The Grand Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament is a major event held every few years. Once it begins, it becomes a frenzy of excitement.
In Tiandou City, the flow of people surged. Countless spectators had traveled from other regions just to witness the battles between these soul masters.
The tournament is divided into preliminary rounds, advancement rounds, and the finals. The preliminaries are held at the Tiandou Grand Dou Soul Arena.
About a month ago, the Tiandou Grand Dou Soul Arena was closed for renovations and expansions, resulting in the venue we have now.
Today, the Soul Master Tournament officially begins!
Inside and outside the Tiandou Grand Dou Soul Arena, wealthy and leisurely spectators poured in, showing immense enthusiasm. With such crowds came chaos, but fortunately, nearly five thousand guards maintained order.
At this moment, two carriages marked with the Tiandou Royal Academy emblem slowly arrived at the arena entrance.
The people on the carriages disembarked one by one. They were from Tiandou Royal Academy's First and Second Teams. Their uniforms were similar: pale gold, with "Tiandou" embroidered on the left chest and seven stars on the back.
The main difference was in style. Team One wore formal robes and cloaks, flashy and elegant, while Team Two wore practical battle attire, simple and convenient for combat.
Lastly, the three instructors of Tiandou Royal Academy wore black formal robes with golden trim, exuding solemnity. Dream God Machine smiled and said:
"Alright, children, today is the opening of the Soul Master Tournament. His Majesty will attend personally. Perform well. The three of us will go to the VIP section to accompany His Majesty. You will follow Qin Ming to the rest area and wait there."
Teams One and Two responded in unison:
"Yes!"
Dream God Machine glanced at Wang Li and Dugu Yan. He hesitated for a moment, offering no words of encouragement—there was little need, as their strength was extraordinary.
He then quickly entered the arena with Bai Baoshan and Zhi Lin to join the VIP section.
After they left, Qin Ming said solemnly:
"Alright, follow me into the arena!"
First Qin Ming, then Team One, followed by Team Two, entered the arena as deafening cheers erupted.
No matter what, in the Tiandou Empire, the Tiandou Royal teams were always the most popular.
Wang Li and Dugu Yan walked with Team One, joining six others toward the arena. Today was the opening ceremony, and the Snow Night Emperor would be present—they could not miss it.
The Grand Dou Soul Arena's vast rest area was bustling. Tiandou's teams arrived first, followed by numerous teams in various uniforms. The most eye-catching were the Shenkaze Academy Team, Chihuo Academy Team, Tianshui Academy Team, Thunder Academy Team, and Elephant Armor Academy Team.
All were established strong teams. In the past, they often underestimated Tiandou's teams, thinking them spoiled nobles.
However, this year, they paid extra attention to Tiandou's teams, their gazes full of various meanings.
Wang Li ignored them and looked toward the entrance. Finally, another team arrived, clad in a hideous, drab green uniform, drawing ridicule from all sides.
Seeing them, Wang Li's interest was piqued, but the ugly, multicolored uniform made him avert his gaze, lacking the courage to speak.
Not just Wang Li, even Qin Ming wanted to cover his face. Though he came from Shrek Academy, after so many years, his taste had normalized. The sense of style of his seniors was simply impossible to approve.
Fortunately, staff arrived to guide them into the real competition area. Qin Ming silently apologized, then led Teams One and Two forward.
They passed through a dim corridor and suddenly emerged into bright light and deafening cheers, stimulating everyone's senses.
The announcer's voice rang out passionately:
"Entering first are Tiandou Royal Academy's Team One and Team Two. Their slogan: Victory belongs to Tiandou, and the championship belongs to Tiandou. Team One has advanced directly to the finals, but Team Two will compete in the upcoming rounds. Let's look forward to their performance!"
Halfway across the arena, they reached the rest and viewing area reserved for the Tiandou Royal teams.
In the VIP section, the front row had five seats. In the center sat the Snow Night Emperor, wearing a crimson gold robe and a crown studded with diamonds. His expression was stern, majestic, like a star surrounded by satellites.
To his left sat Dugu Bo, next to him was Saras. With Dugu Bo's cold glances, Saras dared not meet his eyes, making him feel inferior.
Although Saras was a Platinum Bishop of the Spirit Soul Temple, Dugu Bo was no longer the weakest Douluo. He now surpassed Ju Douluo, making him a formidable figure.
The Tiandou Royal family—or rather, the Snow Night Emperor—had paid a high price to bring Dugu Bo out, aiming for this effect.
To the emperor's right sat Ning Fengzhi, the sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, with Gu Rong, one of the two venerated Bone Douluos, beside him.
The other three instructors, Prince Xuexing, and the rest occupied the second and third rows of the VIP section.
After watching the Tiandou Royal teams enter, the Snow Night Emperor smiled and said:
"Your Highness Bilin, the granddaughter and grandson-in-law you've trained are truly outstanding. It seems this time Tiandou Royal teams have a chance to defeat the Xingluo Royal Team and Spirit Soul Temple Team, claiming the championship of the Advanced Soul Master Tournament."
