Looking at the small bell floating in the System space—emitting a faint golden glow and occasionally chiming with a crisp, pleasant sound—Liu Yuan's eyes were filled with surprise.
"Soothe Bell… this reward really came at the perfect time."
He knew very well that the Snow Empress, ruler of the Extreme North, was naturally proud and aloof, with an innate hostility toward humans.
Even if she had been forcibly subdued using a Heal Ball, truly winning her over and making her willing to follow his commands would be anything but easy.
It was like taming a wild horse. A rein alone wasn't enough—you also needed patience and the right method.
And this Soothe Bell was precisely the kind of "cheat item" that could calm that wild horse…甚至让它主动靠近你的手心.
"I'll use it right away."
Liu Yuan didn't hesitate. His consciousness immediately sank into the System space.
Within that void-like space, the Heal Ball containing the Snow Empress floated quietly.
At Liu Yuan's thought, the Soothe Bell in his hand transformed into a stream of golden light, flew into the System space, and gently fastened itself above the Heal Ball.
"Ding-ling-ling~"
Along with the faint, crisp chime, a strange fluctuation instantly enveloped the Heal Ball.
It was an extremely warm and tranquil power, like a mother's hand gently stroking a restless soul.
Liu Yuan could clearly sense that the bone-chilling, defensive cold aura inside the Heal Ball began to melt and calm at a visible speed under the bell's soothing effect.
Although the Snow Empress was still on guard, the hostility that had been poised to explode in mutual destruction had largely dissipated.
"That's more like it."
Liu Yuan nodded in satisfaction.
"Feelings can be cultivated slowly. We have plenty of time."
…
After finishing all this, Liu Yuan glanced out the window.
It was already deep into the night. Stars dotted the sky, and the entire Star Luo City was gradually sinking into slumber.
But he knew that beneath this calm night, a shocking storm was brewing—one that would ignite the entire continent the next day.
"Phew…"
Liu Yuan stretched and temporarily put all these thoughts aside.
"Enough thinking. Time to sleep. I need proper rest—tomorrow will be a hard fight."
Even though their momentum was currently soaring, they still couldn't afford to be careless against a Shrek team that was now fully armed.
In an elimination match, a single battle decided everything.
Lose, and you fall into the abyss.
Win, and you create a new legend!
Liu Yuan lay down on the bed, closed his eyes, and soon fell into a deep sleep.
…
The next morning.
When the first ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds and illuminated Star Luo Plaza, the ancient city instantly erupted with excitement.
Today's atmosphere was more intense and frenzied than any day before.
Even the air itself seemed to carry the scent of gunpowder.
Because today marked the first day of the elimination stage of the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament.
More importantly—
The very first match was the long-awaited clash of destiny!
Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy vs. Shrek Academy!
Although the two sides had already faced each other once during the round-robin stage, that had only been an individual elimination match.
Today was different.
This was a team battle!
A peak showdown that truly tested overall strength, coordination, and tactical execution!
And this was an elimination match.
No points.
No second chances.
Win, and you advance.
Lose, and you go home.
That brutal. That direct.
As a result, early in the morning, Star Luo Plaza—capable of holding hundreds of thousands—was already packed to the brim.
Shouts, cheers, and heated discussions merged into a roaring wave of sound that surged straight into the sky.
"Hey, who do you think is going to win today?"
"Isn't that obvious? Shrek, of course! They lost last time, sure, but that was an individual match. Shrek's overall strength is still stronger!"
"And I heard Elder Xuan spent a fortune last night equipping all those kids with top-tier soul tools!"
"Yeah! At last night's auction, Xuan Zi was buying soul tools like they were cabbages. The current Shrek Team is basically a group of monsters armed to the teeth!"
"Didn't Shrek say before that they wouldn't use soul tools? Looks like that came back to bite them…"
"Who cares? As long as it's a good show!"
In the stands, people argued passionately, voices rising one over another.
Naturally, the vast majority still favored Shrek.
After all, the golden signboard of "Number One Academy on the Continent" had stood firm in people's hearts for ten thousand years.
…
"Silence!"
Suddenly, a majestic voice swept across the entire venue, instantly suppressing all noise.
The Prime Minister of the Star Luo Empire, dressed in formal robes, stood at the podium and announced loudly:
"The elimination stage of the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament officially begins!"
"Next, please welcome the two teams for today's first match to enter the arena!"
"Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy representative team!"
"Shrek Academy representative team!"
Boom—!!!
As the two names were called out, the atmosphere in the entire stadium exploded to its peak.
Cheers erupted like a tidal wave.
Under the gaze of hundreds of thousands of spectators—
From the left tunnel.
Liu Yuan walked at the front, followed by Ma Rulong, Xiao Hongchen, Meng Hongchen, and the others.
They wore the neat uniforms of the Sun Moon team, heads held high, expressions filled with confidence and resolve.
From the right tunnel.
Ma Xiaotao led the way, her fiery-red combat suit outlining her explosive figure.
Behind her came Dai Yueheng, Ling Luochen, Xi Xi, Gongyang Mo, and the rest.
Unlike before—when the Shrek members rarely carried even a single soul tool—
Now, every one of them was equipped with high-rank soul tools on their waists, backs, wrists, and ankles!
Hearing the surrounding discussions, the Shrek team members couldn't help but feel a trace of embarrassment.
They knew all too well they were being struck by their own "boomerang."
But—
Compared to victory, nothing else mattered!
That's right.
They had to win!
Led by Ma Xiaotao, the Inner Court students of Shrek Academy seemed to have regained their confidence.
Because the soul tools on their bodies gave them hope—hope of defeating Liu Yuan.
One by one, they looked toward the Sun Moon Royal Team opposite them, eyes filled with blazing battle intent.
On Liu Yuan's side, they naturally noticed those fiery gazes as well.
But they weren't intimidated in the slightest.
Even if Shrek had regained its momentum, the Sun Moon Royal Team would never be afraid!
Under the leadership of Captain Liu Yuan, every member firmly believed—
They would eliminate Shrek Academy right here in the Round of 16!