In the outskirts of Sotou City, a massive crowd had gathered, with most of them being Spirit Masters! This grand occasion was unprecedented.
Fortunately, several armies were present to maintain order, preventing any accidents from occurring. Of course, the main deterrent wasn't the military presence but the fame of Neuvillette and Focalors!
Their reputation was like the shadow of a tree under the sun.
With the names of two deities, anyone considering causing trouble had to think twice.
The gigantic Spirit Arena in the outskirts was so vast that it could easily accommodate 200,000 people.
The central main arena alone occupied half of the Spirit Arena's space. This was reserved for Spirit Sage level and above battles.
Ordinary arenas couldn't handle nor allow such powerful Spirit Masters to fully unleash their abilities.
The purpose of this main arena was to provide a proper venue for these powerful individuals.
As the hosts, when Neuvillette and Focalors appeared on the main arena, the crowd erupted in cheers.
The sound was deafening, echoing through the skies.
"Lord God of Judgment!"
"Lord Water Godess!"
"I am the Water Godess' dog!"
This time, no one mocked this person.
But!
"You're not worthy; I am!"
Even though gods don't require faith, their mere presence still inspires worship.
This is what deities are, the spiritual support for those "ordinary people."
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Sotou City Great Spirit Arena...subdivision!"
Indeed, this was just a subdivision of the Sotou City Great Spirit Arena!
After all, the main Sotou City Great Spirit Arena couldn't accommodate 200,000 people!
Even the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena could only hold 80,000 people.
"Now, please welcome Referee Neuvillette to announce the competition rules!"
After saying this, Focalors handed the microphone to Neuvillette.
Taking the microphone, Neuvillette, with an unchanging expression, said, "You should all be familiar with the competition rules, but I'll repeat them."
"No restrictions on any weapons..."
"..."
"Challenges across levels are allowed..."
Challenges across levels were allowed, but participants couldn't compete in lower-level tracks than their title.
For example, a Spirit Elder could sign up for the Spirit Ancestor track.
But a Spirit Ancestor couldn't sign up for the Spirit Elder track.
"You may attack your opponents with full force; the Spirit Arena will take care of all injuries sustained by the defeated."
"Of course, this also means you're eliminated!"
Regardless of the level, losing one match disqualifies you from continuing in the tournament.
After all, each title only has one first place.
As Neuvillette finished speaking, Focalors took the microphone again.
Taking the microphone, she floated off the ground and left the arena.
"The first Martial Spirit Tournament officially begins."
"Ladies and gentlemen, cheer and applaud!"
"Because the first match will feature a battle between Titled Douluo level experts!"
With Focalors' announcement, the crowd fell silent for a moment.
"Titled Douluo?"
"A Titled expert is starting first, oh my, this ticket was worth it!"
The next moment, cheers erupted!
"The first match, the first round of Titled Douluo begins now."
"Please welcome Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan and Bone Douluo Gu Rong!"
"Hiss~"
The crowd collectively gasped. These two were renowned figures throughout the Douluo Continent!
One of them was an elder of the Spirit Hall, a highly representative one at that.
The other was the grand elder of the second most powerful sect in the world!
Both were normally unattainable figures for them.
Witnessing these two compete was a sheer delight!
"Chrysanthemum Douluo!!"
"Bone Douluo!!"
Both Yue Guan and Gu Rong had quite a few "fans."
Those from the Spirit Hall naturally supported Yue Guan.
The supporters of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan cheered for Gu Rong.
When the two stepped onto the stage, they exchanged glances.
Yue Guan's face was solemn. Both he and Gu Rong had spirit power at level 95, but in a one-on-one duel, he was no match for Gu Rong.
Gu Rong's defense was so strong that even the old dragon of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan couldn't deal with him!
Gu Rong couldn't defeat Yu Yuanzhen, but Yu Yuanzhen couldn't do anything to him either.
It was quite a tricky situation!
In contrast to Yue Guan, Gu Rong appeared much more relaxed.
He and Yue Guan were old acquaintances. Without the aid of Ghost Douluo, Yue Guan was nothing!
Their martial soul fusion skill was what made them formidable.
But this was a one-on-one duel!
Fighting Yue Guan alone was child's play!
Neither Yue Guan nor Gu Rong aimed to win the championship.
They knew they didn't have what it took to clinch the title.
Gods hosting the tournament was an opportunity they couldn't miss, just in case...
They were betting on that slim chance!
"Greetings, Lord God of Judgment."
"Greetings, Lord Water Goddess!"
The two respectfully bowed to Focalors and Neuvillette upon stepping onto the stage.
Necessary etiquette was always required.
Even if they couldn't gain any benefits, they couldn't afford to offend the hosts. Politeness never hurts.
Neuvillette and Focalors nodded in acknowledgment, returning the gesture.
"Would you like to introduce yourselves?"
"No need." ×2
Introductions?
Completely unnecessary!
After all, they belonged to opposing forces.
How could they lack understanding of their enemies?
"Very well, move to the safe distance."
The arena was enormous!
Eight hundred meters in both length and width.
For most Titled Douluos, this space was sufficient.
Of course, for a few Titled Douluos, this distance was still a bit cramped.
As the two retreated, Neuvillette waved his hand, and transparent water walls rose on all four sides, enclosing the arena.
The purpose of this was to prevent their spirit abilities from accidentally injuring the spectators.
When the water walls rose, Gu Rong shuddered, recalling unpleasant memories, his back chilled and drenched in cold sweat.
Back then, during a sparring match with Neuvillette, it was these very water walls.
Despite fully releasing his ninth spirit ability, he was caught by a giant hand formed of water...
Even in his dreams, when he occasionally remembered this, he would wake up in a cold sweat...
It was terrifying!
That time, not only did Gu Rong develop a psychological shadow, but Ning Fengzhi also did.
He was "protected" at the center by eight strong individuals, each at least at the Spirit Douluo level!
If these strong individuals were from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, he wouldn't have been afraid.
But not a single one of them was from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan!
Since then, Ning Fengzhi seldom went out with Gu Rong.
He felt much safer with Sword Douluo Chen Xin!
For Titled Douluos, the so-called safe distance was just a blink away.
Of course, this was a competition, and the proper procedures had to be followed.
After reaching the pre-battle safe distance, Gu Rong discreetly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
This time, he wasn't facing the Referee Neuvillette but merely Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan!