Unexpectedly, in the first round of the finals, Shrek's opponent was again Blazing Academy. But Blazing Academy directly admitted defeat, allowing Shrek to win without even lifting a finger.
When the Divine Wind Academy team took the stage, three Soul Ancestors from Blazing Academy appeared among them. Just like in the original story, the two teams had merged all their Soul Ancestors to form a team of seven Soul Ancestors.
In their first match, the Divine Wind team from the Heaven Dou Empire faced a team from the Star Luo Empire and secured victory in just one minute. Huo Wu and Feng Xiaotian coordinated perfectly, fire riding the wind, wind fueling the fire. Both their elemental strengths were greatly enhanced.
Everyone was shocked. At this rate, the merger between Divine Wind and Blazing Academy significantly boosted their strength. Their team of seven Soul Ancestors didn't seem any weaker than other top teams.
Watching Huo Wu's spirited expression, Yang Xiong couldn't help but mock inwardly: Only a two-faced bootlicker like Feng Xiaotian would come up with such a stupid idea. Probably pressured by their earlier loss in the qualifiers and trying to impress Huo Wu.
But that idiot didn't think it through. Divine Wind Academy dominated the qualifiers not because of individual strength, but because of their unique setup, seven wind-attribute Spirit Masters who could all fly. By adding three fire-type Soul Ancestors, they gave up their biggest advantage.
In the second round, Shrek had a bye, and all three seeded teams were scheduled to fight. Heaven Dou's Team One also entered the arena, featuring Oscar and Qin Shuang. But even against a rookie team from the Star Luo Empire, they suffered a crushing defeat, turning their seeding into a joke.
The other two seeded teams also made their debut. The Star Luo Royal Academy team had seven Soul Ancestors as well, with Davis reaching level 49, the highest spirit power level among all non–Spirit Hall participants. Yang Xiong could clearly tell that Davis was far more aggressive and powerful than Dai Mubai.
As for the Spirit Hall team, their strength was astonishing. Not only did they have three Soul Kings, but all their members were above level 45. Their spirit power advantage was overwhelming, and each of them had rich combat experience. Truly worthy of being called the "Golden Generation."
After two rounds, most teams had shown their strength. In Yang Xiong's estimation, the Spirit Hall team, the Star Luo Royal Academy, and the newly formed Divine Wind team were the top three, stronger than Shrek in many aspects, from spirit power levels to coordination.
In comparison, Shrek seemed mediocre. They lacked a powerful martial soul fusion skill, and there were clear gaps in both spirit power and teamwork among members.
While Yang Xiong remained relaxed, the rest of the team, especially Yu Xiaogang, Tang San, Dai Mubai, and even substitute Zhu Zhuqing, were visibly tense.
After the second round, there was another rest day. Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong didn't concern themselves with the team and spent the day exploring Wuhun City.
Wuhun City wasn't as prosperous as Seven Treasure City or Heaven Dou City, but it was peaceful. The entire city was populated solely by Spirit Masters; regular people couldn't enter. There were no fights between Spirit Masters, and definitely no slavery. The city seemed vibrant and orderly.
In contrast, Yu Xiaogang and Qin Ming looked completely exhausted and dispirited.
Yu Xiaogang especially, his eyes were bloodshot as he scribbled notes and calculations nonstop. His room was filled with papers, all analyzing the strengths of each team, with the strongest three marked prominently.
Seeing him like this, Tang San felt a pang of sorrow.
"Teacher, don't stress so much. We'll give it our all. We won't lose to the other teams."
Yu Xiaogang gave a bitter smile. "Xiao San, after days of analysis and calculation, I'm afraid we have little chance against the top three, especially the Spirit Hall team. Their strength completely overwhelms the others. It's as if they're on a different level entirely."
Tang San quickly consoled him. "Teacher, we're still young. The Spirit Hall team members are clearly older than twenty. In the next Soul Master Tournament, we'll have multiple Soul Kings as well. By then, we'll be stronger than them."
Yu Xiaogang looked unwilling. "Next tournament? I just feel unsatisfied. You've worked so hard and became the youngest Soul Ancestor in history, yet we still can't get the results we hoped for."
"We've spent so many years preparing, and now that we've finally made it to Wuhun City, it turns out to be this difficult. Any of these three top teams could've won the championship in any previous year."
