"Brother, look quickly, such a handsome young man!" Meng Hongchen's eyes sparkled, her voice trembling slightly with excitement. She tugged hard on Xiao Hongchen's arm, pointing towards Lu Jingming. Xiao Hongchen rolled his eyes helplessly. He was long used to his sister's superficiality; whenever she met an attractive member of the opposite sex, Meng Hongchen would instantly turn into a lovesick fan.
"It's him!" Beibei's pupils constricted sharply the moment he saw Lu Jingming, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He clearly remembered their brief encounter outside the Star Dou Great Forest.
"Hmm? Beibei, you know him?"
"Not exactly 'know him,' but we met briefly outside the Star Dou Great Forest. Come to think of it, Xiaoya and I also met Junior Brother at that time," Beibei explained to Xu Sanshi and the others.
"Yuhao, you've seen him too?" Wang Dong looked curiously at Huo Yuhao. Lu Jingming's appearance was simply too outstanding; it was the first time he had encountered a boy who could rival him in looks. And he knew that as a girl, such looks might not be rare for him, but for a boy to possess such striking handsomeness was truly hard to ignore.
"I was unconscious after absorbing my first soul ring back then, so I didn't see him!" Huo Yuhao scratched his head a little awkwardly.
"He really is handsome. It's the first time I've seen a boy who can compare to you, Wang Dong!" Xiaoxiao also stared unblinkingly at Lu Jingming, her eyes filled with admiration. One had to admit, good looks always possessed a unique appeal. Without much need for words or other qualities, merely an outstanding appearance could naturally attract the attention of the opposite sex.
"That's March 7th and Ye Guyi. They're actually also part of St. Freya Academy's competing team!" Soon, they spotted two more familiar faces: Ye Guyi and March 7th, who had lent them aid in the Ming Dou Mountain Range.
"They're also short on members, just like us!" They noticed that St. Freya Academy also had only ten members, just like them, clearly short on numbers.
'Where are their main team members?' Wang Dong and the others wondered, somewhat confused.
"They are the main team members. St. Freya Academy's history is less than ten years. The members who won the championship last time have long since graduated," Ma Xiaotao said, more familiar with St. Freya Academy's situation. "But don't underestimate them. Although they're around the same age as you, Beibei, they are not to be taken lightly." Ma Xiaotao's expression was serious. She didn't know much about the others, but she knew a thing or two about Lu Jingming. Since he chose them as teammates, they must not be underestimated.
"Really?" Beibei and the others exchanged glances, finding it hard to imagine that peers their age would command such importance from Ma Xiaotao.
"Ma Xiaotao is right. How much shock did this city give us? Don't forget, as the champions of the last competition, we absolutely cannot underestimate them," Wang Yan said with a grave expression, adjusting his glasses. As an academy teacher, he knew very well how strong Shrek Academy's lineup was last time, yet they still lost to St. Freya Academy. So, even though Lu Jingming and the others weren't old, they still didn't dare to underestimate them. Coupled with Haiyuan City's soul tool technology and the miraculous Eye of Haiyuan, he was certain that the soul tools on St. Freya Academy's team might be even more troublesome than those on the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy's team.
Wang Yan was different from other Soul Masters; he wasn't averse to soul tools and even encouraged students to use them. He even wanted to propose reforms at Shrek Academy, but his voice carried little weight, and he couldn't persuade the other high-ranking officials of the academy. Therefore, compared to others, he could better appreciate the power of soul tools.
Lu Jingming's steps were steady as he led the St. Freya Academy team into their designated rest area. Their lounge was conveniently located between the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy and Shrek Academy. This was the core area of the Eye of Haiyuan, not only offering a superb view but also showcasing the academy's status. Besides the continent's top Soul Master Academy, the top Soul Engineer Academy, and the host St. Freya Academy, Star Luo Royal Academy's lounge was also located here. However, Xu Jiujiu, the captain of the Star Luo Royal Academy team, was nowhere to be seen in the lounge.
