The schedule of the Grand Finals operated like a precisely calibrated machine, unfolding day after day on the massive arena before the Papal Hall, showcasing the most peak-level duels among young Soul Masters. Sweat, blood, cheers, and tears intertwined. Teams continuously fell, departing dejectedly, while others fought through bloodshed, advancing with heads held high. The outlines of the strongest became increasingly clear through each collision, and several widely acknowledged championship favorites, like stars surrounding the moon, firmly captured everyone's attention.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team One, or rather Marco Lee, continued his unstoppable, unfathomable sweep through the competition. Any opponent before him struggled to last more than a few rounds, often collapsing before even forcing him to unleash a complete Spirit Ability. His power had already become a "common understanding," a kind of "despair" that extinguished any thought of resistance. The focus of discussion had long shifted from "whether he could win" to "how much of his strength his opponent could force out."
After a first-round bye, Shrek Academy also entered their battles. Tang San's injuries were recovering at an astonishing rate thanks to medicine, the Profound Heaven Skill, and Ning Rongrong's assistance. Although a dull ache in his waist and abdomen and internal injuries remained, occasionally causing slight stagnation when Soul Power flowed to the affected areas, it no longer hindered him from exerting most of his combat power. Relying on Tang San's Hidden Weapons, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing's Netherworld White Tiger, Ning Rongrong's (hiding the fact of her evolution, still presenting as the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda) powerful support, and the desperate fights of Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and others, they stumbled forward yet advanced resolutely, defeating several formidable foes, including a veteran powerhouse team from the Star Luo Empire. Their fighting style was equally iron-willed and tenacious, carrying a do-or-die determination. Different from War Academy's military-style ferocity, theirs was more like a desperate, frenzied counterattack when pushed to the brink, equally leaving a deep impression.
The Star Luo Royal Academy team, led by Captain Davis and Vice-Captain Zhu Zhuqing, displayed the absolute strength befitting the overlords of the Star Luo Empire's younger generation. They won almost every match with overwhelming force. Davis's strength was unfathomable, Zhu Zhuqing's methods were bizarre and ever-changing, and their Netherworld White Tiger was only revealed once against a powerful Soul King team, its might shaking heaven and earth, instantly deciding the battle. Their path to advancement appeared dominant and ruthless.
The Spirit Hall team, meanwhile, remained shrouded in a veil of mystery. They appeared infrequently, but each time won cleanly and efficiently, with the participating members rarely exceeding four. Captain Xie Yue, Vice-Captain Hu Liena, and core member Yan—these three leaders hailed as the "Golden Generation"—made few moves, but each time they did, it sent shivers down the spines of onlookers. The Soul Power levels, Spirit Ability potency, and combat control they displayed far surpassed their peers, quietly confirming the rumors of them being "Soul Emperors." They were like dormant beasts of prey, awaiting the moment to finally bare their fangs.
Finally, amidst the anticipation of countless spectators and the unease of the various academies, the draw for the Grand Finals' top four matchups was settled before the Papal Hall. Presided over personally by a Spirit Hall cardinal in red robes, it unfolded under the gaze of tens of thousands of eyes.
When the match results were announced loudly, transmitted through Soul Power across the entire plaza, the arena first fell into dead silence, then erupted with deafening uproar!
"Grand Finals matchups, first match: Shrek Academy versus Star Luo Royal Academy!"
"Second match: Spirit Hall Academy Team versus Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team One!"
"Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team Two receives a bye, automatically advancing to the loser's bracket revival match!"
As the results were announced, some rejoiced while others despaired, but more than anything, there was extreme anticipation for these two upcoming matches that could be called fateful duels!
Shrek versus Star Luo Royal! This was the life-and-death duel between Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing and Davis, Zhu Zhuqing! It was the direct collision between an exiled prince and the reigning crown prince! A bloody preview of the Star Luo Empire's cruel inheritance rules on the Grand Finals stage!
Spirit Hall versus Heaven Dou Royal Team One! This was the contest between the sacred land of Soul Masters and the Heaven Dou Empire! A clash between the Golden Generation and the new generation led by Marco.
As for Marco's Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team Two receiving the bye, though they would still have to face two teams in the revival match, at this moment, almost no one paid attention. All focus converged on those two matches that were about to ignite the entire Soul Master Realm.
After the drawing ceremony concluded, the sky had unknowingly turned gloomy, with heavy dark clouds hanging low like lead blocks, enveloping the entire Spirit City. A drizzling rain began to fall, pattering on the smooth stone pavement and splashing tiny droplets. The air grew damp and oppressive, as if foretelling the coming storm.
Each team returned to their respective lodgings in the light rain with vastly different emotions. The atmosphere was heavy, footsteps slow and weighted.
The mood in the living room was even more oppressive than the weather outside. Dai Mubai sat on a chair, hands clenched tightly, knuckles white, his Evil Eyes churning with hatred, resentment, and a deeply hidden trace of fear. Zhu Zhuqing stood beside him, her expression as cool as ever, but her slightly trembling fingertips betrayed the turmoil within. The situation they most feared and least wanted to face prematurely had still arrived.
Tang San sat cross-legged nearby, his face somewhat indistinct in the dim light, only his eyes shining startlingly bright, burning with cold flames. This wasn't just for his companions—his own grudges with Spirit Hall and Marco filled him with an obsession to win any battle.
"Finally... we're matched against them after all." Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang's voice was hoarse. Before him lay a sheet of paper covered densely with intelligence analysis and tactical deductions about Star Luo Royal Academy. "Mu Bai, Zhu Qing, this is your fate, unavoidable. All we can do is fight with everything we have to seize that slim chance of survival."
Flender adjusted his glasses, the lenses misted with moisture: "The Netherworld White Tiger duel is key, but not everything. Davis and Zhu Zhuqing's individual strength is also extremely formidable. We must create openings in other positions. Rongrong, your support is crucial, but must be used precisely, especially in protecting yourself—they'll likely target you."
Ning Rongrong nodded firmly, her small face filled with determination.
Zhao Wuji clenched his fist: "What's there to fear? Let's just fight! Mu Bai, Zhu Qing, remember—you're not fighting alone! What storms haven't our Shrek weathered before?"
Dai Mubai took a deep breath, slowly stood up, and looked at each of his companions. In a solemn voice, he said, "Thank you, everyone. This battle is not for glory, but for life and death. I, Dai Mubai, swear here that I will fight with all my might, to the death without retreat! And I ask all of you to help me and Zhu Qing fight for a future!"
"Seven Monsters as one, sharing life and death!" Tang San stood up, his voice not loud but resolute and unwavering.
"Seven Monsters as one, sharing life and death!" The others echoed in unison, their voices reverberating through the rainy Night, carrying a tragic yet determined power.
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