The tournament grounds were as lively as ever—perhaps even more than the days before. The air itself seemed to crackle with battle intent; an invisible tension hung over the crowd and contestants alike, stirring blood and spirit.
From today onward, the competition had entered its second elimination round. Out of one hundred and eighty-four teams, only ninety-two would advance to the third. And this first match of the new round was destined to be the day's highlight—for Shrek Academy was about to take the stage.
As the saying went, "A man's name casts a tree's shadow." Shrek Academy's reputation as the Number One Academy on the Continent was no empty boast. Even the proudest of sects were forced to acknowledge its standing. Thus, at this very moment, every team in the waiting area had gathered to witness the legend.
Such a complete turnout hadn't occurred since the opening ceremony five days earlier. In the days that followed, advancing teams had grown lazy about attending, and the eliminated had no right to return. Yet today, every seat was filled—proof enough of Shrek Academy's influence.
But the greater Shrek's fame, the less welcome they were among the citizens of the Sun Moon Empire. To the gathered nobles and elites—those privileged enough to attend the tournament in Mingdu—Shrek Academy represented an obstacle. Its existence barred them from rising beyond imperial power to continental supremacy. Their hostility was only natural.
"Round Two of the elimination tournament is about to begin," the referee announced solemnly. "In this first match, we welcome the reigning champions—Shrek Academy—who have held the title for many years!"
The announcement was followed not by cheers but by a chorus of jeers and boos.
In the Shrek Academy waiting zone, the male students clenched their fists in anger, faces darkening.
"Calm your hearts," Zhu Ziyang said lightly, his gaze steady. "If you let anger take control, then you've already lost."
His calm words stunned them momentarily. They lowered their heads, forcing themselves to breathe and think clearly. Zhu Ziyang paid them no further mind. His eyes shifted toward the opposing waiting area, where the Taining Advanced Soul Master Academy Team, their first opponents, sat upright and tense.
Even from dozens of meters away, Zhu Ziyang could feel their nerves.
Taining Academy was no newcomer to the tournament. Their best record in history had been a Top 8 finish, but this year fate had dealt them a cruel hand—meeting Shrek Academy in the second round. No one believed they could win, not even themselves.
Their leader had told them bluntly:
"You can lose to Shrek Academy—but you must not lose to yourselves."
The message was clear: Don't surrender without fighting. His words rekindled their determination. Though their muscles trembled with tension, they stood tall and proud once more.
When Zhu Ziyang's gaze swept across them, their team leader happened to look his way as well. The two locked eyes. The Taining leader smiled—a big, honest smile—and Zhu Ziyang returned it with a slight nod.
The exchange didn't go unnoticed. Jiang Nannan and Ma Xiaotao, sitting beside Zhu Ziyang, both turned to look.
The man on the other side was tall and broad, with a simple, rugged face that carried a good-natured grin. Jiang Nannan didn't recognize him and tilted her head in curiosity. Ma Xiaotao's reaction, however, was immediate—her eyes widened with surprise and delight.
"Ziyang, that's—" she began excitedly.
"Calm down, Sister Xiaotao," Zhu Ziyang interrupted with a chuckle, gently pressing her back into her seat. "You can talk to him after the match."
"Oh… fine!" Ma Xiaotao pouted, but the happiness on her face was unmistakable, drawing amused glances from the others.
"Ah He," Zhu Ziyang said, turning toward Zhou Tianhe, "you'll take the first round."
"Got it!" Zhou Tianhe sprang to his feet, eyes blazing with excitement. He was a natural brawler, and after watching others fight for days while Shrek rested, his battle lust was overflowing. "Watch me sweep all seven!" he shouted.
The crowd roared as Zhou Tianhe stepped onto the stage. Opposite him stood Taining Academy's first contestant—a burly young man whose physique and aura were remarkably similar to Zhou Tianhe's. It was clear he was also a Power-type Soul Master.
"State your names!"
The referee for this match was an elderly man with a pointed goatee and the cultivation of a Soul Sage.
"Shrek Academy—Zhou Tianhe!"
