Time flew by, and after the earth-shattering ice versus fire showdown between the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy's first team and Heaven Water Academy, the Heaven Dou Division's preliminary rounds finally drew to a close.
Over the past month, the various academies engaged in fierce, even brutal, battles for the limited five advancement spots. The matches were thrilling with frequent upsets, but ultimately, strength and foundation determined everything.
The five teams advancing to the finals were now confirmed:
Heavenly Dou Royal Academy's second team: The undisputed champions. With Marco competing alone, his unfathomable strength allowed him to crush all opponents undefeated. Marco even set the astonishing record of winning multiple consecutive matches without releasing his Martial Soul. His peak battles against Thunder Academy's Yu Tianxin and Heaven Water Academy's Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu had become legendary tales throughout Heaven Dou City. They were the strongest contenders for this tournament's championship, without a doubt.
Shrek Academy: The biggest dark horse. Relying on captain Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing's Martial Soul Fusion Skill "Netherworld White Tiger," along with control-system Soul Master Tang San's unpredictable battlefield control, they repeatedly defeated powerful opponents. Ultimately, they advanced strongly with the second-place ranking in the preliminaries, proving the formidable strength hidden beneath their "shit-green" team uniforms.
Divine Wind Academy: Captain Feng Xiaotian possessed Innate Full Spirit Power. The team boasted balanced overall strength, excelled in speed, employed flexible tactics, and advanced steadily to secure an advancement spot.
Heaven Water Academy: Although defeated by Marco, their tenacious fighting spirit and powerful Martial Soul Fusion Skill "Ice and Snow Drifting" displayed in the match against Heavenly Dou's first team earned everyone's respect. Captain Shui Bing'er possessed the top-tier Beast Spirit Ice Phoenix, and vice-captain Xue Wu coordinated with her seamlessly. Their overall strength was not to be underestimated, making their advancement expected.
Blazing Academy: Captain Huo Wushuang and vice-captain Huo Wu led with ferocious attacks and exceptional fire abilities. Although they narrowly lost to Shrek Academy's Netherworld White Tiger in a crucial match, their powerful offensive capabilities and consistent performance ultimately secured them the last advancement spot.
Regrettably, the equally strong Thunder Academy failed to advance as hoped. In their brutal showdown against Heavenly Dou's first team captain Marco, captain Yu Tianxin gave his all. Though defeated with honor, he sustained significant injuries, which dampened the team's morale. In subsequent matches, they faced the in-form Heaven Water Academy and Divine Wind Academy, fighting hard but ultimately losing. They finished sixth by a narrow points margin, missing the advancement round.
However, no one looked down on Thunder Academy because of this, and no one mocked Yu Tianxin. On the contrary, Thunder Academy and Yu Tianxin's names earned respect throughout the Heaven Dou Soul Master Realm for their courage to challenge the "monster" Marco and momentarily push him back! It was Yu Tianxin's "rather be a shattered jade than an intact tile" desperate battle that ignited other academies' courage to challenge the strong! After him, other academies successively threw themselves into desperate, heroic struggles against Marco! Yu Tianxin, though defeated, retained his honor and was regarded by many as the backbone of the younger generation of Soul Masters!
To celebrate the successful conclusion of the preliminary rounds and bid farewell to the five teams representing the Heaven Dou Division in the finals at Spirit City, the Heaven Dou Empire's royal family, under Emperor Xue Ye's directive, hosted a grand banquet within the palace. The attendees included all qualified team members, lead instructors, high-ranking imperial officials, representatives from the Spirit Hall, and prominent figures from major sects, creating a dazzling gathering of distinguished guests.
The banquet was held in the palace's magnificent hall, brilliantly illuminated with lights and filled with the clinking of glasses. Melodious court music played softly in the background as elegantly dressed servers wove through the crowd carrying silver trays laden with fine wines and delicacies. The young Soul Masters, temporarily setting aside the tension of competition, gathered in small groups to converse, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
As the most outstanding presence in this year's tournament, Marco Lee naturally became the undisputed center of attention. He stood in a corner, wearing his simple white formal attire accented with cyan decorations, his posture erect and his demeanor unique. Though remaining quiet, the invisible aura of confidence and power he exuded still attracted numerous gazes—some admiring, some curious, and some wary.
