As Zhou Sichen, Ye Guyi, Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, Gongyang Mo, Ling Luochen, and Dugu Xianmeng steadily stepped onto the stage one after another, the previously calm crowd erupted like a tranquil lake struck by a massive stone. Waves of noise rippled through the arena — murmurs, exclamations, and excited chatter rising and falling in waves.
Countless eyes gleamed with curiosity and anticipation, locked on the two teams as they took their positions.
Both Shrek Academy's main team and the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy's representatives had rarely appeared in previous matches, maintaining an air of mystery around their true strength.
From the very start of the tournament until now, both sides had fought like hidden predators lurking in the dark, never revealing their full power. Each confrontation had been restrained, as if they were simply probing each other while keeping their true trump cards hidden.
Now, as the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament reached its decisive final battle, the atmosphere ignited like wildfire.
The hearts of countless spectators pounded with excitement, their blood boiling as the long-awaited showdown approached.
Everyone was eager — eager to finally witness these two academies, the pinnacle of the soul master world, unleash their full strength without reservation.
This was a battle destined to have only one victor, and that meant it would be fierce beyond imagination. Every move, every technique, could shift the tide of the match — and decide both teams' fates.
At this moment, even the simple act of the two teams stepping onto the stage sent the entire crowd into a frenzy.
The audience's cheers and shouts blended into a roaring wave of sound that seemed capable of toppling the entire arena.
Watching the confident figures of the "Shrek Seven," Ma Rulong leaned slightly forward and spoke to his team in a low but firm voice, filled with urgency:
"Listen carefully. If we want to defeat Shrek Academy, we must give everything in this team battle. We must win."
Determination burned in his eyes as he looked at each teammate one by one.
The others — including the Hongchen siblings — all responded without hesitation, their voices low yet resonant with resolve:
"Understood!"
Their reply, though not loud, carried tremendous strength. Amid the roar of the audience, those words sounded like an oath carved into their hearts.
Long before the match began, they had gathered to analyze every possible outcome based on the information available to them.
Under the tournament's best-of-three format — featuring team battles, one-on-one duels, and two-two-three matchups — they had carefully assessed Shrek's revealed strength as well as the abilities they had yet to show.
After extensive deliberation, they reached a single conclusion:
To have even a chance of winning the championship, they had to claim victory in the team battle and two-two-three format.
Because in single combat, Shrek Academy held an overwhelming advantage — they had three Soul Emperors. Against such opponents, the Sun Moon team's odds in one-on-one duels were virtually nonexistent.
Their levels and combat proficiency simply couldn't compare.
Even then, their hope in the other two formats was only relative.
Their tactics would have to be flawless — not a single misstep allowed. Every formation, every maneuver had to execute perfectly. Only then could they seize that fleeting moment of opportunity to overcome Shrek Academy and snatch the title.
From a pure strength comparison, their chances of victory were no more than thirty percent.
But even that slim thirty percent — like a faint glimmer in the darkness — was enough for them to fight with everything they had.
If their meticulously crafted strategy worked as intended, they still had a sliver of hope to create a miracle.
Yet… would Shrek Academy give them such a chance?
As the foremost academy of the entire soul master world, Shrek's legacy ran deep. How could they fail to see through Sun Moon's intentions? Surely, they too were preparing — plotting their countermeasures for this decisive battle.
High above the imperial capital, a gentle breeze brushed past Xu Jiawei and Dai Hao, the Emperor of Star Luo and the White Tiger Duke.
Xu Jiawei turned slightly toward the duke, speaking in a calm, inquisitive tone:
"Brother Dai, what do you think the outcome of this final will be?"
His gaze remained fixed on the stage below, his expression thoughtful.
Dai Hao pondered briefly, the light in his deep eyes sharp and insightful. Then he replied with quiet certainty:
"This generation of Shrek's youths shines too brightly. Their talent is extraordinary, their strength exceptional. Even Yueheng is only middle-ranked among them."
"The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy is indeed powerful, but no matter the battle mode, they can't compare to Shrek. Their soul masters rely too heavily on external aids — drugs to boost cultivation and soul tools to amplify strength. Against Shrek's traditional soul masters, who cultivate true power, they are at a natural disadvantage."
As he spoke, a proud aura emanated from Dai Hao — the pride of a pure soul master confident in his path.
"This final… I'd say Sun Moon's chances are slim. They may even face their greatest defeat yet."
Xu Jiawei smiled faintly, admiration flickering in his eyes.
"Well said. As expected of someone who's nearly reached rank ninety. Your insight cuts right to the heart of it."
He lightly patted Dai Hao's shoulder before continuing:
"That's precisely why, despite the Sun Moon Empire's technological edge in soul tools, they've never managed to surpass us — never broken through the barrier that protects the three former empires of the continent."
Dai Hao nodded, his expression solemn. Even he couldn't deny the destructive potential of Sun Moon's advanced soul tools — when used properly, their power was terrifying.
Yet as both a high-ranking soul master and military strategist, he saw the broader picture clearly.
"Seeing these children from Shrek today gives me hope. I believe that soon, when our top-tier soul masters learn to properly integrate soul tools with their own strength, the threat from Sun Moon will greatly diminish."
A spark of hope shone in his eyes, as though he could already glimpse that brighter future.
Xu Jiawei chuckled softly, clearly sharing the sentiment — yet his expression soon darkened, concern clouding his gaze.
"Unfortunately, we may not have that much time. If we can see it, so can the Sun Moon Empire."
He sighed deeply.
