Word Count: 2,862 Words
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The Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament was in full swing. Compared to Shrek Academy's crushing victory over Tian Ling Advanced Spirit Master Academy, most other academies fought tooth and nail. After the first round, over a hundred participants sustained injuries, and more than a dozen even lost their lives, their blood splattering across the arena. The situation could only be described with the word 'tragic.'
The elimination rounds concluded entirely within three days, followed by the round-robin stage where the sixty-seven victorious teams were divided into eight groups.
The round-robin stage operated on a points system: winners earned one point, while losers' scores remained unchanged. The top two teams from each of the eight groups would advance to the tournament's Top 16. Although the round-robin might lack the sheer intensity of the elimination rounds—as some teams might strategically hold back to conserve strength—it possessed its own advantages. The three possible match formats each offered unique excitement, providing the audience with diverse viewing experiences.
Shrek Academy naturally kicked off the round-robin stage as the defending champions. Ling Bai's god-like performance of crushing the Tian Ling team in the opening match was deeply etched into every spectator's mind. The reappearance of the Seraphim, coupled with his post-match declaration, 'Genius is just my entry ticket,' instantly made the names 'Seraphim' and 'Shrek Academy' the most talked-about topics throughout Star Luo City.
Everyone knew Shrek Academy would be the first to compete, so today the area around Star Luo Plaza was jam-packed with enthusiastic spectators; not even a drop of water could trickle through. Tickets for the plaza, capable of holding 200,000 people, were exceedingly difficult to obtain. Those who failed to get seats waited patiently along the only route from the Star Emperor Hotel to Star Luo Plaza, craning their necks past the Star Luo soldiers to catch just a glimpse of the Shrek students.
The moment the competitors in that classic dark-green uniform appeared in the entrance passage, Star Luo Plaza instantly erupted in cheers. Ling Bai, the ace of this Shrek Academy team, walked at the forefront with a faint smile. His appearance triggered waves of shouts for 'Shrek' and 'Seraphim,' each wave louder than the last.
The Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament was all about telling stories of talented youths achieving great things. Ling Bai's talent, combat strength, and that unparalleled face perfectly embodied everyone's fantasies of a God-level Martial Spirit and a peerless prodigy. Consequently, his popularity reached unimaginable heights.
All 67 participating teams were present. In fact, some teams didn't have matches today, but they wanted to observe Ling Bai's abilities more closely, attempting to find even the slightest weakness in the Seraphim for future strategic planning.
"Why is it still these few kids?"
Elder Ma frowned within the Sun Moon Imperial Academy's rest area.
Participation in the Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament required registering one's name, physical characteristics, and undergoing a bone age test. They had used monetary means to bribe registration officials and obtained Shrek Academy's registration details.
What surprised the Sun Moon team was that this year, Shrek Academy had brought eleven students, only three of whom were nineteen-year-olds who seemed to be main team members. The other eight were all under fifteen and appeared more like Reserve Team members, and surprisingly, the ace Ling Bai was just twelve years old.
"They're likely using the round-robin for training."
Xiao Hongchen remained calm. His gaze never left Ling Bai as the latter approached the stage to draw lots. "A twelve-year-old Spirit King... Ling Bai and I are destined rivals for these two tournaments. I await our clash in the finals, where I'll use Spirit Cannons to teach him that the pride of divine beast bloodlines is not to be provoked!
Meng, don't you dare let your lovestruck brain make you go easy on him when the time comes!"
"Got it, got it!"
Meng Hongchen replied impatiently, waving her hand dismissively for Xiao Hongchen to take his passionate zeal elsewhere and not interrupt her ogling of the handsome boy.
"Will the captains of Shrek Academy and Thousand Spirits Advanced Spirit Master Academy please come forward to draw the match format!" the referee announced.
Thousand Spirits Advanced Spirit Master Academy ranked among the top three academies within the Dou Spirit Empire. It boasted a long history and profound heritage, having cultivated countless formidable Spirit Masters.
