Ch.27: Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament

The Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament commenced on the following day, with the three Titled Douluo sitting high in the stands to oversee the proceedings. A striking hostess, bearing purple wings on her back and clad in an elegant white dress, made her entrance. Her noble demeanor and grace revealed her status as a Spirit King, and her voice, carried through special soul guidance, resonated across the venue.

"Today marks the official start of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament. We will employ a lottery system to select two academies for a 6-on-6 face-off. The victor proceeds to the next round, and so on, until the champion is determined," she announced, her cold voice echoing through the arena.

She went on to establish some ground rules, emphasizing that private fights, illegal props, and soul tools were strictly prohibited during the competition. Participants could only wear their academy uniforms. The audience grew restless with anticipation, and the flags representing each academy unfurled as cheers filled the air. When the fervor finally died down, the host held up a list and proclaimed, "For the first match, we have Tian Ling Advanced Soul Academy versus Hollow Beast Academy!" The crowd erupted in cheers once more.

In response to the cheers, Dugu Xin and his teammates strode onto the arena. However, not all voices were supportive. Some spectators doubted Hollow Beast Academy's chances, saying, "Hollow Beast Academy used to be a top-ten academy in the continent, but now it's fallen to the bottom for five consecutive years. I doubt this year will be any different."

Others joined in, expressing similar skepticism. "Tian Ling Advanced Soul Academy already has one victory in the bag. What a stroke of luck!" They even started gambling, offering odds against Hollow Beast Academy. "Betting! Betting! Odds are 1.5 to 1 for Tian Ling Advanced Soul Academy and 5 to 1 for Hollow Beast Academy."

This time, Dugu Xin didn't bother refuting the criticism. He simply turned to Meng Shu with a confident smile and remarked, "Let's open their eyes and win this one."

Ma Jun chimed in with enthusiasm, "Absolutely! Let's prove them wrong!" Yao Chen added humor to the situation, saying, "I'm glad I bet all our spare funds on us winning!"

Their banter lightened the atmosphere, and even Ma Jun and Yao Chen shared a laugh. As they prepared for the match, the tension began to dissipate. However, the host, noticing the growing tension between the two teams, intervened, "It appears that both teams have finished their warm-ups. Let's not waste any more time. The game is officially underway!"

Tian Ling Advanced Soul Academy's team stepped onto the stage first. Their captain, with a mocking tone, sneered, "Hollow Beast Academy, I never thought you'd have the audacity to show up, especially given your five-year streak at the bottom. Maybe it's time to disband?"

Ma Jun was about to retaliate, but Dugu Xin held him back, smirking. "Let's see if you're still laughing after the match."

The beautiful host didn't let the confrontation drag on and swiftly announced the commencement of the match. As the game began, the Tian Ling Advanced Soul Academy team appeared with their respective introductions.

"Hai Sheng, Level 43 Power Attack System, Martial Soul: Golden Lion," the captain declared. Four spirit rings, in the configuration of yellow, yellow, purple, and purple, adorned his feet.

The next player was Wang Yingjie, "Level 37 Power Attack System, Martial Soul: Green Bamboo Spear." He also had four spirit rings, in the same standard configuration.

Wang Yingwu followed suit, "Level 36 Power Attack System, Martial Soul: Spider Scythe." Like the others, he had four spirit rings in the standard configuration.

Their introductions continued, revealing Zhang Tianhui as a Level 23 Control System Spirit Master with a Martial Soul of Ghost Vine. Liu Shaojie, a Level 23 Defense System Spirit Master, possessed a Martial Soul named Dark Overlord Shield. Finally, a sweet-looking girl named Han Mei was introduced as a Level 22 Auxiliary System Spirit Master with the Martial Soul Rosy Peach. She had two yellow spirit rings under her feet. Dugu Xin and his team listened attentively, but their expressions remained calm and unimpressed.

When it was Hollow Beast Academy's turn, Meng Shu grinned, "Meng Shu, Level 39 Power Attack System, Martial Soul: Dragon Staff." Three spirit rings glowed beneath his feet, matching the standard configuration.

Ma Jun followed with a boisterous introduction, "Ma Jun, Level 31 Power Attack System, Martial Soul: Flame War Horse." Yao Chen, not one to be outdone, proclaimed, "Yao Chen, Level 34 Agility Attack System, Martial Soul: Black Lined Ghost Leopard."

Chao Tianxiang and Ye Jingying followed with more measured responses. Chao Tianxiang announced, "Chao Tianxiang, Level 31 Agility Attack System, Martial Soul: Serpent Cane." Ye Jingying, on the other hand, was more serious as she stated, "Ye Jingying, Level 26 Auxiliary System, Martial Soul: War Flag. I look forward to a challenging match."

Their recent intensive training had paid off, with most team members advancing at least one level in soul power. Ma Jun and Chao Tianxiang had even reached the level of Spirit Elders. Finally, it was Dugu Xin's turn. His Monochrome Phosphor Serpent Emperor emerged behind him, and he declared, "Dugu Xin, Level 55 Control System Spirit King, Martial Soul: Monochrome Phosphor Serpent Emperor." The five spirit rings beneath his feet, in the configuration of yellow, purple, purple, black, and black, left the audience stunned.

