The round of sixteen to eight proceeded smoothly.
Shrek Academy's individual elimination match on the third day was a foregone conclusion. Since they had already won the previous team battle, they only needed to defeat three opponents in the individual competition to secure victory.
On the other hand, Dou Ling Royal Academy—having lost the team battle—had to defeat all seven of Shrek's members with just three of their own to stage a comeback and advance to the quarterfinals.
But Dou Ling's team had no intention of mounting a counterattack. Their morale had already been shattered by Huo Yuhao; their spirits were broken.
Under Wang Yan's deliberate arrangements, there was no dramatic "one versus three" showdown.
In the first match, Ling Luochen took the lead and effortlessly crushed the opposing Terror Claw Bear Soul King, showcasing Shrek's dominance.
In the second match, Xixi faced off against Han Ling'er, the Agility System Soul King. Her Lightning Mink speed left the audience in awe.
In the third match, Dai Yueheng, Shrek's true Soul Emperor, clashed with Gu Zhujian, Dou Ling's captain, delivering a brutal yet mesmerizing display of power.
Three consecutive victories in the individual rounds sealed Shrek's advancement to the quarterfinals, leaving Dou Ling Royal Soul Master Academy in the dust once more.
Though Huo Yuhao didn't participate, he remained the competition's most popular figure, firmly holding the top spot on the popularity rankings.
Even Dai Yueheng's display of Soul Emperor-level strength couldn't dethrone him.
Never underestimate the bond between the audience and Huo Yuhao!
With his peerless looks, captivating aura, and overwhelming combat prowess, Huo Yuhao had won the hearts of countless girls and amassed a legion of fans during this tournament.
Of course, thanks to the home-field advantage of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Yueheng also had his loyal supporters, drawn to his White Tiger Martial Soul and aggressive fighting style.
Meanwhile, the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy also triumphed over their opponents, securing their place in the quarterfinals.
Notably, their captain, Ma Rulong—a Soul Emperor—had yet to make an appearance, just like Meng Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen.
Their restraint was impressive.
But then again, their opponents had been too weak to warrant their full strength.
For Huo Yuhao, however, their secrecy was pointless—he already knew everything about them.
Luck finally smiled upon Shrek in the next round, pairing them with an old acquaintance: Zhengtian Academy, the weakest of the top eight.
The outcome was predictable—utterly one-sided.
Ling Luochen took the stage again, and even without Huo Yuhao's assistance, her Deep Blue Glory enhancement ensured an easy victory, propelling Shrek into the semi-finals.
The Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament was nearing its climax!
From the semi-finals onward, matchups would be decided via live draw, leaving no room for pre-planned tactics—only adaptability and quick thinking would determine victory.
But for Shrek, it didn't matter who they faced. To claim the championship, they had to defeat everyone.
The night before the semi-finals, a strategy meeting was held.
Wang Yan scanned the team and declared, "Tomorrow marks the semi-finals. There's no doubt Shrek will be the first to compete. After this round, we'll have three days of rest before the finals."
"Teacher Wang, who's our opponent?" Xiao Xiao asked eagerly.
Wang Yan shook his head. "We won't know until the draw. To ensure fairness, the top four will determine their matchups on the spot."
"This prevents preemptive strategizing, so today, I'll analyze the remaining three academies."
The final four were:
Shrek Academy
Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy (Sun and Moon Empire)
Star Luo Royal Academy (Star Luo Empire)
Di'ao Academy (Sky Soul Empire)
For the next two and a half hours, Wang Yan meticulously dissected their fighting styles and weaknesses.
"No weakling makes it this far. We're at the final stretch—we cannot afford carelessness."
Ma Xiaotao, however, had had enough.
"It doesn't matter. I'll take care of it!"
After holding back for so long, she demanded to fight.
Her Soul Saint strength was finally unleashed!
Originally, Wang Yan had planned to save her as a trump card for the finals—unless they faced the Sun and Moon Royal Academy in the semi-finals.
Hesitant, he sought the team's opinions—particularly Huo Yuhao's.
But Huo Yuhao was in energy-saving mode, offering no objections.
Ma Xiaotao, however, was done waiting.
From a tactical standpoint, Wang Yan's caution made sense—he prioritized teamwork over individual heroics.
But against absolute strength, strategy was irrelevant!
"So what if we only have five main soul masters?"
