"That's the one who defeated Yu Tianheng? He looks decent enough, but I wonder if he's actually capable." From the Blazing Academy team, Huo Wu raised her brow, eyes slightly provocative. "I heard his vines have some resistance against fire, and once in the Great Spirit Arena he withstood the full-force attack of a fire-attribute Soul Grandmaster unharmed. I wonder if he can withstand my flames."
As soon as her words fell, Yang Yunhai seemed to sense something. He turned his head slightly, smiled faintly, then quickly turned back.
"Such sharp perception." The Blazing Academy's instructor was surprised, murmuring, "His spiritual power must be quite high."
As he spoke, he glanced at his male students.
"…" They were instantly speechless.
"Ahem." The instructor quickly coughed to remind them.
Aside from Huo Wushuang, the few male teammates came back to their senses, faces a little embarrassed.
They couldn't deny it: the two girls at Yang Yunhai's sides, Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan, were stunningly beautiful, with figures that outshone even the beauties of Skywater Academy. No wonder their eyes lingered a bit too long.
By the time they refocused, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team had already gone upstairs.
Meanwhile, at Shrek Academy, the team members were also gathered.
"Teacher, why aren't we staying at the hotel arranged by the organizers?" Ma Hongjun asked Flender, puzzled.
'What about Tang San's father if we go to the hotel?' he thought.
Flender's expression grew serious as he nodded. "Walls have ears."
'So it's because he's worried about outsiders overhearing tactical discussions.' Ma Hongjun nodded slightly.
Then Flender looked toward Qin Ming. "Qin Ming, hand out the team uniforms."
For once, Qin Ming was silent. Without a smile, he nodded slightly, lifted a wooden chest from beneath the table, and pulled out a uniform.
Ma Hongjun was the first to take one. Glancing at it, his face stiffened in horror as he raised his head to Flender. "Teacher, you're sure… this is our uniform?" He held the shirt up for all to see.
Not only was it a horrid dung-green color, but across the chest was printed a giant, bright-green Shrek monster that covered the entire front.
And on the back, six large scarlet characters were embroidered:
Seeking Sponsors for Advertising.
It couldn't be more conspicuous.
Wearing this outside would be utterly humiliating.
The other teammates' faces changed at once.
Even Tang San couldn't hold his composure. He turned to Xiaogang. "Teacher…"
Xiaogang's expression was calm as he said faintly, "Forging strong mental fortitude is also part of cultivation. This uniform may look unsightly, but it's a valuable test. When you can face others' ridicule without flinching, you will have grown."
'This is clearly just training us to have thicker skin…' the team muttered inwardly.
At least they weren't staying at the official hotel. If the other academies saw them in this, they'd be laughed to death.
"Hey, I didn't want this either, but what choice do I have?" Flender began to complain. "To buy herbs and prepare medicinal baths for your special training, I even spent my retirement savings. If I don't think of ways to earn some money, this academy won't last much longer."
He sighed and added, "Yes, the uniforms are ugly, but the advertising effect will be outstanding. I can promise you this: if we land a sponsor, one-third of the income will be distributed to you all, the rest for the academy's upkeep."
With things said that way, the students had no choice but to accept.
Soon, Qin Ming handed out all the uniforms. Xiaogang, Flender, Liu Erlong, and Qin Ming each received one as well.
But compared to the students' uniforms, the teachers' versions were far more normal. Only a small Shrek Academy crest was stitched subtly on the left breast.
Seeing this, Ning Rongrong was speechless. 'Aren't teachers supposed to set an example?'
The other students looked equally aggrieved.
"Ahem, as teachers we represent the academy's public image." Flender explained quickly.
"…" The team could only remain silent. After Xiaogang announced dismissal, everyone returned to their rooms.
Xiaogang himself also carried his uniform back to his own quarters.
Given Yu Luomian's warning, and with Yu Tianheng on the team, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was bound to keep watching them. Under these circumstances, he didn't dare stay with Liu Erlong in one room. Besides, the Soul Master Tournament was the true priority. Personal matters would have to wait. Fortunately, though Liu Erlong felt some resentment, she said nothing.
'Hmph, once the tournament's over, there will be time enough…' Liu Erlong thought, walking off with faint grievance.
"…" Flender's expression sobered as he quietly returned to his own room.
The night passed without incident.
The next morning, the Shrek team assembled, boarded carriages, and headed for the tournament's opening ceremony venue — the Great Spirit Arena of Heaven Dou City. According to the schedule, today would be the exhibition match, also serving as the first match of the preliminaries.
After this, there would be 28 consecutive days of battles, a very tight schedule.
"Ugh, with Heaven Dou Royal Academy's first team barging in, our schedule's lengthened too. 28 straight days without rest — it'll kill us! If anyone gets injured mid-way, it'll affect the matches." Ma Hongjun grumbled inside the carriage.
"No helping it. Our Heaven Dou division just has too many teams." Oscar sighed helplessly.
"Don't worry. We have a healer on the team, so it won't matter too much." Yu Tianheng smiled.
'The Soul Master Tournament, finally here…' Xiaogang's heart was burning with anticipation, though his face remained stern. "It may be grueling, but it's an excellent chance for growth. Every true powerhouse has endured countless trials. The very reason Flender and I went through so much effort to bring you here was so you could fight against the most elite of your generation across the continent."
"Heh, back in my day, I didn't even get the chance to compete." Flender pushed up his glasses, then slapped his disciple Ma Hongjun on the shoulder with a grin. "Fatty, you better perform well. The Soul Master Tournament is one of the continent's grandest events. Nobles, sect leaders, and countless beauties will be watching your every move."
Ma Hongjun immediately straightened his back, eyes lighting up.
"Dean's right." Dai Mubai suddenly joined in, voice confident. "The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament may be called a competition, but in truth it's a massive recruitment fair. Soul Masters who shine here will be fought over by every major power. Otherwise, why would they impose the rule that competitors must not cripple opponents?"
He sneered faintly. He disliked such restrictions.
'This tournament… if I can run into Yang Yunhai, I'll make sure he remembers me for life.'
The first time they met, Yang Yunhai's soul rank had only been 32. Now, over a year later, there was no way he could have reached the Soul Ancestor realm.
But Dai Mubai had already reached soul rank 42, becoming a Soul Ancestor.
A Soul Ancestor versus a Soul Elder — he was confident of victory.
(End of Chapter)
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