The Deadliest Bragging Is the Invisible Kind

After Xue Ye finished speaking and returned to his seat, the host 'Kou Kou clear voice rang out again:

"Next, please welcome Palace Master Zhou of the Purple Micro Palace to deliver a speech for this competition!"

As Zhou Chen stood up, applause erupted again, and almost all the eyes of the hundreds of thousands of spectators in the stadium turned to him.

As the powerful and influential Palace Master of Purple Micro Palace, Zhou Chen possesses a handsome appearance, formidable strength, and a decisive and ruthless nature. He has always been the focus of attention for onlookers, and who wouldn't want to see his prowess?

Especially some infatuated girls, who were stunned by Zhou Chen's handsome face, screamed and were so infatuated that they couldn't extricate themselves. The scene was even more enthusiastic than when Xue Ye spoke earlier.

Yes, the leading infatuated girls are Shui Binger, Shui Yue'er, and other cute girls from the Heavenly Water Academy.

If Zhou Chen hadn't known that he hadn't made any arrangements, he would have thought they were just paid trolls trying to create a lively atmosphere!

"Quiet."

Zhou Chen pressed his hands down lightly, his voice deep and resonant, and the invisible pressure immediately silenced the entire arena.

Then, Zhou Chen smiled slightly, looked at the participating Soul Master standing neatly in the arena, and said in a kind tone, "I am very happy to be the opening guest of this Soul Master Tournament. As the Palace Master of the Purple Micro Palace, I am just like you, a young Soul Master who has just entered the field. Speaking of which, I am only fifteen years old this year."

Upon hearing this, both the participating Soul Master and the audience felt the fatherly love that Zhou Chen expressed.

Of course, many people felt quite uncomfortable, even dumbfounded. What do you mean you're also a novice Soul Master?

You've killed several Title Douluo already!

If you, the Great Palace Master Zhou, are considered a beginner-level Soul Master, then wouldn't those Title Douluo you killed be complete novices in the Soul Master World who haven't even entered the door?

Then what about us participants?

It's the subtle kind of showing off that's most deadly.

Meanwhile, Zhou Chen, completely oblivious to the audience's resentment, continued spouting the inspirational platitudes he had just concocted:

"Everyone, although I am only fifteen years old, I have witnessed the growth of too many Soul Masters and understand your efforts and goals. What I want to say is that the world belongs to us young people. We are the rising sun in the morning, representing burning faith and vibrant vitality."

After a pause, Zhou Chen's tone changed, and he said in a deep voice, "As the saying goes, fortunes change every thirty years, so never underestimate a young man's potential! Young men, fight on! I look forward to seeing you achieve great results!"

Upon hearing this, thunderous applause erupted, and many young Soul Master looked at Zhou Chen with admiration. They were so moved that their blood boiled and their spirits surged; they wished they could do five hundred push-ups on the spot!

"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river; never underestimate a young person's potential"—what an inspiring and uplifting saying!

It was probably this sentence that inspired Palace Master Zhou to create the Purple Micro Palace!

We can do it too!

In just a few words, Zhou Chen became a motivational mentor and success Grandmaster admired by thousands of girls and passionate young men.

"Pfft!"

Yu Tianmeng, sitting in her seat, couldn't hold back her laughter and suddenly burst into tears, laughing so hard she was doubled over and pounding her fists with her little hands.

Haha, don't underestimate a young person's potential! You've actually used this classic "loser" trope as inspirational quote? That's amazing, hahahahaha!!

Meanwhile, on the golden platform, Xue Ye, Ning Fengzhi, and other nobles and top Soul Master all looked at Zhou Chen with strange eyes.

Although they couldn't quite put their finger on it, they just felt something was off.

"Palace Master Zhou is truly a learned man; every word he utters is a classic philosophical truth. I admire him greatly!"

Prince Xue Xing was sitting in the second row of the VIP section, stood up, gave Zhou Chen a fawning smile, and loudly praised him.

Xue Xing's shameless fawning caused everyone present to frown, and even Xue Ye turned his head away from looking at him.

You, Xue Xing, are a prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, how can you be so shameless?

However, Xue Xing also had her own difficulties.

He had offended Zhou Chen twice before because of his nephew Xue Beng and Zhang Luo Shen of the Silver Moon Family. Therefore, Xue Xing was worried about being retaliated against, which is why she was so deliberately trying to please Zhou Chen and beg for forgiveness.

Xue Xing only wanted to please Zhou Chen right now; he didn't care about other people's opinions or opinions!

Upon hearing Xue Xing's praise, Zhou Chen waved his hand dismissively and said with a smile, "Your Highness is too kind. I am merely sharing my experience."

