Hotel, Rooftop
Huo Yuhao and the seven reserve team members gathered together.
"Cai Tou, is this thing even working?" Beibei complained. "This telescopic soul tool's clarity is worse than my Purple Demon Eyes."
"I can't see clearly either," Xu Sanshi sighed.
Originally, he had planned to borrow some tools to impress Nannan, but now, he figured he might as well forget it.
The distance between their Hotel and Star Luo Square spanned several kilometers. From here, the massive competition stage was nothing more than a tiny square. He Caitou's basic telescopic soul tool simply wasn't powerful enough.
After all, telescopic soul tools were common auxiliary devices, and few soul engineers bothered refining them.
Wang Yan's initial strategy had been to conserve time during battles while maintaining Shrek's aura of mystery—especially in the first three round-robin matches.
With the inner courtyard students still recovering, Shrek couldn't afford to expose its weakness.
However, thanks to Huo Yuhao's outstanding performance, Shrek's qualification from the group stage was practically guaranteed.
Thus, Wang Yan didn't restrict their freedom, nor did he force them to cram in last-minute training at the hotel.
Still, despite having no plans to attend the matches in person, Beibei and the others couldn't help but wonder about the strength of other academies—especially the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy.
And so, they found themselves staring enviously at Huo Yuhao, who was gazing into the distance.
Though he didn't possess a telescopic soul tool, his Spirit Eyes granted him vision sharp enough to watch the matches clearly from afar.
"The Spirit Eyes martial soul is so useful!" Wang Dong'er was the first to sigh, and the others quickly sounded in agreement.
"Yeah, seriously!"
"No kidding!"
"Yuhao, use your invincible Spirit Eyes and spiritual power to help us out. We want to watch too," Tang Ya pleaded.
"Fine, fine. I do have a way," Huo Yuhao chuckled.
Instead of using Spiritual Sharing, he condensed ice into a mirror and projected the distant scene onto it with his immense mental power—Mental Projection Technique.
Hiss—
The reserve team members were stunned.
'You can do that?!'
But what they witnessed next left them speechless.
They had assumed Zhengtian Academy was an exception.
Never had they expected…
In this tournament, Soul Kings were as common as dogs, and Soul Ancestors were everywhere.
Though most Soul Kings didn't possess perfect ten-thousand-year soul rings like Ye Qingqing, their sheer presence weighed on everyone's hearts like a mountain.
Keep in mind, the highest cultivation among the eight of them was only at the Soul Ancestor level.
Did they really think everyone could effortlessly leap ranks in battle like Huo Yuhao?
Beibei & Xu Sanshi: For Shrek's glory, it's time to reveal our hidden strength!
Tang Ya: I must work harder—the devouring power of Blue Silver Grass isn't limited to this!
Wang Dong'er: Me too!
He Caitou: Don't worry, everyone. We've got plenty of cigar tubes.
Jiang Nannan & Xiao Xiao: Hold on… You've been holding back during training this whole time, haven't you?! Why does everyone else have hidden powers?! I am feeling left out…
…
The round-robin matches were held every other day. By now, nearly half of the participating teams had completed their first round.
Shrek's 1v7 performance remained the most dazzling.
Or rather, it was a mutual achievement between Zhengtian Academy and Shrek.
Without Zhengtian's full lineup, the audience wouldn't have witnessed such a spectacular match.
Aside from Shrek's battle, the other matches were far tamer.
Since the knockout stage's brutal elimination system was absent, most teams adjusted their strategies. Those whose main forces had been injured used this first round to recuperate.
Thus, the initial round-robin was… boring.
But anyone with a discerning eye could see the storm brewing.
Once the later rounds began, the competition's intensity would skyrocket.
Many teams could no longer afford to lose.
The audience, of course, loved it.
They wanted bloodshed.
And with Shrek's brilliance at the forefront, more and more neutral spectators became fans.
This was undoubtedly the tournament with the most Shrek supporters.
Even fans of other academies were captivated by Huo Yuhao's strength, transforming into devoted followers who praised his beauty and power alike.
'This is Shrek—the undisputed No. 1 academy on the continent!'
'This is Huo Yuhao—a demon reborn from the heavens, the living incarnation of Tai Sui himself!'
Unknowingly, Huo Yuhao had become the tournament's top contender.
…
Nightfall
After dinner, Wang Yan summoned the reserve team.
Thanks to Huo Yuhao's overwhelming strength, Wang Yan hadn't needed to take them to auctions for soul tools to boost their power.
After all, soul tools had always been unpopular in Shrek's martial system.
Though Wang Yan believed in their potential, he couldn't force his views on the students.
Before the meeting, the inner courtyard disciples chatted about the day's events.
"How was the match? Enjoying the spotlight?" Dai Yueheng grinned.
