If you were to ask the people of Douluo Continent what the grandest event on this land was, everyone would give the same answer.
It was the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul-Dueling Tournament, held once every five years.
Five years ago, it was hosted by the Dou Ling Empire, and five years later, today, it had arrived at the ancient ten-thousand-year city of Star Luo City.
The competition venue was Star Luo Plaza, located before the imperial city of the Star Luo Empire. The plaza's area was astonishingly large, making it the most suitable place to host the competition, and also giving the audience excellent viewing positions.
At dawn, when the first ray of sunlight spilled across the sky, the ancient city gradually awoke. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, bringing with it a warm breath.
The street outside the Xinghuang Hotel had already been sealed off by fully armed guards. No one was allowed to push through or make trouble, and strict order was maintained.
The onlooking citizens gazed at the cold glint of the soldiers' weapons. No one dared to disobey; everyone moved in an orderly fashion toward Star Luo Plaza.
The number of people was dense—likely exceeding two hundred thousand.
Of course, to allow His Majesty the Emperor to make a speech and also have the best view of the competition, the competition stage was built in the region of the plaza closest to the imperial city gates.
The entire stage was one hundred meters in both length and width. Outside the stage stood exactly one hundred and eight pillars, each over twenty meters tall. The pillars emitted faint golden light, with strange arc-pattern lines faintly visible upon them.
These were defensive-type soul tools prepared specifically to protect the audience. By infusing soul power into the pillars, soul emperors stationed beside each one would activate a barrier to prevent soul skills' aftershocks from harming spectators.
By now, the plaza was completely drenched in sunlight. Surrounding the stage, the plaza had been partitioned into numerous audience sections. Each area had a restricted maximum capacity. Entry and exit were strictly controlled by large numbers of soldiers to prevent trampling accidents.
The imperial city was positioned on the north side of the stage. To the west side was the rest area specifically prepared by the Star Luo Tournament Committee for academies. About seventy rest zones existed—but clearly, seventy were not enough. This was because the first round was a knockout round.
Half of the academies would lose and go home after the first round, so there was no need to waste time preparing more rest areas.
All one hundred thirty-three academies' leaders and competitors stood outside the rest areas; no academy was allowed to enter until they won their match.
This rule ignited the competitive spirit of every academy. No one wanted to pack up and go home in the first round. That would be humiliating.
Earlier that morning, the academies had already completed the drawing of lots. Now, all they needed to do was wait for the audience to enter and for the Emperor to speak before the tournament would begin.
There were all kinds of academies.
Some students were dozing under the sun, sleepy-eyed or chatting lazily.
Some maxed out their social skills, forming friendly ties with neighboring academies.
Some were provocation experts—clearly old rivals. Their eyes said: "If we meet later, we're beating your guts out."
Some were silent, but their sharp eyes locked onto their envisioned opponent, determined to drag them down from their pedestal.
The fourth category was represented by the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy.
Shrek Academy stood at the front of all teams, and the Sun Moon Academy stood behind and to the side. Gazing at their millennium-long rival who had defeated them time and time again, a powerful desire to surpass them surged ever stronger.
Especially in Xiao Hongchen—his arrogance had turned into blazing fighting intent.
"Spectators are coming in."
Suddenly, a voice sounded from somewhere among the academies, drawing everyone's attention. Outside the plaza, a massive tide of people began flowing in. Under the order of thousands of soldiers, the audience zones were filled one after another. Noisy chatter erupted, sweeping across the plaza.
Those who had been napping jolted awake.
Seeing the massive audience numbers, many competitors grew nervous, especially the academies native to the Star Luo Empire.
Competing in one's homeland meant that losing was even more embarrassing.
If bad news reached their hometown, people would talk about it for a lifetime.
"There are too many people…"Xiao Xiao grew nervous again. She worried she'd embarrass herself once she got on stage.
Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao immediately noticed her mood and smiled as they comforted her.
"No wonder every empire wants to host the Soul-Dueling Tournament. Just the ticket sales alone must be unimaginable."Vice-leader Wang Yan stood in front, sighing emotionally.