Ling Bai walked slowly onto the competition platform amidst the audience's cheers. Opposite him stood Shen Ce, the captain of the Thousand Spirits team, his posture as straight and rigid as a javelin.
A bright light flashed in Shen Ce's eyes, devoid of any fear. Instead, it revealed an intense fighting spirit. He was one of the few who had dared to meet Ling Bai's gaze during the opening match.
He did not believe he could defeat the Seraphim Spirit King, yet he desired to challenge his limits.
The two captains ascended the stage to draw lots. The most nervous person, however, was Wang Yan, the supervising teacher in Shrek Academy's rest area. The Thousand Spirits team possessed a lineup of one Spirit King and six Spirit Ancestors. If the '2-2-3 Collaboration Battle' format were drawn, Shrek Academy would be in for some trouble.
"Shrek Academy versus Thousand Spirits Advanced Spirit Master Academy—Team Battle!"
The referee loudly declared the match format. Wang Yan and the Reserve Team simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief. The curve of Ling Bai's lips tilted upward; he felt increasingly certain that his luck was absolutely stellar.
"Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, He Caitou, Ning Tian, Huo Yuhao, the six of you are up."
The tournament committee had announced the group placements the previous night. Wang Yan had spent the night analyzing the Martial Spirit characteristics of the teams in their group and devising a series of tactics.
The six accepted the order and excitedly walked onto the competition grounds, ready to commence the first Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament battle of their lives. Wang Dong sat in the rest area with a sullen expression, taking a fierce bite out of the fruit provided by the Star Luo imperial family.
The positions of the four Spirit Ancestors were irreplaceable. Ning Tian's status was secured by her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Huo Yuhao's Ultimate Ice from his Ice Jade Scorpion was advantageous against the Thousand Spirits team. Although Shrek Academy had many injured members, they certainly did not lack Spirit Elder-level combat strength, rendering Wang Dong's position quite awkward.
On the competition stage, the two teams stood positioned on opposite sides.
At the forefront of the Thousand Spirits team stood four tall, robust male students. Their collective presence gave the visual impression of a thick, solid city wall. Behind them stood two beautiful female Spirit Masters, one wielding ice, the other fire. Shen Ce stood between the two female Spirit Masters, his sharp aura soaring to the sky. He eagerly anticipated a true man's battle against the legendary Seraphim!
"Bai-ge, are we proceeding according to Teacher Wang's tactics?"
Ning Tian asked in a low voice. Tactics were one thing, but their implementation still depended on Ling Bai's approval.
"Let's do it." Ling Bai glanced toward Xu Sanshi. "Perform well."
"Guaranteed completion of the mission!" Xu Sanshi thumped his chest resoundingly.
Consequently, Shrek Academy adopted a peculiar formation, with the six members completely encircling Xu Sanshi. The Thousand Spirits team and the spectators were instantly bewildered. This fellow looked strong and sturdy; he didn't seem like someone requiring protection!
"Match, begin!"
The referee shouted, quickly retreating to provide ample space for the two teams on the competition field.
The four tall male students from the Thousand Spirits team initiated the first move. Their skin turned rough and thick, their bodies becoming even more imposing. A dark yellow shield materialized from their sturdy right arms.
Rhinoceros Shield, a high-level defense-type Martial Spirit. A single Rhinoceros Shield was significantly inferior to Xu Sanshi's Mystic Deep Turtle Shield, but at this moment, the four shields combined, forming a fortress-like defense protecting the three individuals behind them.
At some unknown point, a two-tipped, sharp lance appeared in Captain Shen Ce's hands. It measured over three meters long, shone with a brilliant silver luster, and was faintly inscribed with runes. This was his Martial Spirit, the Thousandstrike Lance. Beneath his feet, two yellow and three purple spirit rings, five in total, ascended one by one.
Deep blue ice and fiery red flames formed the backdrop for the Rhinoceros Shields and the Thousandstrike Lance. These distinctly different lights converged, manifesting as two ferocious spirit beasts: the Frost Bear and the Blazing Tiger.