"It was fun, but going out is a hassle now," Huo Yuhao sighed.
'Especially in Star Luo City.'
It was no exaggeration—if Huo Yuhao threw a brick randomly, he'd hit a fan.
The Star Emperor Hotel was safe under imperial guard, but outside?
Without disguise, he'd be mobbed instantly.
"Yuhao, even in the hotel, be careful. Last time, a fan snuck in through the window," Ling Luochen warned.
Xixi nodded. "Yeah, boys need to protect themselves too."
The inner courtyard members laughed, while the reserve team shared their own experiences.
Though they'd only fought twice, their excitement surpassed Huo Yuhao's.
Whether it was the roar of hundreds of thousands chanting "Shrek" or being swarmed by fans at dinner—
Wang Dong'er shuddered. "Our fans are terrifying. We got recognized just by going out to eat."
Xiao Xiao looked defeated. "I'm staying in the hotel from now on."
"I really envy Yuhao," Xu Sanshi blurted out.
"Huh?" Everyone turned to him.
Realizing his slip, he quickly added, "I mean, getting to fight on stage is amazing!"
"You'll get your chance," they reassured him.
Xu Sanshi exhaled, wiping imaginary sweat off his brow.
'Damn, I almost exposed myself.'
Xu Sanshi had been jealous of Huo Yuhao surrounded by female fans.
Wang Yan tapped the table, calling for attention.
"Alright, let's discuss about the tournament."
"Normally, I emphasize teamwork, but today, I must admit—Yuhao, your performance was flawless."
Pausing, he bowed deeply to Huo Yuhao.
"This was the most thrilling victory in Shrek's history. You stepped forward at the critical moment, proving Shrek's might. To outsiders, we remain the continent's strongest, most mysterious academy. On behalf of the academy, I thank you."
Huo Yuhao smiled. "It's my duty as vice-captain. No need for formalities, Teacher Wang."
After analyzing other teams, Wang Yan adjusted formations based on the hidden strengths some revealed.
He was moved to tears.
Soul skills were a soul master's greatest secret, yet under Beibei's lead, everyone shared theirs openly.
Xuanwu Roar
Light Holy Dragon Awakening
Pseudo-Blue Silver Domain
Each revelation left them in awe.
Wang Yan sighed. 'This is Shrek's genius. The Twin Stars of the Outer Court, the Tang Sect's leader—truly full of surprises.'
As the meeting concluded, Beibei suddenly spoke up.
"Teacher Wang, something happened today…" He recounted their encounter with the Body Sect.
Wang Yan's expression darkened.
"This is trouble. I never expected the Body Sect to send observers this year…"
He glanced at Huo Yuhao. "Yuhao, your talent is too dazzling. With your youth and potential, it's no wonder the Body Sect is interested."
And this was before he revealed his Ultimate Ice!
Huo Yuhao reassured him. "Don't worry. Elder Xuan will return soon. With him here, nothing will happen."
Wang Yan shook his head. "The Body Sect is ruthless. Even with Star Luo's royal support, they won't back down easily."
He warned, "If they approach you again, don't resist. The Body Sect treasures its members—they won't harm you."
Privately, Wang Yan wanted Huo Yuhao to stay.
But as a teacher, his safety came first.
Huo Yuhao smiled. "I have no intention of joining. Shrek suits me best."
Wang Yan sighed in relief. "Still, the Body Sect excels in body-type martial souls. Even Shrek can't match their expertise. If you change your mind, we'll respect your choice."
Huo Yuhao shook his head. "My second martial soul is Ultimate Ice. Only Shrek has the resources to nurture it fully."
"Good!" Wang Yan smiled.
"Since Elder Xuan isn't back, I'll contact Shrek. We must have a Titled Douluo here." Wang Yan sighed.
When others assume you have backing, you'd better have it.
Today, Giant Strength Douluo's presence had saved Huo Yuhao.
But what about tomorrow?
They couldn't rely on luck forever.
'Where is Elder Xuan? Why is he so unreliable?'
..
Second Round-Robin Match
It was Shrek vs. Yunluo Advanced Soul Master Academy
The format: 2-2-3.
"Shrek Academy, victory!"
Meanwhile, the Sun-Moon team watched grimly.
Seeing Shrek's official team still absent, they lost interest.
Shrek won 2-0—no suspense.
Huo Yuhao didn't even get to fight.
Ma Rulong and the others felt crushing pressure.
They had one shot at defeating Shrek in their lifetime.
But Huo Yuhao's 1v7 was a wake-up call.
And now, Shrek's main team remained a mystery.
They needed intel—soul skills, abilities, weaknesses—to counter them with soul tools.
But Shrek's opponents were too weak to force their hand.
If not for Zhengtian, they'd think Shrek was hiding them deliberately…
…
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