The lottery results settled. Some academy rejoiced; others were dejected. As the opening match would be Spirit Hall Academy vs. Heaven Dou Royal Academy, this high-impact showdown immediately ignited the atmosphere throughout Star Lou Square. Yet, among the crowd, there was a mixture of sympathy and mockery directed at the Heaven Dou side.
In Grand Martial Academy's prep area, Shui Bing'er and Dugu Yan exchanged glances, both unable to suppress their smiles.
Ding Xian covered her red lips lightly and said playfully, "How generous, the Star Lou Empire… They didn't intend to save any face for Heaven Dou at all; they just booked them a one-day tour package out of here."
Dugu Yan lounged lazily in her chair, twirling her hair around her finger with a sneer. "The Heaven Dou Royal Academy team probably fears they'll be packed up and sent home."
Meng Yutong, more quick-witted, laughed, "So, Star Lou didn't even bother to rig the draw. They might as well have written the names upside down."
Yang Zhantian folded his arms and added in a low voice, "Heaven Dou's military is lax, the nobles have fallen, and in terms of pure military power, Star Lou has always had the upper hand. If it weren't for Spirit Hall balancing things, the continental power structure would have changed long ago."
"It's normal for Star Lou folks, who are strong to the bone, to look down on Heaven Dou's softer style." His sharp eyes glanced toward the distant Heaven Dou team. Though they wore bright uniforms, their breathing was shallow with vanity, and a hint of disdain flashed in their eyes.
Chen Yi lightly shook his head, fragments of vague memories surfacing. In his recollection, Heaven Dou Royal Academy had suffered a similar "opening blitz" before, though the timing was a little different. Yet in this timeline, they could not escape this humiliating fate; Star Lou Empire gave them not a single chance.
As expected, the moment the Heaven Dou Royal Academy captain saw the match result, his face fell like a frostbitten eggplant, turning so dark that water could drip. His lips trembled as if to protest, but in the end he sighed—the draw was jointly supervised by three parties. Even if there was something fishy, with no evidence, they could only swallow their grievances.
After all, this method was one Heaven Dou had itself used for some shameful moments in the past.
In contrast to the cloud of gloom over Heaven Dou, excitement surged on the Spirit Hall Academy team's side. The news that their first opponent was Heaven Dou Royal Academy made Kuang Shi, Wang Jie, Jin Yue, and their fighters quickly ready their gear, bloodthirsty light flashing in their eyes as they all looked expectantly at their captain.
Qing Yao felt the burning gazes of her teammates behind her. Without turning, she just waved her hand lightly, her voice flat. "Hurry up. Don't waste time."
"Yes, Captain!" The three roared excitedly.
Qing Yao's gaze shifted to Li Zhengxuan, a girl on the team with a calm temperament and steady eyes. "Li Zhengxuan, you're up too."
"Yes, Captain." Li Zhengxuan nodded lightly. She was a core member of Spirit Hall's team, born to the Angel Clan—a rare healing angel, a forty-fifth rank support spirit master.
Soon, both lineups strode under the spotlights onto the central main soul stage.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy's captain, Ge Yuanlang—youngest son of Heaven Dou's Marshal Ge Long—tried to rally his team. But scanning the three Soul Kings on the opposing side, all relaxed and not yet even releasing their martial spirits, he could not hide the shadow of despair in his eyes.
This lineup of three Soul Kings would already be considered top-tier in Heaven Dou Empire, but unfortunately, they were up against the direct team of Spirit Hall, the holy land of all spirit masters.
"Match, begin!"
At the judge's order, Heaven Dou's seven members wasted no time, instantly invoking their martial spirits. Lights of various soul rings shone, their soul force linking together with impressive momentum.
But on the other side, seeing these "ants" baring their teeth, Kuang Shi, Wang Jie, and Jin Yue revealed unconcealed mockery and fierce smiles.
"Roar—!"
The next instant, three massive, overwhelming auras erupted like volcanoes!
Behind Kuang Shi, a huge golden-maned lion apparition appeared. Wang Jie was shrouded in blood and energy, his coiling dragon staff swirling in his hand. Jin Yue transformed into a streak of sharp golden lightning.
Most suffocating of all was the sight of two yellow, two purple, and one black soul ring slowly rising beneath their feet.
"Three Soul Kings!"
The audience erupted instantly, cheers roaring in like a tsunami. Spirit Hall's strength was expected, but seeing three Soul Kings at once was a visual shock beyond compare.
Heaven Dou had no time to react tactically. The three Soul Kings charged into their ranks like hungry wolves, attacking with wild momentum.
At the same time, behind them, the holy white glow of Li Zhengxuan's healing angel rose, four wings spreading in the air, her gentle, endless healing light washing over her teammates in waves.
