The second quarterfinal match of the Continental Soul Master Tournament was about to begin: Shrek Academy versus the Heavenly Dragon Gate.
Among all sect-based teams this year, the Heavenly Dragon Gate was undoubtedly one of the strongest. Excluding special forces like the Body Sect and the Holy Spirit Sect, the Heavenly Dragon Gate could rightfully be called the number one true sect team.
Judging from their previous battles, the Heavenly Dragon Gate's strength was formidable—they fielded at least three Soul Emperors, while the remaining members were all high-level Soul Kings, each above rank fifty-five. In other words, their lineup consisted of three Soul Emperors and four Soul Kings—a powerful combination by any standard.
In past tournaments, such a team could have competed head-to-head with Shrek Academy for the championship title. Unfortunately for them, this year their journey would end here—because their opponent was none other than Shrek Academy.
"The second match—Shrek Academy versus the Heavenly Dragon Gate. Both sides, take your positions!"
The referee for today's match was still Zheng Zhan, the Unbreakable Douluo, who would be officiating all remaining matches.
At his command, the Heavenly Dragon Gate's seven members entered the arena. Among them, six were returning competitors. Only one was new—and that unfamiliar face stood confidently at the very front. His aura alone marked him as their captain and, at minimum, a Soul Emperor.
That meant their formation consisted of four Soul Emperors and three Soul Kings—a team worthy of respect.
If any other opponent had stood before them, the atmosphere would have been tense. But this was Shrek Academy. The team's expressions remained calm and unshaken.
Zhu Ziyang turned to his teammates and said evenly, "Huan'er, He Caitou, Hua, Ning Tian, Dai Huabin, Xie Huanyue, Zhu Lu—you seven will handle this match."
Those called by name stood up immediately, excitement flashing in their eyes. To earn a chance to fight in this stage of the tournament was no easy feat.
"For the individual elimination round, Huan'er, He Caitou, and Dai Huabin will go first," Zhu Ziyang continued. "If you can finish it there, don't drag it into the team battle." His gaze lingered meaningfully on Wu Huan'er.
"Understood," Wu Huan'er replied confidently. She knew exactly what Zhu Ziyang meant—and she fully intended to deliver.
From the sidelines, Zhou Tianhe sighed to Chu Hua, "Looks like we won't be getting any stage time this round."
Chu Hua chuckled softly. "Isn't that a good thing? Means the match will end fast."
Under Wu Huan'er's lead, the chosen members of Shrek Academy entered the waiting area. Her appearance immediately drew countless eyes—not only because she was strikingly beautiful, ranking among the top five most stunning women in the entire tournament—but also because this was her first time appearing in the arena. Everyone was eager to see what kind of power she possessed.
The match was ready to begin. The Heavenly Dragon Gate's first representative was a tall, broad-shouldered young man with short, dark-red hair that stood upright like steel needles. His eyes gleamed sharply—clearly a strong opponent.
This was Xing Yan, the Heavenly Dragon Gate's strongest revealed member thus far—a rank 63 assault-type Soul Emperor, whose martial soul was the Crimson Dragon, a fire-attribute True Dragon.
Shrek Academy's representative, of course, was Wu Huan'er.
"Shrek Academy—Wu Huan'er!"
"Heavenly Dragon Gate—Xing Yan!"
After exchanging names, the two retreated to their respective starting points.
"Begin!"
Xing Yan did not underestimate his opponent just because she was a woman. From the very start, he went all out—his body was instantly covered in red dragon scales, his hands transformed into sharp claws, and six soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and two black—flashed brilliantly behind him. A fierce, domineering aura radiated from his form.
Yet just as he prepared to charge, his heart suddenly seized with dread. It felt as if some ancient, terrifying presence had locked onto him, freezing his body in place.
Bloodline suppression!
Xing Yan realized instantly what was happening. His very soul trembled because the martial soul released by Wu Huan'er stood above his own in the hierarchy of dragonkind.
But… how was that possible? His martial soul was a True Dragon, a lineage known for its purity and strength. What kind of martial soul could possibly suppress a True Dragon?
He soon received his answer.
Wu Huan'er's body glowed with golden light as her Martial Soul awakened. Golden flames swirled around her hands and feet, while golden scales shimmered across her exposed skin. Her long red hair ignited into a radiant blend of crimson and gold, giving her the appearance of a golden flame dragon maiden.
Behind her, seven dazzling soul rings appeared—one purple, five black, and one red—blinding the audience.
Gasps erupted throughout the stadium.
"She's a… Suanni?! The Lion of Flames!" someone cried.
Indeed, her martial soul was none other than the Suanni, a King-class True Dragon and one of the nine sons of the Dragon King.
Such a bloodline completely crushed the Crimson Dragon.
The spectators were in uproar, but none were as shocked as Emperor Xu Tianran, who sat high upon the royal dais. His sharp gaze burned as he observed Wu Huan'er's aura.
"So this is Shrek Academy," he murmured, eyes narrowing. "As expected of them—truly extraordinary."
But his attention wasn't on her beauty; it was on her soul ring configuration. Another Shrek student with a configuration that defied common sense!
He recalled the rumors from five years ago—about Zhu Ziyang, the youth who possessed six hundred-thousand-year soul rings. Could the same mysterious technology be behind both cases? If he could obtain that secret, unifying the continent would be within his grasp!
A dangerous hunger flickered in his gaze.
"Your Majesty," came a low, hoarse voice beside him—it was the Black-Robed National Preceptor, the Emperor's mysterious advisor. "This girl cannot be allowed to live."
"Oh?" Xu Tianran turned slightly, displeased by the interruption. "Why?"
"She wields the Ultimate Fire," the Preceptor said grimly. "If she's allowed to grow, the consequences will be catastrophic. To us, Ultimate Fire is as deadly as Ultimate Lightning or Ultimate Light."
"I see…" Xu Tianran's expression didn't change, but a strange light passed through his eyes. "If she cannot be tamed—then she will not be kept."
While their conversation went unheard, the duel on stage neared its end.
The Suanni, as a royal dragon species, utterly dominated Xing Yan's Crimson Dragon in every aspect. The moment Wu Huan'er revealed her true form, Xing Yan's body froze completely, and even his martial soul began to tremble and retreat in submission.
Wu Huan'er approached him gracefully, her golden eyes calm and commanding. With a single, elegant punch, she struck his chest. Xing Yan's body flew backward like a rag doll, crashing heavily onto the ground.
He struggled to rise, but his strength failed him. His vision went dark, and he collapsed unconscious.
No one mocked him. Those who also possessed dragon-type martial souls knew all too well what bloodline suppression meant. Against a superior dragon, resistance was impossible.
"Captain, what do we do?" one of the Heavenly Dragon Gate members asked anxiously, turning to their leader, Yu Tianlong.
"Don't panic," Yu Tianlong said firmly. Though he, too, was shaken by Wu Huan'er's display, he quickly regained composure. "Xing Yan lost only because of unfortunate compatibility. Her martial soul completely overpowers his—Suanni outranks Crimson Dragon. But she won't suppress the rest of us as much. If we play smart, we still have a chance."
He drew a deep breath, his eyes flashing with determination. "I'll go next. If I lose, Lan Xin will take my place. If Lan Xin falls, Tianhuan follows. Remember—the Heavenly Dragon Gate never admits defeat!"
"Yes, Captain!"
Their morale reignited, the team shouted in unison. Fear vanished from their eyes, replaced by fighting spirit.
The referee raised his hand. "Second individual match—Wu Huan'er versus Yu Tianlong!"
The crowd roared as the next battle began.
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