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Surrounding the vast and open square were countless spectators shouting and cheering. Directly in front of the central arena stood a golden-backgrounded platform for dignitaries, with the renovated VIP section behind it.
The expansive venue had a diameter exceeding 150 meters. The academies that had entered earlier were already arranged neatly in formations at the center of the field. As each academy entered, a dedicated announcer on the platform introduced them.
"Shrek Academy team—this is a rising star among advanced soul master academies, known for nurturing monsters!
Li Luochen, the current number one young soul master on the continent, hails from this academy. He once wreaked havoc in the Star Luo Empire, defeating multiple Soul Sages as a Soul Emperor and even holding his ground against a Soul Douluo.
Truly formidable! And now, at just nineteen years old, he qualifies to participate in this tournament, though he won't. Instead, he leads his team as their instructor. What kind of performance will his team deliver? Let's wait and see!"
Li Luochen found no fault with the announcer's words—they were all based on his achievements. Still, he chuckled inwardly. Did they really think he was still a Soul Emperor? He was only one and a half ranks away from becoming a Title Douluo!
From the side of the VIP platform, another announcer declared: "Next, let us invite His Majesty, the Emperor of the Tian Dou Empire, to officially declare the opening of this grand tournament."
Seated in the central position of the first row of the VIP section, the Tian Dou Emperor, clad in a crimson-gold robe, rose slowly amidst thunderous applause.
Raising his right hand, he waved gently toward the audience and the soul masters below. The applause quickly subsided, and the enormous square fell silent.
His deep, resonant voice echoed throughout the venue via a sound-amplifying soul-guidance device:
"I, Xue Ye, Emperor of the Tian Dou Empire, representing both the empire and the organizers of this tournament, hereby declare the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament officially open!"
Applause erupted once more, accompanied by waves of cheers.
When the applause finally died down, the emperor continued:
"Here, I hope that all soul masters participating in this tournament will fully unleash their potential and achieve excellent results. You are all the pride of the Tian Dou Empire. For the glory of the empire, shine brightly!"
Applause erupted for the third time. This time, the eyes of the soul masters in the central arena gleamed with fiery determination. For them, this tournament was the perfect stage to showcase their abilities.
The emperor returned to his seat, and the announcer's voice rang out again: "Next, let us invite Lord Ning Fengzhi, head of the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect, to give a speech for this tournament."
... After the speeches concluded...
The announcer declared:
"First round of the preliminary matches: Canghui Academy versus Zixing Academy."
"First round of the preliminary matches: Auckland Academy versus Flame Radiance Academy."
"...
"First round of the preliminary matches: Tian Dou Imperial Academy versus Shrek Academy."
Well, it seemed fate hadn't changed much—it was still Tian Dou Secondary Team. Li Luochen found it amusing. He wondered what this secondary team would bring to face Shrek Academy's full lineup of Soul Ancestors.
The vice-captain of Tian Dou Secondary Team's face darkened. What kind of luck was this? Maybe the primary team could pull it off, but the secondary team? No way. Fortunately, he wasn't the captain.
The captain was someone called "Master," who, despite being only a Great Soul Master, was leading the team?
The lineup for Tian Dou Secondary Team consisted of Tang San, Tai Long, Shi Mo, Shi Mo (brothers), Osler, Yu Feng, and Ru Si Yi.
This was actually the primary team's roster. Apparently, this "Master" had pulled some strings, moving the primary team members to the secondary team to showcase the strength of Tian Dou Imperial Academy.
Hmph, as long as they didn't embarrass themselves.
On the other hand, Yu Xiaogang was elated. His most desired opponent had arrived. If his team could defeat Shrek Academy, he would rise to fame.
He envied Shrek Academy's reputation and Li Luochen's fame. Why should Li Luochen be hailed as the continent's top young soul master while he was seen as nothing more than a pretender?
He resented it. He was jealous. He believed all glory should belong to him. He was the true "master," the true "strong one," a wise and powerful individual!
Now, Tian Dou Imperial Academy's team was strong. Tang San was at level 43, and his fourth soul ring had granted him an external soul bone, further enhancing his strength. Initially pursued by the Strength Clan, they later realized they were mistaken—Tai Long, originally a reserve member of Shrek Academy, had joined Tian Dou Imperial Academy.
Tai Long regarded Tang San as his young master! At level 41, the rest of the team consisted of Soul Ancestors, except for the auxiliary-type Ru Si Yi, who was a Soul Master.
This lineup was sure to achieve remarkable results. Yu Xiaogang knew how formidable Shrek Academy's team was.
But in the first match, they wouldn't use their full strength. This was his chance to climb the ranks by trampling over Shrek Academy's reputation.
