The Crushing Path Begins

The Final Tournament's format was even tighter and more brutal, using a single-elimination system. Any mistake in any match could mean going home and losing all chance at the championship.

The draw results were quickly announced. The Imperial Fighting Team's first-round opponent was a veteran powerhouse from the Star Luo Empire. They had three Soul Ancestors and four peak Soul Elders, making them a force not to be underestimated. Their captain in particular was a level forty-seven Assault Department Battle Soul Ancestor. His Martial Soul was the rare Bloodthirsty Mad Axe, renowned for its savage offensive power.

As both teams stepped onto the stage and exchanged bows, the Star Luo Team captain fixed a fierce gaze on the relaxed Zhang Bufan and said in a deep voice, "I've long heard that the Heaven Dou Empire's 'Nine Cauldrons Douluo' possesses extraordinary strength. Today, I'll have the chance to experience it for myself! I hope you won't disappoint me!"

His words were filled with fighting spirit and provocation. Clearly, he wanted to overwhelm his opponent in momentum before the match had even begun.

On the Imperial Fighting Team's side, Yu Tianheng frowned slightly and was about to respond when Zhang Bufan gave a huge yawn, rubbed his eyes, and waved at the captain lazily.

"Sure, sure. Let's get started already. I'm waiting to eat after this."

His utter lack of regard for his opponent instantly enraged every member of the Star Luo Team. A wave of uproar also rose from the Audience Seats.

"That's way too arrogant!"

"Star Luo's Bloodthirsty Mad Axe isn't easy to deal with!"

"Zhang Bufan may be strong, but he's being far too careless!"

The captain's face turned livid with rage, veins bulging on his forehead. "You...!"

"Match begin!" The referee had no interest in their argument and directly announced the start.

"Roar!" The Star Luo captain let out an angry bellow. Four Soul Rings lit up around him, especially the fourth Purple Soul Ring, which shone brilliantly. "Fourth Soul Skill, Mad Axe Earth Splitting Slash!"

The giant axe in his hand erupted with dazzling red light and charged straight at Zhang Bufan, who stood at the very front of the Imperial Fighting Team, carrying an aura that seemed capable of tearing everything apart! Before the axe even arrived, its violent gusts already made people's cheeks sting.

The other members of the Imperial Fighting Team instinctively prepared to unleash their Soul Skills for defense or support.

However, Zhang Bufan did not move at all. He even had the leisure to turn back and say to Yu Tianheng and the others, "Stay where you are. Watch the show."

Just as the Bloodthirsty Mad Axe was about to split his skull, Zhang Bufan finally moved. He did not release his Martial Soul, nor did any Soul Rings appear. He merely raised his right hand as if casually and extended one finger.

Then, he lightly tapped the blade of the giant axe that was chopping down with enough force to split mountains and shatter rocks.

Time seemed to freeze at that moment.

Before everyone's disbelieving eyes, the imposing giant axe struck Zhang Bufan's fingertip as though it had hit an invisible, indestructible wall!

Clang—!

A clear, resonant boom like metal striking metal rang out!

Then came a scene that left the entire arena dumbfounded. The seemingly unstoppable Bloodthirsty Mad Axe rebounded backward at a speed even faster than its charge! Its owner, the Star Luo captain, was sent flying as though he had been struck by an invisible elephant, crashing directly into his own team's defensive formation!

"Pfft—"

"Ow!"

People and bodies tumbled everywhere! The Star Luo Team's carefully arranged formation was smashed into chaos by their own captain! The captain's palm had split open, blood pouring from it. Even the Martial Soul axe in his hand had become somewhat illusory. Lying on the ground, he stared at his trembling hand, his eyes filled with shock and confusion.

What happened? I was just... sent flying by a single finger?!

The entire Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena fell deathly silent.

Everyone stood with their mouths agape, staring at Zhang Bufan, who still held out one finger, as though they had witnessed something utterly impossible.

No Martial Soul! No Soul Skill! Just one finger! And he had effortlessly defeated a level forty-seven Assault Department Battle Soul Ancestor who had unleashed his full power?!

Could... could a human really do that?!

After the brief silence came a tidal wave of astonished cries and uproar!

"Did... did I see that wrong?!"

"One finger?! Just one finger?!"

"A monster! This was the real monster!"

"Nine Cauldrons Douluo! His reputation is well deserved!"

On the Imperial Fighting Team's side, Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, and the others had been mentally prepared, but witnessing such an absurd scene with their own eyes still left their mouths dry. They knew Zhang Bufan was strong, but they had never imagined he could be this strong! This had completely surpassed their understanding of Soul Master combat!

The referee was stunned for several seconds before coming to his senses and hurriedly announcing, "Imperial Fighting Team, victory!"

Only then did Zhang Bufan slowly retract his finger, as though he had merely done something insignificant. He even gave the referee and the Audience Seats a polite smile before turning toward the stands where Blazing Fire Academy sat and winking again.

Huo Wu looked at the man on the stage, who had become the center of everyone's attention and was as powerful as a god. Then she felt his undisguised gaze of "harassment," aimed solely at her, and her emotions became indescribably complicated.

This guy... how could he be... so strong, yet so... annoying!

Zhang Bufan's inner thoughts were utterly cheerful.

Done! Time to call it a day! Perfect!

Inner complaint: That defense was as flimsy as paper. The momentum looked impressive, but it was all flash and no substance.

Who's the next opponent? Hopefully they won't be like this one, moving as slowly as a crawling turtle. That was way too boring.

Hm, I wonder if Wu'er admired me a little more after seeing how cool I was just now? I'll go ask her later.

He casually walked off the arena as though he had only gone up for a stroll. And his path of crushing victories had officially begun in this utterly unreasonable fashion. For his future opponents, the coming matches were destined to become nightmares.