The drawing of lots ended, and the opposing teams were given a quarter of an hour to arrange tactics. After that, the match would officially begin.
Ma Xiaotao returned to the rest area and went directly to Wang Yan.
"Teacher Wang Yan, how should we arrange the team battle lineup?"
"Don't rush. I want to introduce you all to the main members of the Star Luo Academy team." Wang Yan waved his hand, signaling her not to be impatient. "Star Luo Academy has revealed six Soul King-level members so far: Former captain Huang Heyun, 58th rank power-type Soul King, Martial Soul: Dark Demon Tiger."
"Wang Yichen, 55th rank control-type Soul King, Martial Soul: Fire Element."
"Dugu Shangshan, 55th rank power-type Soul King, Martial Soul: Nether Mad Lion."
"Chen Xiaojie, 53rd rank agility-type Soul King, Martial Soul: Lightning Falcon."
"Wang Shiying, 55th rank control-type Soul King, Martial Soul: Wind Element."
"Sheng Yi, 56th rank defense-type Soul King, Martial Soul: Giant-Winged Condor."
"And on top of that, Princess Xu Jiujiu, with the Star Crown Martial Soul — though her rank is unknown, that makes this Star Luo team arguably the strongest in tournament history."
"So what if they're the strongest in history?" Jiang Nannan replied, clearly unconvinced. "You saying they're stronger than us?"
"Ahem, of course not." Wang Yan chuckled and explained, "I only said that to remind you not to let your guard down. After all, they have a Star Crown Martial Soul user! That's a top-tier support-type martial soul, once ranked alongside the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda during the Spirit Hall era. Plus, she's a princess — there's no doubt she has hidden trump cards!"
"Alright, alright, we get it!" Ma Xiaotao cut him off impatiently. "Just hurry and assign the team lineup. Time's almost up."
"Okay!" Wang Yan reined himself in, his tone turning serious. "Zhu Ziyang, Ma Xiaotao, Jiang Nannan, Beibei, Xu Sanshi, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong — the seven of you will take the field for the team battle. Zhu Ziyang and Ma Xiaotao will be the main force, Huo Yuhao will be the main controller. Zhu Ziyang, be especially careful. You're far too eye-catching — if the enemy wants to win, they'll definitely target you first."
"Heh, good. I was afraid they wouldn't." Zhu Ziyang laughed.
He was quite interested in Xu Jiujiu's Star Crown Martial Soul. In ancient texts from ten thousand years ago, the Star Crown was frequently mentioned. During the Spirit Hall era, it was listed among the top six martial souls, and its utility and support effects were no exaggeration. So, what abilities would it show now?
Fifteen minutes passed quickly. The seven members of the Star Luo team, led by Xu Jiujiu, passed by the Shrek Academy rest area on their way to the stage.
Walking at the front, Xu Jiujiu's beautiful eyes quickly locked onto Zhu Ziyang. With a subtle glint of challenge in her gaze, she gave him a brief, provocative look.
Zhu Ziyang didn't take offense. Since revealing his Soul Emperor cultivation and hundred-thousand-year soul ring, he had gotten used to such stares — mostly from the Sun Moon team.
But being provoked for the first time by such a stunningly beautiful, highborn princess stirred something different in Zhu Ziyang's heart.
He had decided — in this match, he would leave her with an unforgettable impression.
The Shrek Seven walked to the stage, Zhu Ziyang leading, followed by Ma Xiaotao, Jiang Nannan, Beibei, Xu Sanshi, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Dong.
As soon as Zhu Ziyang appeared again, the crowd erupted into deafening cheers. In the royal viewing tower, Xu Jiawei's expression turned complex as he stared at Zhu Ziyang.
"Ultimate Light Martial Soul. A fifteen-year-old Soul Emperor, and a hundred-thousand-year sixth soul ring. This kind of talent is heaven-defying! Elder Luo, why is it that Shrek Academy always produces such monsters?"
An elderly white-haired man beside him smiled slightly.
"My Emperor, this is what we call legacy."
