Chapter 305: Sun Moon's First Battle
Now, an opportunity had presented itself.
He might not be able to defeat Long Xiaoyao, but could others really stop him?
Elder Xuan was confident in his Rank 98 Super Douluo strength. Even across the entire Douluo Continent, only a handful of people could truly surpass him.
Encountering Long Xiaoyao was just an unfortunate coincidence.
Although many teams were participating, not all of them had powerful protectors like himself.
Now that all the teams had gathered at the venue, he couldn't strike immediately.
He needed to wait once the day's matches concluded, teams would return to Mingyue Hotel to rest.
And when they were at their most relaxed, his attack would be foolproof.
"Elder Xuan! You can't do this!"
Cai Mei'er's voice was urgent, her face full of worry.
But Elder Xuan simply raised his right hand, blocking her.
"My mind is made up. No more discussion."
Then, he looked toward Qian Duoduo, his voice filled with conviction.
"Duoduo, watch carefully during this tournament."
"You'll soon see how I defend our thousand year legacy."
"Then, you'll realize just how right my decision is."
Imperial Seating – Xu Tianran and Jing Hongchen
Seated in his ornate chair, Xu Tianran turned to Jing Hongchen.
"According to the match schedule, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy is up next."
"Master Jing, how many members of the Sun Moon team will it take to defeat the Dragon Slayer Sect in the individual elimination rounds?"
In every previous tournament, the reigning champions had always played the first match.
Xu Tianran had chosen to keep this tradition.
He believed it was a great way to let Sun Moon citizens see their nation's strength and boost morale.
Of course, this wouldn't reveal too much about their team.
After all, the Dragon Slayer Sect was just a small opponent they would be easily crushed.
This sect, from the Dou Ling Empire, had been around for over a thousand years, but they were nothing special.
Jing Hongchen, seated beside him, gave a polite smile.
"Your Highness, in my opinion, we only need to send one person to handle the Dragon Slayer Sect."
Xu Tianran was slightly surprised.
"Oh? Just one person?"
"Are you saying that Laughing Dust will bombard them with soul cannons every round?"
"If the Dragon Slayer Sect uses a rotation strategy, even Laughing Dust might feel the strain."
"Milk bottles can replenish soul power, but not mental stamina."
Though Xu Tianran had an informant inside Sun Moon Academy, the team's secrecy was tight.
Even Juzi couldn't get detailed intel.
Since he was busy governing the empire, he had no time to investigate further.
Of course, he could have forced Jing Hongchen to reveal the team's strength using his status, but he chose not to.
With Kong Deming's increasing support for Huo Yuhao and his frequent visits to the Royal Academy, Xu Tianran didn't want to further sour their relationship.
However, his negotiations with the Holy Spirit Sect had been going well.
Even Ye Xishui had praised his imperial demeanor, arranging for Long Xiaoyao to serve as his guardian.
At this point, even if the Holy Spirit Sect failed to win the championship, he would still establish them as the state religion and appoint Zhongli Wu as Imperial Grandmaster.
As for Kong Deming's objections, Xu Tianran believed everything could be negotiated.
"Everything can be resolved if the price is right."
Jing Hongchen simply smiled.
"Your Highness, the Sun Moon team will give you a pleasant surprise."
He offered no further explanation.
After all, once the team took the stage, Xu Tianran would see the truth for himself.
This was not the same Sun Moon team as before.
Tournament Opening – Thunderous Applause
An elderly man took the stage, speaking through a Sound Amplifying Soul Tool.
After explaining the rules, his expression turned passionate as he made the first announcement.
"The first elimination match of the preliminary rounds is about to begin!"
"Representing the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, the reigning champions of the last Soul Master Tournament!"
At his words
Deafening applause erupted across the stands.
Most of the cheering spectators were Sun Moon citizens.
After all, the Sun Moon Academy had won the last championship, bringing immense national pride.
For years, the Soul Master Tournament championship had been monopolized by Shrek Academy.
But the Sun Moon Academy had broken that streak.
Although Shrek had withdrawn, allowing Sun Moon to win by default, the people didn't care.
To them, Sun Moon's victory was historic.
Even the poorest of citizens stood proudly, remembering the glory of their nation's triumph.
As the cheers intensified, voices rang out.
"Sun Moon Royal Academy will win!"
"For the empire! Bring home another championship!"
"Shatter the myth of Shrek!"
Elder Xuan's Displeasure
From high above, Elder Xuan scowled.
"Their victory was meaningless."
"They only won because Shrek was weakened."
"Had we been at full strength, we could have crushed them effortlessly."
"And yet, one championship is enough to make these people so arrogant."
"This kind of empire won't last long."
Cai Mei'er, standing beside him, sighed internally.
She knew the real reason Shrek had to withdraw and Elder Xuan was a major cause of it.
Had he not made those reckless decisions, Shrek Academy could have competed in full force and easily secured another victory.
First Match Begins – The Fighters Enter the Arena
"The individual elimination rounds will begin!"
"Referee, take your position!"
A formidable elder, exuding Title Douluo aura, rose into the air.
His sharp gaze swept across both teams, awaiting their first fighters.
The Dragon Slayer Sect sent out a tall, burly man.
Meanwhile
The Sun Moon Academy sent Huo Yuhao.
Huo Yuhao was the strongest member of the Sun Moon team.
Unlike in the original timeline, he had completely replaced Laughing Dust as team captain.
With his immense power, he was undoubtedly their trump card.
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