"Crown Prince, I have two pieces of intelligence from different directions that I believe will interest you."
At the Eastern Palace in Mingdu, Sun Moon Empire, a senior attendant respectfully presented two scrolls to the Wheelchair Crown Prince, who sat before a desk.
"Where are these reports from?" Xu Tianran casually took the scrolls and asked.
"One is from Star Luo City, and the other is from Evil Forest."
*"Clink!"*
Xu Tianran's fingers tightened around the scrolls, his expression deepening as he quickly unrolled them.
The Holy Spirit Church's headquarters were in Evil Forest. Any stir there meant that dangerous Evil Soul Masters were on the move, and it was a major operation; otherwise, they wouldn't have sent word.
After quickly scanning the contents of both scrolls, a surprised expression appeared on Xu Tianran's face. He murmured to himself,
"I can't believe the Mingde Hall Master is so valiant, capturing Shrek's Vice Dean alive in Star Luo City. This greatly boosts our nation's prestige."
"And this Holy Spirit Church, to mobilize such a large force, also heading to Star Luo City or Shrek City—how strange. Do all these major powers enjoy clashing with Shrek?"
After a moment of thought, Xu Tianran noticed that the section about Jing Hongchen mentioned the Sun Moon Battle Team's excellent performance in this year's competition. His gaze involuntarily focused on the name "Kong Tianxi."
"I'd only heard before that this person had remarkable talent in Soul Guided Devices, but I never imagined his cultivation would be so impressive. I wonder which imperial lineage he belongs to…"
The attendant before him lowered his head, remaining silent. Xu Tianran had previously ordered him to investigate Kong Tianxi's background, but he had found nothing, as if an invisible hand had wiped away all traces of him.
"Star Luo City is so lively right now. It would be a shame if I didn't go see it for myself…"
A flicker of longing passed through Xu Tianran's eyes. He whispered, "Xue Chen, prepare to accompany me to Star Luo City. I have a hunch that this trip will bring significant gains."
"Yes."
...
Days later, in Star Luo City, dawn broke.
Star Luo Square was bustling with people. A ten-meter-wide red carpet stretched from the Imperial City gate to the Competition Stage. Xu Jiawei, surrounded by four Titled Douluo, strode out and headed directly for the stage.
The thunderous shouts of "Long live!" drowned out all other sounds. The four academy teams in the four waiting areas also rose to attention.
Amidst the cheers of his subjects, Xu Jiawei ascended the Competition Stage and delivered a routine speech, announcing that after observing the Grand Competition for over a month, he would personally preside over the drawing ceremony for the semi-finals among the top four teams.
Xiao Hongchen, unable to contain his impatience, quietly transmitted a message: "In the previous top four matches, our opponents forfeited without even fighting. I hope this time we can face opponents worthy of a battle."
Xu Tianxi calmly replied, "The top four teams are all old acquaintances. Besides us and Shrek, it's Star Luo Royal Academy and Dio Academy. Whether we can fight them is unknown, but they definitely won't forfeit."
Just then, Xu Jiawei announced that the captains of each team should come up for the drawing.
Ma Rulong didn't move, instead looking back at Xu Tianxi. "Junior, you go."
Xu Tianxi was momentarily stunned. "Senior Ma, isn't that inappropriate?"
"You're a better fighter than me. It's appropriate," Ma Rulong stated firmly.
Xu Tianxi pondered for two seconds, then, without being overly modest, nodded and said, "Alright, I'll go up then."
With that, he gave a slight bow to Ma Rulong and strode towards the Competition Stage.
His appearance drew many surprised and uncertain gazes. Xu Jiujiu and the Dio Academy Captain, who were also ascending the stage, showed a moment of surprise in their eyes before understanding dawned. Ma Xiaotao's eyes narrowed slightly, radiating a scorching heat.
The four ascended the stage under the watchful eyes of Xu Jiawei and the Titled Douluo. After some pleasantries from Xu Jiawei, four balls of light rose into the air.
Ma Xiaotao and the Dio Academy Captain simultaneously leaped, each grabbing a small ball. Xu Tianxi and Xu Jiujiu remained still until the two small balls descended, then each reached out to catch one.
Xu Tianxi glanced at his, announcing the number: "Number One."
"Number One!" Ma Xiaotao followed immediately, her gaze fixed directly on Xu Tianxi's calm face.
At this point, the result was set.
Xu Jiawei smiled and nodded, then checked the numbers of all four individuals, confirming there was no public fraud. He then gave a look to Star Shattering Douluo.
