Time flowed by, and the two-year period of dormancy passed in the blink of an eye. The grand event that the entire Soul Master World of the Douluo Continent had been anticipating—the All-Continent High-Level Soul Master Elite Tournament—finally raised its magnificent curtain.
This year's tournament gathered elite teams from one hundred and twenty-five high-level Soul Master Academies and Soul Tool Academies from all over the continent; it could truly be described as a gathering of brilliant stars.
The tournament format was divided into three stages: the first round of the preliminaries was a brutal elimination tournament using a seven-on-seven team battle mode, with opponents decided by drawing lots, and the losers being immediately eliminated; this was expected to take three days.
The second round was a round robin, where the approximately sixty-four teams that advanced would be divided into eight groups, with eight to nine teams per group, using a randomized format where the specific mode (single elimination, three-two-two cooperative combat, or seven-on-seven team battle) was decided by drawing lots before each match, and the top two teams from each group would advance.
In the final sixteen-team stage, pre-scheduled single-elimination matches would be held until the champion was decided. As the top three finishers from the previous tournament, the main teams (first teams) of Tianxing Academy, Martial Soul Hall Academy, and Federal Soul Master Academy enjoyed seeded spots that allowed them to advance directly to the round robin, while their second teams were required to compete starting from the preliminaries.
The host city for the tournament was set as Martial Soul City. This majestic city, located in the central region of the continent, was not only the headquarters of the Federal Martial Soul Hall but also the spiritual symbol of the soul master civilization of the Douluo Continent.
It had witnessed the immortal epic of how human soul masters struggled to survive under the claws and fangs of soul beasts in ancient times, eventually building a brilliant civilization; every brick and stone was steeped in a profound historical foundation.
A massive soul tool train spat out white steam as it slowly pulled into the Martial Soul City East Station. The Shrek Team, led by Flender and Zhao Wuji, followed the bustling crowd as they stepped off the train.
When that towering, majestic city was revealed before their eyes without reservation, all the young team members could not help but hold their breath, their eyes filled with shock, save for Flender and Zhao Wuji, who had been mentally prepared.
Martial Soul City! The holy land for soul masters on the Douluo Continent and one of the political and cultural centers of the federation. It was not built on a plain but rather relied on the continuous mountain ranges, with layers upon layers of magnificent architecture built against the mountain.
The pure white temples, the towering pagodas, and the most eye-catching structure located at the highest point of the city, which seemed to touch the sky—the Martial Soul Holy Temple—together formed a magnificent scroll painting that carried a sense of immense oppression.
Above the city, powerful energy fluctuations could be vaguely felt; that was the giant soul tool barrier enveloping the entire city, silently manifesting the majesty and security of this place.
"Wow... is this Martial Soul City? It's... it's so big!" Ma Hongjun opened his mouth wide, looking up at the temple spire that seemed to have no top.
Oscar also muttered, "It's much more magnificent than Suotuo City... no, even more than Heaven Dou City!"
Xiao Wu subconsciously gripped Tang San's arm; the solemn and grave atmosphere exuded by this city made her, a hundred-thousand-year soul beast in human form, feel a sense of instinctive restraint.
Tang San's heart was also surging. He had lived two lives; although the Tang Sect of Bashu in his previous life was also a famous clan in Shu, when it came to the grandeur of the city and the sense of historical weight, it was like a firefly compared to the bright moon when compared to the Martial Soul City before him.
He couldn't help but recall the lessons taught by Dean Flender during their journey—that was the "A Brief History of Soul Master Development in the Douluo Plane," which Archon Yu Yuanchen had specifically required all high-level Soul Master Academies to include as a compulsory course when he integrated the federal education system.