"The continent is growing unstable. Hidden forces stir beneath the surface — like a volcano about to erupt. Within ten years at most, the Sun Moon Empire's ambitions will no longer be contained."
Another sigh escaped him.
"Time is running out for us — and even more so for these children. They're young, yes, and their potential is limitless. But to reach the strength needed to confront the Sun Moon Empire in so little time… that's easier said than done."
Dai Hao's brows furrowed tightly. Xu Jiawei's words cut deep — sharp as a blade — laying bare the grim truth of the continent's situation.
He knew well that the Sun Moon Empire's ambition was like a slumbering beast. Once awakened, it would drag the entire Douluo Continent into chaos.
And indeed — less than ten years remained before that storm of war would begin.
Such a short window left them with no room for complacency. Every second mattered. Every day had to be spent preparing for the inevitable.
Yet when Xu Jiawei's gaze fell upon Zhou Sichen standing calmly on the stage, his frown eased.
A faint smile appeared on his face, mixed with hope.
Yes — the Sun Moon Empire's technology was terrifying. Their soul tools hung over the continent like the sword of Damocles.
But the Douluo Continent had also birthed a monster of unparalleled potential — Zhou Sichen.
Xu Jiawei could still vividly recall the day he had glimpsed the ten-thousand-year soul ring glowing on Zhou Sichen's body in his sister Xu Jiujin's palace — a ring that radiated impossible power and mystery.
That soul ring was proof of Zhou Sichen's terrifying potential — and boundless future.
And now, with Shrek Academy embracing reform and delving into soul tool research, Xu Jiawei firmly believed this young man would one day bring them a monumental surprise.
He could almost see it already — Zhou Sichen leading the new generation of Shrek students, standing tall amid the flames of war, becoming the pillar that defended Douluo Continent from destruction.
Perhaps even reaching that supreme height that countless soul masters had dreamed of but never attained.
A spark of excitement stirred within Xu Jiawei's heart — a mix of hope and ambition.
He had a feeling, deep in his soul, that his current investment and support would one day propel the Star Crown lineage to even greater heights.
A seed of hope had been planted within him, waiting for the day it would break through the soil and flourish.
Of course, such plans had to remain secret — for now. The less the world knew, the safer their path forward would be.
As the two men conversed, both teams had already taken their positions on the stage.
Each competitor stood tall, their steps steady, their auras blazing with youthful vigor.
Their confident faces radiated the same message — We will win.
At the center of the stage stood Heavenly Fiend Douluo Huang Jinxu, the referee, cloaked in black robes. His expression was cold and commanding, his voice resonating like thunder across the arena.
"I've already announced the match rules. I will not repeat them. Both sides, step back and prepare to begin."
Then, with an unyielding tone, he added:
"Once the match begins, it will continue until one side is no longer able to fight."
His declaration echoed through the arena, clarifying the rules and sealing the fate of the coming battle.
Silence fell for a heartbeat.
Then, both teams stepped back slowly, focusing entirely on the upcoming clash. Powerful fighting intent flared from every soul master, igniting the air around them.
It was like the calm before a storm — before the world itself would explode into chaos.
Zhou Sichen and his team stood composed, excitement flickering beneath their calm exteriors.
They understood the weight of this moment. This wasn't just about a trophy — it was about proving themselves, about standing atop the continent as the strongest of their generation.
Their eyes gleamed with confidence, silently declaring to their opponents that they were ready.
Xiao Hongchen, once tense, now trembled slightly — not from fear, but from exhilaration.
He was a born fighter. The greater the tension, the stronger his performance.
Like a finely honed blade, he was ready to strike.
He and his sister Meng Hongchen had earned their place as substitutes for the final — proof of their immense power.
This would be their last appearance in the tournament, and the chance to turn the tide in Sun Moon's favor filled them both with burning determination.
As the two teams reached the edge of the arena, every step echoed like the steady drumbeat of war.
Shrek Academy's formation shifted from its usual pattern — Zhou Sichen, Ye Guyi, Ma Xiaotao, and Dai Yueheng stood at the front, forming a solid wall of overwhelming presence.
They were like towering mountains, radiating an aura so intense it seemed to press down on the air itself — unshakable and indomitable.
Behind them stood Dugu Xianmeng and Ling Luochen — the tactical core, calm and composed, ready to guide their team through the storm.
At the very rear was Gongyang Mo — the sturdy foundation and support, whose composed gaze instilled trust and stability.
From their formation alone, one could tell Shrek intended to attack head-on — a straightforward yet terrifying tactic, using their four strongest fighters as a spearhead to tear through Sun Moon's defenses like lightning.
On the opposite side, Sun Moon's formation was no less impressive.
They adopted a sharp triangular assault formation — Ma Rulong at the tip, like a spear poised to strike straight through the heart of the enemy.
His eyes gleamed with fierce resolve, radiating an unspoken promise: I will not fall.
The others positioned themselves tightly behind him, forming a cohesive and disciplined unit — united, focused, ready to fight as one.
Every breath, every heartbeat, synchronized.
They were warriors waiting for the signal.
And then, at the precise moment both teams reached their marks—
"Begin!"
Huang Jinxu's shout erupted like thunder, splitting the silence.
The final battle of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament had begun.
In that instant, the arena exploded with sound. Cheers, screams, and the roar of pure excitement filled the air as both teams launched forward like arrows loosed from their bows — unleashing everything they had in a clash that would shake the entire continent.
****
Well, my P*tr*on was banned and my S*bscribeSt*r is under review, so while my Sub is being activated, I'll be using K*-fi to sell advanced chapters. If you'd like to read those chapters (26+), you can go here:
ko-fi.com/shax07