Preliminary Round Assembly? The United Team Takes Shape

At the break of dawn, the streets and alleys of Heaven Dou City were already packed with people. Eighty thousand spectators surged toward the renovated Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena like a tidal wave. Gilded admission tickets gleamed in the morning light, while ticket scalpers' shouts echoed through three blocks. This All-Continent Soul Master Competition preliminary round was not merely a grand event for the soul master world—it had become a citywide festival in Heaven Dou City. From royal nobles in gilded carriages to commoners rushing in with shoulder poles, every face brimmed with anticipation. After all, witnessing the finest young soul masters compete on the same stage was a rare spectacle.

The group formed by Shrek Academy and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect disciples stood out sharply amid the entering crowd. Dai Mubai's White Tiger Martial Soul faintly exuded pressure, causing the packed crowd around him to unconsciously make way. Ning Rongrong wore a pale purple combat outfit embroidered with Glazed Patterns, her Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul flickering in and out of sight above her palm, drawing many envious looks. Lin Che carried the Azure Water Sword wrapped in black cloth on his back, while the Universe Cauldron, shrunk to the size of a fingernail, was hidden in his sleeve. His gaze swept across the sect banners fluttering above the arena before finally settling on the Spirit Hall flag embroidered with a Six-winged Angel. His eyes turned slightly cold.

"I didn't expect the renovated arena to be this grand." Ma Hongjun clicked his tongue as he looked at the enormous structure before him. The previously separate sub-arenas had been opened up into one massive circular venue. The central Martial Soul Platform was paved with solid obsidian, surrounded by tier upon tier of spectator seats. The VIP boxes at the very top were fitted with glazed windows, and important figures could vaguely be seen seated within. "I heard even the royal family came?"

"Not just the royal family." Tang San ran his fingertips across the runes at the edge of the Martial Soul Platform. "These are Soul Gathering Array patterns. They can enhance the visual effects of soul skills. Spirit Hall really put considerable effort into this competition." He had studied the tournament rules the previous night. The preliminaries used a points system, with the top four teams in each group advancing to the elimination rounds. Their Group A was known as the "group of death," with formidable teams such as Heaven Dou Royal Academy and Godwind Academy among its ranks.

At that moment, a crisp ringing of bells sounded. Two Spirit Hall deacons dressed in silver armor passed by carrying a gilded ranking board, upon which each team's group and match order had been written in cinnabar. The crowd instantly erupted. Lin Che squeezed to the front and spotted his team's name at a glance—"Shrek Academy & Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect United Team." Behind it was the designation "Group A, Third Seed," while the first opponent column read, "Canghui Academy Reserve Team."

"That name is way too long. It sounds like a tongue twister." Oscar complained as he had already begun making Recovery Sausages. "The referee will need half a minute just to announce our name during the match."

"We really do need an official team name." A gentle voice came from behind them. Ning Fengzhi approached slowly with Sword Douluo Chen Xin at his side. He wore a moon-white brocade robe and lightly fanned himself with a jade fan. "Flender, Mr. Yu Xiaogang, and I discussed it. Since this is a joint team between two factions, the name should reflect both sides."

Everyone gathered around, and Ning Rongrong spoke first. "Dad, I think Glazed Shrek Team sounds pretty good!"

"That's too ordinary." Ma Hongjun curled his lip. "Why not call it the Sky Burning Formation Breaking Team? Sounds much more imposing!"

Lin Che said nothing, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the Universe Cauldron inside his sleeve. The Azure Water Sword suddenly trembled slightly, and the glazed bead on its tassel glowed with a blue-green light, echoing the Golden Light on the cauldron. Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up, and he pointed his fan at Lin Che. "Little Friend Lin's Martial Souls are the Universe Cauldron and the Azure Water Sword. The cauldron suppresses all things, while the sword breaks the firmament. Why not call yourselves the Cauldron Sword Team?"

"Cauldron Sword Team!" Dai Mubai's eyes lit up. "It sounds both steady and sharp. It suits our style."

Tang San nodded in agreement as well. "The cauldron represents a defensive foundation, while the sword symbolizes sharp offense. It fits our tactical positioning."

Lin Che raised his eyes with a smile. "Thank you for naming us, Sect Master Ning. I like it."

[Detected that the host's team has been named "Cauldron Sword Team." Team insignia unlocked: Cauldron Sword United Heart (Soul Power Perception range between team members increased by 20%).]

As the System Prompt quietly sounded, Ning Fengzhi had already taken seven palm-sized Glazed Jade Tokens from his Storage Soul Tool. Complex formation patterns were carved onto the tokens. "Now that the team name has been decided, I will teach you the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's basic coordination method—the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Array."