The course expounded on the budding, development, and growth of soul master civilization: from the ancient ancestors awakening meager soul power under the threat of soul beasts, to the predecessor of the Martial Soul Hall, the "Soul Master Guild," initially establishing order;
From the constant disputes between the two great empires, to the relatively stable period dominated by the Martial Soul Hall and the coexistence of the Seven Great Sects;
And then to the emergence of Lord Yu Yuanchen, who created the Martial Way, unified the continent, established the federation, and finally established diplomatic relations with the God Realm, opening a brand new era...
This magnificent history made Tang San deeply realize the close connection between individual destiny and the torrent of the era, and it also made him feel a bit more awe for this holy land beneath his feet, which had condensed the hard work and glory of countless soul masters.
"Hmph, country bumpkins entering the city." An untimely, sarcastic voice rang out from the side.
The group looked in the direction of the sound and saw a group of people wearing moon-white soul master robes embroidered with silver crescent moon patterns walking over.
The middle-aged man in the lead was the Vice Dean of Blue Sunshine Academy, Shi Nian, a level 79 Control System Soul Douluo, with the Remnant Dream martial soul.
He had some history with Flender when they were young and had been severely taught a lesson by Flender, holding a grudge ever since.
Following behind him were the participating members of Blue Sunshine Academy, each with an arrogant look in their eyes, sizing up the Shrek group with undisguised contempt.
"Yo, I was wondering where these country bumpkins came from. Isn't this Flender, who couldn't survive in the circle back then and had to run to the middle of nowhere to open a pathetic little academy? What, your Shrek Academy hasn't gone bankrupt yet? You actually dare to come to Martial Soul City to make a fool of yourself?"
Flender's eyes narrowed, but his face was plastered with a fake, businessman-like smile: "I was wondering who it was; so it's Vice Dean Shi Nian. Long time no see, your mouth still stinks just as much. What, is Blue Sunshine Academy so short on people? You need a 'Soul Saint' 'Vice' Dean to personally lead the team to make up the numbers?"
Shi Nian's complexion sank. He hated it most when others mentioned his title of Vice Dean and his strength as merely a Soul Saint; these were Shi Nian's two sore spots, and now that Flender had poked both wounds with a single sentence, his face immediately became incredibly ugly.
He had been stuck at the Soul Saint realm for many years, and seeing that his former rival Flender was already a Soul Douluo and the dean of a high-level Soul Master Academy, the jealousy in his heart gnawed at him like a viper.
Shi Nian sneered: "Flender, stop with the sharp tongue! What kind of good students can a third-rate academy like your Shrek teach? Don't get beaten back home in the first round; that would be truly embarrassing!"
"Third-rate academy?" Before Flender could speak, Zhao Wuji couldn't hold back anymore. He stepped forward, the powerful aura of a Soul Douluo slightly released, "Old ghost Shi Nian, are you looking for death?"
Shi Nian felt Zhao Wuji's pressure, and his complexion changed slightly, but relying on the fact that no one dared to make a move within Martial Soul City, he braced himself and said: "Hmph, Zhao Wuji, you are still as reckless as ever. What, want to make a move? Don't forget what place this is!"
Flender pulled Zhao Wuji back and looked at Shi Nian, a cold light flashing in his eyes, his smile remaining unchanged: "Shi Nian, since you look down on our Shrek so much, dare to make a bet?"
"Oh? Bet on what?" Shi Nian raised an eyebrow.
"Let's bet on which of our two academies gets a higher ranking in this tournament!" A cunning glint flashed in Shi Nian's eyes. "The loser pays the winner a thousand-year soul bone! How about it? If you don't dare to bet, take your trash students and get back to Suotuo City early!"
A thousand-year soul bone! Even for a Soul Douluo, this was an extremely precious treasure. People from other academies nearby heard this and looked over one after another, showing expressions of interest.
Flender looked at Shi Nian's smug, villainous face, then looked at the students behind him who were young but had firm eyes, and a sense of heroism surged in his heart.
He knew very well that Blue Sunshine Academy's strength was mediocre, and their best result in previous tournaments was only the top thirty-two, while the Shrek Team had undergone two years of hard training and their strength was no longer what it used to be; although there were strong enemies, it was not without hope to aim for a better ranking.
