The Star Lou Arena was packed to the brim, the giant circular stands boiling with people. After seven days of fierce competition and layers of screening, the top three teams of this year's Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament had emerged. Like three bright stars, they shone under countless expectant, fervent gazes.
"First, congratulations to the Star Lou Royal Academy team!"
The host's high-pitched voice boomed out through the soul guide, instantly igniting patriotic fervor among the Star Lou crowd. Thunderous cheers crashed in like waves, deafening. The representatives of the empire held their heads high, basking in the glory.
"Next, from Spirit Hall—Spirit Hall Academy team!"
Another round of cheers erupted, filled with awe and admiration. In previous tournaments, Spirit Hall's team had displayed overwhelming strength, dispatching opponents swiftly and decisively, earning them the title of championship favorites.
"And finally, from Martial City—Grand Martial Academy team!"
The cheers for this upstart academy, rising in fame with the Body Sect, matched, even exceeded, the earlier ones. Grand Martial Academy, now widely respected as "the mainland's top academy," had earned high praise.
Yet, to the slightly disappointed longtime audience members, the enigmatic Grand Martial team captain, Chen Yi, known as a mainland prodigy, hadn't shown his true power in the previous matches.
"Next, the three team captains will come on stage to draw lots for the semifinal matchups!"
Amidst the crowd's attention, the three captains stepped from their prep areas onto the main battle stage.
Chen Yi walked in front, steps steady, expression indifferent, as if the draw deciding his fate had nothing to do with him. Spirit Hall's captain, Qing Yao, followed close behind, her plain uniform accentuating her beauty, her cold face betraying no emotion, only sharp eyes.
To the side walked the Star Lou Royal Academy captain. Though he had an air of luxury, a bitter smile was etched on his lips. No matter whom they drew, the Star Lou team knew their journey would likely end here, and the real showdown would be between the two titans: Body Sect and Spirit Hall.
The draw was simple. Each captain, in turn, drew a sealed soul power crystal from the box.
When the results were announced, the crowd burst into excited cheers, followed by sighs of relief from the Star Lou audience.
The Star Lou Royal Academy team had drawn a bye, advancing directly to the finals!
This meant the first semifinal would be the long-awaited peak showdown: Grand Martial Academy vs. Spirit Hall Academy.
Chen Yi's face remained calm, unsurprised by the outcome. As he turned to leave, he felt a sharp gaze on his back—it could only be Qing Yao.
…
Back at their area, the Grand Martial team was excited, but it was a calm eagerness to meet the challenge. Jiang Hongfei smiled, "Spirit Hall is strong, but our young sect master is even stronger!" Everyone nodded, almost blindly confident in Chen Yi.
After a short prep, the first semifinal began amid the host's feverish announcement.
On Spirit Hall's side, the first to leap onto the ring was Kuang Shi, who'd barely recovered from Chen Yi's earlier spiritual assault. His face was still pale, but his eyes icy and fierce as he stared at Yang Zhantian and those beside Chen Yi. After returning that day, he'd not only been scolded harshly by Qing Yao but also the team's elders, leaving his heart suffocating with humiliation.
"Chen Yi, maybe I can't beat you, but can't I at least deal with your lackeys?" Kuang Shi burned with rage, eager to vent it on his next opponent.
"Young sect master, let me handle Kuang Shi," Yang Zhantian stepped forward, his voice steady. Tall as a tower, he exuded a mountain-like calm and a spear-like sharpness.
Chen Yi glanced at him and nodded slightly. "Go ahead."
Without another word, Yang Zhantian walked calmly onto the stage, facing Kuang Shi from afar.
Kuang Shi looked at his opponent and let a sneer of contempt show, raising his voice for all to hear.
"Hmph, who is it? Oh, just a house slave!"
Such a blatant insult was meant to provoke. But Yang Zhantian's face remained calm, his deep, cold gaze looking at Kuang Shi as if at a clown.
To Yang Zhantian, the Body Sect had helped him at his lowest and saved the Breaking Clan. He owed them his loyalty and life. Kuang Shi's insult was no more than a defeated dog's bark.
The referee stepped forward, "Salute!"
Neither moved, their eyes clashing in midair, sparks flying.
The referee waved his hand.
"Match, begin!"
"Roar—!"
