Chapter 369: Shocked Spectators
Even in the last tournament, Shrek Academy had only voluntarily withdrawn not been eliminated outright.
For Shrek Academy to be eliminated like this, once the news reached the academy, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar.
In most cases, Shrek students weren't particularly invested in the tournament.
After all, no matter how strong the opponents were, Shrek Academy had always been the champion.
At first, when they won, the students would celebrate with excitement.
But with the tournament held every five years, and Shrek winning every time, their enthusiasm had gradually dwindled.
However, the previous tournament's unprecedented withdrawal, along with the academy's official stance that they had been cheated and forced out, reignited their interest.
The students followed this year's tournament closely, expecting their academy to reclaim its rightful victory.
Originally, this was a good thing if Shrek won, it would further strengthen the legacy of their ten thousand year glory.
But now Shrek Academy had been eliminated in the quarterfinals, losing its chance to take the championship.
At this moment, Cai Mei'er could only pin her hopes on Tang Sect.
As long as Tang Sect won, they could preserve Shrek's reputation.
However, as soon as she had this thought, her gaze involuntarily locked onto Huo Yuhao.
Her expression grew complicated.
With Huo Yuhao in the tournament, even if Tang Sect made it to the finals, they would struggle to defeat him.
Before the tournament, Shrek had arranged a match between Tang Sect and Shrek's official team and they had been evenly matched.
Even when Tang Sect had a numerical advantage, they had barely won.
Yet now, Huo Yuhao alone had effortlessly defeated six members of Shrek's team.
"Huo Yuhao, you've once again shattered my expectations of your strength... Even Elder Mu, back in his Soul Emperor days, couldn't have done this easily crushing six of Shrek's strongest fighters!"
Cai Mei'er took a deep breath, suppressing her gloomy emotions, then flew towards the stage to retrieve her students.
She quickly brought them back to the waiting area, where the Medical Saint Douluo, who had been specially invited to Sun Moon Empire, rushed over to heal their injuries.
Tang Sect Arrives to Check on Shrek
Because Tang Sect's quarterfinal match was scheduled later, they had plenty of time.
Upon hearing the news, Tang Sect's members came over to check on Shrek's team.
In the center of the waiting area, the Medical Saint Douluo activated her Healing Angel Martial Soul.
Her ten radiant green wings unfolded, and her entire body transformed from an elderly woman into a beautiful, youthful girl with flawless white skin.
As her soul rings shone, a wave of life infused green light spread from her body, enveloping the injured Shrek team members.
Xu Sanshi's Bitterness
Once again, Xu Sanshi found himself lying on a stretcher.
As the healing light bathed him, his pale complexion gradually regained a healthy flush.
Staring up at the blue sky, his expression was filled with unwillingness.
He never expected Huo Yuhao to be so overwhelmingly powerful to single handedly defeat six of Shrek's top fighters, completely shattering their championship hopes.
"This isn't just talent this is monstrous!"
Neither he nor Bei Bei, despite being considered prodigies, could compare to Huo Yuhao.
Even the widely recognized genius Zhang Lexuan wasn't as gifted as Huo Yuhao.
Royal Box – A Shocking Display
From the VIP stands, Xu Tianzhen's eyes widened in shock.
"Huo Yuhao fought six opponents at once and still won quickly?!"
She turned to her brother, eyes full of disbelief.
"Brother, is he really just a Soul Emperor? His strength is too ridiculous!"
"Also, I heard Huo Yuhao is an exceptional Soul Engineer, but during his fight against Shrek, he barely used any soul tools aside from his flight device yet he still won! This is a miracle!"
At this point, she wasn't even sure if Huo Yuhao was a Soul Engineer first or a Soul Master first.
Sitting beside her, Xu Tianran gradually broke into a smile.
"Yes, this is indeed a miracle."
"But if it's Huo Yuhao creating this miracle... it feels natural."
"After all, he's someone even Elder Kong values greatly. How could he be ordinary? Elder Kong has never been wrong about people."
However, something puzzled him
"Why didn't Huo Yuhao use any offensive soul tools other than his flight device?"
"Could it be that he was holding back to avoid causing severe injuries to Shrek's team? Was he worried that an overwhelming victory might damage Sun Moon's reputation?"
Curious, he turned to Jing Hongchen, head of Sun Moon's Soul Engineering Academy.
"Hall Master Jing, could you explain this?"
Jing Hongchen's Thoughts
For a moment, Jing Hongchen fell silent.
"Did Xu Tianran somehow learn about the Ice God Battle Armor?"
"No, that's impossible. Even though Xu Tianran knows Sun Moon is developing humanoid soul tools, the Ice God Battle Armor is classified. Only a few people are aware of it, since it's one of Huo Yuhao's trump cards."
Observing Xu Tianran's playful smile, he realized
"No, he's just guessing. I must be overthinking it."
Jing Hongchen bowed slightly and responded,
"Your Highness, there was no hidden weapon. My guess is that Huo Yuhao simply believed his Soul Master abilities were enough to defeat Shrek."
"His confidence comes from his overwhelming strength."
Xu Tianran nodded, understanding immediately.
"That makes sense. A young genius should have such confidence."
Zhongli Wu's Obsession
Meanwhile, standing alone at the edge of the VIP area, Zhongli Wu, clad in a black robe, observed everything intently.
To avoid suspicion, he deliberately distanced himself from Xu Tianran and chose a secluded spot to watch.
His eyes burned with intensity as he stared at Huo Yuhao, a slow smile forming on his face.
"Huo Yuhao, at Soul Emperor level, already possesses such absolute dominance?!"
"This wasn't just a victory it was a complete slaughter. Huo Yuhao is a born Saint Son!"
"Even Tang San, during his Soul Emperor days, couldn't do this without relying on hidden weapons!"
His breathing grew heavier as a wild thought formed in his mind
"Was this the guidance of the Holy Emperor? Is that why I encountered such a perfect talent?"
"If I can recruit Huo Yuhao, the future of the Holy Spirit Cult will be limitless!"
Though Holy Spirit Cult was currently thriving thanks to Long Xiaoyao and Ye Xishui, a serious issue loomed
"They are both old."
Even if they weren't killed in battle, they would die of old age eventually.
Once they were gone, the strongest expert in Holy Spirit Cult would be him Zhongli Wu.
But if he could bring Huo Yuhao into the fold, Holy Spirit Cult would never decline.
And for that, he was willing to do anything.
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