As Dean Zhong's voice faded, commotion erupted in the square ahead. Figures darted forth one after another—these confident Soul Masters landed on the battlefield under the envious gazes of the city's residents.
Dragons vied with tigers for supremacy!
On the massive central stage of the square, various Martial Soul lights flickered to life. These Martial Souls came in all forms, and every participant was at least a two-ringed Great Soul Master, with three-ringed Soul Elders being commonplace. The vast majority possessed optimally matched Soul Rings.
"Who dares face me?!" A three-ringed Soul Elder wielding a Bone Blade Martial Soul roared, his two yellow and one purple Soul Rings—the optimal configuration—flaring brightly.
Spirit Academy had no age restrictions, and a three-ringed Soul Elder was already considered quite capable on the Douluo Continent.
For a moment, the Soul Masters present exchanged glances. None immediately stepped forward to challenge, as the rules favored lasting till the end. Even with sufficient strength, Soul Power wasn't infinite.
"A mere three-ringed Soul Elder? I'll take you on!" With a metallic ring, another three-ringed Soul Elder wielding an Item Martial Soul—a Guan Dao—leapt into action, slashing toward his opponent.
Clang! The Bone Blade Soul Master blocked horizontally, parrying the heavy strike. Instantly, both their Soul Rings blazed as Soul Skills clashed violently, locking them in an evenly matched duel.
This scene repeated across the stage. As battles ignited, more Soul Masters summoned their Martial Souls to join the chaotic melee. The fighting grew increasingly intense, stirring the spectators' blood and excitement.
Meanwhile, Tang San and Tailong stood at the stage's edge, observing calmly rather than initiating attacks.
But if they wouldn't act, others would come for them.
"Hehehe, little brother, time to leave the stage!" A flying dagger formed from Soul Light shot from afar, splitting midair as the Flying Dagger Martial Soul attempted to ambush the pair.
Tailong sneered. In an instant, his Soul Avatar activated, transforming his body into that of a massive black gorilla shielding Tang San. With a sweep of his huge hand, he batted away all the sneaking daggers. "Hmph, a two-ringed Great Soul Master like you isn't worthy. Get lost!" he snorted.
Grabbing a floor tile beside him, Tailong hurled it with tremendous force. The projectile struck like a bowling ball, knocking not just the Flying Dagger Soul Master but also nearby fighters clean off the stage.
Tang San observed the now-gigantic Tailong and smiled. "Not bad, Tailong. You've mastered your Strength Gorilla Martial Soul well."
Rubbing his head sheepishly, the gorilla-like Tailong grinned. "Heh, all thanks to Third Young Master's guidance. Just conserve your Soul Power—with me here, no one will touch a hair on your head."
Though the Strength Gorilla of Tailong's Power Clan wasn't among the very top-tier Beast Spirits, it still ranked as first-class. Combined with Tailong's level 39 Soul Power and two-yellow, one-purple Soul Ring configuration, he was already a formidable presence on stage.
Patting Tailong's shoulder, Tang San didn't refuse. "Then I'll leave it to you."
Despite his own considerable strength, Tang San had no intention of revealing his Twin Spirits. Restricted to using only the Clear Sky Hammer, and aware that even its might couldn't compensate for finite Soul Power in a prolonged battle, maintaining a low profile to conserve energy was the wise choice.
Tang San hid behind Tailong's massive frame, his left eye emitting a faint golden light as he scanned the battlefield. He murmured to himself, "The strongest here are only Soul Ancestors, no Soul Kings. That makes sense—if they had Soul King strength, they wouldn't need to enter the academy and could directly serve in the Spirit Hall."
Although Spirit Academy had no age restrictions, those who reached Soul King or even Soul Emperor level had no reason to attend. Moreover, the Continental Elite Soul Master Tournament had an age limit, allowing only Soul Masters under twenty-five to participate.
As the chaotic battle intensified, the number of Soul Masters on the field dwindled from a dense crowd to fewer than fifty. However, every remaining Soul Master was at least a Soul Elder. Some, like Tang San, had yet to make a move, relying entirely on their teammates.
Yue Guan covered his mouth and snickered, "Oh dear, Xiao San, are you planning to rely on your sect's backing to advance? How embarrassing."
It had to be said that Tailong was formidable. Though now panting heavily, he had managed to defeat over a dozen Soul Masters, most of whom were Soul Elders.
Seeing Tailong's Soul Power nearly depleted, a burly man's eyes flashed with ruthlessness as he charged at Tailong, shouting at Tang San, "Kid, relying on others makes you nothing but third-rate!"
His purple third Soul Ring flared, and his entire body transformed into diamond, encased in layers of unyielding crystal.
"It's Cai Bao with the Diamond Spirit!"
"Damn, why is he still participating? I remember he's already tried three times."
"He came close last year. This time, he's determined to make it."
Cai Bao lunged forward, his body like a moving diamond—indestructible and unstoppable, shimmering with dazzling brilliance, his form absurdly hardened.
Tang San also noticed Cai Bao. His Martial Soul was unusually rare—diamond, somewhat similar to the Diamond Mammoth of the Elephant Armor Sect, one of the Lower Four Sects. The difference was that the Diamond Mammoth was a Beast Spirit, balanced in offense and defense, while Cai Bao's Diamond Spirit leaned heavily toward defense.
Watching the diamond-clad Cai Bao charge, Tailong's fighting spirit surged. He pounded his chest with a booming rhythm and declared, "You think you can take me? Even the Diamond Mammoth of the Elephant Armor Sect is nothing but a weakling before my Titan Giant Ape!"
However, just as Tailong prepared to meet the attack, a large hand restrained him. Tang San pulled him back, saying, "Tailong, you've expended too much Soul Power."
"But Young Master San, I can still fight." Before Tailong could finish, Tang San gave him no chance to refuse, yanking him behind with a forceful tug.
Seeing Tang San pull Tailong away, Yue Guan narrowed his eyes and chuckled. "Xiao San's perception is quite sharp."
In a flash, the moment Tang San pulled Tailong back, he dashed forward like an arrow loosed from a bow.
Caught off guard by Tang San's sudden advance, Cai Bao faltered. His charge had been a feint—behind him, an archer had already drawn his bow. Their plan was to use the diamond's reflections to conceal the archer and catch Tailong off guard, but Tang San had seen through it!
"Hmph, a spoiled young master who only hides behind others. Take this—my third Soul Skill, Diamond Charge!" Cai Bao bent his knees, wrapped his arms around himself, and transformed into a massive diamond hurtling through the air.
Facing the meteor-like impact, Tang San no longer held back and summoned his Martial Soul: "Get lost!"
With a thunderous boom, a terrifying shockwave erupted, cracking the arena. The sound of shattering echoed as chunks of diamond exploded midair. Cai Bao's entire diamond-covered body was blasted apart, sending him flying backward.
"Clear Sky Hammer?!"
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