The Star Lou City—epicenter of power and glory in the Star Lou Empire—welcomed Chen Yi's footsteps for the very first time. Towering obsidian walls shimmered with a cold, solemn brilliance beneath the sunlight, and rows of heavily armored soldiers, exuding a fierce aura, stood along the ramparts. The atmosphere was far more austere than in Heaven Dou City. Everywhere, robust-bodied passersby with fluctuating soul power could be seen; the air was thick with martial spirit and competition.
Chen Yi's carriage rolled slowly toward the city center. He gently lifted the curtain of the window, calmly surveying the colossal metropolis renowned as the heart of the continent's mightiest empire.
Star Lou Empire had rarely featured in past records, its place in the world's memory largely tied to the entanglements of the Dai and Zhu families—Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing's lineage. Yet only by setting foot here could one feel the strength and order deeply rooted in its very marrow. It was precisely this formidable royal authority that had allowed Star Lou Empire to repeatedly approach unification of the continent throughout history.
After a while, Chen Yi let the curtain fall, shutting out the clamor and flow outside. The other two passengers in the carriage also took deep breaths.
Just recently, Ye Cien, who had acquired his ninth soul ring and officially advanced to the rank of Titled Douluo, looked out the window at the distant, magnificent Star Lou Palace. A faint chill flickered in his eyes as he slowly spoke:
"As the continent's most influential event, the finals of the Senior Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament have always rotated between Heaven Dou City, Star Lou City, and Spirit City. The previous session's glory belonged to Spirit City, and this time, Star Lou City is the host."
"The next session will be held in Heaven Dou City," Chen Yi nodded lightly. He'd already memorized these rules. Deep in his memory, in the original story, the final venue had been temporarily switched to Spirit City by the Spirit Hall. At this moment, the Grand Elder—who had been resting with his eyes closed—opened them and interjected:
"As the Heaven Dou Division's top team, according to custom, our Grand Martial Academy's accommodations should be at the officially designated Star Lou Hotel. We can go directly there. The children have probably been waiting for some time."
The carriage made straight for the iconic building in the city's busiest district. Soon, the group arrived at the Star Lou Hotel, where, guided by hotel attendants and Grand Martial Academy teachers, they reached the upper floors reserved for the academy's team, a row of luxurious suites.
As they pushed open the meeting room door, every gaze inside instantly converged on them.
Inside were the team leader Dugu Bo—known for his poison prowess—and Chief Teacher Mu Xi. Most eye-catching, however, were the eleven heroic young men and women. They stood tall and straight, eyes sharp—though their soul power was restrained, their fierceness could not be hidden. These were this year's representatives for Grand Martial Academy in the elite tournament: six main players and five substitutes.
Now, the entire Grand Martial Academy team was assembled.
As Chen Yi, the Great Elder, and Ye Cien entered, even the unruliest members, like Yang Rentian, or those as cold as ocean waves, immediately composed themselves, stood at attention, and saluted in unison:
"Greetings, Great Elder, Elder Ye, and Young Sect Master!"
The Great Elder's gaze swept over the future of the sect and academy, a hint of relief appearing as he raised his hand. "At ease, no need to bow your heads."
In the Heaven Dou Empire's division tournament, Grand Martial Academy's team had displayed sharp, astonishing power. Captain Yang Zhantian and Che Lang—both Soul King level—overwhelmed all opponents, securing Grand Martial Academy's unconditional qualification. The other main team members—Long Xiao, Niu Yun, Meng Yutong, and Ding Xian—had also reached the realm of advanced soul masters. Their strength far surpassed other division captains, and as a team, they were a top contender for the championship.
Notably, Che Lang and Long Xiao were second-generation disciples of the sect, their fathers being brothers to Chen Yi's own father, Chen Zhen. Sadly, both had perished young attempting the dangerous second awakening of their Body martial souls. After the Body Sect's official formation, Che Lang, a genius who had honed his skills in the outside world, succeeded in the second awakening under sect training, his power soaring.
However, Che Lang had wasted much of his youth outside, and by the time he found the sect, he was already twenty-four—this would be his final chance to participate in the tournament. That was why his fighting spirit burned fiercer than anyone else's.
Chen Yi surveyed his energetic teammates, a gentle smile curving his lips. "Though I missed the matches in Heaven Dou Division, I've been working hard for you all."
As soon as he finished, Yang Zhantian, who knew Chen Yi best, replied loudly: "If the Young Sect Master says so, it's true. The enemies in Heaven Dou Division were nothing worth mentioning. The real battle is where you step in."
Everyone smiled at this, and the atmosphere grew much more relaxed. With two Soul Kings and four advanced-level soul masters, Grand Martial Academy's luxurious lineup had swept the Heaven Dou Division, where even mid-level soul masters were rare.
Standing quietly to the side, Ye Lingling's clear eyes always lingered on Chen Yi. Only then did she speak softly, her voice gentle as a spring breeze over a lake:
"Your tasks… Are you all busy?"
Her concern was subtle and natural.
Chen Yi met her gaze, his smile deepening. "It's all done. In fact, it was thanks to your efforts fighting first that I could focus on what needed to be done."
Everyone relaxed again. But as the conversation shifted to the Spirit Hall Academy team, the room's air subtly stagnated, and some eyes grew solemn.
Substitute Jiang Hongfei stepped forward, his tone less spirited than usual and tinged with obvious jealousy. "Boss, when the Spirit Hall team arrived the day before yesterday, I took a special look…"
He paused, recalling the heart-pounding scene. "Their aura is truly terrifying, especially those at the front—they give off an unfathomable feeling. Unfortunately, their strength is no less than our big brother's. You… must be careful."
Jiang Hongfei worshipped and trusted Chen Yi almost blindly, but even after directly sensing the Spirit Hall team's intense aura, he was shaken. There were at least five Soul Kings, including an indifferent young woman whose soul power pressure was likely close to that of a high-level Soul King. Jiang Hongfei truly had no idea where Spirit Hall found so many monsters.
After hearing this, Chen Yi's expression remained calm. He nodded lightly and patted Jiang Hongfei's shoulder. "Don't worry. Have you ever seen me fight unprepared?"
That single sentence, like magic, instantly soothed Jiang Hongfei's lingering unease. He nodded vigorously—right, their boss had always been known for his mind and vision. Who among them hadn't been "educated" by his endless tactics?
Chen Yi's gaze drifted past the crowd, settling on the grand Star Lou City skyline outside the window, his eyes growing calm and deep.
"Not weaker than Yang Zhantian's genius…" Chen Yi thought to himself. Because of the pressure he'd brought, Spirit Hall had revealed all their trump cards in advance, unlike in the original story.
That was fine.
A delicate yet powerful fighting intent quietly condensed in the depths of Chen Yi's eyes. "Let's see, then, just how much strength you geniuses hidden in Spirit Hall are really hiding. I'll weigh it for myself."
…
Bonus chapter 100 PS
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