At this moment, all participating teams had arrived. Beneath the northern end of the tournament arena's main platform, a troop of specially uniformed yet clearly extraordinary soldiers was advancing rapidly. There were about five hundred of them, all around thirty years old, with restrained expressions and calm auras. From the soul power fluctuations emanating from them, it was clear that they were all at least Soul Kings.
Their discipline was impeccable. Throughout their advance, not a single unnecessary sound was made—only the steady beat of synchronized steps, so harmonious it was a pleasure to witness.
These were elites among elites—this was Zhu Ziyang's first impression.
When the soldiers reached the base of the platform, they immediately spread out like the spokes of a fan, quickly surrounding the platform from all sides. Fifty of them remained stationed directly in front of the platform's steps. It was these fifty that revealed the identity of this formidable force to Zhu Ziyang.
With the clanging of metal, the fifty soldiers instantly transformed into soul tool turrets. Their cold, eerie barrels pointed outward in unison, emitting an intimidating pressure. Many audience members seated near the main platform, who lacked sufficient cultivation, turned pale at the sight. These were at least sixth-class fixed-installed soul cannons, and the ten larger ones in the center were undoubtedly seventh-class.
The remaining soldiers who had spread to guard the corners of the platform each released their own soul tools, forming bizarre tactical formations. Zhu Ziyang couldn't discern their purpose, but he could clearly feel their power—these formations were not simple. A formation of Soul Kings could likely rival the might of a Soul Sage. Was this the extent of the Sun Moon Empire's research into soul tool tactics? Remarkable indeed.
"Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Legion—one of the Empire's core forces. Seeing them today, their reputation is well deserved." Zhu Ziyang muttered, revealing their identity.
The Sun Moon Empire's military consisted of ten major soul engineer legions. The top five, known as the Nation's Protecting Hands, were the Firewind, Terrorclaw, Evil Sovereign, Royal Dragon, and Royal Soul Engineer Legions. Among them, the Royal Soul Engineer Legion was the strongest.
Typical legions required a minimum of three-ring Soul Elders or third-class soul engineers. However, to join one of the top five required at least a four-ring Soul Ancestor or a fourth-class soul engineer. For the Royal Soul Engineer Legion, the standard was even higher—only five-ring Soul Kings or fifth-class soul engineers were accepted.
With such strict requirements, their strength was no surprise. Their compensation and responsibilities were equally great—protection of Mingdu and the imperial palace fell under their jurisdiction. In a sense, for Zhu Ziyang and the others to assassinate Xu Tianran, they would have to overcome this very force.
The legion commander of the Royal Soul Engineer Legion was a ninth-class soul engineer who answered directly to the emperor. Their appearance signaled that the emperor—or his representative—was about to arrive.
Sure enough, Zhu Ziyang soon spotted a grand imperial procession escorting a golden dragon carriage toward the platform. Thirty-two majestic horn-scaled horses pulled the carriage, followed by guards and officials in ornate robes.
The dragon carriage halted before the platform. Two maids drew back a curtain embroidered with silver-gold lotus patterns, revealing a wheelchair being pushed out. Seated in it was a handsome young man.
Zhu Ziyang immediately recognized him—Crown Prince Xu Tianran of the Sun Moon Empire. A strange smile appeared on his face as he turned to Ma Xiaotao and said, "Sister Xiaotao, the old emperor hasn't died yet, right?"
"Mm. According to intel, the Sun Moon Empire hasn't officially announced the emperor's passing or the ascension of a new one. So yes, the old emperor is likely still alive," Ma Xiaotao replied.
"Interesting," Zhu Ziyang smirked. "A crown prince riding in the emperor's dragon carriage? That's some deep filial piety right there!"
The one pushing Xu Tianran's wheelchair was a stunning palace-robed woman. She looked familiar to Zhu Ziyang. After thinking for a moment, he realized her identity—the Crown Princess of the Sun Moon Empire, Juzi. They had met once before. She was the future Marshal Empress of War.
Zhu Ziyang stroked his chin. If she could be won over, she would be a powerful asset to Zhang Lexuan. After all, unifying the continent would require military support, and a general of her caliber would be invaluable. After all, the title "Marshal Empress of War" wasn't given lightly.
The only question was: how deep was her bond with Xu Tianran?
Following beside Juzi was another familiar figure—Dean of Mingde Hall at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Academy, one of the Empire's most influential figures, and a ninth-class soul engineer—Jing Hongchen!
"Greetings to the Prince Regent! Greetings to the Princess Regent!" With the appearance of Xu Tianran and Juzi, all officials present (excluding the stationed Royal Soul Engineer Legion) knelt and saluted, shouting in unison.
Hearing their cries, Zhu Ziyang's eyes glinted. Prince Regent? So the old emperor's still around. Hmm… Is Xu Tianran just biding his time, or is he truly a devoted son?
Juzi pushed Xu Tianran onto a soul tool lift, accompanied by Jing Hongchen and four elderly attendants.
As the lift rose, the audience in the observation zones caught a clear glimpse of the young Prince Regent. Cheers erupted from the crowd. Whether genuine or staged, the people of Mingdu seemed to adore him.
Xu Tianran's arrival signaled the imminent start of the tournament.
Juzi wheeled him to the central seat of the platform, but did not sit herself. Naturally, the panting officials who had just climbed the steps dared not take a seat either.
Xu Tianran gave Juzi a nod, prompting her to step forward to the soul tool amplification device. But the rowdy crowd made her hesitate. At that moment, a deep, oppressive voice resounded over the area.
"Silence!"
The moment the voice rang out, a terrifying pressure swept the arena. Many felt suffocated, unable to breathe or move. Not a sound could be heard.
"Heh, it's Uncle Long," Zhu Ziyang chuckled softly. As his voice fell, the pressure around the Shrek team vanished. The reserve team members gasped for breath like drowning men. Among the main team, only Ning Tian appeared affected. Jiang Nannan, Qian Lingyi, and Diwu Huan'er were all perfectly composed.
After Long Xiaoyao's intimidating shout, Juzi cleared her throat and finally spoke. Her voice, amplified by the device, rang out clearly for all to hear.
"Citizens of the Sun Moon Empire and esteemed guests from afar, on behalf of His Highness the Prince Regent, I welcome you. And now, on his behalf, I declare the All-Continent Advanced Youth Soul Master Elite Tournament officially open!"
The brief speech reignited the crowd's fervor. The audience knelt again and chanted, "Long live the Prince Regent! Long live the Prince Regent!"
Xu Tianran's face remained calm and detached, unaffected by their cheers. He raised his hand to let the officials sit.
But then, on his other side, someone suddenly appeared—a middle-aged man in black robes trimmed with gold, taking the seat meant for Jing Hongchen. Jing Hongchen, looking humiliated, could only sit beside Juzi without protest.
The moment the man appeared, Zhu Ziyang noticed. A faint smile spread across his face. "Holy Spirit Cult, huh?"
(End of Chapter)
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