Chapter 132 - 132: [DD2]: 132

Credits: Ben Popularity doesn't matter—true strength is the ultimate measure. As Shrek Academy's team left the stage, the fiery, enthusiastic atmosphere gradually dissipated. "Get ready. You're up next. Don't embarrass the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy," Ma Rulong said sternly to his official team members. Chen An, Chen Fei, Lin Xi, and Li Yan nodded in unison. "You too. I expect a stellar performance," Su Yu said coolly, glancing at the reserve team. "Yes, Captain!" Yang Xu, Guan Bo, and Zhou Qin replied in chorus. At that moment, the announcer's voice rang out, "The next match is about to begin!" "Competing now is the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy team from the Sun Moon Empire and the Tianchang Advanced Soul Master Academy team from the Heavenly Soul Empire. Both teams, please take your positions!" As the announcement echoed, the arena buzzed with excitement. If the Shrek Academy team was the most popular, then the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy team was undoubtedly the second most renowned. This wasn't due to their fan base—being in Star Luo Empire territory meant they had few supporters. However, their reputation as a powerhouse preceded them. For nearly a millennium, while Shrek Academy had dominated as champions, the Sun Moon team had almost always been the runner-up. Their strength was universally acknowledged as second only to Shrek's. Spectators in the royal stands, including the Star Luo Emperor and the White Tiger Duke, watched intently. Other academy teams waiting for their matches also grew solemn. Even Shrek's strategist, Wang Yan, stared intently, afraid to miss any critical details. Despite his usual confidence, he deeply respected the Sun Moon team's capabilities. "Go," Ma Rulong said simply. With Su Yu's subtle gesture, four official members and three reserves stepped forward toward the arena. Soon, the seven-member Sun Moon team stood ready. Opposite them, the Tianchang Advanced Soul Master Academy team moved sluggishly, their morale visibly low—drawing the Sun Moon team in the first round felt like a death sentence. "The Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy team is ready. Tianchang Advanced Soul Master Academy, please take your positions," the announcer urged. Reluctantly, the Tianchang team quickened their pace and entered the arena. From the royal platform, the Star Luo Emperor chuckled. "It seems the Sun Moon team hasn't fielded their full lineup in this opening round." As an observer of all academy rosters, he noted that only four official members had been sent in. "Considering it's only the elimination round, they're likely holding back to avoid revealing too much," the White Tiger Duke, Dai Hao, remarked. "Their goal is the championship." "You make a good point. The Sun Moon team seems well-prepared this year. Perhaps they really might seize the title." "Your Majesty doubts Shrek Academy?" Dai Hao asked, surprised. "Not exactly," the emperor replied, smiling. "It's just a feeling—perhaps I'm overthinking. Let's watch and see." ... In the arena, the referee stood between the teams, his tone serious. "The match is about to begin. In this elimination round, most soul tools are permitted, but fixed-mounted soul tools are strictly prohibited. For safety, once a team concedes, the opposing team must cease all attacks immediately. Understood?" "Understood!" Both sides affirmed. "Good. Now, take your position and wait for my signal. No preemptive attacks." The Sun Moon team retreated to their side of the arena, while the Tianchang team moved to the opposite end. Once both sides were in position, the referee's voice boomed, "Begin!" The moment the words left his mouth, the Tianchang team activated their martial souls in unison. Rings of yellow and purple light glowed, their soul rings dazzling to behold. The Tianchang team consisted of four Soul Ancestors and three Soul Elders—a composition that might have been formidable millennia ago. But in this era, such a lineup was laughably weak. Stronger teams boasted full Soul Ancestor lineups, with even Soul Kings appearing frequently. Simultaneously, the Sun Moon team deployed their soul tools. Metallic tubes unfolded from their bodies, transforming them into human turrets. Then, a barrage of devastating firepower erupted from those metal tubes. Torrents of white light surged forth, engulfing the Tianchang team in an instant. S~eaʀᴄh the Novelƒire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Ahhh!!!" In a chorus of screams, the seven Tianchang members were blasted off the stage. The entire match lasted less than ten seconds, setting a new record for the fastest elimination. The audience was dumbfounded. No one had expected such a swift and decisive victory. The Sun Moon team's overwhelming firepower left spectators in awe. In the waiting area, Wang Yan's brow furrowed as he observed the battle with a grave expression. "The explosive power of soul tools truly can't be underestimated. This needs to be a focus for us," he muttered. The match highlighted the Sun Moon team's terrifying offensive potential—a significant