The two female Spirit Ancestor students practiced a cultivation method known as Martial Spirit Mimicry. By absorbing the same type of spirit beast for their first spirit ring, their Martial Spirits could fight independently, transforming their assault-type Martial Spirits into control-type ones.
The four shields combined to form an impregnable fortress, while the Twin Controllers of Ice and Fire attacked alongside the Thousandstrike Lance. The Thousand Spirits team's formation was the result of countless refinements. They confidently believed that unless Shrek Academy sent out multiple main team members, Ling Bai leading six reserve members would inevitably fall into a bitter struggle.
The actions of the Twin Controllers of Ice and Fire were far from over. As their spirit rings flashed, dazzling red and blue light suddenly erupted from the tip of the Thousandstrike Lance. Shen Ce's aura rose to another level as he spread his legs, tensed his muscles, and took the stance of hurling the lance with all his might.
"Heh heh~"
Xu Sanshi suddenly let out a laugh with a somewhat sly expression on his face. His fourth spirit ring lit up with a brilliant glow, and the lance thrower Shen Ce swapped positions with him, appearing within the encirclement of the six Shrek members.
Mystic Deep Turtle's Fourth Spirit Skill: Mystic Deep Replacement.
It could instantaneously switch the user's position with an opponent's within a certain range. It was an exceptionally powerful spirit skill, especially when used for the first time against an unprepared opponent.
"Ah???"
Shen Ce was utterly dumbfounded. Suddenly finding himself surrounded by six Shrek members, he didn't even know where to throw the solitary Thousandstrike Lance held in his hand.
The Thousand Spirits team was equally bewildered. Where had their imposing captain vanished to? Why had he been replaced by a large turtle? The two beauties controlling ice and fire were so startled they quickly hid behind their Martial Spirits. The Frost Bear and the Blazing Tiger were stunned for a moment, then roared and charged towards Xu Sanshi.
Xu Sanshi gave another "heh heh" laugh as his fourth spirit ring flashed once more. After the light subsided, a golden figure replaced his original position.
Ling Bai!
"It's over! My backline!"
A trace of despair flickered in Shen Ce's eyes. Could anything in this world be more devastating than the Seraphim charging into one's backline? What difference was there between this and a tiger pouncing into a flock of sheep!
The four Rhinoceros Shield users huffed and puffed as they laboriously turned their shields around. They had been diligently constructing a shield wall to guard the front, even cleverly protecting the space above, considering the Seraphim's ability to fly. Yet somehow, their opponent had inexplicably appeared from behind!
Four shields combined to form an impregnable fortress. Yet, this defense, claimed to be as solid as gold, was breached in an instant. Ling Bai spread his angelic wings. His holy aura, vast as mountains and peaks, radiated unparalleled majesty. An invisible pressure clamped down like giant hands gripping the throats of the six opponents, causing their breathing to involuntarily quicken.
The Thousand Spirits Academy had previously secretly mocked the Tian Ling Academy because seven members couldn't withstand a single sword strike from Ling Bai. Now, facing the Seraphim themselves, they finally understood the vast disparity in the world.
Mocked Tian Ling. Understood Tian Ling. Became Tian Ling.
Evil-Banishing Slash.
The Angel Sword swung out. One strike split into four; the sword light dazzled. The four Rhinoceros Shield Spirit Masters' expressions changed drastically upon sensing that heaven-rending holy sword energy. They unleashed their four spirit skills simultaneously. A dark yellow rhinoceros phantom seemed to surge forth from the shield wall.
BOOM—
The rhinoceros phantom emitted a painful howl before violently exploding into countless fragments. Shen Ce watched as the spirit power barrier at the periphery of the competition field rippled intensely, large halos of light fluctuating wildly at an astonishing speed.
The four Rhinoceros Shield Spirit Masters flew backward together, carrying a shower of debris as they slammed into the light screen of the spirit power barrier. Their heads lolled to the side as they lost consciousness.
