of showcasing talent through battles. He aimed to gain more attention for the team within the academy and, consequently, more resources. Over the next few days, he arranged matches between the other seven members. On the first day, the Shi brothers' double defense battled against Ao Si Luo and Yu Feng's agility attack team. On the second day, the goddess duo of Du Gu Yan and Ye Ling Ling faced Tian Lin and Gu Ran, representing the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. On the third day, the Shi brothers, joined by Ye Ling Ling, formed the strongest defense and recovery combination against Tian Lin and Yu Tian Heng's twin offense. Even with such high attack power, it took them most of the day to break through and claim victory. Unknowingly, their small group's reputation spread throughout the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. The three commissioners realized Qin Ming's intent to cultivate the strongest team, possibly in preparation for the upcoming Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament. Realizing Qin Ming's chosen nine were indeed remarkable, they diverted more training resources to them. After some discussion, Meng Shen Ji made a decisive command, increasing resource allocation for the nine. And at last, the team's name was officially confirmed. Just like in the original narrative, they were named the Royal Fight Team! Tian Lin vowed that with his involvement, the Royal Fight Team would not lose to Shrek Academy or Spirit Hall Academy this time around.