Star Shattering Douluo stepped forward and loudly announced the result: "In the first semi-final match, Shrek Academy will face the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy!"
Before his words had fully faded, a thunderous roar erupted from the audience. Shouts of "Shrek" and "Sun Moon Battle Team" soared into the sky, clearly audible for dozens of miles around.
In the previous top four matches, it wasn't just the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy's opponent who forfeited; Shrek's opponent also chose to surrender. It was a spectacle, something that had never happened in previous Grand Competitions.
And for these old rivals, who typically only met in the finals, to clash early was a major event that hadn't occurred in a long time.
Upon learning the result, Xu Tianxi, whose expression had shown a moment of surprise, smiled at Xu Jiawei and the others, then turned to leave the stage.
Just then, a fiery female voice suddenly came from behind him.
"We will defend Shrek's honor with our lives!"
Xu Tianxi paused, turned his head, and smiled at Ma Xiaotao, saying lightly:
"Empty threats are useless. Let's see the real strength in battle. If you can't win the team fight, you're bound to lose this battle."
"We will never lose!"
Ma Xiaotao stared directly at Xu Tianxi's broad back, making her fierce declaration as she left the stage.
Xu Jiujiu and the Dio Academy Captain followed her off the stage. Xu Jiawei's face was filled with a relaxed smile.
If those Evil Soul Masters are truly interested in this female student from Shrek, then it's best to send them away as soon as possible. It's fine if you cause trouble in Shrek City, just don't mess around in my Star Luo City.
After giving a few instructions to Star Shattering Douluo, Xu Jiawei led his people away, preparing to leave the Competition Stage to the two teams, who were already bristling with anticipation.
The Sun Moon Battle Team's resting area was filled with surprise, but no panic. Instead, there was an atmosphere of joyous excitement.
"I can't believe we get to send Shrek packing in the semifinals. I can't wait," Xiao Hongchen said, stretching languidly, his signature flippant smile returning.
Ma Rulong rubbed his hands together, his knuckles cracking. "Finally, it's my turn to fight. I'm quite impatient."
Xu Tianxi looked at Jing Hongchen and calmly said, "Dean, just in case, could I use the items we auctioned off earlier?"
"Items? Haven't those cannonballs already been given to… Oh, you mean that?"
A question mark appeared on Jing Hongchen's forehead, then he understood. He pulled out the Level 8 Melee Soul Guided Device, the Tyrant Tiger Soul Refining Blade.
"Yes." Xu Tianxi took the sabre-like Tyrant Tiger Soul Refining Blade and swung it a few times, its sharp edge cutting through the air.
"This thing requires a Soul Sage-level Soul Master to use. Are you sure you can handle it?" Jing Hongchen asked, a little worried.
"Don't worry, Grandfather, when has he ever had a problem?" Xiao Hongchen answered for Xu Tianxi, and Jing Hongchen chuckled.
"Don't worry, Dean, I'm fully prepared this time. Don't forget those high-level Soul Guided Devices I got your early approval for." Xu Tianxi put away the Tyrant Tiger Soul Refining Blade, a confident smile on his face.
...
Meanwhile, in Shrek's resting area, the two Elders and three Deans had grim expressions, their faces as dark as water.
The Star Luo Empire's move clearly signaled their lack of cooperation.
The five exchanged glances, discussing what to do after the match.
"I don't think we need to wait. Once this match is over, we'll create a disturbance, and everyone can take the opportunity to act and capture Jing Hongchen!"
"Exactly. The atmosphere in Star Luo City has been increasingly strange these past few days, with many powerful, unusual presences. As long as someone makes the first move, it will ignite the situation…"
"Yes, let's do that…"
At the same time, Zhang Lexuan and Wang Yan sighed inwardly, encouraging Ma Xiaotao, Bei Bei, and the others to relax and fight unburdened.
Du Weilun glanced at the seven members of the main team and lightly coughed:
"Caitou, your leg isn't convenient. Don't go up for this fight. Let Ning Tian take your place; her support abilities are better suited for this battle."
He Caitou paused, then nodded gently. A bewildered Ning Tian was suddenly called up, approaching hesitantly.
This change didn't affect the Shrek Battle Team's overall morale. The seven encouraged each other for a moment, then ascended the stage in their signature dark green school uniforms.
On the Sun Moon side, Ma Rulong and Lin Xi replaced two weaker main team members, joining Xu Tianxi and the other two on stage.