He distributed the jade tokens among them. They felt warm and smooth in hand, with Soul Power faintly circulating within. "Although the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda is an auxiliary Martial Soul, combining it with a formation can maximize its amplification effects." As Ning Fengzhi spoke, he arranged the tokens in a triangular formation and poured Soul Power into them with his fingertips. The tokens instantly lit up, forming a Pale Golden energy network. "The core of this formation lies in sequential amplification and Soul Power Resonance."

Chen Xin added at the right moment, "The Glazed Tile Pagoda soul master stands in the center position, auxiliary-system soul masters to the left, and assault-system soul masters to the right, forming a triangular stance. Sect Master Ning's amplifications will first cover the main attackers, then flow toward the auxiliary positions. You must pour your own Soul Power into the jade tokens and resonate with the formation. Otherwise, the amplification effect will be reduced by thirty percent."

Lin Che pressed his jade token against the Universe Cauldron. The instant Pale Golden Soul Power poured into it, he clearly sensed its connection with the other six tokens. "In other words, this formation can precisely allocate Rongrong's amplifications? For example, if I'm the main attacker, Defense Amplification is prioritized for me. If Dai Mubai is taking damage, Strength Amplification automatically shifts toward him?"

"Exactly." Ning Fengzhi nodded approvingly. "Little Friend Lin's comprehension is exceptional. This is only the basic version. Once you become proficient, you can improve it according to the traits of your own Martial Souls. For example, your Universe Cauldron can refine Soul Power, filtering excess energy from the formation and making the amplifications more concentrated."

He personally demonstrated the positions. Ning Rongrong stood in the center, Oscar and Jiang Zhu stood to the left, while Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Lin Che, and Tang San stood to the right. "Rongrong, release Strength Amplification first. Oscar, inject restorative Soul Power. Lin Che, use Cauldron Suppression to stabilize the formation core..." At his command, all seven jade tokens lit up at once. A Pale Golden net of light enveloped them, and Lin Che clearly felt the Soul Power in his dantian being gently amplified. It was nearly ten percent stronger than receiving Ning Rongrong's support alone.

"This formation was practically made for us!" Ma Hongjun excitedly flapped his wings. His flames became noticeably more condensed within the light net. "My Phoenix Fire feels much more stable!"

Jiang Zhu said in pleasant surprise, "My healing Soul Power is circulating faster too. Before, it would lag whenever I healed several people at once, but now it doesn't at all."

As Ning Fengzhi collected the jade tokens, Flender and Yu Xiaogang arrived just in time. "The formation has more or less been taught. Now it's time to decide on the captain and lineup." Flender looked around at everyone. "By the rules, the captain must coordinate tactics and team members. Who do you think is suitable?"

Dai Mubai spoke first. "I recommend Lin Che. His Soul Power is higher than mine, and his tactical insight is stronger too. Even Tang San lost to him in our last spar. I'm convinced by him leading the team." Although he had once been Shrek's captain, Lin Che's repeatedly demonstrated strength and strategy had won him over completely. Besides, with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect joining them this time, no one else could match the tacit understanding between Lin Che and Ning Fengzhi.

Tang San agreed as well. "Lin Che's sword intent and Cauldron Suppression can both attack and defend, and his control over the team is more comprehensive. Moreover, he can coordinate perfectly with Rongrong's formation. No one else is more suited to be captain."

Everyone voiced their agreement. Lin Che did not decline, accepting the captain's badge Flender handed him. "Since everyone trusts me, I'll take on this responsibility. Now, let's determine our lineup assignments."

He walked to the sand table beside the training ground and used a branch to draw out their formation. "Dai Mubai, you're the front-line tank. You'll take the hits head-on, and Rongrong's Defense Amplification will prioritize you."

"No Problem!" Dai Mubai slapped his chest as the White Tiger Martial Soul possessed him. His Sharp Claws carved deep tracks into the sand.

"Ma Hongjun, you're our ranged damage dealer. Stand on the flank and focus on clearing the field and providing support. Oscar's Speed Sausages will be supplied to you first." Lin Che continued, "Your Phoenix Fire has a wide range, so be careful not to injure allies. Jiang Zhu will give you fire-resistance buffs beforehand."

Ma Hongjun scratched his head. "Don't worry. I've long been able to control the fire's range precisely."

"Tang San, you're the control core. Use Blue Silver Grass to restrain key enemy targets, especially their auxiliary and Agility Attack System soul masters." Lin Che looked at Tang San. "Your Purple Demon Eyes can predict your opponents' movements. Inform me immediately if there are any tactical adjustments."