Almost instantly, Kuang Shi let out an ear-piercing roar. His body swelled, golden hair bristled, hands turned to claws, and a terrifying lion phantom exploded behind him. Two yellow, two purple, one black—five soul rings swirled in perfect ratio, as he launched his strongest assault.
"Third Soul Skill, Lion King's Wrath!"
His momentum soared; golden flames enveloped him, speed and power surging like a mad golden lion, claws slashing with a chilling sound.
Standing firm as if rooted, Yang Zhantian gripped his right hand, a soul-breaking spear appearing in his palm. Five soul rings—the best ratio—rose beneath his feet. Fifty-four ranks of soul power erupted without hesitation, his hard, sharp aura faintly overwhelming Kuang Shi.
As Kuang Shi's claws neared, Yang Zhantian moved. His wrist flicked, and the spear danced—a precise, delicate arc, parrying the weakest point with the shaft's center.
Clang!
The metallic crash rang out. The intense impact made the stones beneath Yang Zhantian crack, but his grip was steady as a rock. Using the block's recoil, he slid nimbly past Kuang Shi.
Like lightning in a flash, Yang Zhantian's eyes sharpened—his spear, forged by soul power, stabbed without warning—a cold star flickered!
"Second Soul Skill, Penetration!"
Just before the spear tip reached him, Kuang Shi felt a lethal force that could pierce even his proud defense. His hair stood on end, death looming.
He twisted his body, channeling soul power into his arms.
"Second Soul Skill, Lion King Diamond Transformation!"
His arms shone with metallic light, defense soaring.
Bang!
The spear struck his crossed arms, a dull thud as the concentrated force broke through, blood spraying. Kuang Shi retreated, two bleeding wounds on his arms.
"Nice!"
In the stands, Jiang Hongfei clapped. "Brother Zhatian's spearwork is getting finer—it looks like he'll win this one!"
Others nodded. Kuang Shi was strong, but the Soul-Breaking Spear was top-tier as well. Plus, Yang Zhantian had survived the clan disaster—his will and skills were honed by life and death, far surpassing Kuang Shi.
Chen Yi shook his head. This duel had been decided from the start; letting Yang Zhantian handle the rash Kuang Shi was almost bullying.
The situation in the ring confirmed this. Yang Zhantian's steps were like the wind, his spear a deadly black lightning—stabbing, sweeping, catching, smashing—completely enveloping Kuang Shi.
Kuang Shi's overwhelming power and martial spirit were suppressed by Yang Zhantian's elusive precision and relentless attacks. He could only dodge and defend in embarrassment, wounds multiplying, blood staining his robe.
"Ah!!"
Kuang Shi roared, trying a desperate counter with his fifth soul skill, but Yang Zhantian's spear was too fast and cunning to give him a chance.
One strike knocked aside his arm, another pierced his open chest and abdomen!
Poof!
A flower of blood bloomed. The spear penetrated Kuang Shi's abdomen, soul power invading and violently destroying his insides.
"Kuang Shi admits defeat! We surrender!"
Spirit Hall's leader, face pale, suddenly stood and shouted. Kuang Shi had a special identity; if he died here, the responsibility would be grave.
Hearing the surrender, Yang Zhantian's eyes stayed emotionless. He reined in his invading soul power, withdrew the spear, then with a flick, sent the gravely wounded Kuang Shi flying out of the ring to land heavily before Spirit Hall, raising a cloud of dust.
Wang Jie and Jin Yue rushed to help, Li Zhengxuan's healing light quickly stabilizing the wounds.
Yang Zhantian stood, spear in hand, glaring coldly at Wang Jie and company, a cold smile on his lips, his voice clear:
"This is the end for your old bones. Your mouth is even cheaper."
With that, he ignored the nearly fire-breathing stares of Spirit Hall and calmly walked back to Grand Martial Academy's prep area. His mission done—the true protagonist's time was next.
Wang Jie watched Yang Zhantian's retreating back, then looked down at the unconscious Kuang Shi. His chest seethed with anger, about to speak harshly for his brother.
But before he could utter a word, it ended abruptly.
Because, in Grand Martial Academy's area, the person who had been watching the fight quietly now stood up.
Just that simple movement made all sound and light seem to vanish.
A deep, unseen, majestic aura spread silently from him.
Chen Yi's gaze fell calmly—not just upon the ring, but upon Spirit Hall's entire team.
The whole Star Lou Arena fell silent in an instant.
All eyes were drawn to that person.
....
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