Many academy leaders and even representatives from various sects attempted to approach him for conversation, but most were met with polite yet distant responses. He didn't enjoy such social occasions, preferring solitude instead.
However, his "peace and quiet" didn't last long.
"Marco! Marco! Finally found you!" A clear, lively voice brimming with excitement rang out. Shui Yue'er from Heaven Water Academy, dressed in a beautiful aqua-blue evening gown, spotted Marco in the corner like a joyful butterfly. Her pretty face flushed, her large eyes sparkling, she made no attempt to hide her admiration as she hurried over.
Marco slightly furrowed his brows, somewhat uncomfortable with such enthusiastic behavior. But before he could speak, Shui Yue'er had already begun broadcasting like a little trumpet: "Sister! Sister Xue Wu! Come quickly! Marco is here!"
Following her call, the other members of Heaven Water Academy—Yu Hairou, Shen Liuyu, Gu Qingbo, and Qiu Ruoshui—gathered around with smiles. They all held considerable goodwill toward this powerful, handsome young man who had shown them mercy during their match.
Soon after, Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu approached gracefully. Shui Bing'er had changed into a moon-white gown, her battlefield heroism replaced with a maiden's soft elegance and cool composure. Xue Wu wore light purple attire, her temperament gentle and refined. After a month of recuperation, both had regained their healthy complexions.
Approaching closer, Shui Bing'er first cast a slightly reproachful glance at her younger sister before turning to Marco. A flicker of complexity passed through her ice-blue eyes, but it quickly settled into calmness as she nodded slightly and said in a composed tone, "Marco, congratulations on qualifying with an undefeated record. The banquet is rather noisy, and my sister has been somewhat impulsive."
Seeing it was the Heaven Water Academy group, Marco's brow relaxed slightly. After all, they had shared an exhilarating match and could be considered acquaintances. He responded calmly, "Captain Shui, Miss Xue Wu, congratulations on your advancement. It's no trouble."
Seeing that her sister wasn't truly angry, Shui Yue'er grew bolder. She grinned at Marco and said, "Marco, it must be so boring for you here alone! Come on, let us introduce you to some friends!" As she spoke, she even boldly attempted to grab Marco's arm.
Marco shifted slightly, deftly avoiding her touch. Noticing this, Shui Bing'er immediately chided softly, "Yue'er! Don't be rude!"
Shui Yue'er stuck out her tongue but remained enthusiastic. "Oh, sister, Marco isn't an outsider! Brother Feng Xiaotian and Sister Huo Wu are right over there. Let's go say hello together!" She turned back to Marco and added, "Marco, Captain Feng Xiaotian from Divine Wind Academy and Brother Huo Wushuang and Sister Huo Wu from Blazing Academy are all wonderful people! Especially Brother Feng Xiaotian—he's been wanting to meet you!"
Shui Bing'er gave her sister a helpless look, but considering that Feng Xiaotian, Huo Wushuang, and the others were indeed outstanding talents among the younger generation with pleasant personalities, there would be no harm in making their acquaintance. She turned to Marco, her tone softening slightly. "Captain Feng and Captain Huo are indeed exceptional young talents. If you're interested, we can introduce you."
Marco had initially intended to decline, but upon second thought, Divine Wind Academy and Blazing Academy were both formidable forces, and Feng Xiaotian and Huo Wu were gifted individuals. It wouldn't hurt to learn more about them. He nodded. "Thank you."
Seeing Marco agree, Shui Yue'er cheered and immediately led the way. Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu exchanged amused smiles and followed, while Yu Hairou and the others gleefully surrounded them. This procession of Marco being "escorted" by the girls of Heaven Water Academy quickly became a unique sight at the banquet, drawing countless gazes.
Soon, they reached the other side of the banquet hall. There, they saw Feng Xiaotian, captain of Divine Wind Academy, chatting cheerfully with Huo Wushuang, captain of Blazing Academy, and his vice-captain, Huo Wu.
"Brother Feng! Brother Huo! Sister Huo Wu!" Shui Yue'er's voice rang out before she even arrived.
