Chapter Summaries

Zhang Bufan launched Bufan Academy’s first internal Soul Master Tournament, promising a mysterious prize and reserving the right to interrupt matches for instruction. The opening bout between Shi Tie and Wang Hu showcased Shi Tie’s hard-earned combat skill, and the tournament continued amid excitement and uncertainty.

• Zhang Bufan announced the Bufan Cup, and students eagerly speculated about the prize.
• Zhang Bufan appointed himself and Huo Wu chief judges and claimed the right to stop matches for on-site guidance.
• Three days later, Zhang Bufan opened the tournament at the academy’s central training ground.
• Shi Tie dodged Wang Hu’s opening attack and countered with a precise strike, drawing cheers from the spectators.
• Shi Tie used his defense, strength, and close-combat skill to hold his own against Wang Hu’s stronger Soul Power.

Shi Tie defeated Wang Hu with a precise shoulder strike, and Leng Ning overcame a speedy opponent through meticulous ice control. Their victories and other students’ inventive tactics showcased Bufan Academy’s training as the Bufan Cup continued, with the crowd anticipating more surprises.

• Shi Tie knocked Wang Hu out of the arena, and Wang Hu accepted his defeat while admiring Shi Tie’s strength.
• Huo Wu praised Zhang Bufan for keeping Shi Tie at the academy, and Zhang Bufan celebrated him as a Dark Horse.
• Leng Ning slowed an Agile Attack Department opponent with precise ice needles and immobilized him with a ring of ice, forcing him to concede.
• Li Qingfeng took notes on Leng Ning’s efficient technique, while Zhang Bufan praised her battlefield control.
• Xinghui and other students demonstrated new tactics, turning the tournament into a showcase of Bufan Academy’s teaching as the audience awaited further matches.

Zhang Bufan interrupted Zhao Mang and Li Bing’s match to give Li Bing unconventional tactical advice, including a joking suggestion to use a groin kick. Li Bing still lost, but his improved tactics caused Zhao Mang trouble, and the dean’s antics became a legendary story from the tournament.

• Zhao Mang overpowered Li Bing with a powerful charge and shattered Li Bing’s ice wall, leaving him close to defeat.
• Zhang Bufan stopped the match and advised Li Bing to close in on Zhao Mang and target his lower-body joints, then joked that he should use a groin kick.
• Huo Wu angrily confronted Zhang Bufan for disrupting the match and teaching the students hooligan tactics.
• Li Bing applied some of Zhang Bufan’s advice, troubled Zhao Mang with concentrated Cold Current, but ultimately lost.
• The story of Zhang Bufan teaching the groin kick spread through the academy as a famous Bufan Cup anecdote.

During the tournament intermission, Zhang Bufan openly pampered the angry Huo Wu at the judges’ table, feeding her water and fruit while students and teachers watched. Long Aotian’s teasing sparked a lively uproar, and the pair ended the intermission embraced as Huo Wu secretly smiled.

• Zhang Bufan coaxed Huo Wu into drinking water while holding her close, despite her initial anger and attempts to pull away.
• Zhang Bufan fed Huo Wu a rare fruit and gently wiped the corner of her mouth, drawing excited reactions from the students.
• Long Aotian loudly teased Zhang Bufan and Huo Wu for displaying affection in public, prompting the arena to join in.
• Huo Wu broke free in embarrassment and blamed Zhang Bufan, but he pulled her back into his arms and boasted that he pampered her.
• Huo Wu pretended to organize documents while secretly smiling as the crowd continued to cheer and tease them.

Shi Tie defeated Leng Ning in the Bufan Cup final by enduring her Ice Crystal Storm and landing a punch that made her concede. Zhang Bufan crowned Shi Tie champion, awarded him a short sword, and doubled every student’s vacation time.

• Leng Ning used her Ice Crystal Domain and successive ice attacks to slow and batter Shi Tie, but he pressed forward with his Shadow Leopard skills.
• Shi Tie endured Leng Ning’s Extreme Cold Impact and charged through her Ice Crystal Storm despite his injuries and dwindling Soul Power.
• Shi Tie reached Leng Ning and stopped his punch just short of her face, prompting her to admit defeat.
• Zhang Bufan caught the exhausted Shi Tie, praised him, and healed his injuries as Long Aotian announced him as the Bufan Cup champion.
• Zhang Bufan gave Shi Tie the academy’s short sword prize and announced that all students’ vacation time would be doubled, drawing loud cheers.