The audience couldn't help but widen their eyes. Four defensive-type Spirit Masters had given their all, yet were still dispatched by a single sword strike from the Seraphim. After a few seconds, Star Luo Plaza erupted in cheers like a mountainous tsunami.
With his teammates in peril, Shen Ce was also in a desperate situation. Bei Bei's dragon transformation, Xu Sanshi holding his shield, Jiang Nannan's soft skills, He Caitou's suppressing fire, Ning Tian's support, Huo Yuhao's spiritual skill sneak attacks; Shen Ce felt as though attacks were converging from all directions.
The bruised and battered Shen Ce had only one thought racing through his mind: Impossible to block, simply impossible to block!
"Seraphim, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, Mystic Deep Turtle, Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda... Shrek's reserve team's Martial Spirits are each more formidable than the last."
Elder Ma's expression turned grim. When this reserve team leader bared his fangs five years from now, would Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen be capable of withstanding this pack of tigers and wolves?
"Eyes! A spiritual-type Body Martial Spirit!"
In the spectator stands, the two Spirit Douluo from the Body Sect reacted entirely differently from Elder Ma. Completely ignoring everyone else, they locked their gazes onto Huo Yuhao, who was continuously unleashing spiritual shocks, fiercely assaulting Shen Ce's Spiritual Sea.
"Definitely Silver-ranked!"
The two exchanged glances, and Big Head said, "To think a stray Body Martial Spirit would actually appear in the tournament! This kid must return to the sect!"
Qilin Arm smacked his lips and voiced a doubt, "But he's a student of Shrek Academy. Will Shrek let him go?"
"Shrek? Bah!"
Big Head retorted disdainfully, "Who on the Douluo Continent doesn't know that all Body Martial Spirits, without exception, are members of our Body Sect? We'll report back to the Sect Master, and he will make the decision!"
Bang—
Taking a direct hit from Bei Bei's Thunder Dragon Claw, the inner armor beneath Shen Ce's clothes instantly shattered, leaving his upper body bare. He gasped heavily for breath, using the Thousandstrike Lance as support to prevent himself from collapsing.
Amplified by both the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda and Spiritual Detection Sharing, the four Spirit Ancestors each possessed extraordinary combat strength. Let alone Shen Ce, who was merely a Rank 53 Spirit King with a two yellow, three purple spirit ring configuration; even a Spirit Emperor wouldn't fare well in this situation.
Having endured a severe physical beating while his Spiritual Sea was relentlessly hammered by the Spirit Eyes, Shen Ce was already an arrow at the end of its flight. His eyes held a glimmer of hope amidst despair as he turned to look at the twin controllers of ice and fire in the backline.
"Puh!!!"
That single glance caused Shen Ce to spurt a mouthful of blood. His body swayed, teetering on the verge of collapse. The six Reserve Team members looked at each other, perplexed. They clearly hadn't landed another blow, so why did he look like he had suffered a grievous injury? They then glanced toward Ling Bai's position and saw him seemingly engaged in 'amiable conversation' with the two ice and fire beauties.
Ling Bai sat atop the Frost Bear, propping his chin with his right hand while his left hand ruffled the Blazing Tiger's furry head. The tiger displayed a human-like, ingratiating smile, proactively tilting its chin for Ling Bai to scratch.
No kidding. The last Frost Bear that dared to resist was already down for the count. This tiger knew when to submit and when to stand tall. A tiger's revenge could wait ten years, no rush!
"You're… playing with Little Tiger, so… that means you won't hurt us, right?"
"Yes, yes, my Little Bear is even letting you use it as a chair."
The two young women cowered together, eyes brimming with unshed tears as they looked timidly at the 'Demon King' Ling Bai, terrified he might cruelly crush these flowers.
"Relax. As long as you behave and don't resist, I don't attack girls," Ling Bai said with a beaming smile.
"Mm-hmm, we definitely won't resist. You can play however you want."
With their four Rhinoceros Shield men defeated and the ice-and-fire duo too intimidated to even raise a hand, Shen Ce knew the outcome was already decided. He could only cover his face and sigh heavily.
"Thousand Spirits team… concedes."