The finals were structured into six rounds.
In the first round, the Shrek Team drew a bye, meaning they didn't have to fight—nothing happened for them that day.
The teams this year are decent, Flender remarked as he observed the other academy squads, "but aside from the yet-to-appear Spirit Hall team, none of these thirty teams even have a single Soul King."
Yu Xiaogang nodded seriously. It's hard to say. If we run into the Spirit Hall team early, we could get knocked out in the next round. We should stay cautious. Since we have a break, let's use this time to study our opponents and gather as much useful data as we can.
You're right, Xiaogang, Flender agreed. "Even Lin Xuan might not have it easy this time."
On the central viewing platform, Chrysanthemum Douluo summoned Salas over to him. Hu Liena stood nearby.
Greetings, Holy Maiden. Elder, Salas said respectfully.
"Which one is the Soul King from the Shrek Academy?" Hu Liena asked directly.
He's called Lin Xuan, Salas replied, pointing to the white-haired youth sitting behind Dai Mubai. Level 53 Soul King.
"He only used two soul skills throughout the preliminaries and qualifying matches?" she asked, intrigued.
Yes. Across both the preliminaries and qualifiers, he only displayed two skills—one offensive, one defensive. That's all he needed to end every fight. Salas nodded solemnly.
Hmph, how useless are the other academies? Hu Liena scoffed. Still, he's in the finals now. I don't believe he'll only use two soul skills all the way through. Keep a close eye on him. I want every bit of information you can gather.
Yes, Holy Maiden, Salas and Chrysanthemum Douluo responded in unison.
Meanwhile, Lin Fan subtly sensed someone observing him, but chose not to look back—someone like Chrysanthemum Douluo could easily notice such an action.
Good thing I didn't use my Azure Shadow Sword martial soul, Lin Fan thought to himself. If I had, they might have realized who I am.
Using his Slaughter Sword instead was a safer choice—only two soul skills, but more than enough to dominate the competition so far.
Still able to nap with all this going on… Classic Lin Xuan, Ma Hongjun muttered, glancing back.
Aren't you worried about running into a strong opponent? Ning Rongrong asked curiously.
My goal is the championship, Lin Fan replied calmly without opening his eyes. Whatever opponents I face, I'll simply swing my sword.
Well said, Flender chimed in. We're on the stage now. There's no need to be timid. Just fight your hardest.
Yu Xiaogang remained silent, busy updating his analysis chart.
By mid-afternoon, the first round of the finals was over.
Flender went to draw lots for the next round's matchups. When he returned half an hour later, everyone gathered around.
Dean, who are we facing tomorrow? Ma Hongjun asked eagerly.
I've got good news and bad news, Flender said with a grin. Bad news: our opponent is an old acquaintance—Blazing Fire Academy.
Blazing Fire again? We're fated to meet." Oscar joked.
And the good news? Yu Xiaogang asked.
They've forfeited. Flender laughed. They officially conceded at the committee office.
What?! Ning Rongrong exclaimed. So that means we've had two byes in a row—we're already in the top ten without fighting!
That doesn't make sense, Tang San said suspiciously. Blazing Fire is one of the Five Elemental Academies. They value honor. Why would they just give up?
Are you sure, Flender? Yu Xiaogang questioned. They even fought in the first round. For them to surrender—it's out of character.
I thought it was strange too, but I heard it myself from their teacher, and the committee approved it, Flender said with certainty.
Very odd, Yu Xiaogang muttered.
Regardless, we'll take it, Liu Erlong said. A free win is still a win.
Even though the team found it strange, most of them were happy to advance without having to fight.
Lin Fan didn't comment, but he knew the truth: both Blazing Fire and God Wind Academies were desperate—and had likely struck a deal with Spirit Hall.
The second round began the next day.
Though Shrek Academy had a bye again, they still attended the event.
Second round, match one: God Wind Academy vs. Dragon Laurel Academy, the host, He Si, announced.
At first, the Shrek team wasn't concerned—until they saw the members of God Wind take the stage.
Wait—why is Huo Wu on their team?! Oscar exclaimed.
I thought they surrendered! Xiao Wu echoed in confusion.
I knew it, Tang San said, frowning. Blazing Fire wouldn't give up that easily.
Two of their support members are Soul Elders, but the rest are all Soul Ancestors, Yu Xiaogang analyzed. This isn't just a team merger. They've developed a strategy—possibly aimed at us.
I'm going to the committee to get some answers, Flender said angrily and stormed off.
When he returned, his face was full of frustration.
What did they say? Yu Xiaogang asked.
They exploited a loophole," Flender sighed. "The rules say a team can't swap members mid-competition, but technically, students who were already registered can transfer between academies. They cut a deal with Spirit Hall.
I knew it, Tang San said. There's no way they'd quit so easily.
This is bad. Facing this new 'God Wind' team will be much tougher, Ma Hongjun growled.
It's fine. I'll handle it, Lin Fan said coldly behind them.
Zhu Zhuqing turned to glance at him. His expression remained calm as ever.
The rest turned their focus to the match on stage.
In less than five minutes, the reformed God Wind Academy easily wiped out Dragon Laurel Academy from the Star Luo Empire.
Even with a strength gap, ending a match that fast in the finals is rare, Yu Xiaogang said gravely.
Don't tell me we'll face them next, Oscar groaned.
Maybe not, Flender said. Besides, at this point, any team in the top ten is strong. Whether it's them or someone else, we'll have to fight sooner or later.