Six years had passed.
In that time, much had changed.
The first batch of students from Baiyun Academy had graduated, and the Soul Contract Master system—the bond between humans and soul beasts—had flourished across the Douluo Continent, spreading like wildfire. What were once distant, untouchable soul beasts now appeared to be practically everywhere.
It wasn't uncommon anymore to see soul masters walking the streets accompanied by soul beasts.
But the rapid spread of the Soul Contract Master system wasn't due to Ye Cheng publicly releasing the soul beast contract technique. That moment hadn't yet arrived. After all, keeping this technology private granted Baiyun City a strategic advantage.
Just like how awakening a martial soul used to be monopolized—if only one force had the means to awaken martial souls, then that force would naturally enjoy unrivaled authority.
Soul Contract Masters represented a new era with boundless potential. Naturally, many aspired to become one. But since only Baiyun City possessed the method to create soul contracts, they effectively controlled the path to becoming a Soul Contract Master. This monopoly meant anyone wishing to take that path had no choice but to rely on Baiyun City.
Thus, every Soul Contract Master owed Baiyun City a debt of gratitude—whether acknowledged or not. And that debt made them more inclined to support Baiyun City. This deeply entrenched goodwill solidified Baiyun City's reputation as the holy land of soul masters.
Currently, according to Baiyun City's statistics, there were more than 30,000 Soul Contract Masters, including both land-based and sea-based soul masters, as well as a few from other continents who had snuck into the Douluo Continent in pursuit of advanced knowledge. That number was only expected to grow.
The day when soul beasts became a familiar presence in every household—no longer separate from humanity but essential companions—was fast approaching.
Seeing that the number of Soul Contract Masters had reached critical mass, Ye Cheng decided to pour fuel on the fire by organizing a grand competition that would shake the continent:
The First Soul Contract Tournament!
It was worth noting that, due to recent changes on the continent, the original Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament hadn't been held for some time—and likely never would be again.
Ye Cheng had already "suggested" to his allies—Spirit Hall and the two empires—that it was time to retire the outdated tournament system. After all, who dared oppose the Lord of Baiyun City? Naturally, the answer was: "Yes, yes, of course, you're absolutely right!" That old tournament format belonged in the trash heap of history.
Besides, the current head of Spirit Hall's Seraphim lineage was the mother of his child. The actual ruler of the Star Luo Empire, Zhu Zhuqing, was his disciple. And the new Empress of the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Ke, was a graduate of Baiyun Academy… In other words, they were all his people. Holding or canceling a tournament? It was entirely up to him.
The former tournaments had been led by Spirit Hall, funded by the two empires, and supported by various factions.
Now, the new era's tournaments were led by Baiyun City, with the two empires, Spirit Hall, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and other major factions sponsoring it. Of course, the name had also changed—no longer the Soul Master Tournament, but the Soul Contract Tournament.
Thus, under Baiyun City's command, the First Soul Contract Tournament commenced!
The criteria for entry were simple: Participants must be under 30 years of age (due to limited numbers, though stricter requirements would follow in future editions) and must be a Soul Contract Master with at least one soul beast companion.
Unlike the old tournaments, which emphasized team battles between soul masters, this one focused on one-on-one duels—soul master and soul beast versus soul master and soul beast!
During the tournament, only soul skills and a soul beast's abilities were allowed. No external items such as soul guide or temporary strength-enhancing pills were permitted. Violators would be disqualified on the spot!
Every Soul Contract Master who placed in the top 100 would receive a consolation prize. As for the top three—Champion, Runner-Up, and Third Place—they would be awarded lavish rewards.
Since this was a celebration of human-soul beast cooperation, soul bones were naturally off the table as prizes—and besides, those had lost much of their rarity.
Today, Baiyun City's top-tier pills, potions, techniques, and soul guides had replaced soul rings and soul bones as the most coveted items among soul masters.
Of course, even the Champion could only choose one prize from this list.
Alternatively, if the winner chose to switch over to the Divine Ring Master path, Baiyun City would guarantee a flawless transition and help the soul master restore their peak power—or perhaps even surpass it.
In short, the rewards for the First Soul Contract Tournament were impossibly tempting for any soul master!
Unsurprisingly, the entire Douluo Continent was thrown into a frenzy the moment the announcement was made.
Countless Soul Contract Masters began preparing themselves for the fight of a lifetime!
After all, this was the very first Soul Contract Tournament!
A groundbreaking event destined to make history.
To emerge victorious here, to claim the title of Champion in the inaugural tournament—such glory would surely earn one a place in the annals of history!
With excitement soaring, qualified Soul Contract Masters began flocking to registration sites located throughout the continent—namely, the branches of Spirit Hall.
Why Spirit Hall? Simple: Baiyun City and Spirit Hall were now close partners. Given how closely their leaders were tied, calling them one big family wasn't much of an exaggeration. With Spirit Hall's vast network of branches spread across the continent, it was the most efficient choice for tournament registration.
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