"I heard even the furthest seats cost at least two gold soul coins, and the seats closest to the stage cost over a thousand."Zhang Lexuan added.
Honestly, she felt regretful that Shrek City could not host a tournament—not because of a lack of money, but because such a grand event couldn't be held at home. What a pity.
Seeing the still-flooding audience, she turned back and looked at the Shrek students.
Seeing their senior sister about to speak, everyone hurriedly looked over.
Zhang Lexuan instructed:"We're very likely to be the first to go on stage. Everyone will be watching Shrek Academy. My request is: in the first match, you must finish the battle as fast as possible. And you must amaze the entire audience."
"Understood."
Everyone nodded together.
Shrek's movement drew many glances. Many academies looked toward Shrek with a mixture of respect and fear.
It took nearly an entire hour for the audience to finish entering. When the last person stepped inside, everything was finally ready.
"Silence."
A majestic voice amplified by a sound-type soul tool spread throughout the entire plaza, laced with a hint of soul power. In an instant, over two hundred thousand spectators collectively fell silent.
Soldiers stood at attention and raised their spears. A chilling killing intent spread across the plaza.
"His Majesty the Emperor arrives!"
Another solemn voice rang out, and standing beside the announcer was none other than Dai Hao—wearing the same battle armor as always.
"Swish."
Instantly, more than two hundred thousand spectators knelt as if they had rehearsed beforehand. The sight was extremely grand. Soldiers knelt on one knee, heads lowered, expressing their respect.
Competitors were exempt from kneeling—an imperial decree issued long ago. They only needed to bow.
On the imperial wall, Emperor Xu Jiawei strode out wearing a dragon-patterned robe, his Queen beside him in a phoenix robe.
Four elders followed them—all Titled Douluo.
Civil and military officials stood farther away, not daring to draw near the imperial platform.
Gazing down at the sea of kneeling citizens, Xu Jiawei spoke gently:"All may rise."
Soon, all spectators stood and students straightened their spines, looking up at him. Facing two hundred thousand gazes, the Emperor seemed unperturbed—calm and steady.
A breeze fluttered the flags atop the imperial wall.
Xu Jiawei's voice remained warm yet authoritative:"The Soul-Dueling Tournament is the grandest event of Douluo Continent. That it has come to my Star Luo Empire brings great joy to me. On behalf of the Empire, I warmly welcome all participating academies. I look forward to your performance in the coming month and wish you all the results you hope for."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."The one hundred thirty-three academies bowed again.
The Emperor glanced toward the rest areas, smiled, and even joked:"It seems I'm not the only one excited. Everyone is eager for the battles to begin. In that case—I declare the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul-Dueling Tournament—officially open!"
The amplified voice spread unknown distances away.
"Long live His Majesty—long live—long live!"
Over two hundred thousand spectators erupted in thunderous cheers. The sound pierced the sky. Throughout Star Luo City, countless people looked toward the plaza, drawn by the noise.
Above the plaza, one hundred eight ceremonial cannons fired.The tournament had truly begun.
After a final gesture to the people, Emperor Xu Jiawei and the Queen left the stage and took their seats before the officials.
Only then did the civil and military ministers sit. Some were confused—some seats remained empty. Those expected had not shown up.
On the other side, Dai Hao exchanged a brief glance with the Emperor, then walked to the platform.
Seeing the armored Duke, countless soldiers straightened unconsciously. Citizens stared with excitement.
The man hailed as the Empire's "War God," the White Tiger Duke, had returned to watch the tournament.
Xu Jiawei glanced at him calmly, without visible emotional waves.
In the Shrek team, Dai Yueheng stared at the platform, eyes trembling with excitement. In the Star Luo Royal Soul Master Academy team, Dai Huabin was equally moved.
Dai Hao's stern voice carried across the plaza:"In the first round, one hundred thirty-three academies will participate. One academy drew a bye and advances directly. The first round is knockout—losers are eliminated. Winners may enter the rest area."