The sun hung high, its scorching rays bathing every corner of the Eye of Haiyuan. Suddenly, a clear phoenix cry pierced the sky, reverberating in all directions. Everyone looked towards the sound, and saw a colossal Vermillion Bird phantom covering the sky, exuding a powerful aura. It was the pressure of a Titled Douluo, instantly enveloping the entire Eye of Haiyuan and awing the hundreds of thousands of spectators. Amidst the gasps of the crowd, a high platform slowly rose from the bottom of the Eye of Haiyuan.
The Vermillion Bird phantom slowly contracted, revealing the figure of an unparalleled beauty. She had long hair, fading from red to white, flowing freely in the breeze like burning flames. With graceful steps, each footfall in the air blossomed into a vibrant, dripping red lotus, dreamlike and ethereal. Finally, she stood steadily on the massive floating main stage, her posture graceful and elegant.
"Everyone, welcome to Haiyuan City. I am Changli, Titled 'Lihuang,' temporarily acting as the City Lord of Haiyuan City. I will also be presiding over this year's All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Grand Competition." Changli's voice was clear and pleasant, yet carried an air of authority. With the aid of soul tools, her voice spread to every corner of the Eye of Haiyuan, even penetrating into the streets and alleys of the entire Haiyuan City. As she appeared, the previously noisy venue instantly quieted down. Hundreds of thousands of spectators were captivated by her presence, holding their breath.
"Now, please welcome His Majesty the Emperor of our Star Luo Empire!" Changli turned slightly, making an elegant inviting gesture. As soon as her words fell, another platform rapidly rose. Xu Jiawei, clad in golden dragon robes and wearing a crown, exuded the majesty of a monarch. Beside him, the Empress carried herself with grace, Xu Jiujiu was elegant and beautiful, and the Sky Eagle Douluo stood guard beside them. The group steadily ascended the rising platform and stepped onto the main stage.
Changli smiled and handed the amplifying soul tool to Xu Jiawei, then gracefully stepped aside, yielding the main position.
Xu Jiawei took the amplifying soul tool, cleared his throat lightly, and his voice instantly resounded throughout the venue. As the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire, his journey of thousands of miles from Star Luo City to personally attend this Soul Master Grand Competition with the Empress demonstrated his immense importance on Haiyuan City and this event. Upon arriving, he was further astonished by Haiyuan City's formidable strength and the miraculous architecture of the Eye of Haiyuan, feeling that his trip was truly worthwhile.
As Xu Jiawei appeared, the citizens of the Star Luo Empire knelt down, expressing their utmost respect for the Emperor with the most revered etiquette. The coastline was a vast expanse of dark figures, millions of people kneeling in unison, forming a magnificent spectacle that showcased the supreme authority of the imperial emperor. The participating students from various academies also stood up and bowed to Xu Jiawei in salute. As Soul Masters, they were not required to kneel, but necessary respect was an acknowledgment and deference to imperial power.
"The All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Grand Competition is a grand event for the entire Douluo Continent. This year's event is held in my Star Luo Empire, and I am very pleased. On behalf of the Star Luo Empire, I welcome the representatives of the various academies who have traveled far and wide. I hope you will display your true spirit in the month-long competition ahead!" Xu Jiawei's voice was loud and powerful, filled with anticipation for the competition and encouragement for the academies.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Over a hundred academy representatives responded in unison, their voices neat and uniform, echoing through the sky. Their eyes were filled with fighting spirit and determination; this competition was not only a test of strength but also a battle for honor.
Xu Jiawei smiled contentedly, then solemnly announced, "I will not say anything more. I believe you have been looking forward to this for a long time, and I am also very much looking forward to it. Therefore, I declare the 2024 All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Grand Competition officially open!"
As soon as his words fell, celebratory cannons boomed continuously, and countless fireworks rained down from the sky. The colorful fireworks intertwined with the technological brilliance of the Eye of Haiyuan, creating a dreamlike and illusory scene. The spectators in the venue and in Haiyuan City simultaneously cheered "Long live!", millions of voices converging into a powerful wave of sound that echoed through the heavens, as if cheering for this grand Soul Master feast, signaling the competition's grand opening under the gaze of all.
Xu Jiawei pulled the Empress back and sat on the main stage seats. They would watch the upcoming matches from this optimal viewing spot.