"Bet it is!" Flender said loudly, "Shi Nian, prepare your soul bone! Don't try to welch on the debt when the time comes!"
"Hmph! Whoever welches is a coward!" Seeing that Flender had taken the bait, Shi Nian was secretly delighted. He dropped a harsh threat and led the people from Blue Sunshine Academy away.
"Dean, this..." Dai Mubai was a bit worried. A thousand-year soul bone was no small matter.
"What are you afraid of?" Flender waved his hand dismissively, "Have some confidence in yourselves! It's just a soul bone; if we win, it'll be a nice addition to our team's assets! Everyone, perk up; if you lose, see how I deal with you!"
The team members looked at each other, their fighting spirit even stronger. This soul bone, they were determined to win!
In the following days, after completing the registration, drawing lots, and a series of other procedures, the tournament finally ushered in its grand opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony was held at the Angel Great Soul Arena, the largest in the center of Martial Soul City. The stands, which could accommodate hundreds of thousands of people, were packed, and the atmosphere was heated to the peak. High-level federal officials, leaders of the major sects, and celebrities from all walks of life gathered in the VIP seats. As their divine sense swept across, strands of incomparably powerful auras were vaguely visible, manifesting the high status of this tournament.
According to custom, the first match of the opening ceremony would be a performance match between one team randomly selected from the second teams of the three major academies (Tianxing, Martial Soul, and Federal Soul Master) and one team selected from the remaining academies, thereby raising the curtain on the tournament.
On the giant crystal screen, light flowed and finally settled.
Opening ceremony performance match: Tianxing Academy Second Team VS Blazing Sun Academy!
The entire arena immediately erupted into deafening cheers! Tianxing Academy, the number one academy on the continent—even their second team was enough to attract all eyes!
Under the gaze of countless eyes, both teams took the stage.
Tianxing Academy's second team, seven members in uniform sky-blue team outfits, possessed condensed auras and sharp eyes; though young, they already carried the air of an elite force.
The captain, Yu Tianheng, seventeen years old, a level 56 Power Attack System Battle Soul King, with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon as his Martial Soul! He had a cold expression and a disdainful gaze, with faint lightning flickering around his body; his powerful Dragon Might made others look on with respect. (Because he was at a critical stage of his breakthrough when they faced Shrek in Suotuo City two years ago, he did not accompany the team, which is why Meng Yiran and the others acted as captains at that time.)
Vice-captain, Meng Yiran, seventeen years old, a level 52 Power Attack System Battle Soul King, with the Dragon Snake Scepter as her Martial Soul.
Ning Rongrong, fourteen years old, a level 49 Support Type Vessel Soul Ancestor, with the Eight Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda as her Martial Soul.
Song Qing, seventeen years old, a level 49 Control Type Battle Soul Ancestor, with the Sky Blue Vine as his Martial Soul.
Lei Dong, seventeen years old, a level 49 Agility Attack Type Battle Soul Ancestor, with the Lightning Leopard as his Martial Soul.
Zhu Zhuqing, fourteen years old, a level 49 Agility Attack Type Battle Soul Ancestor, with the Hell Spirit Cat as her Martial Soul.
Wang Ming, a level 48 Defense Type Soul Ancestor, with the Earth Golem as his Martial Soul.
Their opponents, Blazing Sun Academy, were also a veteran powerhouse school. Their best result in previous tournaments was reaching the top sixteen. Every member of this year's team was a Soul Ancestor, and with a reasonable composition, their strength could not be underestimated.
However, once the match began, the situation became completely one-sided.
Yu Tianheng, Meng Yiran, and Ning Rongrong did not even make a move, simply standing at the rear to hold the line.
Relying solely on Song Qing's Sky Blue Vine for crowd control, Lei Dong's Lightning Leopard for surprise attacks, and Zhu Zhuqing's Hell Spirit Cat for lethal strikes, Wang Ming handled the damage head-on.