Tang San said, "Teacher, we still have a chance. At least against Divine Wind and Star Luo Royal Academy, we may not necessarily lose."
Yu Xiaogang shook his head. "It's not that simple. Feng Xiaotian and Huo Wu are especially effective against you and Dugu Yan. Plus, Feng Xiaotian's combat ability is outstanding. We already lost to these teams in the qualifiers, it shows we're at a disadvantage."
"As for Star Luo Royal Academy, both Davis and Zhu Zhuyun are exceptionally strong, and they haven't even used their trump card yet."
Tang San was puzzled. "Teacher, do you mean Davis and Zhu Zhuyun can fully control the Nether White Tiger fusion technique?"
Yu Xiaogang nodded. "There shouldn't be a problem. Both of them are high-level Soul Ancestors. According to my research on the Star Luo Empire, once both participants reach the Soul Ancestor level and have enough synergy, they can perform the Nether White Tiger."
"I originally had Zhu Zhuqing join the team in hopes she could use it with Mubai as our trump card. But the two of them remain distant emotionally and lack the required synchronization. So their fusion skill is unreliable."
"Based on Davis's spirit power, the Nether White Tiger fusion between him and Zhu Zhuyun may reach mid-level or even top-tier Soul King combat strength. Even with Ning Rongrong's amplification, it'll be hard to counter."
Tang San's eyes dimmed. He desperately wanted to prove himself on this most prestigious stage in the continent.
Yu Xiaogang continued, "I've analyzed every Shrek team member. In terms of combat power, you, Yu Tianheng, and Dai Mubai are all decent, around level 45 to 46. But you're still not quite on par with Feng Xiaotian. What really confuses me, though, is Yang Xiong."
Tang San asked, "Yang Xiong? His combat power is definitely stronger than mine. But if I use my external spirit bone, I don't think I'll be much weaker."
Yu Xiaogang shook his head. "It's not that simple. I spoke with Sect Leader Ning, and he admitted he doesn't know Yang Xiong's true strength. But he said one thing: Yang Xiong is not inferior to anyone in the tournament."
"I've been thinking about what that means. Until now, Yang Xiong has never used any spirit skills. We don't even know what they are. That might be the ace up our sleeve, the key to possibly turning the tables, even against the Spirit Hall team."
Tang San's eyes filled with determination. "Teacher, I'll keep training. I won't be weaker than Yang Xiong."
Yu Xiaogang sighed. "Xiao San, I believe in your talent. You truly are exceptional."
"But I've been curious about Yang Xiong these past two years. Even though he trains at the academy, you should realize that's not enough for him. He has his own methods, and even I can't interfere too much."
"Remember the four wristbands he wears? You once said they were for weighted training. I recently noticed that even in battles, he wears them, and they seem even heavier than before. That proves his strength is beyond what we imagine."
Tang San quickly said, "Teacher, that doesn't make sense. Yang Xiong only has an ordinary martial soul. How can his physical strength be that incredible? Especially his training speed over the past year,it's faster than mine, faster than anyone's. That's not what a level-six innate spirit power should allow."
Yu Xiaogang shook his head. "I don't know either. Maybe he found a new training method, or maybe he received a tremendous opportunity. It's also possible that Bone Douluo has taken a special interest in him. Titled Douluo are beyond our understanding."
Tang San went silent. Although Yu Xiaogang knew a lot, Tang San had broadened his own horizons through years of training. He had begun to see the limitations in some of Yu Xiaogang's theories.
But after so many years together, their bond was like father and son. Tang San still felt a deep sense of paternal warmth from Yu Xiaogang and never questioned him.
When Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong returned from their day out and entered the hotel, the atmosphere was heavy. Even the usually lively Xiao Wu was silent.
Clearly, after two intense rounds, everyone had come to realize just how wide the gap was between them and the top teams.
Even Dai Mubai no longer looked as confident as before. A hint of worry flickered in his eyes. It was obvious, he and Davis were worlds apart. Dai Mubai was only at level 42, while Davis had reached level 49 and had clearly undergone harsh training. His combat power was extraordinary.
Yu Xiaogang looked like he wanted to speak but hesitated, leaving Yang Xiong unsure how to respond.
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