Dugu Bo smiled when he heard the emperor mention Dugu Yan and Wang Li:
"Your Majesty, they achieved this through their own efforts. I merely played a facilitating role. In this tournament, they will surely be champions. To prevent anyone from competing unfairly, I will accompany them throughout."
Ning Fengzhi added:
"The Soul Master Tournament is meant to provide young talents a stage to fully display themselves. Anyone attempting to compete unfairly will face the fury of all soul masters!"
The emperor smiled and continued:
"Master Ning, well said. Bishop Saras, what do you think?"
Saras, feeling pressured but determined, replied:
"Exactly. The Soul Master Tournament must be fair and just. Any faction intervening recklessly will be severely punished by the Spirit Soul Temple."
Meanwhile, in the arena, teams entered one by one. Last came the Shrek Academy Team, wearing unconventional attire, drawing scorn and jeers. Even the Shrek Seven were embarrassed—Flander's disregard for propriety was extreme, exploiting even his own students.
Once all teams had entered, the announcer invited the Snow Night Emperor to speak.
He stood, and all eyes turned to him. The emperor scanned the arena and solemnly declared the Soul Master Tournament officially open.
The crowd erupted in cheers. This was a grand event, featuring the best talents from advanced soul master academies, both exciting to watch and fiercely competitive.
Next, Ning Fengzhi gave a speech, full of expectation and grace, stirring the enthusiasm of all participants. His years of leadership had earned him a stellar reputation, strengthening the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Then Saras, representing the Spirit Soul Temple, drew lots to determine the first-round matches.
As expected, Shrek Academy was paired with Tiandou Royal Team Two, causing an uproar. Many spectators came to see a thrilling battle, not a clown show, and some even demanded refunds.
Saras' reputation proved the draw was fair, leaving no doubt of impartiality.
In Tiandou Royal Team's rest and viewing area, Yu Tianheng said:
"Isn't that Shrek Academy? Teacher Qin's former academy!"
Qin Ming nodded and addressed Team Two:
"Your opponents are not as simple as they appear. Do your best. Perform well and don't waste five years of training."
Team Two exchanged glances. Though not as strong as Team One, they had trained under Qin Ming. Respectfully, they said:
"Yes!"
Wang Li looked at the Shrek Team members who would compete: Dai Mubai, Oscar, Tang San, Ma Hongjun, and Zhu Zhuqing—one tall and lean young man, one full-bodied girl.
Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong were absent, saving some strength. Though now a second-tier team, the Shrek Seven were still stronger than Tiandou Royal Team Two.
Both sides entered the arena amid jeers. The announcer stepped aside as referees called out:
"Both sides, salute and summon your soul spirits!"
In about a minute, both sides saluted and summoned. The Shrek Seven had two Soul Douluos and five Soul Masters; Tiandou Royal Team Two had seven Soul Masters.
Soul rings never lie. The power of Dai Mubai and Tang San stunned the audience into silence.
The match began, with Shrek Academy holding back slightly but finishing within fifteen minutes.
Shrek still won.
All first-day matches concluded. Tiandou Team One and a dejected Team Two left, encountering a group blocking their path.
In the competitors' corridor, teams from the Five Elements Academy stood before them.
Yu Tianheng immediately recognized his cousin Yu Tianxin, captain of Thunder Academy Team, a rival by birth due to their family lineage.
Yu Tianheng, as team captain, said calmly:
"Are you trying to provoke us by standing in our way?"
A tall girl from Chihuo Academy stepped forward. Standing 1.8 meters tall with striking red hair and uniform, she resembled a flame. She said loudly:
"Not provocation, just checking out future opponents. Tiandou Royal Academy has produced several talents this year, including a twelve-year-old Soul Douluo. We're curious about their strength."
Wang Li smiled, stepping forward:
"You'll see my strength in the finals. Don't get eliminated in the preliminaries, or you won't even get that chance. When you reach the finals, I'll give you a chance to be defeated by me."
This was a blunt truth but clearly a provocation to the Five Elements Academy.
The group had intended to provoke, but Wang Li's words inflamed their emotions further.
Sensing their hostile gazes, Wang Li raised his brow, activating his spiritual sense and the "See Through All Things" ability.
Under his gaze, they felt completely exposed, their hearts raced, and they instinctively moved aside.
Wang Li waved his hand:
"Let's go."
Teams One and Two strode confidently through the Five Elements Academy.
The tall girl ran two steps, angrily shouting:
"Arrogant brat! I'm Huo Wu from Chihuo Academy. I'll defeat you!"
Wang Li's indifferent reply:
"I'm not interested in the names of future losers."
Huo Wu clenched her fists in fury.
Captain Feng Xiaotian of Shenkaze Academy approached:
"Sister Huo Wu, I'll help you defeat him and make him apologize and remember your name."
Huo Wu frowned. This constant "Sister Huo Wu" talk irritated her. She said:
"Feng Xiaotian, I'll defeat him myself. That's the only way it's meaningful."
Meanwhile, Yu Tianxin of Thunder Academy, Shui Bing'er of Tianshui Academy, and Hu Yanli of Elephant Armor Academy felt immense pressure under Wang Li's gaze.
They realized Tiandou Royal Academy had produced a truly terrifying talent.
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