"This academy is quite ordinary," Grandmaster remarked.
"Compared to the original Blue Bull Academy, they're not as formidable as Tai Long and the others. Their elite students are likely in their early thirties and this time students are not up to par with the standards. The qualifiers will likely be a breeze for you. Choose according to your needs."
"Xiaofeng, I'm curious. Why did you choose this approach?" Grandmaster asked. "Although winning the championship with your strength isn't an issue, even the Three Big Sects and others academy can't match you... But why take this route?"
Wang Feng pondered for a moment before responding, "To feign... no, to garner attention as much as possible. As for the reason, you'll probably understand when I reach the finals."
Indeed, Wang Feng's intention was to single-handedly navigate through this continent-wide soul master tournament. Hence, he would rarely engage in battles with Tang San and the others, perhaps even becoming their opponent at some point.
"Alright, then you'll report to Purple Star Academy by yourself. I won't accompany you." Grandmaster confirmed.
As Wang Feng left the college, only Grandmaster remained, contemplating something.
"Sixty thousand year old soul ring?" Grandmaster murmured, taken aback. "How is that possible?"
According to his estimations, even forty thousand years old soul beast seemed a little too much for even Erlong and Flender to defeat even when working together. However, after their return from Sunset Forest, both Erlong and Flender began to consider the possibility of Wang Feng being able to defeat it. Wang Feng's exceptional performance had left them contemplating the unimaginable.
Upon hearing Wang Feng's revelation firsthand, Grandmaster was also stunned. "Sixty thousand years for just the fourth soul ring..." he mused, unable to fathom the implications.
"A level forty-five level soul master with a fourth soul ring aged sixty thousand years... And what about his fourth form of the Lotus? Will it match those ancient martial souls like previously? Also the unique injuries inflicted on the soul beasts, was it his fourth form doing?"
Grandmaster, with his vast knowledge and expertise, had already begun to form theories based on Wang Feng's abilities and performances.
Watching Wang Feng's departure, Grandmaster whispered to himself, "Xiaofeng, what are your intentions? Why are you participating in this manner?"
"But it's undeniable that your participation, or rather, your chosen approach, will undoubtedly capture the attention of the entire continent!"
"Your soul ring, your martial soul, your unique combat state in the Sunset Forest, as well as your other secrets and identity... Just a glimpse of any of these will surely leave everyone in awe of it."
….
Meanwhile, Wang Feng also quickly arrived at Purple Star Academy without any delay after bidding farewell to the others.
Finding the academy was very straightforward. Located in the outer circle of Heaven Dou City, it paled in comparison to the original Blue Bull Academy in terms of location. Nonetheless, being an Advanced Soul Master Academy, it held its own significance among regular institutions.
At that moment, Wang Feng arrived at Purple Star Academy, adorned in black robe and white mask as Jiu Yikai. He directly sought out the dean of the academy, a sixty-fourth level battle Soul Emperor from the control department—an old man who exuded an air of honesty named Fei Lun.
"You're Jiu Yikai?" Fei Lun questioned, his gaze fixed on the figure in the black robe and white mask.
"Someone enrolled you here six months ago. If I hadn't seen your record in the Great Fighting Soul Arena, I wouldn't have agreed to your enrollment and participation."
Though Purple Star Academy might not boast the same reputation as the others prestigious academy, they took the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament seriously, never indulging in mere facades. However, upon confirming Jiu Yikai's battle record, Fei Lun silently assented.
"Martial soul, Axe. Soul Rank, above forty, age sixteen," Fei Lun stated, producing a piece of information. "This is the data someone registered when you entered the academy six months ago. Over a year ago, in the Silves City Great Fighting Arena, you even defeated the entire forty-ninth level Slayer Team in just over ten seconds."
"Yes." Wang Feng affirmed casually.
"Very well. Now, if you wish to represent the academy, I'll handle everything else. This information is irrelevant." Fei Lun assured with a smile.
"The requirements are simple. You need only defeat the top seven students of our academy, the team we're sending out this time. Any objections? Note, you cannot kill them."
"No problem. Do you understand my request?" Wang Feng's voice was hoarse. "I only need six academy-affiliated individuals to participate. They don't need to do anything, they just need to be present with me on the stage."
Fei Lun's mouth twitched slightly, but he nodded. If it were anyone else making such an odd request, he would have dismissed it immediately.
"Follow me." Fei Lun instructed, leading Wang Feng to the academy's battle zone.
It appeared that Fei Lun had already made arrangements. Seven soul masters stood on the opposing side of the battle zone, four men and three women. Wang Feng casually glanced over them, his [Black Hoop Spiritual Skull's] perception ability allowing him to clearly discern their martial souls and soul power levels.
Truth be told, they weren't particularly weak, all ranging from level 31 to 35. They were only slightly behind the elites trained by Blue Bull Academy, like Tai Long and Huan Yuang.
"I've briefed them on the situation," Fei Lun addressed the seven, gesturing towards Wang Feng. "He goes by the name Jiu Yikai. If he defeats you, he'll represent the academy alone. You're only required to remain on the court and observe."
Upon hearing this, the seven appeared somewhat unwilling and begrudged, their expressions darkening. Clearly, they were already aware of the arrangement.