As he spoke, Zhou Chen slowly sat down, his face showing no trace of pride.

"Palace Master Zhou is truly a man of noble character, actually willing to share his life experience with others."

Prince Xue Xing continued his flattery, and this shameless behavior left everyone present embarrassed and speechless.

Xue Ke, whose face was very delicate, lowered her head, her face flushed red, and secretly resented herself for having such a shameless royal uncle.

As for Yu Tianmeng? She laughed even more exaggeratedly.

Just as the atmosphere became somewhat awkward, the host, Kou Kou, spoke up in time, "Palace Master Zhou's speech was thought-provoking and insightful, and we should vigorously promote it. Next, please welcome Mr. Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, to give a speech for this competition."

"Clap clap clap clap clap..."

Another round of applause rang out. Ning Fengzhi calmly looked at the hundreds of participating Soul Master in the arena and said, "With Palace Master Zhou's excellent example before me, I won't say too much. I only hope that you can bring glory to the Empire and to your own academies."

"In addition..."

Ning Fengzhi paused for a moment, then added, "The Heaven Dou Empire needs talents like you. I hope that after you graduate from the academy, you will first consider serving the Empire and being loyal to His Majesty the Emperor. Thank you."

Upon hearing Ning Fengzhi's speech, Xue Ye finally showed an approving smile.

Zhou Chen outwardly looked at Ning Fengzhi with admiration, but inwardly he was unconvinced.

His cheap Father-in-law, as the sect leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, doesn't think about the interests of his own sect, but instead focuses on the interests of the Heaven Dou Empire, like a loyal sycophant of the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. He's clearly biased, and he doesn't know what he's thinking.

In the original storyline, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was almost destroyed by the Spirit Hall. This was not only because the Spirit Hall was too strong, but also because Ning Fengzhi's strategies had been flawed all along.

Just then, the host, Kou Kou, asked again, "Sect Master Ning, you are the most powerful support-type Soul Master. I would like to ask, among the thirty-two teams participating in the Tiandou Empire Regional Preliminaries, which team do you think is most likely to advance to the finals?"

"This..."

Ning Fengzhi hesitated for a moment. Due to Zhou Chen's intervention, more than a dozen beautiful female Soul Master with extraordinary strength appeared in this Soul Master Tournament, so he could not judge which team was stronger.

Seeing Ning Fengzhi hesitate, the host, Kou Kou, turned to Zhou Chen and asked in a sweet voice, "Palace Master Zhou, which academy's team do you think is the strongest?"

"I think the Spirit Hall Team is the strongest."

Zhou Chen said in a serious tone, "Hu Liena, the captain of the Spirit Hall Team, has already broken through level 80. Among all the participating Soul Master, no one is her match."

Kou Kou: "..."

Ning Fengzhi & Xue Ye: "..."

The previously lively atmosphere suddenly turned cold, and the host, Kou Kou, almost burst into tears.

Grand Palace Master Zhou, by supporting the Spirit Hall Team on the territory of the Heaven Dou Empire, don't you think you're slapping His Majesty the Emperor in the face?

"Cough cough."

Xue Ye coughed awkwardly, turned to Zhou Chen, and asked in a cryptic tone, "Chen'er, is that Spirit Hall Saintess Hu Liena really that powerful?"

"No, she can't beat me."

Zhou Chen responded with a smile, leaving Xue Ye speechless and unsure of what to say next.

Seeing the situation becoming increasingly awkward, the host, Kou Kou, quickly called out, "Next, please welcome the Hall Master of the Spirit Hall Holy Temple of Heaven Dou City, the Platinum Bishop the Spirit Hall, Stanford, to draw lots for the first round of the preliminary rounds."

Stanford slowly stood up, first giving Zhou Chen a deep look, then walking to Kou Kou's side under the guidance of a palace maid to begin drawing lots.

Stanford, whose reputation had just been ruined by Zhou Chen's rebuke, didn't dare to speak at all. He handed Kou Kou the announcement to the host, Koko, after each draw.

"First round of the preliminaries: Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team Two vs. Shrek Academy!"

"Canghui Academy vs. Purple Star Academy".

"Oakland Academy vs. Blazing Fire Academy".

"..."

After the draw was completed, Stanford's gaze swept across the entire hall, and he said calmly, "The first round of the draw is complete. I hereby announce that all the participating Soul Master present who are willing to join the Spirit Hall, regardless of their battle record or strength, will be directly promoted to Black Robe Bishop of the Spirit Hall, and will at least be in charge of one Spirit Hall Branch."

"Those Soul Master who make it to the final competition, if they wish to join our Spirit Hall, I will make an exception and allow them to directly join the Heaven Dou Spirit Hall Holy Temple, appointing them as Cardinals!"