"Understood." Tang San nodded, gathering Blue Silver Grass leaves at his fingertips and using them to simulate binding paths across the sand table.

"Oscar, you're fully responsible for food support. Supply Recovery Sausages, Power Sausages, and Speed Sausages according to the battle situation. Prioritize the main attackers and tank's consumption." Lin Che added, "Coordinate with Jiang Zhu. When her healing Soul Power runs low, your Recovery Sausages need to follow up immediately."

Oscar raised a sausage. "Leave it to me. I guarantee timely supplies!"

"Rongrong, adjust the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda's amplification sequence according to my commands. Normally, the priority is Strength, then Speed, then Defense. But if we encounter a powerful control-system opponent, immediately switch to Spiritual Amplification for Tang San." Lin Che looked toward Ning Rongrong. "You'll be responsible for maintaining the formation's Soul Power Resonance. Don't let it break."

Ning Rongrong puffed out her chest. "Don't worry, Captain. I memorized the amplification order long ago!"

"Jiang Zhu, you'll be in the rear as our healer. Focus especially on Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun. One takes damage, while the other plays with fire—they're the most likely to get hurt." Lin Che said at last. "Besides healing, use your Poison and Heal Dual Ability to watch for enemy poison-type soul skills and release purifying Soul Power in advance."

Jiang Zhu nodded seriously. "I'll be ready to purify at any moment. I won't let anyone fall into an ambush."

"As for me, I'll be both the main attacker and defender." Lin Che pointed the branch toward the center of the sand table. "I'll handle direct assaults. The Universe Cauldron can suppress wide-range attacks, while the Azure Water Sword will handle single-target breakthroughs. If we face a crisis, I'll use Cauldron Suppression to shield the entire team while you take the opportunity to adjust formation."

Yu Xiaogang pushed up his glasses, his eyes filled with approval. "These role assignments are highly reasonable. They balance offense, defense, and support, while allowing every person's strengths to be brought out to the fullest. But remember, preliminary round opponents vary greatly in strength. You'll need to adapt flexibly depending on the type of opponent."

Flender laughed as well. "Not bad, not bad. This is far more reliable than the lineups I arranged back then. Fight well and aim for first place in the preliminaries!"

At that moment, a System Prompt suddenly sounded in Lin Che's mind.

[Team lineup established. Main Quest triggered: Preliminary Round Opening Victory.]

[Mission Objective: Defeat the first opponent, Canghui Academy Reserve Team, with zero team casualties.]

[Mission Reward: [Common Jar] ×2, Soul Power Experience ×500.]

[Reminder: Although Canghui Academy Reserve Team appears weak, they possess a hidden illusion-domain Martial Soul. Beware of mental interference.]

Lin Che's expression tightened, and he immediately relayed the System Prompt's information to everyone. "Pay attention. Our first opponent, Canghui Academy Reserve Team, has an illusion-domain Martial Soul that can interfere with the mind. Tang San, use your Purple Demon Eyes to keep a close watch on their mental fluctuations. Jiang Zhu, prepare purifying Soul Power in advance to prevent us from falling into an illusion."

"An illusion-domain Martial Soul?" Tang San frowned. "We fought Canghui Academy's main team before. Their illusion required several people working together to activate. The reserve team shouldn't be that strong, should they?"

"We can't be careless." Lin Che said sternly. "The System Prompt mentioned it specifically, which means they have a hidden method. During the match, I'll use the Universe Cauldron to protect the core area. Rongrong, give Tang San Spiritual Amplification. The moment we notice signs of an illusion, Oscar, distribute Calming Sausages to everyone immediately."

Everyone agreed, and the atmosphere instantly became solemn. Dai Mubai rolled his wrists. "Perfect. We can test the power of our new lineup. What illusion? I'll just shatter it with one punch!"

Ma Hongjun rubbed his hands eagerly. "My Phoenix Fire can burn Soul Power. Maybe I can burn straight through the illusion!"

Ning Fengzhi watched the spirited group and nodded in satisfaction. "I've had seats prepared in the VIP area. I'll personally watch your first battle. Chen Xin will stand by at the edge of the arena. If anyone from Spirit Hall tries any tricks, he will intervene."

Chen Xin gave a slight nod, his Sword Qi concealed but ready. "With me here, no one will harm you in the slightest."

At that moment, Golden Light suddenly erupted from the Martial Soul Platform at the center of the arena. A red-robed Spirit Hall bishop stepped onto the stage, and his voice spread through the entire venue via a Soul Power amplifier. "The All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition preliminary round officially begins! First, please welcome the Group A teams!"