Hearing the call, Feng Xiaotian and the other two turned to look. When Feng Xiaotian saw Marco approaching, surrounded by the girls of Heaven Water Academy, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, quickly replaced by a hearty smile. Huo Wushuang remained composed, his gaze carrying a hint of scrutiny. As for Huo Wu, her fiery eyes swept over Marco, filled with undisguised curiosity and a trace of... combat intent.
"Sister Bing'er, Sister Xue Wu, Sister Yue'er, you've arrived," Feng Xiaotian greeted with a smile, his gaze then settling on Marco. "This must be the renowned Brother Marco, I presume? I've long heard of your name, and today I finally have the honor of meeting you!"
Acting as the intermediary, Shui Bing'er gracefully began the introductions. "Captain Feng, Captain Huo, Sister Huo Wu, this is the captain of Heavenly Dou Royal Academy's first team, Marco Lee." Then she turned to Marco and said, "Marco, this is Captain Feng Xiaotian of Divine Wind Academy, this is Captain Huo Wushuang of Blazing Academy, and Vice-Captain Huo Wu."
Marco's calm eyes swept over the three, and he gave a slight nod. "Captain Feng, Captain Huo, Miss Huo Wu."
Feng Xiaotian laughed heartily, appearing very enthusiastic. "Brother Marco, your performance in the preliminary matches truly opened our eyes! I'm genuinely impressed!" His words were sincere, as he always held respect for the strong.
Huo Wushuang also said solemnly, "Marco, your strength is impressive." Concise and to the point, fitting his usual style.
Huo Wu looked Marco up and down, letting out a delicate snort, "Hmph, finally meeting you in person. Marco, our Blazing Academy won't surrender as easily in the finals as we did in the preliminary rounds!"
Facing Huo Wu's slightly provocative words, Marco didn't take offense. Instead, he found the girl's straightforward personality somewhat interesting. He smiled faintly, "Looking forward to learning from you."
Shui Yue'er chimed in from the side, "Brother Feng, Sister Huo Wu, you didn't see it! Marco's final kick was so cool! It directly broke Sister and Xue Wu's Martial Soul Fusion Skill!" Her words immediately made Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu somewhat embarrassed.
Feng Xiaotian's eyes flashed with brilliance as he laughed, "Haha, that match was truly spectacular! The collision between the Ice Phoenix and Azure Flame could be called a classic! Brother Marco's control over power is even more breathtaking."
With the presence of the Heaven Water Academy girls, especially the lively Shui Yue'er enlivening the atmosphere, combined with Feng Xiaotian's natural sociability, Huo Wushuang's steadiness, and Huo Wu's blunt but reasonable attitude, the conversation among them gradually flowed more smoothly. They chatted about interesting moments from the matches, discussed the application of Spirit Abilities, and occasionally looked ahead to potential opponents in the finals.
Although Marco didn't speak much, when he did, his words often hit the mark, revealing his profound insight and unique understanding of combat. This secretly astonished Feng Xiaotian and the others, making them discard the last traces of underestimation they might have had due to his age.
Watching these elites from the qualifying teams gather and talk, with the atmosphere gradually shifting from initial unfamiliarity to harmony, the Shrek Academy members in other corners nearby felt somewhat complicated emotions.
Dai Mubai watched the laughing and chatting group, taking a sullen drink, "Hmph, they're certainly having a lively conversation."
Tang San's eyes were profound as he murmured, "Feng Xiaotian, Huo Wushuang, Shui Bing'er... all formidable opponents. And that Marco..."
Xiao Wu pouted, "What's so great about them? Third Brother, we Shrek Seven Devils are united, we're not afraid of anyone!"
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing watched silently, with Ning Rongrong's eyes flashing with a trace of envy, while Zhu Zhuqing remained as cool as ever. Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang and Dean Flender observed the scene with solemn and contemplative expressions. These elites from the elemental academies seemed to be forming subtle connections because of a single match.
The banquet atmosphere gradually reached its climax through the exchanges among the young Soul Masters. The journey through the Heaven Dou competition zone had concluded, and the more spectacular finals were about to commence in Spirit City. What brilliance would these young geniuses display on the grander stage? Everyone was looking forward to it. And Marco, during this banquet, had unknowingly formed initial connections with certain important figures of the future.
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