The audience didn't react much to these words, but the Soul Master in the arena were in an uproar.

The Spirit Hall Holy Temple is the highest-level existence among the Spirit Hall, second only to the Pope's Palace and the Douluo Hall!

Being able to directly enter the Spirit Hall Holy Temple is an excellent opportunity for ordinary young Soul Master, and a shortcut to improving their strength!

Those who are conferred the titles of Black Robe Bishop cardinal will wield immense power and enjoy the highest honor.

Especially the Cardinal. Generally speaking, only those with strength exceeding level 60 Soul Emperor or even level 70 Soul Saint are worthy of the title of Cardinal.

Becoming a cardinal is already the pinnacle of life that ordinary Soul Master dream of.

But today, Stanford's promise has shown most young Soul Master a shortcut to the pinnacle of life!

While some rejoiced, others grieved. At this moment, Xue Ye's expression clearly darkened.

This Stanford is recruiting talent right in front of the Emperor!

The Spirit Hall simply doesn't take the Heaven Dou Empire seriously!

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger."

Ning Fengzhi gently shook his head at Xue Ye, and his expression softened somewhat.

Seeing this, Zhou Chen narrowed his eyes. The conflict between the Spirit Hall and the Heaven Dou Empire was irreconcilable because it involved the most fundamental power struggle.

Zhou Chen's greatest wish was for the two sides to fight it out, so that he could benefit from the conflict. Ideally, the Heaven Dou Empire and the Spirit Hall would fight to the death, and then he could step in and settle everything.

However, this ideal situation is difficult to achieve...

"The next match is the first game of the first round of the preliminaries: Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team Two versus Shrek Academy!"

The crisp, pleasant sound of Kou Kou brought Zhou Chen back to his senses.

"Is the first match Shrek? How boring."

Zhou Chen raised an eyebrow and said.

The outcome of this match was not in doubt at all. The members of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team Two were generally only Soul Elder of level 30 or so, and they had no chance against the Shrek Academy, whose members were Soul King of level 50 or so.

Zhou Chen shook his head, losing interest in watching the rest of the match.

"Your Majesty, I shall take my leave now."

Zhou Chen greeted Xue Ye and then left alone. Yu Tianmeng, Xue Ke, and Zhu Zhuqing, on the other hand, were still eagerly waiting for the upcoming match.

Girls always love watching the excitement.

Zhou Chen strolled leisurely along the outer perimeter of the Great Spirit Arena, a rest and training area specifically provided for Soul Master.

The vast majority of the participating Soul Master are here now.

"Brother Zhou Chen!"

A clear and melodious female voice rang out, and Shui Yue'er rushed into Zhou Chen's arms like a swallow returning to its nest. Shui Binger, Xue Wu, and the other girls from the Heavenly Water Academy also swarmed around her, each with a look of surprise and delight.

"Hmm... good Yue'er, don't move around."

Feeling the warm, soft body wriggling in his arms, Zhou Chen offered some insincere advice.

"Brother Zhou Chen, your face is red. Is it because you're hot?"

Shui Yue'er reluctantly left Zhou Chen's embrace, then suddenly her expression turned serious, and she said softly.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chen subconsciously touched his face, only to find that his face was at a normal temperature.

Looking at the smile hidden in Shui Yue'er's eyes, Zhou Chen knew perfectly well that he had been tricked by this naughty girl.

"You naughty girl."

Zhou Chen stretched out his hands, as if to pounce, which startled Shui Yue'er so much that she immediately hid behind her older sister, Shui Binger.

"Okay, okay, I was just kidding."

Zhou Chen withdrew his hand, then looked at Shui Binger, who had a beautiful face and a well-proportioned figure, and asked with feigned concern, "How are you? Are you confident about the upcoming match?"

"Of course."

Shui Binger blinked her beautiful, deep blue eyes and teased, "What Palace Master Zhou said at the opening ceremony just now really excited us! Our confidence is starting to swell!"

"Yes, the world belongs to us young people. We are the rising sun, representing burning faith and vibrant vitality."

Xue Wu straightened her chest and solemnly imitated what Zhou Chen had just said, mimicking him perfectly.

Not to be outdone, Shen Liuyu raised her fist and declared passionately, "As the saying goes, fortunes change every thirty years; never underestimate a young man's potential!"

Shui Binger waved her jade-like hand and imitating the powerful tone, said, "Young men, fight on! I look forward to your great achievements!"

Zhou Chen covered his face, feeling incredibly ashamed of what he had said for the first time.

Why is it that when I say something that feels very emotional and passionate, I feel incredibly embarrassed when someone else repeats it?

That was a poor attempt at showing off!

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