Star Luo City!
"Today's the top sixteen into the top eight! Hey, brother, do you have an extra ticket? I'll pay whatever it costs!"
"Are you dreaming? Even if I had one, there's no way I'd sell it! This tournament is the most exciting in history! It's the clash between Monster Academy and Shrek Academy! If I could witness it in person, I'd gladly trade a few years of my life. I've been dying to see this!"
"Totally! Who would've thought the top sixteen matches would already be this epic? I heard two of today's battles are direct face-offs between Shrek and our Monster Academy."
Wrapped in a large cloak that covered her head and face, Fang'er walked along the busy street. No matter where she went, the same topic echoed in her ears—discussions about the upcoming individual matches narrowing the top sixteen to eight.
There was no doubt that this grand tournament had already become a household name across the Star Luo Empire. In fact, its fame had even reached beyond, across the Douluo and Heaven Dou Continents, thanks to soul tool projectors broadcasting the battles.
The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament—individual competition, top sixteen to top eight.
From the crack of dawn, the area around Star Luo Grand Stadium was already packed to the brim. Even if they couldn't get inside to watch in person, the crowd outside could still witness the battles on giant screens. Just hearing the roaring cheers from inside was enough to feel the feverish atmosphere.
And what an atmosphere it was. People always need something to get excited about. For the citizens of the Star Luo Empire, this tournament was exactly that.
Gu You, Xie Xie, and Yuanen Yehui were escorted into the stadium by a unit of the Empire's official military.
"Yuanen, can I talk to you about something?" Xie Xie whispered as he leaned closer.
"What is it?" Yuanen turned to him, her voice calm.
Xie Xie grinned cheekily. "If I win today's match, will you be my girlfriend? Please?"
"Scram!" Yuanen Yehui snapped without hesitation.
Xie Xie pouted dramatically. "Come on, that's harsh. At least give me a chance! Beating you can wait. Right now, with the tournament heating up, can't you give me a little motivation?"
She glanced at him and replied coldly, "No."
Xie Xie huffed, "Then I'll just throw the match on purpose."
Yuanen's gaze turned icy. "I don't agree to what you said earlier, but if you dare to throw the match, I swear, you won't ever have even the slightest chance."
'Damn, she plays hardball.'
Xie Xie clamped his hands over his mouth immediately, not daring to say another word.
As the tournament progressed, the waiting zone became less and less crowded. Only sixteen spots remained now.
Xie Xie's eyes locked onto his opponent.
Lin San was a lean young man, with average looks and build. But unlike someone like Teng Teng, he exuded a serene and ethereal aura.
Among the Eight Heavenly Kings, he was the most unremarkable at first glance. But anyone who looked closer would realize his uniqueness.
Sensing Xie Xie's gaze, Lin San lifted his head and met it. His eyes were as clear as spring water, devoid of any emotion.
Xie Xie raised an eyebrow. A powerful fighting spirit surged within him.
Dai Yueyan looked toward Lin San and couldn't help but smile. "Looks like your opponent doesn't think much of you."
"Strength," Lin San replied softly.
Dai Yueyan sighed, "You always talk like that. Would it kill you to say a full sentence?"
"It would," Lin San replied with a single word.
Lin San was a legendary figure within Monster Academy. He had a cold and indifferent personality. Other than cultivating, he had no interests. Among the Eight Heavenly Kings, his talent was arguably the weakest, as was his martial soul. Yet he still secured the fourth rank.
Even those ranked above him—like Su Mu and Dai Yueyan—weren't confident they could defeat him outright.
Lin San never cared much for rankings. He accepted the title of one of the Eight Heavenly Kings only because it meant better cultivation resources and stronger opponents to challenge. Beyond that, he had no other reasons.
If Dai Yueyan had to describe him in one line, it would be: 'This guy was born for battle.'
He was the Wind King—Lin San. Not eye-catching among the Eight Heavenly Kings, but highly regarded by Monster Academy.
The phrase 'hard work overcomes mediocrity' might not perfectly apply to him, but his relentless diligence and determination were second to none.
"Welcome, everyone, to the live broadcast of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament individual competition—the top sixteen into the top eight!" Fang'er's voice rang out across the stadium.
As she spoke, every eye in the audience turned toward the waiting area.
Sixteen participants had taken their seats, each of them awaiting a battle that could define their future.
Throughout the tournament's history, reaching the top eight meant not just honor but immense rewards. A record like that in one's personal file was a golden ticket—wherever you went in the empire, it guaranteed privileges.
If you joined the military, you'd become a mid-level officer right away. If you chose a family, sect, or profession, you'd receive the utmost respect and benefits. Most importantly, you'd be awarded a noble title. Yes—a title of nobility!
In the current era, noble titles had not disappeared. In fact, they'd become more valuable than ever. In the modern Star Luo Empire, there were only two ways to earn one: through personal strength and recognition by the state—like this tournament—or through extraordinary military merit.
Furthermore, all titles of nobility were non-hereditary. Still, the benefits they offered were substantial.
Though titles no longer came with land like in ancient times, they brought with them a wide range of state-provided benefits. With even the lowest rank, a person could live a comfortable life free of worry. Social status would be elevated immensely.
Reaching the top eight in the individual competition guaranteed a baron's title. And the champion would be granted the title of viscount.
Just think about it—if someone tried to achieve the same in the military, they'd need to earn overwhelming merit to even be considered...
(End of Chapter)
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