The tournament venue remained as lively as ever, even more so than the previous days, now carrying a stronger scent of battle. An invisible fighting spirit lingered in everyone's hearts—spectators and participants alike.
Starting today, the tournament entered its second round of elimination. Out of the 184 teams, 92 would be selected to advance to the third round. And the very first match of this round was undeniably the highlight, for Shrek Academy was about to take the stage.
As the saying goes, "A famous person casts a long shadow." Shrek Academy's reputation as the number one academy on the continent wasn't just for show. Even proud and arrogant sects had no choice but to take this powerhouse seriously. Thus, at this very moment, the waiting area was packed with all participating teams—something that hadn't happened since the opening ceremony five days ago. Over the last few days, teams that had been eliminated weren't allowed to attend, and those who advanced didn't bother coming. But today, with Shrek making their debut, the attendance said it all.
However, the greater Shrek Academy's fame, the less welcome they were among the citizens of the Sun Moon Empire. From any angle, they weren't exactly fond of the academy. Especially those wealthy and powerful enough to attend the matches in Mingdu—these nobles and officials of the empire harbored even more resentment toward Shrek.
In their eyes, it was precisely Shrek Academy's continued dominance that prevented them from rising from national aristocrats to continental elites. Naturally, their attitude toward the academy was not favorable.
"The second round of the elimination matches is about to begin. Please remain quiet. Last tournament's champions—or rather, many-time champions—Shrek Academy will be making their debut in today's first match."
With the referee's announcement, a wave of jeering erupted from the audience. This provoked anger from some of Shrek's male pre-selection team members in the waiting zone, their faces visibly clouded with irritation.
"Stay calm," Zhu Ziyang said mildly as he observed their reactions. "If you lose your temper, you've already lost."
The boys were momentarily stunned, then began reflecting on his words. Zhu Ziyang no longer paid them any mind and instead turned his gaze toward the other waiting area. There, the team from Taining Advanced Soul Master Academy—their first opponents—sat upright, their nerves palpable even from dozens of meters away.
Taining was a veteran participant in the Soul Master Tournament. Their best record was once making it into the top eight. Unfortunately, luck hadn't favored them this year—running into Shrek Academy in the second round was considered a death sentence. No one, not even themselves, believed they could win. Their team leader had told them: "It's okay to lose to Shrek, but not to yourselves."
The meaning was clear—don't forfeit without a fight. The leader's resolve successfully ignited their team's spirit. Each of them straightened their backs. Though their muscles still trembled visibly, they weren't as stiff as before.
When Zhu Ziyang looked their way, the Taining team leader happened to look back. The two locked eyes. The young man gave a hearty, honest smile, and Zhu Ziyang nodded slightly in return.
This gesture piqued the curiosity of Jiang Nannan and Ma Xiaotao, who both looked toward the man. He was a tall and burly youth with a simple, honest smile. Jiang Nannan didn't recognize him, which only deepened her confusion, but Ma Xiaotao's expression changed—first surprise, then delight.
"Ziyang, that's—" Ma Xiaotao looked excited as she turned to speak.
"No need to get so worked up, Sister Xiaotao." Zhu Ziyang smiled and gently pushed her back into her seat. "Let's talk after the match."
"Oh… okay." Ma Xiaotao settled down, though her cheerful expression drew curious glances from their teammates.
"Ah He, you'll take the lead in the first match," Zhu Ziyang instructed Zhou Tianhe.
"Alright!" Zhou Tianhe leapt up excitedly. He was a battle junkie who had been itching for action these past few days. Seeing other teams fight tooth and nail while he remained idle had driven him stir-crazy. Now energized, he shouted, "Watch me take them all down myself!"
Zhou Tianhe stepped onto the stage. Across from him, a sturdy youth from Taining also took the stage—someone whose presence mirrored Zhou Tianhe's. Clearly, he too was a power-type fighter.
"State your names!" barked the referee, an elder with a goatee and Soul Sage cultivation.
"Shrek Academy, Zhou Tianhe!"
"Taining Academy, Niu Wei!"
With the introductions complete, the match began. Zhou Tianhe and Niu Wei activated their martial souls and spirit rings simultaneously.
Zhou Tianhe's body instantly expanded, his height soaring to three meters. His limbs became covered in thick fur, muscles bulging like coiled dragons. Behind him, two yellow, two purple, and two black spirit rings shimmered—Soul Emperor level. His strength drew nods from informed spectators. As expected from Shrek, their first fighter was already a Soul Emperor—not to be underestimated.
Meanwhile, Niu Wei's body also swelled with muscle. A thick, white horn jutted from his forehead, and behind him appeared two yellow, two purple, and one black spirit ring—he was a 56th-ranked power-type Soul King with the Armored Rhinoceros martial soul.
The two massive fighters clashed with sheer physical might, neither using spirit skills or power, just raw strength. Both exerted themselves fully—Niu Wei's arms bulged with veins, and though Zhou Tianhe's fur concealed his strain, it was evident he wasn't holding back.
Ultimately, Zhou Tianhe's superior rank and size won out. Veins popping on his forehead, he let out a roar and suddenly surged forward, slamming Niu Wei several meters back before he could steady himself.
Having gauged each other's strength, both fighters now activated their spirit skills. Niu Wei's aura surged as four rings lit up behind him. Zhou Tianhe followed suit, powering up with his own amplifying skills—his strength now terrifying.
Their renewed clash thrilled the audience with its ferocity—fist to flesh, every blow booming. But after barely ten seconds, Niu Wei began to falter. Zhou Tianhe, a top student of Shrek's inner courtyard, had merely indulged in friendly sparring before. Now serious, his dominance was inevitable.
Niu Wei made a final gamble. His fifth spirit ring flared—the only offensive skill he had. A giant phantom white rhinoceros appeared behind him, and his horn doubled in size, glowing white.
Fifth Spirit Skill: Rampaging Horn Charge—condensing all power into the horn for a devastating strike.
Zhou Tianhe met the charge seriously. His fifth spirit ring lit up, enlarging his fists like iron hammers. With a mighty swing, he struck Niu Wei squarely in the chest.
Boom! A thunderous sound rang out. Niu Wei was slammed to the ground, groaning in pain, his back bruised but otherwise unharmed. Zhou Tianhe had held back—he respected Niu Wei as a fellow power-type and didn't aim to injure him severely.
Round one: Zhou Tianhe wins.
Without delay, the second round began. Taining's next fighter was a female agility-type Soul King, rank 52. At first, her speed gave Zhou Tianhe some trouble, but once he changed tactics and waited for her to come to him, the outcome was clear.
Round two: Zhou Tianhe wins.
Taining's third fighter—also their last Soul King—was a rank 53 control-type. But his soft-control methods were ineffective against a brute-force Soul Emperor like Zhou Tianhe. Another loss.
Round three: Zhou Tianhe wins. And he was still in good condition. If Taining didn't forfeit, he was confident he could take all seven.
But just as he prepared for the fourth round, Zhu Ziyang's voice called out for a substitution. Zhou Tianhe was stunned and confused, but he obeyed. With a dissatisfied expression, he left the stage and handed off to Dai Huabin.
"Boss, why the switch? I was on track to one-vs-seven!" Zhou Tianhe protested.
"Haha, don't worry, there'll be more chances," Zhu Ziyang chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. "Their team belongs to a senior brother. Gotta show some respect."
(End of Chapter)
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