After familiarizing themselves with the newly built Great Spirit Arena, Liu Erlong, Ma Hongjun, and Lin Feng strolled through the spiraling three-story stadium that could seat up to fifty to sixty thousand spectators.
Having scoped out tomorrow's competition venue, the three decided to return to their hotel to meet with the rest of the team and finalize their strategy.
Just as they were leaving through the front gate of the arena, a familiar figure appeared in front of them.
"Erlong?"
A scruffy middle-aged man with a disheveled beard stood before them, a fair-skinned boy following close behind. His gaze locked onto Liu Erlong with visible excitement.
"Yu Xiaogang?"
"What are you doing here?"
Liu Erlong was visibly surprised.
"Ah, and if it isn't Young Master Lin."
Spotting Lin Feng beside her, Yu Xiaogang quickly offered a polite greeting.
"The Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament is starting soon," he explained.
"I brought my disciple here to observe and learn."
"This is Tang San, nine years old. He awakened with innate full soul power and has already reached Rank 21."
Yu Xiaogang looked proudly at his disciple as he introduced him.
"Oh."
Liu Erlong responded blandly, not showing any real interest.
A nine-year-old with Rank 21 soul power was impressive by most standards—but within Monster Academy? Hardly worth mentioning.
Even among the newest recruits, anyone with less than that would be outclassed.
"Erlong, I plan to build a new team around Tang San and lead them in the next tournament," Yu Xiaogang continued, completely ignoring her indifference.
"I have a feeling that the next championship will belong to us!"
"Oh? Then congratulations in advance," she replied with forced politeness.
"Come, Young Master, let's go."
"Right. Congratulations in advance, Grandmaster," Lin Feng added playfully.
Seeing the unconcerned expressions on their faces, Yu Xiaogang stood frozen in place, clenching his fists as rage swelled in his chest.
"Just you wait… There will come a day when I'll prove myself to you all."
"When that day comes, I'll see who still dares to look down on me."
Watching their backs disappear into the crowd, Yu Xiaogang silently vowed.
"Teacher, are we still going inside?"
Tang San's voice remained calm and detached, as if none of this concerned him.
"Forget it. Let's head back first," Yu Xiaogang snapped, still stewing with anger.
---
The Next Day – Heaven Dou Empire Capital: Heaven Dou City
The All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament kicked off in spectacular fashion at the newly built Great Spirit Arena in northern Heaven Dou City.
By late morning, the stadium was already packed with tens of thousands of excited spectators.
"Sister Yan, look at all these people!"
Xiao Wu leaned out from the VIP lounge, gazing out at the sea of people below in amazement. It was her first time witnessing such a grand spectacle.
"Didn't you see the crowd yesterday at the hotels?"
"Every single one was fully booked. If Second Uncle hadn't reserved rooms in advance for us, we would've had trouble finding a place to stay."
Dugu Yan explained casually.
Nearby, Lin Feng took a sip of tea and walked to the window overlooking the arena.
"Let's warmly welcome our special guests for today's opening ceremony!"
The emcee's voice echoed across the arena with infectious enthusiasm.
"Please welcome—Clan Head Ning Fengzhi of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan!"
"Platinum Bishop Salas of the Spirit Hall's Heaven Dou City branch!"
"…"
The crowd roared in thunderous applause and cheers.
Following the announcer's gesture, Lin Feng looked toward the VIP platform.
Sure enough, in the front rows sat Prince Xue Xing, Ning Fengzhi, and several Heaven Dou Imperial Academy committee members he remembered from the Fire Crystal arc.
At the center of the first row stood a regal man in golden robes and a diamond crown—dignified and authoritative. Though his features resembled Prince Xue Xing's, his presence was on a different level entirely.
That must be Emperor Xue Ye, Lin Feng thought to himself.
Seated beside him were Ning Fengzhi and Prince Xue Xing.
Lin Feng recognized Ning Fengzhi immediately—clad in elegant white robes with the signature purple-gold crown of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, fully deserving of his seat as both a clan head and imperial tutor.
Standing nearby, adorned with a five-pointed platinum crown, was none other than Salas, the Platinum Bishop of Spirit Hall's Heaven Dou branch.
At that moment, Ning Fengzhi seemed to sense Lin Feng's gaze. He glanced up toward the second floor, their eyes briefly meeting. Ning Fengzhi offered a polite smile and nodded.
---
Meanwhile – Blazing Academy Rest Area
"Xiao Huo, our goal is to utterly crush the other elemental academies. Understood?"
Fire Dragon's eyes flashed with intensity as he addressed his team.
He'd had enough of the arrogant boasting from the Godwind Academy's old geezer.
"Yes, Headmaster!"
Xiao Huo and the rest of the team responded with eager enthusiasm.
Back in the arena, the emcee soared through the air, trailing seven-colored flames behind him as he circled above the crowd.
"Now then, I hereby declare the opening ceremony concluded!"
"The All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament officially begins now!"
"Let us welcome the first matchup of the day…"
"Godwind Academy versus Monster Academy!"
He paused dramatically, his voice rising with excitement.
"GODWIND! GODWIND!"
"MONSTER! MONSTER!"
The crowd erupted once more with deafening cheers.
"Go on," Lin Feng said, turning to Lin Xue with a mischievous smirk.
"Let's start this tournament with a bang."
For Lin Feng and the rest of the Monster Academy team, this tournament was more of a sightseeing trip. Their true purpose was to make the name of Monster Academy echo across the continent.
"Yes, Young Master."
Lin Xue bowed respectfully and walked toward the competition platform.
Although the academy had submitted a full seven-person roster to the organizers, for today's first team match, only Lin Xue would be stepping onto the field.
The Godwind Academy team had already assembled—all seven members in place. Their configuration of two Soul Ancestors (Rank 40+) and five Soul Elders (Rank 30–39) drew impressed reactions from the audience.
But at the Monster Academy entrance, a lone figure walked out.
Lin Xue wore a school-style uniform personally designed by Lin Feng: a deep blue pleated skirt paired with sheer black stockings. She strode gracefully toward the stage.
"Wait a second... why is there only one person from Monster Academy?"
"Yeah, isn't the preliminary a team match?"
The crowd buzzed with confusion and speculation.
"Now entering the arena—Monster Academy's representative, Lin Xue."
"According to the academy's request, only one participant will compete in today's first group match."
"Is this a strategic choice to conserve strength? Or do they believe Lin Xue alone can handle all seven opponents?"
"Let's find out together."
"Match... begin!"
The emcee's voice rang out across the stadium once again as the battle commenced.
---
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