Changli once again stood in the center of the main stage, cleared her throat, and spoke in a steady, clear voice: "According to the established rules of the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Grand Competition, the first round will adopt a knockout system. In this Grand Competition, a total of 133 Soul Master Academies and Soul Engineer Academies have registered. After a fair and just drawing process, one academy will receive a bye, and the remaining academies will engage in sixty-six duels. The winner of each match will successfully advance, while the loser will conclude their journey in this competition."
"Now, let us welcome the representative team from the Heaven Spirit Advanced Soul Master Academy of the Dou Ling Empire, and the champion academy of the previous competition—the representative team from St. Freya Academy of the Star Luo Empire!"
As soon as Changli's words fell, the entire Haiyuan City instantly ignited, falling into a frenzy. Deafening shouts surged like a mighty tide. However, surprisingly, these shouts were not directed at any specific academy, but rather uniformly called out the same name: "Robin! Robin! Robin!"
The immense roar clearly showcased Robin's immense popularity among the public, making the scene truly spectacular. The competing students from other academies couldn't help but inwardly click their tongues at the fervent shouts. As Soul Masters, they usually devoted themselves to study and cultivation, rarely having leisure time to pay attention to external affairs. Even if they occasionally heard Robin's name, they found it difficult to truly grasp Robin's soaring popularity among the common people.
"Ugh! If we accidentally hurt Miss Robin in a match, we might get devoured alive by these crazy spectators!" Xiaoxiao involuntarily shrunk her neck, her face filled with worry as she muttered softly, listening to the almost terrifying cheers. Beibei and the others' lips twitched slightly, silently agreeing. Looking at the spectators' near-crazed fervor, what Xiaoxiao said was indeed not impossible. In fact, it wasn't just Beibei and the others who had this worry; the competing students from other academies also felt the same. Everyone knew that, given the situation, anyone who heavily injured Miss Robin in a match and angered these enthusiastic spectators might truly be drowned by their collective spit.
Facing such a fervent scene, the seven participating students from Heaven Spirit Advanced Soul Master Academy were instantly dumbfounded. Being the first to appear and facing the champions of the previous competition already put immense pressure on them. Now, the audience's one-sided fervent reaction was like a heavy hammer, leaving them somewhat at a loss.
Under the scorching gaze of hundreds of thousands of spectators, the seven members of Heaven Spirit Advanced Soul Master Academy nervously walked towards the arena. Each of their faces was slightly pale, and their steps were somewhat unsteady, but fortunately, they still managed to maintain some composure. After all, under the watchful eyes of such a massive audience, and in the extreme situation where the audience unilaterally supported their opponent, their courage to even step onto the stage was already commendable.
"Let's go, it's our turn to appear," Lu Jingming said calmly, a faint smile on his face. Although this was his first time stepping onto a competition stage, and his first time competing in such a highly anticipated event, what was curious was that he felt no nervousness at all, as calm as a placid lake.
In contrast, Castorice and March 7th were not as composed. Castorice was naturally introverted and a bit socially anxious, and such a grand and noisy scene made her feel completely uncomfortable, unsure where to put her hands and feet. March 7th was purely nervous, unconsciously clutching the hem of her clothes, a stiff smile on her face.
Jinhsi and Robin, having been active in the public eye for a long time, were already accustomed to this fervent atmosphere of being the center of attention. Their expressions were natural, and their demeanor exuded composure and confidence. Gu Yue, on the other hand, was cold and aloof, her mind solely focused on the upcoming match, not even bothering to notice the dense crowd on the stands. Firefly had faced large crowds before; she wasn't afraid of billions of bugs and was a veteran forged in battle, so this kind of scene was nothing to her, showing no signs of stage fright. As for the reserve team members Lan Susu, Lan Luoluo, and Ye Guyi, they weren't overly nervous. After all, they weren't the ones about to compete; they just needed to be ready below the stage, awaiting any potential opportunity to substitute.
As the champions of the previous competition, according to the rules of past competitions, St. Freya Academy had to be the first to compete. They had prepared for this mentally and made thorough pre-match preparations. And so, the group of seven, led by Lu Jingming, walked steadily towards the competition stage.
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