"Let me see—whether it's your aura that has grown stronger and makes me uneasy, or if there is some other reason."
With the commentator's words appearing across every spectator screen, the atmosphere of the entire arena instantly ignited.
Clearly, everyone already understood that the match about to begin would be another confrontation between Shrek Academy and Monster Academy. And this time, Shrek's opponent would be the strongest individual of Monster Academy.
In the previous two clashes, Shrek Academy had won. Their reputation soared to a peak. But what about this time? Could they still overcome the obstacle known as Long Yue?
From the perspective of Monster Academy, if they were to lose this match as well, the remainder of the competition would essentially be meaningless. If even their strongest Dragon King could not halt Shrek Academy's advance, then no one else would be able to stop them.
Le Zhengyu leapt up from the ground. His eyes only opened slightly, yet dazzling golden light seemed to flash from within them.
His aura was completely restrained. After adjusting his clothes, he strode straight toward the arena.
On the main podium, Emperor Dai Tianling of the Star Luo Empire was present in person.
This alone showed the importance of this match.
If Long Yue were to lose, not only would Monster Academy lose its dignity—so would the Star Luo Empire's reputation be thrown to the ground.
More critically, the masses had already learned that the visiting Shrek students were five years younger than the Monster Academy team. If Monster Academy were crushed despite this gap, then they might as well disband.
Beside Dai Tianling sat an old man dressed in a long white robe—an extremely rare traditional style. His aged face looked ancient and rugged. His body was thin and tall, and his long white hair hung behind him past his shoulders. However, his eyes were unnaturally clear and bright—completely mismatched with his elderly appearance. Such eyes should not have belonged to a man of his age.
Yet this very contradiction made him radiate extraordinary presence. At a glance he seemed like an ordinary old man, but do not forget—he was seated beside the Emperor himself! And even Dai Tianling's presence did not overshadow his.
This man, who appeared so paradoxical, struck tremors into the hearts of those who recognized him.
For he was the current dean of Monster Academy, a once-in-a-generation powerhouse of the Star Luo Empire, the legendary national teacher—
God-Domain Douluo En Ci,
also known as the number-one soul master of the Star Luo Empire.
En Ci was a legend. No one knew where he came from. When he first appeared on the continent, he was already past thirty, yet only possessed three soul rings—a Soul Elder. Thirty years old with only three rings would normally attract no attention at all.
But what happened afterward was nothing short of miraculous.
At thirty, En Ci attempted to enroll in Monster Academy. Due to his age, he was naturally rejected.
So En Ci sat outside the academy gate and said only one sentence:
"If anyone below four rings can defeat me, I will leave."
For eighteen days, Monster Academy sent out every elite soul master below four rings—yet not a single one could defeat him.
In the end, with no other choice, Monster Academy admitted him as an exception.
No one knows what happened after he joined. But when he appeared again, he was thirty-five—and already level sixty, a Soul Emperor.
In just five years, his level soared by thirty. In the soul master world, this was unimaginable.
Another five years later, nine rings—Titled Douluo.
Another five years—level ninety-five, Super Douluo.
By age fifty, he stood at the peak of soul masters, becoming Monster Academy's strongest at level ninety-eight Super Douluo—only one step away from Limit Douluo.
It was only then that he began to attempt forging his own battle armor. Forge, design, build—he did it all by himself. Another five years—three-word battle-armor master.
The Star Luo continent has no divine-level blacksmiths, which means normally a four-word battle armor should be impossible.
Yet En Ci spent ten years nurturing his armor cores with his own soul power and spiritual power, refining several rare metals until they reached the level of four-word battle armor.
As for whether he truly entered level ninety-nine Limit Douluo—no one knows. Because when he was already at ninety-eight, he was the strongest on the continent.
Rumor had it that the reason he was only level thirty at age thirty was that his martial soul was extremely bizarre—brutally difficult to cultivate in the early stages, requiring more than twenty years just to reach three rings. But once he broke past three rings, all barriers vanished—his cultivation surged like a river breaking through a dam, achieving legend.
Twenty years of silence. Return as a peak legend.
It was said that Dai Tianling had once been his personal disciple—showing how revered En Ci was.
"Teacher, what brings you here today?" Dai Tianling asked. He only learned of En Ci's presence upon arriving. He had tried to give up the central seat, but En Ci refused with the words "Etiquette must not be broken."
En Ci smiled."I have long wished to visit the Douluo Continent and pay respects to Shrek Academy, but lacked the courage. Today is the perfect chance. Long Yue is a child I watched grow—I wish to see what kind of talent Shrek Academy has produced."
Dai Tianling smiled."So even Teacher possesses curiosity. Who do you think will win?"
En Ci sighed softly."I have lived more than a hundred years. My peak has passed. I must go to the Douluo Continent. Regardless of this tournament's outcome, I will go to Shrek afterward. It is the dream of every Monster Academy dean. But how many dare take that step? If I keep delaying, I fear I will lose even the courage to try."
Dai Tianling's heart tightened."With your cultivation, you are still worried…?"
En Ci gently shook his head."The farther one walks on the path of soul masters, the deeper the reverence becomes. We cannot see the true limit. I hope that there, I may find a new goal. I will visit that person at Shrek—with the attitude of a learner."
Dai Tianling drew a sharp breath…
(End of Chapter)