"Taining Academy—Niu Wei!"
As soon as names were exchanged, the battle began.
Both released their martial souls simultaneously. Zhou Tianhe's body swelled in size, his height soaring to three meters. Thick fur covered his limbs, his muscles bulged like coiled dragons, and six spirit rings—two yellow, two purple, two black—rose behind him.
A Soul Emperor.
Many in the audience gasped in awe. Even among the keen observers from other academies and sects, several nodded in acknowledgment. So this is Shrek's opening fighter… truly formidable.
Niu Wei activated his martial soul as well. His body expanded, muscles hardening into a fortress of flesh, and a thick white horn sprouted from his forehead. Behind him glowed five spirit rings—two yellow, two purple, and one black. A rank-56 Soul King, his martial soul was the Armored Rhinoceros, a defensive-attack hybrid.
The two behemoths clashed in raw physical combat, neither using soul skills or soul power—only brute strength. The ground trembled beneath their feet.
Veins bulged across Niu Wei's arms, and though Zhou Tianhe's thick fur concealed his skin, his effort was no less intense.
In the end, raw power decided the outcome. As a Soul Emperor with superior physique, Zhou Tianhe won the first exchange. With a roar, he surged forward, smashing into Niu Wei and sending him skidding backward several meters before he managed to steady himself.
Having tested each other's strength, both stopped holding back.
Their spirit rings flared to life, energy erupting from their bodies. Zhou Tianhe's every motion now carried crushing force; even a casual wave of his hand stirred the air into shockwaves.
Their renewed clash shook the arena. The audience erupted, thrilled by the sight of two powerhouses trading blows like ancient titans. But the fight didn't last long. After just a dozen seconds, Niu Wei faltered—he simply couldn't withstand Zhou Tianhe's overwhelming might.
Zhou Tianhe, having initially held back out of camaraderie, now fought seriously. Against such a gap, victory was absolute.
Desperate, Niu Wei activated his fifth spirit ring, unleashing his strongest attack. A massive white rhino phantom materialized behind him, its horn glowing with blinding light as it doubled in size.
"Fifth Spirit Skill—Frenzied Rhino Charge!"
All his strength focused into that single, devastating strike.
Zhou Tianhe met it head-on, expression grave. His fifth spirit ring shone as his hands grew enormous—like twin hammers of bronze. With a mighty bellow, he slammed his fists down onto the charging Niu Wei.
A thunderous boom echoed across the arena.
When the dust settled, Niu Wei lay face-down on the stage, groaning softly. His back was bruised but not broken. Zhou Tianhe had deliberately held back—there was no enmity between them, only mutual respect.
First round: Zhou Tianhe, victory!
Without delay, the second match began. Taining's next fighter was a Speed-type Soul King, a young woman of rank 52. At first, she managed to dodge Zhou Tianhe's attacks through sheer agility, forcing him into brief awkwardness. But once he adapted his strategy—waiting for her instead of chasing—the outcome became inevitable.
Second round: Zhou Tianhe, victory.
The third fighter was a Control-type Soul King, the last Soul King of the Taining team. But against a powerhouse like Zhou Tianhe, his soft control skills were useless. After a short struggle, he too was defeated.
Third round: Zhou Tianhe, victory.
Zhou Tianhe still felt fresh and confident. If allowed to continue, he was sure he could secure the tournament's first one-versus-seven sweep.
But just as he prepared for the fourth match, Zhu Ziyang's calm voice sounded in his ear—ordering a substitution.
Zhou Tianhe froze, startled. Though clearly unwilling, he couldn't disobey a direct command. With a reluctant sigh, he stepped down from the stage and exchanged places with Dai Huabin, the next fighter.
"Boss, why are you switching me out?" Zhou Tianhe complained as soon as he returned. "I totally had that! I could've swept all seven!"
"Haha, there'll be plenty of chances later," Zhu Ziyang said, patting his shoulder with a grin. "Besides, the other team's leader happens to be an old acquaintance of one of our seniors. We should show a little respect."
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