"Still, we really have to think carefully about these upcoming semifinals."
"Shrek Academy must not lose!"
Xu Jiawei rubbed his temples with a sigh.
In his view, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy was clearly well-prepared. While they couldn't compare to Shrek Academy in terms of absolute peak combat strength, their mid- and low-tier power was not something Shrek could easily make up for.
And Shrek Academy represented far more than just a single academy. They represented the dignity of the former Three Empires. On a deeper level, Shrek was the bond that still linked those nations together.
Back then, when they fought the Sun Moon Empire, it was thanks to Shrek Academy's unifying power that they managed to defeat them. If this academy, with its ten-thousand-year legacy, were to fall from its pedestal, Xu Jiawei dared not imagine the tremors it would cause.
If that day came, it would not only be Shrek who suffered losses, but also the Three Empires that once stood together.
In recent years, the Sun Moon Empire had already been restless. If this matter were added to the mix, the consequences would be even more severe.
"That's why we must reveal the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy's trump cards before they even meet Shrek Academy!"
Xu Jiawei's eyes burned with determination as he muttered to himself.
"All of this is because our own strength is lacking. Otherwise, why would I have to resort to such measures…"
The sun rose, bathing the land in bright light.
Morning. A gentle breeze. The Xingluo Tournament Arena.
As always, the stands were packed with a sea of people, but today their excitement was like a powder keg—ready to explode at the smallest spark.
Especially now, with the semifinals about to begin, just one step from the grand finals.
These four powerful teams—no matter who faced who—guaranteed thrilling matches.
The rest area had been restructured, leaving only four sections, one for each team, spaced far apart to prevent any fighting before the matches even began.
Nearly half an hour before the official start, all four teams had already arrived.
Occasional clashes of eye contact set sparks flying between them. The atmosphere in the rest area was solemn and tense, with even a trace of killing intent lingering in the air.
"Jiang Jue, I'm ready to slaughter the competition today."
Xiao Hongchen wore a black cap, adjusting the brim with one hand while stretching his arms wide to greet the dawn, speaking in a low, dramatic voice.
"Bro, snap out of it. This is just the semifinals, not the finals. Elder Lin didn't put you on the roster."
Meng Hongchen glanced at her brother, shrugged, and replied.
"Dream… every time I finally get into the mood, can you not ruin it for me?"
Hearing her words, Xiao Hongchen nearly wrenched his back in frustration, his face a picture of misery.
"But Jiang Jue is fighting today."
Meng Hongchen chuckled. Jiang Jue met her gaze and gave a small nod.
"What?! Why?! Why does that bastard Jiang Jue get to fight first?!"
Xiao Hongchen raged, shouting in disbelief.
"Why? Because he asked Elder Lin, of course."
Jiang Jue thought to himself. Earlier that morning, he had personally gone to Elder Lin, requesting to fight.
Elder Lin hadn't said much—only warned him to be careful. If Jiang Jue were injured, he'd be hard-pressed to explain it when they returned.
But the real reason Jiang Jue wanted to fight today was because yesterday, while in the audience, he had seen both Lang Ya and Yu Tao.
Some time ago, Yu Tao had suddenly disappeared, and Jiang Jue had suspected he had gone to summon reinforcements.
"The Body Sect must have sent people by now… but who? An elder, or perhaps the Sect Master himself—Du Busi?"
Jiang Jue's gaze swept over the stands, where Lang Ya happened to be sitting directly across from the Sun Moon Academy's waiting area. At that moment, Lang Ya looked back.
Their eyes met—Jiang Jue's calm and unfathomable like a deep pool—and then he looked away without pause.
"…Interesting. I like that."
On the stands, Lang Ya smirked faintly.
"Huh?!"
"You like someone? Second Brother, you've found someone you like? Who's my future sister-in-law?"
Yu Tao, who had been dozing, instantly perked up, eagerly asking.
Lang Ya raised his hand and smacked Yu Tao on the head.
"I told you to keep watch, but you sleep. Now you're spouting nonsense again."
"You're just like when you were a kid—told to train hard, but you insisted on herding cattle instead…"
"Second Brother, my good brother, I was wrong! I won't sleep again!"
Yu Tao quickly straightened up, recognizing the warning signs of Lang Ya's lecture mode, and sat stiff and proper, eyes fixed on the arena.
Lang Ya nodded in satisfaction, patted Yu Tao's shoulder, and said with weighty seriousness:
"Brother, everything I do is for your own good."
As long as they could bring Jiang Jue into the Body Sect, both of them would finally rise to prominence!
The sunlight grew brighter, draping the vast Xingluo Arena in a golden sheen.
For the four semifinalist teams, that light was more than just sunshine—it was the glory they had to fight for with everything they had.
"This time, I'll reclaim the honor that belongs to me—belongs to us!"
Ma Rulong's eyes burned like fire. The honor of his academy, of his nation, now rested squarely on his shoulders.
Ten minutes before the draw, the gates of the Imperial Palace swung wide. Emperor Xu Jiawei of the Xingluo Empire, flanked by palace guards, strode toward the arena.
"Long live His Majesty! Long live!"
All the soldiers maintaining order raised their weapons high, shouting in unison.
The people, noticing the Emperor's arrival, echoed the chant.
Even the four competing teams stood at once, saluting the Emperor.
At Xu Jiawei's side stood four elderly men, forming a square around him, with the Emperor at the center.
"Xingluo Empire really fears assassination that much?"
Lin Xi blinked at the sight.
"You don't get it," Xiao Hongchen said smugly at her side. "I'd bet all four are Titled Douluo. Our Sun Moon Emperor travels with linked soul tool formations, so of course he isn't afraid. But the Three Empires don't have that, so this formation is the safer bet."
Surrounded by the four Titled Douluo, the Emperor ascended the stage. Facing the stands, he smiled warmly.
"My people, rise."
A cheer erupted across the arena, proof of how beloved he was.
He let the cheer run its course, smiling calmly until the noise subsided. Then he spoke:
"The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament is our Douluo Continent's grand event, held once every five years. For this tournament to be hosted in our nation is an honor beyond measure."
"First, I must thank the more than one hundred academies from across the continent. It is thanks to them that we have witnessed such exciting matches, showcasing the ever-growing strength of our soul masters and soul engineers. They have given us all a chance to celebrate together."
"Today marks the semifinals. Soon, the last draw of this tournament will take place. Therefore, I have decided to preside over this draw personally."
His eyes glinted as he continued:
"I hope Shrek Academy, Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, the Di Ao Academy, and our own Xingluo Academy will give us even more splendid battles in these final matches."
"I know you are eager to watch. I am no less excited. So let us begin! May our Xingluo Empire prosper for generations to come!"
One of the old men at his side stepped forward, his voice deep and commanding:
"Captains of the four teams, step forward to draw lots."
A crushing aura erupted from him, a pressure so great it made the whole square feel as though the sky itself had darkened.
"The Heavenly Fiend Douluo?"
Jiang Jue narrowed his eyes.
This Titled Douluo was infamous—born under ill omen. At six, when his martial soul awakened, his mother died. At eight, his father passed away.
His martial soul: the Lone Star of Heaven's Calamity. A curse upon kin.
Sometimes, even upon close friends.
"If he were sent to Shrek, I wonder what would happen?"
The thought flashed across Jiang Jue's mind.
"No… no. Shrek may be weak now. But once Xuan Zi rises to power, Shrek will be mine—and then it will all work out."
He shook the thought away.
At that moment, the draw officially began!