In a display of overwhelming force, the Tianxing second team tore through the Blazing Sun Academy formation in just three minutes, cleanly and efficiently defeating all seven members one by one and sweeping them off the arena!
The entire process was smooth and flowing, their coordination impeccable, their strength crushing! The immense power displayed by the Tianxing second team shocked the entire audience and instilled great pressure in all the competing teams.
In the corner of the VIP seating area, the members of the Shrek Team watched with heavy expressions.
"Too fast... is this really just the strength of the Tianxing second team?" Oscar clicked his tongue.
"That Yu Tianheng hasn't even moved yet, and also, Zhuqing..." Dai Mubai clenched his fists, feeling the faint resonance and pressure between them as users of top-tier beast Martial Souls.
Furthermore, seeing Zhu Zhuqing again after two years, he hadn't expected her to choose to join Tianxing Academy. One had to know that Tianxing Academy didn't just accept anyone; they looked not only at talent but also at whether one was entangled in internal family affairs.
For students like those from the White Tiger Dai Family, who were involved in internal succession issues, if the academy accepted them, it would be equivalent to meddling in their family affairs. Although such matters could basically never threaten the academy, the academy's neutral stance forbade them from interfering in the internal affairs of great families, so they would not accept such students.
Zhu Zhuqing's situation clearly had the support of the Zhu Family. Although the Dai Family and the Zhu Family were allied and had intermarried for generations, they were ultimately two separate families and did not need to be calculated together; as long as the Zhu Family itself was willing, Zhu Zhuqing could enter Tianxing Academy.
Tang San remained silent, his gaze fixed tightly on the deep-aura Yu Tianheng on the field, as well as Meng Yiran, Ning Rongrong, and the others, who had clearly grown much stronger since he last fought them.
He could feel that although they had all made great progress over the past two years, the foundation of the continent's top academies was unfathomable, and the gap between them had likely not narrowed.
Xiao Wu leaned toward Tang San and whispered, "Brother, they are so strong... what about us..."
Tang San took a deep breath, suppressing the waves in his heart, his gaze becoming firm once more: "It's fine, we will do our best. Our goal is to surpass ourselves. This tournament is for accumulating experience; the next one will be our stage."
Flender clapped his hands, drawing the team's attention back: "Did you all see that? This is the kind of opponent we will face in the future! Do you know the gap now? Give me your full attention! Our match is about to begin!"
In the following days, the first round of the preliminary knockout stage proceeded tensely. Various academy teams took turns on the stage; some powerhouses crushed their opponents easily, while some underdogs pulled off upsets. The matches were spectacular, and undercurrents surged off the field.
The Shrek Team was scheduled for the third day of competition. The waiting process was agonizing, but it gave them more time to observe potential opponents.
Finally, it was their turn to take the stage.
"Next match, Shrek Academy team, versus—Blue Sunshine Academy team!"
The referee's voice echoed throughout the venue through the soul-amplifying Soul Tool.
Hearing this, the Shrek members were all stunned, and then strange expressions appeared on their faces. It really was... enemies meeting on a narrow road!
Flender chuckled, pushed up his glasses, and looked at Shi Nian, whose face was livid at the entrance of the opposing player tunnel. He raised his chin, the meaning clear: Spirit Bone, are you ready?
A cold light flashed in Tang San's eyes. He exchanged glances with Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, and the others, all of them seeing the fighting spirit ignited in each other.
The first battle is against a sworn enemy! They were determined to secure this opening victory!
"Let's go, let the brats from Blue Sunshine Academy see what true monsters are!" Dai Mubai roared in a low voice and was the first to step onto the stairs leading to the arena.
The Shrek Seven Devils followed closely behind, facing the curious, scrutinizing, or contemptuous gazes of the entire crowd as they embarked on their first journey of this tournament.
The great battle was about to erupt!
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Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: GodKun-Chan