Why do so many young soul masters spare no effort to compete?Because shining on a grand stage like this tournament allows them to make their name known across the continent, laying the foundation for their future.
To reach the finals stage, without a doubt—These sixty-four contestants had already succeeded.
Among them, Shrek Academy had three contestants; Monster Academy had as many as five.And this was already the fewest number of Monster Academy students to ever reach the finals in its history.
The waiting area was no longer the simple room from the preliminary rounds.Because the venue was now a massive sports stadium, there was more than enough space.
A luxurious temporary waiting lounge had been built along the edge of the arena, directly beneath the VIP viewing platform—the spot with the best visibility.
Today was the one-on-one competition.All sixty-four contestants gathered inside this waiting area.
Inside, sixty-four deluxe sofas were lined up neatly.Food and drinks were abundant, and dedicated service staff stood by to meet almost every need of the contestants.
These attendants were all young, bright, full of energy, and smiling gently.Their service was impeccable.
After all, those seated here were the proud geniuses of the young generation.Historically, in the Continental Youth Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament, it was not uncommon for beautiful attendants to end up in relationships with contestants.For ordinary attendants, this was like ascending to heaven in a single step.So naturally, they served with great enthusiasm.
"Why are all the service girls going to Gu You? Why isn't anyone coming to me?"Xie Xie complained with a face full of misery.
Up until now, seven attendants had approached Gu You already—asking if he wanted fruit, water, and so on.
"Have you looked at yourself? He's handsome and strong. Of course they'd prefer him."Le Zhengyu rolled his eyes.
"Damn! Do you enjoy picking a fight with me every chance you get?"
Le Zhengyu ignored him.
So far, among all sixty-four male contestants, none could match Gu You's looks.
His appearance, his strength—Every aspect drew women in.
On Monster Academy's side, their five contestants sat together.Dai Yuner was pouting, visibly displeased.
"Yuner, what's wrong?"Dai Yueyan asked his younger sister.
"Hmph! I just can't stand the way certain people flirt and attract attention."
The attendants serving their side acted respectfully and nothing more—after all, who didn't know the identity of this princess?Not to mention Dai Yueyan was a strong contender for the future throne.As for Long Yue, though his strength was intimidating, his aura and massive, bald-headed physique made most women keep their distance.
Dai Yueyan laughed helplessly."Your focus is all wrong. Why aren't you thinking about what happens if you meet him in the arena?"
"Of course I'll beat him up!"Dai Yuner raised her small fist proudly.
"Hahaha! Yuner, crazy brother supports you. I don't believe that Gu You would strike a girl with full force."Long Yue laughed boldly.
Dai Yuner huffed, "According to the bracket, if he wins this match, he'll face me next.Just wait and see—watch how I teach him a lesson."
Truly… she knows nothing of how high the sky is… or how deep the earth is.
Dai Yueyan shook his head. His sister had always been this way—completely uncontrollable.Hopefully, Gu You would show mercy.
According to the tournament progression, if Gu You passed the first two rounds, he would face Dai Yueyan in Round Three.Gu You and Long Yue, however, were in different halves of the bracket, meaning that the only way they could meet was in the final match.
For Monster Academy's team, the finals were just as important as for Shrek—if not more.They were under heavier pressure.
This was Star Luo Continent, far from Douluo Continent.Even if Shrek Academy's team lost, news wouldn't travel back.Plus, Shrek's team was five years younger—so losing wasn't a big deal.
But Long Yue himself admitted that even he had a chance of losing to Gu You…
Monster Academy, however, could not afford to lose.If they failed here, they would forever be recorded in history as inferior to Shrek Academy.No chance at redemption.
At this moment, a beam of light descended onto the stage.
From above the Star Luo Stadium, a light shot downward, carrying a human figure with it.
She wore pale yellow clothing, elegant and composed, with refined features and a gentle smile.
"Hello everyone, I am Fang'er. It is an honor to serve as your host and commentator for the finals stage."
Guided by the beam, Fang'er floated down to the center of the arena and bowed toward the VIP platform.
"Now that we've entered the finals, the matches will be more intense.Even the slightest mistake could mean elimination.Today marks the first day of the one-on-one finals.Although it's impossible for everyone to win, I still wish each contestant success.More importantly, I hope you all show your true strength."
Floodlights illuminated the stage, making it shine brilliantly even in daylight.
The first day of the top-64 personal matches would feature sixteen battles.The next day, another sixteen.
"Now, let's welcome the first pair of contestants!One of them is someone many of you have long been watching—The mysterious representative of Shrek Academy, from Douluo Continent,the birthplace of the Star Luo Empire itself—Gu You!"
"Mysterious" was no exaggeration.All the way from the preliminaries to the finals, Gu You had never shown his soul rings or his five rings.He simply beat every opponent with pure physical combat—Only once did he use a soul skill, during his fight with the Fox King.
Even then, only a dragon head appeared, barely enough to guess he had a dragon-type martial soul similar to Long Yue.
For the very first match of the top-64 elimination round, Gu You was the opener.This arrangement had obviously been made by the organizers—rumor said it came with a lot of paid sponsorship…
Gu You rose from his seat and walked out under a wave of gasps from the crowd.
On Monster Academy's side, all eyes were on him.Long Yue's face carried amusement, while Dai Yuner's expression twisted with anger.
She was still holding a grudge—unable to forget the times Gu You had messed with her.
Every time she remembered, she wanted to bite him.
(End of Chapter)