After the Bufan Cup, Bufan Academy settled into an orderly routine as its students and staff resumed their work. Zhang Bufan enjoyed his leisurely life and headed to the Dean's Office to join his busy wife, Huo Wu.

• Long Aotian trained the Assault Tactics Class, while Leng Ning, Li Qingfeng, Yue Ling'er, and Xinghui guided students in their respective classes.
• Academy departments handled supplies, maintenance, and growing requests for cooperation and enrollment from across the continent.
• Zhang Bufan strolled around the academy, casually assessing its classes and enjoying his hands-off role as dean.
• Zhang Bufan encouraged the recovering Shi Tie to study theory with Xinghui as well as build his strength.
• Zhang Bufan headed to the Dean's Office, hoping to spend time with Huo Wu, who was busy with academy work.

Huo Wu worked through the academy and empire’s paperwork while Zhang Bufan lounged, then he interrupted her to tease her about being jealous and urge her to rest. The chapter left him embracing her at her desk and asking her to keep him company.

• Huo Wu reviewed academy reports, imperial affairs, and a Star Luo Empire trade agreement while thinking resentfully about Zhang Bufan’s idleness.
• Zhang Bufan slipped into the Dean's Office and watched Huo Wu work before teasing her about her workload.
• Huo Wu accused Zhang Bufan of being distracted by female students, and he teased her for sounding jealous.
• Zhang Bufan urged Huo Wu to take a break and tried to take the pen from her hand.
• Zhang Bufan embraced Huo Wu from behind her chair and asked her to keep him company for a while.

Zhang Bufan comforted Huo Wu in the Dean's Office while she worked through academy business, then helped her consider a trade agreement with the Star Luo Empire. The two remained together as evening fell, with Huo Wu continuing her work and asking for Zhang Bufan's advice.

• Zhang Bufan embraced Huo Wu and teased her while she worked in the Dean's Office.
• Zhang Bufan massaged Huo Wu's temples, easing her fatigue, and the two talked about her hopes for a peaceful life at Snow Academy.
• Huo Wu raised a problem in the trade agreement with the Star Luo Empire, and Zhang Bufan suggested confronting Dai Tianfeng with force.
• Huo Wu insisted the agreement had to be handled through commercial and political means, and Zhang Bufan agreed to support her.
• As the academy lights came on, Huo Wu resumed reviewing the agreement and consulted Zhang Bufan for advice.

Huo Wu and Zhang Bufan discussed their plans to develop the academy and empire through Soul Tool research, education, and cooperation between Soul Beasts and humans. They ended the conversation by turning to the paperwork still awaiting Zhang Bufan.

• Huo Wu reflected on how the academy had grown, and Zhang Bufan declared his goal of making the academy and empire models for the continent.
• Zhang Bufan proposed creating a Soul Tool Technology Research Center to develop civilian machines, long-distance communication, and medical instruments.
• Zhang Bufan outlined plans for basic education for all children and a managed zone where humans and Soul Beasts could coexist.
• Huo Wu pledged to help Zhang Bufan realize his plans, and they shared a brief kiss.
• Huo Wu turned on the Soul Guiding Lamps and ordered Zhang Bufan to finish reviewing the documents that night.

Zhang Bufan and Huo Wu worked late together on governing documents for their academy and empire, then reflected on how Snow Academy had become their home. They left arm in arm, with Huo Wu promising to make him noodles.

• Huo Wu persuaded Zhang Bufan to stop putting off his work and promised to cook for him afterward.
• Zhang Bufan and Huo Wu reviewed the documents together, debating decisions and refining plans for the academy and empire.
• After finishing the final document on border trade tariffs with the Star Luo Empire, Zhang Bufan joined Huo Wu at the window.
• Huo Wu said Snow Academy felt more and more like home, and Zhang Bufan agreed that it was their home and vowed to protect it.
• Zhang Bufan and Huo Wu left the office arm in arm, with Huo Wu offering to make him a bowl of noodles.

After learning that the upcoming All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition would admit newly founded academies, Zhang Bufan committed Bufan Academy to entering and winning. He organized three months of specialized training, leaving the students fired up for the tournament.

• Long Aotian told Zhang Bufan and Huo Wu that the competition would begin in three months and that academies founded less than twenty years ago could now participate.
• Zhang Bufan accepted the opportunity and declared that Bufan Academy would enter and win the championship.
• At Training Ground One, Zhang Bufan announced the championship as the academy's sole goal and rallied the students and teachers.
• Zhang Bufan assigned Long Aotian, Li Qingfeng, Leng Ning, Shi Tie, and Xinghui to lead physical, tactical, and department-specific preparations.
• The students dispersed to begin intensive training, while Zhang Bufan and Huo Wu anticipated the coming competition.