"I thought it was a joke, but now that the dean came in person, it turned out to be true. It's funny? Do they really want to send six people to just watch the show and allow only one person on the battle stage?" remarked one of the participants with disbelief.
"If he loses, he will naturally be eliminated." Fei Lun replied casually.
Wang Feng stepped forward as the seven opponents began reporting their martial soul.
"Zhao Feihong, Martial Soul, Golden Sword, level 34..."
Before they could finish, Wang Feng interrupted, "No need to state your name and information. I don't need it. For me, your role is simply to be present at the stage to make up the number."
Hearing that, the seven grew visibly angry. Their martial souls glowed brightly as they assumed fighting stances, all standard soul ring configuration yellow, yellow and purple—a formidable and good combination.
Fei Lun glanced between the two sides and declared, "Begin."
As soon as he spoke, a flash of light flickered past the battlefield. It was as if a black lightning bolt streaked past the seven opponents, leaving them stunned in its wake.
None of the seven were able to respond. It seemed as though they were all simultaneously propelled high into the air by an immense force before crashing heavily onto the ground. The impact left them disoriented and dazed.
"Begin..." Fei Lun's voice trailed off as Wang Feng swiftly appeared before him. Meanwhile, the seven opponents lay sprawled across the battlefield before he can even say something else.
Fei Lun stood frozen, resembling a wooden statue as he processed the scene before him.
"Jiu Yikai wins." he finally managed to utter, his voice barely audible.
With a salute to Fei Lun, Wang Feng reassured him, "Thank you."
And so it was settled.
A few days later, in the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou City, the grand opening ceremony of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament took place. It marked the beginning of the most prestigious soul master contest across the entire continent.
The most prestigious competition in the world of soul masters!
Its influence extends far beyond. The status of soul masters in the mainland is highly esteemed, they symbolize formidable strength, serve as the cornerstone of wealth and prestige, and are coveted by countless individuals, family, clans and organization. From commoners to royalty, every stratum of society regards this contest as the grandest of occasions.
As the venue for the opening ceremony of the Heaven Dou City sub-regional competition, the Heaven Dou City Great Fighting Soul Arena tickets sold out days ago. However, scalpers abound at the door, continued selling tickets at exorbitant prices. Wang Feng couldn't help but lament the ubiquitous presence of scalpers.
In the early morning, the Heaven Dou City buzzed with activity as people flocked to the Great Fighting Soul Arena, resembling the bustling atmosphere of Chinese New Year fairs. Excited crowds streamed in from all directions, their faces lit with anticipation. Attendees of this competition are the young elite of the soul master world, with many under twenty-five competing for glory and fame.
Wang Feng and Shrek Academy entered the Great Fighting Soul Arena of Heaven Dou City, finding it already teeming with people. However, some members of Shrek Academy dared not raise their heads, as their peculiar clothing continued drawing attention, especially the vivid mucus green color of it. Behind them, a banner proclaimed, "Now hiring for advertisement."
"Consult dean Flender of Shrek Academy regarding advertising fees".
This situation left everyone feeling embarrassed. The uniforms of other participating schools were elegant and stylish, while theirs were, unfortunately, quite the opposite.
Despite strong opposition from everyone, Flender remained firm in his decision.
"Look at Xiao Feng," he remarked, "his posture is so confident. Why should you feel embarrassed? Learn from him!"
Flender proceeded to give a straightforward lesson to everyone, emphasizing the importance of mental fortitude. "This is about building resilience! Look at Xiao Feng's composure, his confident gaze. Even when faced with attention, he remains unfazed. That's what you need to emulate!"
Wang Feng, feeling somewhat awkward, coughed a few times. His mental resilience was indeed strong, honed by his experiences in both lives. While he might feel embarrassed at times, he maintained his composure, but still not quite as dramatically as Flender words suggested.
As they attracted attention with their conspicuous costumes, Wang Feng couldn't help but glance around. His natural handsomeness drew the gaze of many admirers, leaving him somewhat nostalgic. This was his first encounter with such a large crowd, a stark contrast to his past experiences.
Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu also approached Wang Feng, reminding him not to stare around indiscriminately. Tang San, on the other hand, smiled awkwardly, admitting that he was merely observing the people around them.
Ma Hongjun, however, couldn't resist expressing his frustration.
"Dean, if you want us to wear these uniforms, why don't you wear one yourself? And Grandmaster..." he muttered, feeling like they were being set up for embarrassment.
Of course, the teacher group led by Grandmaster wouldn't be caught wearing such clothes. At most, they might have a small emblem embroidered on their attire.
"Huh? What did you say, Hongjun? Say it again?" Flender shot a glance at Ma Hongjun.
Ma Hongjun remained silent, feeling a bit embarrassed, while the others stifled their laughter.
"What kind of academy is this? Are they garbage collectors?"
"Are there spots for advertisements? Where's the competition?"
"Shh, lower your voices, they're advanced soul masters too..."
"I think they're advanced soul garbage. Look at their clothes, they're just hideous green."
Remarks echoed from all sides, causing everyone to lower their heads in embarrassment. Only Wang Feng strode forward, visibly annoyed.
Initially, Ning Rongrong stood in front of Wang Feng, but she too felt too embarrassed to face the crowd. Wang Feng pulled her behind him, shielding her figure.
....
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