"Now—Let us welcome the first match of this year's tournament:Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy from the Dou Ling EmpireversusShrek Academy—champions of nearly every tournament for the past thousand years, the number one academy of the continent!"
"Shrek! Shrek! Shrek!"
The plaza, which had just quieted, erupted once more.
Hearing the roar, the other academies felt unmistakable jealousy—who wouldn't want such popularity?
Only Tianling Academy wished they had no popularity at all.
The moment they heard their opponent was Shrek, their faces went pale—like frost-bitten eggplants.
They had planned to reach top thirty-two easily…But fate had other ideas.
"Let us welcome the participants of Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy!"
A pale-faced group stepped out. To the other academies, they looked like brave heroes walking to their doom.
Their presence meant other academies would avoid the monster known as Shrek—so naturally, they deserved to be called heroes.
When Tianling's seven stood in place, the host shouted with passion:"And now—let us welcome the absolute kings of the Soul-Dueling Tournament—Shrek Academy!"
"Waaahhhh!!!"
The cheers exploded again.
"Go."Zhang Lexuan and Wang Yan nodded as Shrek's seven walked out.
With the full main team intact, Shrek carried an easy, relaxed atmosphere.
In the imperial stand, Xu Jiawei stood, excited—he was also a fan of Shrek Academy. If not for his father's prohibition, he might have joined Shrek himself.
The Queen looked at him with gentle amusement.
Dai Hao watched his eldest son with fiery pride. The father and son exchanged a nod.
When Huo Yuhao and the others reached the stage, the cheers intensified. From his angle, he could see Tianling's legs shaking.
However, noticing Shrek wasn't using their full main team, Tianling's captain quickly gathered his teammates.
Even if they lost, they had to fight a beautiful match, otherwise they'd be mocked forever.
Offstage, all strong academies focused their attention, eager to analyze Shrek's strength.
They weren't the only ones wanting to dethrone Shrek—the Sun Moon Academy had the same idea.
Only the audience was pure—they just wanted to watch Shrek show off.
A Titled Douluo referee walked to the center and motioned both teams forward.
As they approached, Tianling grew more nervous. While Ling Luochen and Dai Yueheng were expressionless, Huo Yuhao and the reserve team had warm smiles.
Huo Yuhao even nodded at one Tianling member.
The captain was stunned, then smiled—this guy seemed alright.
The referee, Cheng Gang, said:"First-round matches are group battles. You know the rules. Certain soul tools are forbidden. If one side admits defeat, the opponent must stop attacking. Understood?"
"Understood."
"Both teams step back. No releasing martial souls before I declare the start. Violators will be disqualified."
Both teams retreated to their sides.
Dai Yueheng said:"You know senior sister's request. No tactics—just rush them."
Huo Yuhao said:"Dai-xuezhang, since we're just rushing, how about giving the reserve team a chance to perform? Later rounds will require full main force anyway."
Xiao Xiao, Jiang Nannan, and Xu Sanshi all reacted—they wanted to fight too.
After all, Tianling's strongest was only Soul Ancestor level.
One Soul Emperor and two Soul Kings on Shrek's main team?That was bullying children.
Dai Yueheng wanted to refuse, remembering the sarcastic comment Huo Yuhao made earlier—but Ling Luochen and Chen Zifeng immediately agreed.
Ling Luochen:"Fine. You four go first. We'll join later."
"Thank you, senior sister."Huo Yuhao smiled.
Dai Yueheng's expression twisted, but he stayed silent.
"Shwaa—"
Outside the stage, the one hundred eight pillars activated. Their combined soul power merged into a giant dome-like barrier.
"Match—begin!"
The referee raised his hand, then dropped it.
"Charge!"
Huo Yuhao's gentle eyes hardened. His foot pressed lightly on the ground—and platinum-white light burst from behind him.
The light layered like an aurora, like crystal, like flame—finally forming a pair of seven-meter-wide wings.
"External soul bone?!"
Countless people widened their eyes.
The audience was mesmerized by the wings' beauty.