Zhang Bufan brought Bufan Academy’s team to register for the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition, where Chairman Lor Diarra tried to delay their entry despite the written rules. Zhang Bufan pressured him into approving the registration, and the team left to celebrate as the academy officially entered the competition.

• Zhang Bufan and Huo Wu led Bufan Academy’s ten regular team members and five substitutes to the competition headquarters on registration day.
• Lor Diarra challenged Bufan Academy’s eligibility and proposed delaying its qualification review for months or years.
• Huo Wu argued that the competition notice permitted the academy to participate, while Long Aotian protested Lor Diarra’s obstruction.
• Zhang Bufan used his aura to overwhelm Lor Diarra and demanded that he stamp the registration form.
• Lor Diarra approved Bufan Academy’s registration, and Zhang Bufan took the team back to the academy for a celebratory feast.

Bufan Academy made its tournament debut at the opening ceremony, drawing scrutiny from rival teams and spectators. After the ceremony, the tournament’s drawing ceremony began, leaving their first opponent unknown.

• Emperor Xue Beng and other powerful figures attended the tournament opening as the major academies entered the Crown Great Soul Arena.
• The Shrek and Spirit Hall teams drew loud cheers before Bufan Academy entered in black-and-silver uniforms led by Shi Tie.
• Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo Chen Xin, Yu Yuanzhen, and Tang San recognized Bufan Academy’s discipline and strength, while Yan dismissed the team and Hu Liena urged caution.
• Zhang Bufan and Huo Wu watched from the leaders’ section as the host dubbed Bufan Academy the tournament’s Dark Horse.
• Emperor Xue Beng announced the opening of the tournament, and the drawing ceremony began without revealing Bufan Academy’s first opponent.

At the tournament, Bufan Academy drew Mammoth Academy for its first match, and Zhang Bufan sent his team out with a one-minute challenge. Shi Tie and his teammates crushed Mammoth Academy in thirty seconds, leaving the other academies stunned by their strength and coordination.

• Zhang Bufan eased Shi Tie and the other starters’ nerves by jokingly threatening them with toilet-scrubbing if they lost.
• Shi Tie drew number seven, matching Bufan Academy against Mammoth Academy, whose coach insulted the team and urged his students to cripple them.
• Zhang Bufan told the seven starters to defeat Mammoth Academy within one minute, and they entered the arena fired with confidence.
• At the start of the match, Leng Ning froze and slowed Mammoth Academy’s charge while Xinghui enhanced Shi Tie and his teammates.
• Shi Tie shattered the Diamond Mammoth captain’s Diamond Barrier with one punch, and the rest of Bufan Academy quickly incapacitated the other four opponents.
• The referee declared Bufan Academy the winner after thirty seconds, prompting astonishment from the crowd, VIP guests, and Shrek Academy.

Bufan Academy dominated the group stage with a string of instant victories, becoming the tournament’s biggest sensation and advancing to the knockout stage in first place. Zhang Bufan decided their easy wins called for a new challenge, leaving his plans unclear.

• After Bufan Academy’s thirty-second victory, the team returned to the rest area while Zhang Bufan and Huo Wu flirted in the stands.
• Bufan Academy defeated Gale Academy in twenty-five seconds using Leng Ning’s Frozen Domain and Shi Tie’s attacks.
• The team broke Thick Earth Academy’s defensive formation in twenty-two seconds, prompting spectators and VIPs to take notice of their strength.
• Shrek Academy completed the group stage undefeated, while Tang San considered how they might counter Shi Tie or Leng Ning.
• Zhang Bufan watched his team celebrate, then hinted to Huo Wu that he would find them a challenge.
• Bufan Academy finished first in its group and advanced to the knockout stage.

Bufan Academy swept through the group stage with crushing victories, drawing attention and concern from rival schools and powerful factions. Zhang Bufan hinted that he would arrange a new challenge for his students as they advanced to the elimination rounds undefeated.