Ma Xiaotao was determined to prove that even with all her abilities exposed, she remained an unstoppable Evil Phoenix.
Just like Huo Yuhao.
He had fought multiple times—had anyone found a way to counter him?
No.
Because his power was absolute.
Though Ma Xiaotao wasn't as versatile, her liberated Evil Fire and Soul Saint breakthrough made her fearless.
"If we lose, I'll have no face left to return to Shrek!"
Huo Yuhao, meanwhile, mused: "I haven't even fought much."
Only once against Zhengtian Academy and one-versus-seven against Dou Ling.
His role had mostly been psychological deterrence.
As for tomorrow?
He planned to slack off again.
"Reaching the semi-finals counts as success!" (~~Strikethrough~~)
Actually, he needed to do more.
So far, he'd only completed one achievement mission—the Dark Blue Glory Skull auction.
The Body Sect duo and the Hongchen siblings had triggered new missions—
One required joining the sect, the other a direct confrontation.
But no opportunities had arisen yet.
Winning the tournament would surely bring rewards from Shrek's elders.
As for tomorrow's likely opponent—Star Luo Royal Academy—Facing Princess Xu Jiu Jiu's Star Crown Martial Soul?
Just a formality.
So, Huo Yuhao planned to relax.
"After a lifetime of fighting, can't I enjoy myself for once?"
…
One hour before the match, all four teams assembled.
Shrek's team, clad in their signature dark green uniforms, emerged from the tunnel to deafening cheers.
"Shrek is invincible!"
"Shrek will win!"
"Brother Yuhao, marry me!"
The other three teams had arrived earlier, their gazes clashing like sparks—battle-ready.
But Shrek's entrance shifted the atmosphere.
The rest area grew tense, each team silently praying not to draw Shrek in the lot.
This wasn't just about glory—
For these students, the semi-finals could define their futures.
Top performers would receive noble titles, elite recruitment, and lifetime prestige.
Even the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy preferred avoiding Shrek until the finals.
Better to let someone else test Shrek's limits first.
Besides, Shrek's trump card—Ma Xiaotao—had to appear now.
Her abilities remained a mystery, but no more holding back.
The semi-finals followed the same rules as the knockout rounds:
Team battle and individual elimination over two days.
Both wins required to advance.
If tied, a 2-2-3 decider would determine the victor.
Unlike before, winning the team battle no longer granted an advantage.
Ma Xiaotao represented Shrek in the draw.
Under the Star Luo Emperor's supervision, the matchups were announced:
"First match: Shrek Academy vs. Star Luo Royal Academy!"
"Second match: Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy vs. Di'ao Academy!"
The crowd erupted in mixed reactions.
Star Luo's citizens were torn—support their home team or Shrek's undefeated legacy?
Wang Yan finalized Shrek's lineup: Ma Xiaotao, Huo Yuhao, Dai Yueheng, Ling Luochen, Beibei, Xu Sanshi, and Tang Ya.
On paper, the draw favored Shrek—Star Luo's team lacked a Soul Emperor, making them the weakest remaining.
But Star Luo had a surprise: Princess Xu Jiu Jiu, now in battle attire, her golden ponytail swaying, exuding regal confidence.
Wang Yan warned the team to be wary of her.
Ma Xiaotao scoffed.
"We'll crush them head-on!"
"Shrek—we must win!"
The team roared in unison, fighting spirit ablaze.
Even Huo Yuhao, initially planning to slack off, felt a spark of interest.
Above Xu Jiu Jiu's head, his system vision detected a long-awaited prompt:
[Xu Jiu Jiu]
[Relationship: Acquaintance]
[Achievement Mission: Reforge the Star Crown's Glory!]
"Perfect." Huo Yuhao loved motivated opponents.
Xu Jiu Jiu met his gaze, her eyes challenging.
The gunpowder scent of battle thickened before the match even began.
From this round onward, Shrek lost one privilege—No more referee bias.
Heavenfiend Douluo Huang Jinxu would oversee all semi-final and final matches, ensuring fairness and safety.
The intensity had escalated dramatically.
Losing meant going home.
No more holding back.
Even eliminated teams stayed to study their rivals—Especially the Sun and Moon team, whose soul tool mastery was leagues ahead.
For the Douluo factions, this was a rare learning opportunity.
The semi-finals were about to begin.
…
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