As dawn broke, the first rays of sunlight pierced through the dense clouds, illuminating the mountains and casting light upon Heaven Dou City.
As the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou City was bustling with activity. Today was an important day for the city, with all hotels having been fully booked for a month in advance.
Nobles and forces from various regions had gathered in Heaven Dou City with a simple goal: to watch the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament and recruit their preferred talents.
"Wow, so many people," Xiao Wu exclaimed, looking around in amazement. As a hundred-thousand-year-old soul beast, this grand event was a feast for her eyes.
"Hey, what academy is that?"
"They're dressed in red. Could they be from the Blazing Academy?"
"No, my cousin is a student at Blazing Academy. I've seen their uniforms. Although Blazing Academy's uniforms are also red, they don't have the same noble aura."
Walking down the street, the Shrek Eleven Monsters, in their red attire, attracted everyone's attention. The unique style and exquisite embroidery on their clothes drew the eyes of many passersby.
"Where can I buy those clothes? I want to get some too!"
"Look, their chests have embroidery: Tang Sect—Shrek."
"Tang Sect—Shrek? I've never heard of Tang Sect, but I've heard of Shrek. Could they be from Shrek Academy?"
"I've decided. For the next academic year, I'm enrolling in Shrek Academy. Those uniforms are just too cool."
Unlike the original storyline, the Shrek Eleven Monsters weren't wearing the garish, green, advertisement-laden outfits. Instead, they donned traditional Huaxia-style attire.
The designer of these outfits was none other than Mu Chen.
Mu Chen, as the spiritual pillar of Shrek Academy and now, with Shrek Academy serving as a dojo for the Tang Sect, was the sect leader of the Tang Sect. As the headmaster of Shrek Academy, Flender naturally consulted Mu Chen about the uniform design. After some thought, Mu Chen chose garments suitable for both the royal court and the battlefield. The color was a bold Chinese red.
"Boss Mu, it'd be such a shame not to wear these clothes while courting girls. Can I keep wearing them after the tournament?" Ma Hongjun asked with a grin.
"Of course. You're now the deputy sect leader of the Tang Sect," Mu Chen replied.
Wearing the prestigious attire, the Shrek Eleven Monsters walked proudly and confidently into the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena.
"Captain, weren't we going to mock them?"
On the steps leading to the arena, students from Canghui Academy watched Mu Chen and his companions leave. One of them couldn't help but remind their captain.
"Damn it, how did Shrek Academy get so rich all of a sudden? The fabric and craftsmanship of those clothes are top-notch. We planned to mock them, but I didn't expect them to be so wealthy. Let's go. When we face them in the tournament, we'll teach them a lesson. Winning isn't about looking good," Canghui Academy's captain said, glaring at Ning Rongrong and the others as they departed.
The students from Canghui Academy were unaware that in the Soto City Great Spirit Arena, Flender and the Shrek Eight Monsters had made a considerable amount of money. The scene from the original storyline would not repeat itself.
Soon, the opening ceremony of the tournament began. Sitting at the center of the high platform, Emperor Xue Ye asked, "Sect Master Ning, what are your thoughts on this year's tournament?"
"Nothing noteworthy," Ning Fengzhi, seated to the right of Emperor Xue Ye, replied.
"Of course, the final champion will undoubtedly be the Wuhun Hall Academy," Saris, the Platinum Bishop of the Wuhun Hall, seated to the left of Emperor Xue Ye, said with a smug smile.
"No, you misunderstand. I mean that in the Heaven Dou City division, because of one academy team, this year's tournament lacks any suspense. They are destined to be the champions," Ning Fengzhi said.
"Hmph!" Saris sneered, glancing mockingly at Ning Fengzhi.
Under the host's guidance, the twenty-eight participating teams from the Heaven Dou City division entered the arena in an orderly fashion. After Emperor Xue Ye delivered his speech, the tournament officially commenced.
"Brother, look, the village chief is here too," Xiao Wu pointed in a direction.
"Yes," Mu Chen nodded.
In the direction Xiao Wu pointed, the village chief of Emperor Soul Village had traveled a great distance to watch Mu Chen's matches.
"Tang San," Mu Chen called.
"Here," Tang San responded.
"After the Tang Sect is established, Emperor Soul Village can send a child each year to train with us. If their talent meets the standards, they can become an inner disciple. If not, they can join as an outer disciple to help with chores," Mu Chen instructed.
Seeing the village chief of Emperor Soul Village, Mu Chen suddenly remembered that despite his success, he hadn't done much for his birthplace.
"Understood," Tang San replied.
Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, Meng Yiran, and Xue Ke all looked at Mu Chen with appreciation. Despite his success, Mu Chen hadn't forgotten his roots, which earned their admiration.
"Boss Mu, Saint Soul Village has treated me well. Can we extend the same courtesy to them?" Tang San asked.
Tang San, as deputy sect leader of the Tang Sect, needed Mu Chen's approval for such significant matters.
"Sure," Mu Chen agreed, looking at Tang San with satisfaction.
In the original storyline, after achieving success, Tang San hadn't thought of helping Saint Soul Village. Seeing Mu Chen's consideration for Emperor Soul Village had influenced Tang San, prompting him to think of Saint Soul Village. Unknowingly, Mu Chen was beginning to impact Tang San's life choices.
"Thank you," Tang San said with a grateful smile.
Under the host's guidance, Platinum Bishop Saris slowly stood. Led by court maidens, he approached the host to draw lots.
As the Platinum Bishop of the Wuhun Hall, Saris was extremely arrogant. Each time he drew a pair of opponents, he handed them to the host to announce. Reading the names of academies inferior to the Wuhun Hall Academy seemed beneath him.
"Preliminary round, first match: Canghui Academy versus Zixing Academy."
"Preliminary round, first match: Blazing Academy versus Botanical Academy."
"Preliminary round, first match: Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team Two versus Shrek Academy."
...
With Saris drawing lots, the preliminary round matchups were quickly determined.
"We're up against Heaven Dou Royal Academy's second team?" Xiao Wu laughed.
"Even though they're the second team, they're still from Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Their strength might be similar to the first team. Well, I'll set a goal for you: win in one minute," Flender said with a smile.
"No need. Half a minute," Mu Chen said.
"Half a minute? Are you sure?" Flender asked.
"I'm sure. Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, any issues?" Mu Chen inquired.
"Me?"
"Me?"
Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong looked at Mu Chen in surprise.
"For the first round, you two will compete against Heaven Dou Royal Academy's second team. I'll give you thirty seconds to defeat them. Any issues?" Mu Chen asked.
-Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LegendaryTL
Thanks!