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"Master, this imperial capital of Star Luo isn't all that impressive."
The childish voice of Huo Yu'er rang in Ye Wen's ear. He simply smiled indulgently and didn't respond.
However, Huo Yu'er's comment sparked a lively discussion among the other girls, who began chatting animatedly.
The three kingdoms of the original Douluo Continent excessively revered ancient customs, so the current Douluo Continent largely retained outdated, unattractive city walls and nauseating systems.
On the other hand, the Sun Moon Empire, their rival, had long abandoned these relics of a bygone era. As such, the Sun Moon Empire had no need for city walls—they simply pushed the battlefield onto Douluo Continent's side. Moreover, they possessed formidable long-range attack capabilities.
These were things the three kingdoms of Douluo Continent lacked. It was precisely because of this that Shrek Academy had developed its Soul Guidance Department.
Actions spoke louder than words. If Douluo Continent didn't progress, it truly had no future.
As the reigning champions of the Soul Master Tournament, Shrek Academy enjoyed certain privileges. The Star Luo officials hosting the tournament had arranged accommodations and preferential treatment for them.
However, due to Ye Wen's revealed status as a Supreme Douluo, the current emperor of Star Luo tactfully offered special treatment for Ye Wen and his group.
But Ye Wen knew that favors were the hardest debts to repay, and their futures were destined to clash. Thus, Ye Wen rented a modest house in a remote area for his Tian Xing Academy members to stay in.
No one complained. Having seen much of the world, they were no longer fixated on luxury or extravagance. For soul masters, strength was everything.
Ye Wen sat on the couch, reviewing the rules of the Soul Master Tournament.
The first round was an elimination round.
Hmm…
After all these years, Douluo Continent hadn't made no progress at all. At the very least, the number of advanced academies and the variety of sects had increased exponentially compared to ten thousand years ago.
Tian Xing Academy now had to compete against 133 other advanced soul master academies or advanced soul-guiding academies for qualifying spots.
Looking at the sheer number of participating academies, Ye Wen couldn't help but inwardly whistle. It felt like a sudden influx of mediocre institutions trying to make a name for themselves.
The first round would be conducted as team battles—seven versus seven. A draw would take place tomorrow.
After the first round, teams would be divided into groups of approximately eight or nine teams for round-robin matches. During the round-robin stage, matches would follow a random format with three possible scenarios: single-elimination duels, three-two-two cooperative battles, or full seven-versus-seven team battles. This would test overall strength. Each match required a draw to determine the format.
Ye Wen carefully reviewed the competition rules and felt a headache coming on. With so many teams, the details naturally multiplied—it was reasonable, and there wasn't much he could say about it.
However, Tian Xing Academy's reputation was currently limited to major powers and nobility. Ye Wen's goal in coming here was to spread Tian Xing Academy's fame across the continent, attracting more talent and building a reservoir of skilled individuals.
Their first match needed to be not only impressive but also memorable for the audience.
Ye Wen carefully assessed Huo Yu'er's strength and smirked mischievously.
Huo Yu'er, who was tidying up the room, suddenly shivered, feeling a chill run down her spine.
??? What's going on? Still relatively innocent, she quickly brushed off the strange sensation.
At this moment, the girls heard Ye Wen's call and gathered in the living room, stopping what they were doing.
The main participants in this tournament, aside from Ye Wen's five female disciples, included two additional members from the Body Sect.
Hmm, also girls.
As for why no males were included in the team, Ye Wen had his own reasons.
Since there were already five girls, why not go all the way and form an all-girls team? ~ Absolutely not because Ye Wen wanted to watch a group of beautiful girls fight.
Moreover, the tournament rules required a minimum of seven team members for team battles. If their opponents fielded seven people while they only had five, wouldn't the audience think Tian Xing Academy was a subpar institution that couldn't even assemble a full team?
"Little Yu'er, let me discuss something with you~" Ye Wen said kindly, his expression gentle.
But this seemingly mild demeanor sent chills down Huo Yu'er's spine.
"Master, please don't do this—I'm scared!"
Seeing Huo Yu'er's lack of cooperation, Ye Wen immediately shifted to a stern expression.
"Tomorrow's first match will be a seven-versus-seven team battle, but I want you, Yu'er, to defeat the entire opposing team by yourself."
Seeing her master return to his usual state, Huo Yu'er initially sighed in relief. But when she processed his unreasonable request, her expression changed dramatically.
Though Huo Yu'er was still somewhat naive, she wasn't foolish enough to believe she could single-handedly take on an entire team participating in the advanced soul master tournament.
This wasn't ten thousand years ago. Thanks to cultivation-enhancing drugs, the average soul power of the younger generation of soul masters was at least level 40.
Even if those level 40s were mostly watered-down, that was still seven people! And Huo Yuer had just broken through to the Soul Honored rank. No matter how arrogant she might be, she wouldn't consider such a reckless act.
"It's impossible, Master. I can't do it—I really can't. Please let Sister Nannan or Sister Xiaoya handle it. They're both Soul Ancestors now, and with your secret weapons, they'll definitely succeed."
Huo Yu'er hastily shook her head and suggested two scapegoats.
But Ye Wen knew exactly what level his disciple was at.
Though Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya were eager to prove themselves, they understood their roles as newcomers. Though Huo Yu'er called them "Sister," she was truly the senior disciple. It wasn't their place to speak, and though they were strong, they hadn't yet reached the level Ye Wen desired to make a stunning debut.
Moreover, under his protection, Ye Wen felt it was time to unleash Huo Yu'er's true potential.
"Listen to my conditions first, Little Yu'er. I'll allow you to use the secret weapon I gave you, and I'll also permit you to use your second martial soul. In fact, for this match, you won't use the Spirit Eyes as your primary martial soul—you'll use Ice Empress instead.
So don't refuse, Little Yu'er. This is your chance, and it's also Tian Xing Academy's chance.
Gather your courage, Huo Yu'er, and show the entire continent the true value of Tian Xing Academy's senior disciple." Ye Wen spoke earnestly.
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