• Leng Ning slowed Gale Academy with her Frozen Domain, and Shi Tie knocked all five opponents off the stage in twenty-five seconds.
• Xinghui weakened Thick Earth Academy's defensive formation, and Shi Tie shattered it with his Fourth Soul Skill to win in twenty-two seconds.
• Bufan Academy's victories made its students celebrated throughout Heaven Dou City, while Zhang Bufan decided their easy matches called for a new challenge.
• Ning Fengzhi, Chen Xin, Gu Rong, Yu Yuanzhen, and Salas assessed Bufan Academy, with Salas quietly ordering an attendant to act.
• The Shrek Seven Devils studied Bufan Academy's strength, and Tang San concluded they would need to find gaps in its coordination or restrain Shi Tie or Leng Ning.
• Bufan Academy finished first in its group undefeated and advanced to the elimination rounds, looming over Shrek Academy and Spirit Hall Academy.

Bufan Academy and Shrek Academy began their Promotion Match ring battle, with Zhang Bufan leaving his students to fight under Shi Tie’s command. Shi Tie instantly defeated Shrek’s first contestant, Tailong, and Dai Mubai stepped forward to face him.

• The Promotion Match draw paired undefeated Bufan Academy against Shrek Academy, and both teams prepared for the high-profile battle.
• Zhang Bufan chose not to direct Bufan Academy from the sidelines and put Shi Tie in command, with Leng Ning and Xinghui assisting.
• Tang San proposed that Shrek target Shi Tie and Leng Ning while using the team’s coordination, and Yu Xiaogang approved his plan.
• The referee called for the first contestants, and Shrek sent Tailong to test Shi Tie while Shi Tie entered for Bufan Academy.
• Shi Tie defeated Tailong with one punch, breaking his arm and knocking him unconscious outside the ring.
• Dai Mubai entered the ring to face Shi Tie, while Tang San noticed that Zhang Bufan’s absence had changed the feel of Bufan Academy’s team.

Shrek Academy and Bufan Academy battled through a series of tactical duels, with Bufan steadily draining Shrek’s strength and gaining the advantage. With Shrek on the brink of defeat, Tang San led his remaining teammates in a six-person fusion that formed a massive Clear Sky Hammer, leaving the outcome of the match uncertain.

• Dai Mubai conceded to Shi Tie after losing their close-range exchange, and Tang San faced Leng Ning in a control-type duel; Leng Ning tested and drained him before conceding.
• Xiao Wu defeated Bufan Academy’s defense-oriented fighter at great cost, Zhu Zhuqing was pushed out by Xinghui, and Shi Tie defeated Ma Hongjun despite suffering burns.
• With Shrek nearly exhausted and Bufan still fielding several strong fighters, Yu Xiaogang told Tang San to use their hidden technique, and Tang San rallied his remaining teammates.
• Ning Rongrong boosted Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ma Hongjun while Oscar supplied sausages, and the six remaining Shrek members poured their Soul Power into Tang San.
• Tang San summoned a giant Clear Sky Hammer through the six-person fusion skill, and its pressure injured Shi Tie and shattered Leng Ning’s Ice Crystal Domain.

Zhang Bufan guided Bufan Academy through a precise counter that disrupted Tang San’s six-in-one Clear Sky Hammer fusion skill and secured victory over Shrek Academy. The referee declared Bufan Academy the winner, advancing them to the next round as the arena erupted in celebration.

• Tang San summoned a Clear Sky Hammer formed from the combined Soul Power of Shrek’s six members and aimed it at Shi Tie.
• Zhang Bufan instructed Shi Tie, Leng Ning, and Xinghui to disrupt the fusion skill’s Soul Power transmission instead of blocking the hammer directly.
• Shi Tie’s ground shock and Leng Ning’s ice spike interrupted Tang San’s control, causing him to cough blood and the Clear Sky Hammer to dissolve.
• The referee declared that Shrek Academy had lost the ability to fight and named Bufan Academy the winner.
• Zhang Bufan’s tactical intervention drew awe from the spectators and VIP guests, while Tang San watched him with unwillingness and fear.

Bufan Academy defeated Shrek Academy after Zhang Bufan exposed the weakness in its fusion skill and guided his students through a precise counterattack. As the teams left the arena, Zhang Bufan’s victory began spreading as a legend across Heaven Dou City.

• Shi Tie and his teammates celebrated their victory while Huo Wu confronted Zhang Bufan for letting her worry before he intervened.
• Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin analyzed how Zhang Bufan had disrupted Shrek’s fusion skill by targeting Tang San’s role in its core.
• Xiao Wu helped the injured Tang San leave the stage as he and the other Shrek members struggled with their defeat.
• Zhang Bufan praised and criticized his students, explaining the tactics they had used against Shrek.
• Zhang Bufan and Huo Wu left the arena together while news of Zhang Bufan breaking Haotian spread through Heaven Dou City.