The introduction sent shockwaves through the audience, including the three Titled Douluo overseeing the tournament. Captain Tian Yingrong of Tian Ling Advanced Soul Academy exchanged determined glances with his team and then muttered to them, "In team battles, cooperation is key. But let's not forget our secret weapon."

Their expressions brightened, knowing they had an ace up their sleeve. Hai Sheng fixed his gaze on Dugu Xin, who remained unperturbed by their preparations. The tension in the arena was palpable as the impending battle loomed.

.........…

The battle was set in motion as Hai Sheng unleashed his soul power. His third soul ring lit up, and he snarled, "Hmph, 3rd Spirit Skill: Light Minefield!"

As Hai Sheng's soul power surged, beams of light materialized under the feet of Dugu Xin and his teammates. Everyone, except Dugu Xin, hastily evaded these dangerous lights. Dugu Xin maintained a faint smile as the second spirit ring under his feet gleamed. In an instant, a crimson poisonous mist filled the arena, shrouding Hai Sheng and his comrades. The moment they were enveloped by the mist, they felt their strength diminish by 10%, and their muscles began to ache, making it increasingly difficult to breathe.

Hai Sheng, feeling the effects of the mist, grew frantic. He resorted to frantic insults, hoping to provoke Dugu Xin into facing the battle head-on, which would potentially give him the opportunity to stop the poisonous mist. Amid his taunts, Hai Sheng ridiculed, "Your Hollow Beast Academy is full of nothing but cowardly rats, garbage, and beasts."

Dugu Xin's voice, cold as ice, cut through the mist. "Hai Sheng, while I understand that you're deliberately trying to provoke me, insulting the Hollow Beast Academy is a mistake you'll regret."

In a sudden move, Dugu Xin materialized in front of Hai Sheng. Despite the excruciating pain coursing through his body due to the poison, Hai Sheng sneered, "You finally showed up."

He activated his second spirit skill, Lion's Rage, causing his body to swell as he launched a powerful blow toward Dugu Xin.

Dugu Xin didn't shy away from the challenge. He met Hai Sheng's formidable fist with one of his own, astonishing Hai Sheng. Hai Sheng couldn't comprehend it. "Impossible! You're just a Control System Spirit Master. How can you possibly contend with me, a Power Attack System Spirit Master?"

Dugu Xin looked at Hai Sheng with a mixture of amusement and disdain. "Even though I'm a Control System Spirit Master, I am more than ten levels higher than you. Did the sight of my spirit ring configuration made you an idiot?"

Dugu Xin activated his first spirit ring, using Cursed Shroud to propel Hai Sheng even further away. Dugu Xin quickly closed the gap, standing before the bewildered Hai Sheng. In a chilling tone, he declared, "I told you that you would regret it." With that, he delivered a powerful blow, sending Hai Sheng hurtling out of the arena.

The audience watched in astonishment as Hai Sheng was abruptly expelled from the arena, his body enveloped in the lingering red mist. Meanwhile, the remaining members of the Tian Ling Advanced Soul Academy team succumbed to the poison's effects, collapsing one by one. Sensing that everyone had been incapacitated, Dugu Xin deactivated his second spirit ring. As the poisonous mist dissipated, the shocking results became clear: the entire Tian Ling Advanced Soul Academy team lay unconscious, while the Hollow Beast Academy team stood nonchalantly.

Outside the arena, onlookers were stunned. The Hollow Beast Academy had defied all expectations, transforming from a perceived weakling into a formidable beast. In just two minutes, they had vanquished the entire Tian Ling Advanced Soul Academy team. Dugu Xin's cold, snake-like gaze shifted towards the beautiful host, who, after a momentary lapse, hastily announced, "The winner of the match between Tian Ling Advanced Soul Academy and Hollow Beast Academy is Hollow Beast Academy!"

The audience was initially hushed, absorbing the shocking outcome. But soon, the stadium reverberated with thunderous cheers, cries of "Hollow Beast Academy" resonating throughout. Dugu Xin and his team prepared to exit amid the jubilant celebration, but then a voice cut through the noise. It was Xue Qingyun, the Ice Swan Douluo, who spoke with a hint of nonchalance but seriousness in his eyes. "Young friend, would you mind extracting the poison from those young souls from outside the arena? After all, we are all from the same empire."

Dugu Xin nodded and summoned his martial soul. He used his fingers to carefully remove the poison from the bodies of the Tian Ling Advanced Soul Academy team members. This caught the attention of other teams, and one young man stood up, gazing at Dugu Xin with an expression filled with fighting spirit. He raised his wine cup boldly and said with a smirk, "This tournament just got a lot more interesting." His eyes gleamed with a thirst for competition.

On the sidelines, Yu Tianxiang, the captain of the Thunderclap Academy, observed Dugu Xin's departure and remarked with a smile, "This guy has become stronger than me." Her gaze held not only fighting intent but also a touch of admiration.