This old man was Xu Luo, head of the Royal Offering Hall of Star Luo Empire. A 97th rank Super Douluo, Martial Soul: Starlight Staff, Title: Starlight. He was the Empire's greatest pillar.
As his title implied, Xu Luo came from the royal family — a collateral branch. By seniority, Xu Jiawei should call him Grand-Uncle. Though his martial soul lacked the Star Crown's support functions, it was a mutated variant that gave him powerful attack capabilities. He was also the one who first saw through Zhu Ziyang's Ultimate Light.
Both teams stepped onto the stage, facing each other at the center. The referee was Heavenly Fiend Douluo Huang Jinxu. Standing between the teams, his eyes fell on Zhu Ziyang, flashing with jealousy.
A hundred-thousand-year soul ring — even a Title Douluo like himself didn't have one. Yet this mere Soul Emperor did. That was the cruel gap between people.
Huang Jinxu's heart ached with envy. A hundred-thousand-year soul ring meant a hundred-thousand-year soul bone. Soul rings couldn't be transferred, but soul bones could! Thinking of that made his heart itch. But that was just a thought. Behind Zhu Ziyang stood Shrek Academy — he'd never live to enjoy the spoils if he dared act.
He quickly withdrew his gaze and quelled all stray thoughts, declaring sternly, "Both sides, step back. No releasing martial souls until I announce the start."
Both teams moved back while shifting into formation. Shrek Academy adopted a 4-1-2 formation: Zhu Ziyang and Ma Xiaotao in the front, Jiang Nannan and Beibei on the flanks, Xu Sanshi in the center, and Huo Yuhao with Wang Dong in the rear. Huo Yuhao's Spiritual Detection was already linked to the entire team.
Star Luo's formation was a bit odd. Six of them formed a triangle: Huang Heyun in front, Dugu Shangshan and Chen Xiaojie in the second row, Wang Yichen, Wang Shiying, and Sheng Yi in the back. Behind them stood Xu Jiujiu, her eyes gleaming with soft gold, exuding the aura of a commanding general.
"Begin!" Huang Jinxu shouted and vanished from the stage.
At the same moment, all fourteen contestants released their martial souls. Zhu Ziyang acted the fastest — a flick of his wrist and the Stillness Fate Ending Scythe appeared, surrounded by six soul rings. His eyes instantly bypassed the six frontliners and locked onto Xu Jiujiu.
A golden gem appeared on Xu Jiujiu's forehead, glowing brilliantly. A beautiful, dreamy crown adorned with eighteen stars materialized and settled on her head. Behind her, two yellow, two purple, and one black ring emerged — a classic configuration.
She was rank 59. Zhu Ziyang judged her level instantly. Eighteen years old and nearly at Soul Emperor level — even in Shrek Academy, that was rare. No wonder she dared fight under the title of princess.
"Starlight Blessing!" Xu Jiujiu took the initiative. Her third ring lit up, and beams of starlight radiated from her martial soul, landing precisely on her six teammates. A golden outline shimmered around each of them as their aura visibly surged.
Starlight Blessing — a full-element enhancement soul skill. At Soul King level, the boost was around 40%.
With their strength enhanced, the six charged. Dark Demon Tiger Soul King Huang Heyun targeted Ma Xiaotao. Nether Mad Lion Dugu Shangshan went for Beibei and Xu Sanshi. Lightning Falcon Chen Xiaojie engaged Jiang Nannan.
Meanwhile, the two control-type Soul Kings, Wang Shiying and Wang Yichen, unleashed soul skills at Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong. Defense-type Soul King Sheng Yi remained in place to guard Xu Jiujiu.
Zhu Ziyang was surprised — no one came for him? Were they planning to eliminate the others first?
That was fine by him.
No one came to him? Then he'd go to them.
Scythe in hand, he charged directly toward the enemy backline — the two control-type Soul Masters and Xu Jiujiu.
His speed was terrifying. In the blink of an eye, he was less than five meters away from Xu Jiujiu.
Yet her face showed no fear — only confidence and hidden delight.
(End of Chapter)
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