As Huo Yuhao soared upward, Xiao Xiao, Jiang Nannan, and Xu Sanshi advanced from below.
They already knew about his external soul bone.
Tianling Academy formed a defensive 3-2-1-1 formation.
"Wait—their main force isn't on stage! Great chance!"Their captain whispered excitedly.
"When they get close—burst and crush the reserve team!"
"Yes!"
They were ready.
"Referee—please prepare to save people."Huo Yuhao's voice spread clearly across the stage.
Everyone froze.
"What is he trying to do?"Even the Emperor and powerful soul masters were confused.
What was Huo Yuhao doing?
Simple.
One-shot seven people.
"BOOM!"
Suddenly, fierce crimson flames erupted around him.His rings appeared: two purple, one black.
The third ring—ten-thousand-year—lit up.
"What?! A ten-thousand-year third ring?!"
The crowd roared. Soul masters stared in shock. A teenager at Soul Elder level absorbing a ten-thousand-year ring naturally—without external help?
Unbelievable.
"Clang—!"
A clear phoenix cry rang out.Behind Huo Yuhao, a phantom Evilfire Phoenix condensed.
A mark faded from one of his spirit rings.
"Is that Xiao Tao's martial soul…?"Ling Luochen, Chen Zifeng, and Dai Yueheng were stunned.
In the audience, Ma Xiaotao burst out laughing.
"Phoenix Meteor Shower!"
Huo Yuhao swung his right fist.
The phoenix phantom merged into the surrounding flames; they exploded outward, transforming into hundreds of flaming meteors crashing toward Tianling Academy.
The heat distorted the air.
The seven Tianling students froze like statues—the overwhelming aura suffocated them. Their minds blanked.
Just as the meteors were about to erase them—
The referee, Cheng Gang, reacted instantly.Earth-brown soul power erupted.Nine rings rose—an Ant Emperor martial soul manifested.
"BOOM BOOM BOOM!!"
The meteors crashed against the Ant Emperor defense. Even as a Titled Douluo, he had to take it seriously. The shockwave rippled violently across the protective barrier.
The closest spectators' hearts nearly stopped.
This was more real than any 3D movie.
"Whoosh."
After the impact ended, Huo Yuhao folded his White Dragon Wings and descended.Seeing his stunned teammates, he said cheerfully:
"What's wrong?"
The three reserve members turned to look at him—speechless, complicated expressions on their faces.
Huo Yuhao only smiled and turned toward the referee.
"Referee, can you announce the result now?"
The flames faded. Silence fell over the plaza.
Everyone—from the lowest spectator to the powerful soul masters—was speechless.
Looking at Huo Yuhao's gentle smile, many soul masters felt the same question arise:
"You're a Soul Elder—so why do you fight like a Soul Emperor?"
That blow just then was clearly equivalent to a peak Soul Emperor's full power.
No wonder Tianling Academy had no chance.
The referee stared deeply at him and finally declared:
"Winner—Shrek Academy! Advancing to the second round!"
"SHREK! SHREK! SHREK!!!"
The cheers erupted like a volcano.
One person.One second.Seven enemies eliminated.
How could the crowd not go crazy?
Amidst thunderous cheers, Shrek's team left the stage.
Tianling Academy's deputy leader rushed to check on his students.
"You two siblings really gave everyone a huge surprise today."Zhang Lexuan smiled as she walked over.
Huo Yuhao scratched his head and glanced at Ma Xiaotao."Mainly because the opponents were too weak."
"No, no—Rainhao, you showed off too much today. You have to treat everyone to dinner."Xu Sanshi said eagerly.
"Sure! My treat! Xinghuang Hotel buffet—eat whatever you want!"Huo Yuhao patted his chest.
Everyone laughed.
For a moment, Shrek's team atmosphere was extremely harmonious—drawing many jealous looks.
Only Dai Yueheng smiled stiffly.
The more dazzling Huo Yuhao was,the more complicated his heart felt.
Because Huo Yuhao's identity…was far too special.
...
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