After their victorious match, the Hollow Beast Academy team left the arena, and Ma Jun couldn't help but voice his frustration. "Sigh... I really wanted to show off my abilities out there!"

Meng Shu was quick to respond, calming him down. "Calm down, Ma Jun. This outcome is actually the best for us. We've kept our true strength hidden, and our captain only revealed his second spirit ring. This will give us an advantage in the next rounds."

Meng Shu's wise words resonated with the team, and they nodded in agreement before heading back to their lounge. However, Dugu Xin remained in the stands, observing the next match, and assessing his potential opponents. This time, the beautiful hostess appeared a bit more excited as she announced, "Our next competition is a clash of titans. It features the world's first sect, Haotian Grand Battle Academy, against the Star Luo Imperial Academy under the Star Luo Empire. This battle has been highly anticipated by all, so without further ado, let the players from both sides enter the arena!"

The audience erupted into cheers, chanting "Clear Sky! Clear Sky Clan!" Although the Star Luo Imperial Academy had its fair share of supporters, the fervor for Haotian Grand Battle Academy was unmatched. The two teams took to the stage, one after the other. Haotian Grand Battle Academy's captain, a black-haired young man who was two years older than Dugu Xin, strolled casually into the ring. He wore a faint smile, seemingly unfazed by the tense atmosphere. On the other side, the Star Luo Imperial Academy team was visibly more serious.

Dai Minghao, the captain of the Star Luo team, fixed his gaze on the black-haired young man, the black-haired young man chuckled, unfazed by Dai Minghao's intensity. "Come on, Dai Minghao, you're taking all the fun out of this."

Dai Minghao was unrelenting. "No more talking. Release your soul ring and let's start. I want to see if you're worthy of being called a Double Star."

The black-haired young man grinned. "You asked for it." With their teammates stepping forward to support their captains, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, and the battle was on the brink of eruption. Observing this, the beautiful host rushed to the center, her voice resounding, "The match between Haotian Grand Battle Academy and the Star Luo Imperial Academy has officially begun!" She then swiftly departed the arena.

Dai Minghao took the lead, stepping into the spotlight. His four soul rings lit up simultaneously, three yellow rings followed by a purple one. Behind him, an imposing white tiger with heterochromatic eyes materialized, emitting a fierce roar. It was the Royal Inheritance Martial Soul of the Star Luo Empire, the Evil-Eyed White Tiger. Dai Minghao introduced himself coldly, "Dai Minghao, Level 42 Power Attack System, martial soul Evil-Eyed White Tiger."

Next to him, a purple-black haired girl revealed her soul ring configuration, mirroring Dai Minghao's: 2 yellow rings followed by a purple one. A purple-black cat materialized behind her, its purple gem-like eyes exuding an eerie charm. She announced her details, "Zhu Yuqi, Martial Soul Hell Civet, Level 37 Agility Attack System."

Tuoba Xi, standing nearby, snorted coldly. His standard three soul rings glowed, and a formidable white earth dragon emerged behind him, releasing a powerful roar. Tuoba Xi proudly declared, "Tuoba Xi, Level 31 Power Attack System, martial soul White Armored Dragon. It is the inheritance martial soul of the Sacred Dragon Clan, one of the four sects of the Star Luo Empire."

The remaining members of the Star Luo Imperial Academy introduced themselves as well: "Dong Xing, Martial Soul Star Moon White Eagle, Level 26 Power Attack System."

"Yan He, Level 26 Defense Department War Soul Division, Martial Soul White Scale Heavy Armor Shield."

Lastly, a gentle and elegant girl named Li Jing stepped forward. "Li Jing, level 25 auxiliary soul master, martial soul Golden Scepter."

The Haotian Grand Battle Academy members began to present themselves, starting with a young man radiating battle intent. "Wang Wudi, level 31 Power Attack System, martial soul: Soul Breaking Spear."

A burly young man followed suit, hammering his chest with pride. "Tai Tan, level 32 Power Attack System, martial soul: Vigorous Orangutan."

Another burly figure among them also patted his chest and roared, "Niu Gao, level 31 Defense System, martial soul: Armored Plated Giant Rhinoceros."

A somewhat slender young man with a hint of white hair was next. He smiled warmly. "Bai He, Level 29 Agility Attack System, Martial Soul: Needle-Tailed Swift."

Lastly, a gentle and composed young man introduced himself calmly. "Ning Fengzhi, Level 29 Auxiliary Soul Master, Martial Soul: Seven Treasured Glazed Pagoda."

Finally, it was the turn of the Haotian Grand Battle Academy's captain, the black-haired youth. Three spirit rings beneath his feet glowed with the same arrangement: yellow, yellow, purple, and purple. He summoned a black giant hammer into his hand, and with a casual wave, a powerful gust of wind followed. The formerly relaxed aura around him was replaced by an overwhelming presence. The black-haired young man introduced himself with a confident smile. "Tang Hao, level 49 Power Attack System, martial soul: Clear Sky Hammer."