With the draw complete, both teams were given fifteen minutes to prepare their strategies. After that, the match would officially begin.
As soon as they returned to their rest area, Ma Xiaotao went straight to Wang Yan and asked, "Teacher Wang, what's the lineup for the team battle?"
"Don't rush. First, let me give you a breakdown of Star Luo Academy's main team members," Wang Yan said, waving his hand to calm them down. "So far, they've revealed six Soul Kings:
Former captain Huang Heyun, Rank 58, Assault System, Martial Soul: Dark Demon Tiger.
Wang Yichen, Rank 55, Control System, Martial Soul: Fire Element.
Dugu Shangshan, Rank 55, Assault System, Martial Soul: Nether Crazy Lion.
Chen Xiaojie, Rank 53, Agility System, Martial Soul: Lightning Falcon.
Wang Shiying, Rank 55, Control System, Martial Soul: Wind Element.
Sheng Yi, Rank 56, Defense System, Martial Soul: Giant-Winged Roc.
In addition, we have the mysterious princess Xu Jiujie, whose martial soul is the Stellar Crown—exact level unknown. With her in the lineup, this might be the strongest Star Luo team in the tournament's history."
"So what if they're the strongest in history?" Jiang Nannan said defiantly. "They still can't be stronger than us, right?"
"Haha, of course not," Wang Yan chuckled. "I just want you all to be cautious. Don't underestimate them. A Stellar Crown martial soul is no joke—it's a legendary Support-type martial soul, once considered equal to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda! Add Xu Jiujie's royal status and you can bet they're hiding a few tricks up their sleeves."
"All right, all right, we get it," Ma Xiaotao interrupted impatiently. "Now hurry up and name the lineup. We're running out of time."
"Fine," Wang Yan said, now serious. "For the team battle, it'll be Zhu Ziyang, Ma Xiaotao, Jiang Nannan, Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong. Zhu Ziyang and Ma Xiaotao will lead as the main force, with Huo Yuhao serving as main control.
Ziyang, be especially careful—you've drawn too much attention. If the enemy wants to win, they'll definitely target you first."
Zhu Ziyang smirked. "Heh, I'd be disappointed if they didn't target me."
He was especially curious about Xu Jiujie's Stellar Crown. He'd read about it often in ancient texts. Back in the Spirit Hall era, it was considered one of the six top-tier martial souls, ranked alongside the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Surely, its abilities were not to be underestimated. What exactly could it do…?
Fifteen minutes passed in a flash. The Star Luo team, led by Xu Jiujie, walked past Shrek's rest area on their way to the stage.
Xu Jiujie, walking in front, locked eyes with Zhu Ziyang and threw him a provocative smirk.
Zhu Ziyang was unfazed. Ever since he had revealed his Soul Emperor cultivation and 100,000-year sixth soul ring, he'd grown used to being challenged like this—though mostly by members of the Sun Moon team.
But this was different. Being provoked by a stunningly beautiful, high-ranking imperial princess stirred something unusual within his heart.
He made a silent vow: Today, I will leave Xu Jiujie with a memory she'll never forget.
Shrek's seven walked toward the stage. Zhu Ziyang led the way, followed by Ma Xiaotao, Jiang Nannan, Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong.
As Zhu Ziyang stepped onto the field, the audience exploded in cheers and screams. Up in the royal tower, Emperor Xu Jiawei wore a complex expression as he stared down at Zhu Ziyang.
"An Ultimate Light martial soul... A 15-year-old Soul Emperor... A 100,000-year sixth soul ring... Truly a once-in-a-generation genius," Xu Jiawei muttered.
"Tell me, Elder Luo—why does Shrek Academy always have such monstrous talents?"
Beside him, an elderly white-haired man smiled.
"Your Majesty, that's what we call foundation."
This man was Xu Luo, head of the Royal Enshrinement Hall, a Rank 97 Super Douluo, martial soul: Starlight Staff, title: Starlight Douluo. He was one of the Star Luo royal family's greatest trump cards.
As his name suggested, Xu Luo was of royal blood, though from a branch line. Technically, Xu Jiawei should call him "Great Uncle." His martial soul had mutated—while it lacked the Stellar Crown's support abilities, it had evolved strong offensive power. He was also the one who first identified Zhu Ziyang's martial soul as Ultimate Light.
Both teams stood face to face on the stage. In the center stood the referee: Skyshroud Douluo Huang Jinxu.
His eyes landed on Zhu Ziyang, and for a moment, a flicker of jealousy and envy flashed through them.
A 100,000-year soul ring… Even he, a Titled Douluo, didn't have one. But this young Soul Emperor did.
And a 100,000-year soul ring meant a 100,000-year soul bone. Soul rings can't be transferred—but soul bones can.
The thought was tempting—too tempting. But he quickly forced it down. No matter how powerful that soul bone is, it's not worth risking Shrek Academy's wrath.
Shaking off those thoughts, Huang Jinxu's expression turned cold and sharp.
"Both teams, fall back. Until I give the signal, no one is to release their martial souls."
The two teams retreated, adjusting formations as they moved.
Shrek's Formation:
Frontline: Zhu Ziyang, Ma Xiaotao
Wings: Jiang Nannan, Bei Bei
Center: Xu Sanshi
Rear: Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong
→ A classic 4-1-2 formation. Yuhao's Spiritual Detection Sharing was already active.
Star Luo Formation:
Front: Huang Heyun
Second Line: Dugu Shangshan, Chen Xiaojie
Third Line: Wang Yichen, Wang Shiying, Sheng Yi
Rear: Xu Jiujie, standing regally as if commanding an army.
Her eyes gleamed with golden light. A radiant aura surrounded her.
"Begin!" Skyshroud Douluo roared—and vanished from the arena.
In an instant, all 14 participants activated their martial souls.
Zhu Ziyang moved first. With a flick of his wrist, his Judgment Scythe appeared, surrounded by six soul rings. He ignored the front line and fixed his gaze on Xu Jiujie.
At that moment, a golden gem appeared on her forehead, releasing dazzling light. A crown of light materialized and settled on her head, adorned with eighteen glowing stars.
Two yellow, two purple, and one black ring surrounded her: Rank 59.
Zhu Ziyang instantly calculated her level. Eighteen years old and already Rank 59... Even by Shrek standards, that's impressive. No wonder she dares enter the Elite Tournament as a princess.
"Starshine Technique!" Xu Jiujie activated her third soul skill. Beams of starlight shot from her crown, landing precisely on each of her six teammates.
Each gained a shimmering gold aura—and their strength visibly surged.
→ Starshine Technique: a full-element enhancement-type support skill. At her level, it likely boosts teammates by 40%.
The empowered Star Luo team wasted no time:
Huang Heyun charged at Ma Xiaotao.
Dugu Shangshan targeted Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi.
Chen Xiaojie raced toward Jiang Nannan.
Wang Yichen and Wang Shiying unleashed control skills at Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong.
Sheng Yi remained to guard Xu Jiujie.
Zhu Ziyang raised an eyebrow. Nobody's attacking me? Are they planning to take out my teammates first, then come for me?
Well then… if no one comes to me, I'll go to them.
Scythe in hand, he charged toward the backline—straight at the two Control-type Soul Kings and Xu Jiujie herself.
In the blink of an eye, he was within five meters of Xu Jiujie. But instead of fear, he saw smug satisfaction in her eyes.
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