There was no suspense to the result.
Heaven Dou's attacks landed on the three Soul Kings like tickles, unable even to scratch their defenses. Each time a Kuang Shi moved, a Heaven Dou member flew backward with a scream. Bones snapped with sharp cracks amid desperate cries, the soul stage turning into a display of cruel dominance.
In just thirty seconds—maybe even less—all seven Heaven Dou members were thrown from the ring like garbage, sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain. If not for Li Zhengxuan's healing angel's light swiftly trailing behind, they'd have been crippled for life—or worse.
Even so, their energy channels were damaged, and they wouldn't be able to use soul power for some time.
"Spirit Hall!"
"Spirit Hall!"
"Spirit Hall!"
The Star Lou crowd cheered for the strong, exulting in Spirit Hall's clean, decisive victory, their roars nearly shaking the square's roof. Of course, there was also plenty of jeering at Heaven Dou's weakness.
Back in Grand Martial Academy's prep area, everyone's relaxed expressions became more somber. Shui Bing'er frowned slightly. "They're really strong, and with the tacit understanding they share, even the presence of a healing angel doesn't worry them."
Meng Yutong clicked her tongue. "Three powerful attack-type Soul Kings charging at once—who could withstand that?"
Yang Zhantian's eyes burned with fighting spirit, unconsciously clenching his fist. Dugu Yan, unconsciously, glanced at Chen Yi as if nothing was insurmountable as long as he was there.
"Luckily, we still have our young sect master," she whispered, giving everyone confidence.
At that moment, the Spirit Hall team walked triumphantly off the stage, passing near Grand Martial Academy's area. Kuang Shi, who'd shown off his strength, intentionally slowed, flashing a winner's smirk at Chen Yi and making a rude throat-cutting gesture.
"Bastard!"
"Looking for death!"
Grand Martial's team all bristled with anger. Yang Zhantian suddenly stepped forward, evil energy surging, glaring at Kuang Shi. "This one's mine! Nobody take him from me!"
Chen Yi gently pressed Yang Zhantian's arm, calming his explosive urge. Still wearing his gentle smile, he seemed to be watching a clumsy slapstick performance.
But at the moment his gaze met Kuang Shi's provocative eyes, a cold glint flashed deep in Chen Yi's eyes.
"Ah—!"
Kuang Shi, still smug, suddenly screamed, clutching his head as if struck by an invisible hammer, almost collapsing. All he felt was his head splitting and his soul stabbed by countless fine needles.
"Kuang Shi!"
Wang Jie and Jin Yue rushed to support him. Li Zhengxuan quickly shone healing light on him, trying to dispel the inexplicable pain.
Far away, Guang Yu and Captain Qing Yao noticed the commotion and hurried over. Qing Yao crouched to focus her spiritual power on Kuang Shi, then looked up sharply, identifying the perpetrator.
In a flash, Qing Yao appeared before Chen Yi, blocking his way. Her face was cold, her voice trembling with anger. "Young Sect Master Chen, that was just a provocation on stage. Why be so ruthless now? Losing your temper is inevitable, but—"
Chen Yi stopped, calmly meeting her gaze and glancing over at the Spirit Hall team glaring at him. Suddenly, he smiled softly, unable to hide his sarcasm.
"My attitude?"
Chen Yi repeated as if hearing a joke. He stepped forward. Though not as tall as Qing Yao, an invisible aura suddenly condensed the air, his eyes slicing through Kuang Shi like cold blades, finally returning to Qing Yao's face.
"If you can't control your team's barking, I'll help you discipline them."
He paused, his tone suddenly icy. "Tell that idiot, next time I'll tear him apart."
What kind of gentleman did they think he was? Chen Yi had trained long for self-restraint, but just now, it was lucky this fool didn't get torn apart on the spot.
Chen Yi turned away with barely another word, as if nothing had happened, leading his teammates away—smirking. Their match was in the afternoon; meditation and rest were better than watching this childish brawl.
Watching Chen Yi and his party leave, Qing Yao's chest heaved, finally turning into a helpless sigh. Li Zhengxuan approached and whispered, "Captain, that was a spiritual shock. Chen Yi held back, causing no lasting harm, but Kuang Shi… he won't be able to fight for days."
Qing Yao turned to see Kuang Shi still groaning in pain, face pale with a flash of anger in his eyes. She had repeatedly warned not to provoke the unfathomable Chen Yi, but this reckless man doubted her words, kicked an iron plate, and dealt a humiliating blow to their whole team.
"Take this fool and let's go."
Qing Yao ordered coldly, turning away without looking at Kuang Shi. Wang Jie and Jin Yue exchanged glances, said little, then hurried after her, Wang Jie slinging Kuang Shi over his shoulder like a sack.
…
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