Yu Xiaogang grew increasingly excited, his body trembling with anticipation.
On the other side, Li Luochen had already spotted Tian Dou Secondary Team's members. A smile spread across his lips. Indeed, this made things far more interesting.
"Huang Yuan, you're not needed in this match. Oscar, take his place," Li Luochen instructed the team directly.
"Huh? Why, Brother Chen—oh, Director Li? Isn't Tian Dou Secondary Team just made up of noble brats? They don't have much strength, do they?" Oscar questioned, but he still stepped into position.
"Hmph, their captain is Yu Xiaogang, and Tang San is their leader. I'm sending you because you know Tang San's tricks—he uses poison, and you can counteract it.
Having you there adds a layer of insurance. This time, I want you to resolve the battle in thirty seconds. Especially Tang San—make sure to crush him underfoot. Oh, and Yang Wu, Niu Dun, Tang San is Tang Hao's son.
This is your chance to avenge your clans! Don't worry about Tang Hao coming after you—he's already dead!"
Li Luochen's words shocked everyone present.
"What? Director Li, you killed the legendary Hao Tian Douluo?" Yu Tianxin exclaimed, rising to his feet. How strong was the Hao Tian Douluo? Even his great-grandfather Yu Yuanzhen couldn't defeat him. And yet, Director Li had slain him.
"Yes! Thank you, Director Li!" Niu Dun and Yang Wu trembled with excitement. Finally, they had the chance to avenge their disgraced clans!
"And give it your all. Jiang Zhu, you focus on healing the enemy—I'm afraid they might get too carried away and accidentally kill them." Li Luochen issued his final instructions.
The central announcer's voice boomed:
"Tian Dou Imperial Academy Team versus Shrek Academy Team!"
"Both teams, enter the arena!"
Tian Dou Secondary Team fielded their main lineup, arranged by Yu Xiaogang. In his wisdom, he believed Shrek Academy wouldn't send their strongest lineup, giving him a good chance of victory.
Thus, he was confident of winning.
Tian Dou Secondary Team's formation: Tang San stood in the central C-position, with Tai Long and the Shi brothers at the front. Yu Feng and Osler flanked Tang San, while Ru Si Yi stood at the rear with her Ru Yi Disk.
Shrek Academy's lineup: Oscar, Yu Tianxin, Dai Mubai, Yang Wu, Niu Dun, Jing Ling, and Jiang Zhu.
Their formation: Oscar stood at the very front and center, with Dai Mubai and Yu Tianxin flanking him. Jing Ling and Yang Wu stood on the sides of the middle row, while Jiang Zhu stood at the back, guarded by Niu Dun—their sole auxiliary-type soul master.
Of course, this guarding was merely for show. Anyone daring enough to target Jiang Zhu would face the wrath of Blue Lightning Divine Dragon Strike!
Both teams activated their soul rings. Tian Dou Secondary Team displayed two yellow and two purple rings, except for Ru Si Yi, who had two yellow and one purple. Tang San's fourth soul ring appeared slightly darker than the others'.
In contrast, Shrek Academy's team—aside from Oscar—displayed two yellow and two purple rings. Their fourth soul rings were even darker than Tang San's.
What shocked everyone most was Oscar. Li Luochen had arranged for him to reveal his soul rings last, ensuring he was in peak condition.
Yellow, purple, purple, near-black purple, black—five soul rings emerged around Oscar, stunning everyone present.
Emperor Xue Ye was astonished: "A thousand-year second ring? A nine-thousand-year fourth ring? What kind of genius is this? He looks only about fifteen years old.
And he's already reached the Soul King level? It seems Shrek Academy truly is extraordinary. After producing a Li Luochen, they've also got an Oscar?"
Ning Fengzhi wore a look of satisfaction. He already knew that his daughter was involved with Oscar. According to family rules, direct-line disciples must marry battle-type soul masters.
Though Oscar was a food-type soul master, Ning Fengzhi knew he possessed incredible combat strength rivaling battle-type soul masters. He eagerly anticipated how strong this future son-in-law would become.
Platinum Bishop Sa La Si furrowed his brow but then remembered that these were people under Elder Li's faction. His brow relaxed, and he closed his eyes to rest. They were all allies—no need to worry!
Shrek Academy's team was part of the honorary elder Li's faction within the Spirit Hall. Who was Elder Li? The husband of the Holy Maiden and the son-in-law of the Pope—a man with extensive connections through marriage.
At any rate, it was far better for Tian Dou Imperial Academy to lose.
The only person with a grim expression was Yu Xiaogang. Clenching his fists tightly, he glared venomously at Shrek Academy's team. One Soul King and six Soul Ancestors—how could he possibly win?
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