The capital city of the Heaven Dou Empire bustled with renewed energy. Every street was adorned with banners and spirit beast motifs celebrating the upcoming Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament, and spirit masters from across the empire gathered like clouds. For many, this was not just a tournament—it was a stage to display glory and claim their place among the future pillars of the continent.
Within this thriving city, a grand plaza had been cordoned off and fortified by Empires soldiers and royal guards. The Heaven Dou Empire Branch Arena was situated at its heart. Twenty-four spirit master academies had come to vie for five spots that would allow them to enter the true tournament stage.
Among them was a newly formed dark horse: Azure Dragon Academy.
Their carriages stopped just before the plaza, and the members of the Azure Dragon Squad stepped down one by one, exuding calm composure. They wore no exaggerated armor or attention-seeking robes—just plain yet elegant uniforms with an azure dragon emblem on their backs.
Their arrival didn't garner much attention initially… until someone recognized Dugu Yan walking among them.
"Isn't that… the Jade Phosphor Serpent girl from Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?"
"Why is she with that unknown academy?"
Speculation began to swirl, but Jiang Yun and his squad paid it no mind. Their focus remained forward.
Inside the venue, the other academies had already gathered. Standing out among them were five powerful institutions, collectively known as the Five Elemental Academies:
Blazing Fire Academy: Known for its explosive offense and fire-type martial spirits, its students wield flame techniques that overwhelm with sheer power.
Tianshui Academy: Elegant yet dangerous, composed entirely of female students with water-type martial spirits. They specialized in control and agility.
Shenfeng Academy: Wind-type martial spirits and speed-enhanced body techniques made them hard to pin down. Their students excelled in blitz tactics.
Thunderclap Academy: With thunder and lightning-based spirits, this academy focused on raw destructive force and paralysis techniques.
Elephant Armored Academy: Famous for defense and strength, their Earth-type beast spirits allowed them to act as unmovable walls in battle.
These five stood proudly, everyone of their captains exuding Soul Ancestor level presence. Their uniforms were tailored and their emblems polished. When other students noticed Azure Dragon Academy walking by silently, most didn't even spare them a second glance.
But laughter echoed across the plaza soon after, as another academy arrived—wearing green uniforms so bright they looked as if they were sewn from grass.
"Hey, look at that. Are they here for the tournament or a comedy skit?"
"They call that an academy team?"
It was Shrek Academy.
Jiang Yun's eyes narrowed as he glanced at the incoming group. Despite the mockery, they walked with confident steps. At the front was Tang San, calm as ever, and beside him stood Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai giving off a tiger's proud pressure. Oscar, Ma Hongjun, Yu Xuan, and Mei Ling followed.
But it was the four other members that caught Jiang Yun's attention: Tai Long, Jing Ling, Huang Yuan, and Jiang Zhu. He immediately realized what had happened.
"So… they still followed the same path. Flanders must've made his move… and Liu Erlong, hopeless as ever in her love, gave Blue Tyrant Academy to them just like before."
Jiang Yun didn't hate Shrek, but he couldn't help the sigh that escaped his lips. Fate had an odd way of repeating itself.
Feng Ming chuckled. "Still in green? Maybe they want to distract their enemies with ugly colors."
Zhu Zhuqing said nothing. Her eyes passed over Dai Mubai but showed no emotion.
The murmuring stopped when a loud trumpet sounded from the central tower.
Atop a grand golden platform, surrounded by guards and nobles, the Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Ye, appeared in full ceremonial robes and sat on the VIP seats. The air grew solemn.
There were several familiar faces in the VIP seats, one of which was Ning Rongrong's father Ning Fengzhi. He was on the right side of Emperor Xue Ye.
On the left of Emperor Xue Ye was an old man with javelin like thin body whose whole body was covered in a red robe , his eyes were closed as if he was deliberately trying to be mysteriously sleeping. He was the Platinum Bishop Salas from Spirit Hall.
Behind them were Prince Xuexing and three major education committee members of Heaven Dou Academy. Also there was the current crown prince of Heaven Dou Empire who Jiang Yun knew was the fake and the real one was already dead.
This was Qian Renxue who with the help of her family inherited angel Soul bone ability has disguised herself in order to bring Heaven Dou Empire in her control.
Next....
The host on the side shouted loudly, "Next, please invite His Majesty the Emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire to announce the opening of the tournament."
Emperor Xue Ye's voice spread throughout the audience, " I, Emperor Xue Ye of the Heaven Dou Empire on the behalf of the Heaven Dou Empire announce that the All elite continental advanced soul master academy championship is now open."
The applause was thunderous and cheers rose and fell.
He then encouraged all the soul masters participants to give full play of their strength and achieve good results. And he hopes that they will show their brilliance for the glory of their academy and the Empire.
Next Ning Fengzhi also gave an opening speech and encouraged the teams and also hinted that he has his eyes on an academy who can win this year's championship for the Empire. After the host asked about team he didn't said anything just told that they will see it themselves and be patience.
The host also wants for Bishop Salas to say something but this old man didn't followed the script and began to prepare for directly drawing lots for the tournament. He was unwilling to speak.
There were many teams present from various academies.
Heaven dou academy team two, Cang hui academy, Auckland academy, Beast academy and many more.
The Royal Team of Heaven Dou Academy, naturally, was not listed—their place in the finals already secured.
Platinum Bishop Salas stretched his hand on the insignia of the teams present by a maid and with a lecherous glint in his eyes he touched her inappropriately and the palace maid shuddered but instantly Salas used his spirit power to take control of insignia and throw them on the ground in the pair means that the paired teams will fight.