threat to Shrek's lineup. Considering that the Sun Moon team still hadn't fielded their full strength, Wang Yan felt an unsettling weight in his heart. "Our greatest opponent is indeed the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy team," Wang Yan muttered to himself, jotting down notes on his observations. He realized that to defeat the Sun Moon team, they must find a way to counter the terrifying explosive power of soul tools. Without that, beating them would be an uphill battle. Wang Yan wasn't the only one stunned. The spectators were silent, the speed of the match having left them in shock. Even the referee, momentarily dazed, still wore a hint of astonishment. He hadn't expected the match to end in the blink of an eye. But as a professional, the referee quickly collected himself and announced, "The match is over. The winner is the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy team!" The audience clapped, though the applause was far sparser compared to Shrek Academy's earlier match. Lin Xi and the others paid no attention. After all, this was the home turf of the three former Douluo Continent nations. Hostility was to be expected. Their sole concern was achieving their goal, and it was clear they had accomplished it flawlessly. As Lin Xi and his team exited, the next match began. Returning to the staging area, they were met by Ma Rulong and Su Yu, both looking calm. "Well done. You've demonstrated the might of our Sun Moon Academy," Ma Rulong praised. This match had been all about decisiveness, and the Sun Moon team had achieved its goal of intimidation. "Not bad. You didn't disappoint me. Go rest now," Su Yu gestured, sending Yang Xu and the others off. Ma Rulong exchanged a glance with Su Yu, and the two shared a knowing look. After observing a few more matches, the Sun Moon team withdrew entirely. ... In the Conference Room The Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy team gathered. Elder Ma sat at the head of the table, with the official and reserve teams seated on either side. Su Yu lounged on a leather sofa, legs crossed, as Meng Hongchen peeled an orange for him. Meng Hongchen worked carefully, removing every strand of pith with the utmost seriousness as if performing an important task. Sipping tea, Elder Ma began, "The elimination round is over. Next, we move on to the second stage—the round-robin phase." "Based on the number of participating teams, there will likely be eight groups, each with eight or nine teams. The round-robin focuses on win totals: two points for a win, one point for a tie, and none for a loss." "There's not much more to say here—just win every match. My goal for you is to advance as group champions. Understood?" "No problem," Ma Rulong nodded confidently. Su Yu, without speaking, glanced at Xiao Hongchen, who quickly chimed in, "Of course, no problem... Easy peasy!" Xiao Hongchen patted his chest, brimming with confidence. Elder Ma continued, "The opponents in the round-robin shouldn't be too strong. There's an unspoken rule in tournaments like this: top teams don't face each other early on. At least until the quarterfinals, we won't encounter other seeded teams. The organizers wouldn't want strong teams eliminating each other too early and allowing weaker teams to slip through." Ma Rulong respectfully asked, "What do you propose, Elder Ma?" Smiling, Elder Ma replied, "I suggest giving the reserve team some time in the spotlight during the round-robin. It'll be a good experience for them. What do you all think?" "That's a great idea," Xiao Hongchen quickly responded. "The reserves need real battle experience—just watching won't cut it." Elder Ma and Ma Rulong ignored Xiao Hongchen, instead turning their attention to Su Yu. "Su Yu, as the reserve team captain, what's your opinion?" Elder Ma asked. Su Yu raised his eyes slightly and said calmly, "It's fine, but each match must include at least four Soul Kings for security." "Soul Kings? Does that mean I can play too?" Xiao Hongchen's eyes lit up. Watching matches was dull; fighting himself was far more exciting. "What about you?" Elder Ma frowned. Su Yu, however, waved dismissively. "Xiao can, but you cannot use your martial soul abilities. Do you understand?" Without the powers of his Three-Legged Golden Toad martial soul, Xiao Hongchen was merely an ordinary Level 5 Soul Engineer. His participation wouldn't reveal too much. The unique abilities of his martial soul were better kept secret until the later stages. Hearing Su Yu's condition, Elder Ma relaxed. "Fine," Xiao Hongchen muttered begrudgingly. While disappointed, he agreed—provoking Su Yu might result in him being benched entirely. His grandfather had warned him: in the reserve team, Su Yu's word was law. Besides, Su Yu's strength had earned the team's respect, and even Elder Ma deferred to him on occasion. If Su Yu vetoed his participation, Xiao Hongchen would be stuck watching from the sidelines. "What about me? Can I join too?" Wang Dong'er poked Su Yu's shoulder eagerly. "You can, but it depends on the match arrangements. Everyone will have a chance to participate," Su Yu replied evenly, giving Wang Dong'er a reassuring glance.