Music suddenly began to play. Lin Che pinned the captain's badge to his chest and raised his right hand. "Cauldron Sword Team, move out!"

The seven formed a neat line and walked toward the Martial Soul Platform. Sunlight passed through the arena dome and fell upon them. Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda lit up first, a pale purple glow enveloping the entire team. Dai Mubai's White Tiger Martial Soul exuded fierce pressure. Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Fire formed faint flaming feathers behind him. Tang San's Blue Silver Grass quietly curled around his ankles, ready to launch at any moment. Oscar's sausages gave off an enticing fragrance. Jiang Zhu's Seven-Colored Sacred Staff glowed with gentle light. The Universe Cauldron spun in Lin Che's palm, while the glazed bead on the Azure Water Sword's tassel reflected the glow of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda.

Thunderous applause instantly erupted from the spectator stands. Some recognized the Shrek group, while others marveled at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's lineup. Discussions rose one after another.

"Isn't that Shrek Academy? Why are they competing with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?"

"Who's that boy leading them? Is the cauldron in his hand a Martial Soul?"

"Their name is Cauldron Sword Team! Looks like the team was built around that boy as its core!"

In the VIP area, Spirit Hall's Platinum Bishop Salas watched the Cauldron Sword Team enter, his brows slightly furrowed. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has actually joined forces with some rural academy? What exactly is Ning Fengzhi trying to do?" His assistant whispered, "Bishop, the one leading them is named Lin Che. His Soul Power is as high as level 37. He defeated Tang San during a previous test at Shrek Academy."

"Level 37?" A trace of surprise flashed through Salas's eyes. "Such a young Soul Elder, and Ning Fengzhi values him so highly... Interesting." He picked up a Crystal Ball and began recording information about the Cauldron Sword Team members. Lin Che's Universe Cauldron in particular gave him a faint sense of unease.

As he stepped onto the Martial Soul Platform, Lin Che keenly sensed the prying gaze from the VIP area. A cold smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Without drawing attention, he activated the Universe Cauldron. A wisp of Pale Golden Soul Power quietly spread out, interfering with the Crystal Ball's detection. The Crystal Ball in Salas's hand suddenly filled with static, and its image became blurred and unclear. His face darkened. "What's going on? Soul Power interference?"

Lin Che withdrew his Soul Power and looked toward the entrance passage opposite them. Canghui Academy Reserve Team had already emerged. The five members wore gray uniforms, and at their head was a tall, skinny youth with gloomy eyes. His Martial Soul was quietly released, and distorted ripples faintly appeared in the air—the sign of an illusion-domain Martial Soul.

"Looks like this opening victory won't come easily." Lin Che gripped the Azure Water Sword and spoke softly to the teammates beside him. "Follow the plan. Don't let the illusion confuse you."

Tang San had already activated his Purple Demon Eyes. Purple-golden light swept over the opposing team. "Their Soul Power is all around level 30, but their spiritual power is unusually concentrated. They should be preparing the illusion."

The first level of Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda had already lit up. "Strength Amplification is ready. I can release it at any time!"

Dai Mubai stepped forward, fully possessed by the White Tiger Martial Soul. Cold light flickered across his Sharp Claws. "Let them taste the strength of our Cauldron Sword Team!"

The referee's voice rang out. "Cauldron Sword Team versus Canghui Academy Reserve Team. Match countdown—3, 2, 1, begin!"

Before his words had even faded, all five members of Canghui Academy Reserve Team attacked at once. Gray Soul Power intertwined into a net, and the scenery around the Martial Soul Platform instantly warped. The sounds of the audience vanished, Replaced by a Pitch Black forest.

"The illusion has been launched!" Jiang Zhu immediately released purifying Soul Power, and Seven-colored Light enveloped the entire team. "Don't close your eyes! Focus!"

Lin Che gave a Cold Snort. The Universe Cauldron soared into the air with a boom, and a Pale Golden cauldron-shaped Soul Power field spread outward. "Cauldron Suppression, break the illusion!"

Wherever the Golden Light reached, the warped scenery instantly dispersed. Lin Che held the Azure Water Sword and pointed it at the tall, skinny youth leading the other side. "Tang San, restrain him! Dai Mubai, break through head-on!"

The Cauldron Sword Team's first battle had officially begun. Lin Che knew this was only the start of the preliminaries, and the true challenges still lay ahead. Yet at this moment, as he watched his teammates coordinate seamlessly and felt the Soul Power Resonance of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Array, his heart was filled with confidence.

Cauldron and sword united, blades pointed toward the summit. In this All-Continent Soul Master Competition, they would surely make their names known!