Chapter 74: After This Match at Shrek, I Will Take Hits Throughout
First round of the knockout stage.
Shrek Academy vs. Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy!
Both teams from Shrek Academy and Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy rose from the waiting area and headed towards the arena.
The moment the members of Shrek Academy emerged through the arena passage, the stands erupted in an overwhelming cheer akin to a landslide or tsunami, the shouting of hundreds of thousands of spectators was deafening.
The seven members of the reserve team were thoroughly shocked.
Seeing those fanatically expressive fans, they finally understood the heavy weight of the glory associated with Shrek.
"Just stick to the strategy Yuhao discussed with us before the match, Shrek will win!" Bei Bei stated firmly.
"Shrek will win!"
On the other hand, Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy felt bitter upon hearing the thunderous cheers. Weren't they supposed to shine in the tournament, or at least last a few rounds?
But who knew they would face Shrek Academy in the first round... Start and finish at the beginning...
The shadow Shrek cast over other academies was profound, and the seven members of Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy felt it too, almost devoid of any will to fight, merely wanting the match to end quickly to avoid becoming just a backdrop for Shrek.
Only their captain was slightly better, at least not losing composure, but still lacking any real fighting spirit.
Shrek's side, on the other hand, was impressive.
Normal soul master battles would have a complete formation, with assault and defense types in front, control types in the middle, agility attackers on the flanks, and support and food types at the back.
But Shrek Academy's formation was six people arrayed in a fan shape, protecting the stern-faced, indifferent young man in the center.
Seeing this formation, Du Qianjue knew Shrek was about to pull off some tricks.
Because the one being protected in the center was Huo Yuhao.
To other spectators, it might seem like Huo Yuhao was arrogantly positioned in the center because of his ability to control the entire field.
But was Du Qianjue not aware?
Even the original Huo Yuhao didn't have the strength to solo control the field, let alone this malnourished version?
So, at first sight, it was identified as a flashy trick.
Regardless, Shrek's seven still caused a stir, with speculations on whether the young man would take on seven opponents alone.
Audiences hadn't seen such a thing!
Cool, cool!
The expressions of Tianling's seven darkened, feeling the pressure mount instantly.
What was this from Shrek? Confidence?
As Huo Yuhao stepped forward, his clear eyes flashed black, and his soul skill activated instantly!
Demon Eye, Confusion, Spirit Illusion!
Already heavily pressured, the mental defenses of Tianling's seven were instantly breached by Huo Yuhao, plunging them into the illusion he created.
In the illusion, Huo Yuhao, surrounded by soul rings rising from beneath him, each a blood-red hundred thousand-year soul ring, radiated immense power.
Six rings, all hundred thousand-year soul emperor!
"Vermin!" the illusionary Huo Yuhao coldly snorted with contempt.
Outside, seeing his opponents succumb to his illusion, Huo Yuhao made a desperate move to unleash his mental power in a fierce assault.
"Fight!"
Overexerted, Huo Yuhao let out a hoarse yell.
At that moment, Tianling's seven, faces stricken with fear and bodies trembling, were visibly suffering.
The rest of Shrek's reserve team saw their condition and decisively released their soul rings, attacking in unison.
By the time Tianling's seven broke free from the illusion, the other six members of Shrek had already landed their attacks.
Bei Bei's Blue Electric Tyrant Dragon Spirit burst forth with intense blue-purple electricity, Xu Sanshi's Xuanming Shield was used like a door to smash people, and Jiang Nannan's long legs served as whips...
Seizing the opportunity provided by Huo Yuhao, they went all out from the start.
With no ability to resist, Tianling's team was thus defeated off the stage by Shrek.
By then, they also saw clearly the soul ring configurations of Shrek's team.
Not a single Soul King, the highest was only a Soul Ancestor!
Without even a black ten-thousand-year soul ring, how could there possibly be a Soul Emperor with all hundred thousand-year rings?
The captain of Tianling looked again at Huo Yuhao, just in time to see his three soul rings—one yellow, two purple—slowly fading, and he chuckled bitterly.
"So that's it."
Tianling's team, dejected, stood up from below the stage and supported each other as they left the Soul Fighting Arena.
The vast Soul Fighting Arena fell silent.
The spectators looked at each other, unsure of what to say.
As spectators, they saw most clearly. Once Huo Yuhao released his soul rings, Tianling's seven froze in place, their expressions fearful.
Then the other six members of Shrek rushed up and easily knocked them off the stage.
This result was typical for Shrek, as there had been many teams defeated by Shrek like this before.
What rendered the audience silent was the soul power levels of Shrek's team.
The highest level was only a Soul Ancestor?!
Even a Great Soul Master was present?
Where were the Soul Kings? Soul Emperors?
After a moment of silence, the Soul Fighting Arena's stands burst into an uproar, cheers and applause vanishing, leaving only confusion and whispered discussions.
"What's going on with Shrek this year? Why only send these youngsters?"
"Indeed, the highest cultivation is only a Soul Ancestor, unbelievable."
"Could it be because the opponents were too weak, so they sent the reserve team to gain experience?"
"It's not impossible, let's see how Shrek handles the upcoming matches."
...
Regardless, the match ended, and Shrek beautifully won the opening knockout match. Although they did not have Soul Kings or Emperors participate this year, nor did they light up dazzling soul rings.
After the initial shock, cheers still rose from the stands, growing louder and more intense.
Back in the preparation area, the seven reserve team members, hearing these cheers, felt their nervousness ease.
"We won." Huo Yuhao's voice trembled, and his eyes rolled back as he collapsed.
Wang Yan quickly supported Huo Yuhao, his eyes slightly moist, and nodded firmly.
"Yes, kids, you won! You have upheld Shrek's glory!"
But that was the only win.
The subsequent matches would not be so easy.
After the match, Du Qianjue was surprised by Huo Yuhao's burst of power, but that was all. Facing peers, he might have some advantages, but against him, it was useless.
The other members of Di'ao Academy also appeared thoughtful, recalling the scene when they first encountered Shrek's team at the gates of Star Luo City.
Undoubtedly, Shrek had main team members, and those they saw at the gate, obviously older, seemed pale as if severely injured.
"Perhaps their main team had an accident, so they let the reserve team play," Weifeng murmured.
Lin Weiwei and the others nodded in agreement.
"Regardless of their situation, this year's champion won't be them," Lin Mo shrugged, his expression relaxed.
The others exchanged glances, smiled, and then turned their gaze forward.
That invincible silhouette would suppress everything.
(End of Chapter)
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