Ma Rulong finally performed his duty as the main team captain, negotiating with Shrek on behalf of the Sun Moon Battle Team. As expected, Ma Xiaotao gave him a cold shoulder.
Seeing this, the Sun Moon Battle Team's expressions turned cold, and a burst of hoarse, excited laughter came from a cluster of black-clad figures in the audience.
"Hehehe, truly worthy of being the Saintess, the Holy Emperor's manifestation. What personality…"
"This Elder loves the Saintess's arrogant gaze. What perfect charisma, truly delightful…"
"I heard the Saintess is Yan Shaozhe's disciple and Mu En's grand-disciple. Mu En is dead, and now that I, Zhang Peng, have re-emerged, I can't believe my first target is his grand-disciple. How wonderful…"
"Scorpion Tiger Offering is right. Yan Shaozhe gave our Church an Evil Phoenix; now he's giving our Church an Evil Fire Phoenix. He truly has a connection with our Church, hehehe…"
The black-clad figure seated in the center held a Scepter, directing the scene:
"Everyone listen! They'll definitely fight very hard in this match. After we enjoy the Saintess's performance, we'll make our move and give Shrek and Star Luo City a big surprise!"
"Yes! We obey the Sect Master's command!" The Evil Soul Masters responded in unison.
They had rushed to Star Luo City day and night for the Fire Phoenix Saintess, arriving two days ago, but hadn't found a suitable opportunity until now.
In the east, the Body Sect's Golden Body Douluo, Jin Peng, wearing a mask, surveyed his surroundings and commanded his subordinates:
"Besides us, I faintly sense over twenty Titled Douluo presences lurking here. Everyone be careful; the atmosphere in this place is very abnormal."
"Yes." Over ten voices responded almost simultaneously.
In the south, Xuanming Sect, Xiao Changfeng and Xu Fu sat shoulder to shoulder, whispering to the straw-hatted elder seated between them, "Teacher, something seems amiss?"
Xu Xiaoyun pulled his straw hat lower, his voice conveying an unprecedented seriousness. "Both of you be careful. I faintly sensed a very strong evil aura. If anything unexpected happens on the competition stage later, your first priority is to protect Tian Xi."
In the west, the Soul Engineers huddled together. Kong Deming, leading his disciples, his gaze flickering between south and north, raised an eyebrow. "To come out on a whim and encounter such a special occasion, it's truly rare."
"Xu Tianran is here too, and he's mixed in with those Evil Soul Masters… It seems there's no dispute about his ascension to the throne."
Just then, Star Shattering Douluo announced the start of the match and soared into the air.
The five members of the Sun Moon Battle Team moved in unison. Ma Rulong and Xiao Hongchen, along with three main team members, unleashed their full power. Various Level 5 and Level 6 Soul Guided Devices appeared in their hands, their Soul Power surging.
Suddenly, countless light spheres condensed from Soul Power burst forth from the five, like a peacock fanning its tail, hurtling towards Shrek at astonishing speed.
On Shrek's side, the rarely seen Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda rose into the air, emitting three dazzling streams of light that fell upon the six individuals.
"I'll take you on!"
Ma Xiaotao's Evil Fire flared intensely. Her first three Soul Rings lit up simultaneously, and her leg Soul Bones erupted with scorching air currents. She shot into the sky, spewing raging Evil Fire, meeting the light spheres released by the Sun Moon Battle Team.
"Everyone, attack together! Overlord, Thunder Domain!"
Bei Bei roared, the blue-purple lightning around his body turning golden. His Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon evolved into a Light Sacred Dragon, and surging lightning covered a twenty-meter radius. With outstretched dragon claws, he lunged at Xu Tianxi.
Boosted by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Bei Bei's Soul Power, which was already close to a Soul King's, greatly increased. With the awakening of his Light Sacred Dragon, he believed he could temporarily contend with the Sun Moon Reserve Team Captain before him.
As Bei Bei acted, She Yang, Jiang Nannan, and Hu Yanbashan charged out simultaneously. The first two attacked Meng Hongchen, while Hu Yanbashan leaped into the air, activating his Third Soul Skill, Mount Tai Pressure, descending upon Xu Tianxi like a crushing mountain.
Ling Luochen waved her Ice Staff, and a flurry of snow swept forth, colliding with the Soul Guided Device light spheres from the Sun Moon side, one from above and one with the Phoenix Evil Fire from below.
A dazzling, colorful torrent of light engulfed the Competition Stage, countless eyes fixed intently on the chaotic battlefield.
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Translation by: randomtranslator.com
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