Round Robin: Recognizing the Gap

The horn of the Round Robin has officially sounded, and the atmosphere in the Martial Soul Great Soul Arena is even more intense than in the elimination rounds. The academies that have made it to this stage are all elites selected from hundreds, and every match is a fierce battle.

The Shrek Team was placed in Group B, and in their first match, they faced an extremely powerful opponent— the Blazing Fire Academy, one of the Five Elements Academy!

The stands were packed, with countless eyes focused on the arena. On one side was the recently rising dark Shrek, and on the other was the veteran powerhouse Blazing Fire Academy, renowned for its deep foundation and ferocious flames. This duel was undoubtedly the highlight of the first day of the Round Robin.

As the two teams entered the arena and their Soul Ring were released, a murmur of cheers rippled through the stands.

On the Blazing Fire Academy's side, the intense Soul Power fluctuations almost ignited the air. Captain Huo Wushuang, with his burly figure and dark red skin, possessed the Unicorn Fire Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul Possession, with five Soul Ring —yellow, yellow, purple, purple, and black—swirling around him. The aura of a level 56 Power Attack System Battle Soul King was overwhelming!

Even more striking is that his arms are covered with a layer of fine, crimson dragon scales, his finger joints are large, his fingertips are sharp, and he exudes a scorching and domineering aura—this is the sign that he has initially mastered the Dragon Transformation Secret Technique passed down by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan!

With the now-powerful True Dragon Transformation, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is no longer hesitant to share their once-treasured and tightly guarded Dragon Transformation Secret Technique with allies who need it.

After all, the Dragon Transformation Secret Technique has its own requirements. The primary condition is that one must have Sub-dragon Martial Soul of sufficient quality (at least of the quality of Top-tier Martial Soul). Moreover, if the Martial Soul's own Dragon Clan bloodline is not pure enough, then, like the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan of the past, all Soul Ring must absorb Soul Ring from Dragon Species Soul Beast in order to maintain the next stage of the Dragon Transformation Secret Technique.

Vice-captain Huo Wu, dressed in a fiery red outfit, possessed a graceful figure. Her martial spirit, Martial Soul Fire Shadow, caused the air around her to distort, and her aura as Level 53 Control System Battle Soul King was in no way weak.

Huo Xuan, wielding a longsword engulfed in Lie Yan, is a level 54 Power Attack System Battle Soul King. In addition, there is a Fire Whip Control System Soul Ancestor, two Agility Attack System Fire Crane Soul Ancestor, and one Mars Support System Soul Ancestor. All are at least Soul Ancestor, with three Soul King! Their average Soul Power is close to level 47! The lineup is truly impressive!

In contrast, the Shrek Team Dai Mubai, a level 51 Soul King, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and five others who are all Soul Ancestor. On paper, the difference in strength is obvious.

"The match begins!"

As soon as the referee finished speaking, Blazing Fire Academy displayed the prowess of a strong team. Huo Wushuang roared to the sky like a dragon, his Dragon Transformation arms blazing with flames, like a raging Fire Dragon, charging directly at Dai Mubai, the core of Shrek Academy's formation! He was determined to use his strongest against his strongest, crushing the opponent's ace in one fell swoop!

"Well done! White Tiger Vajra Transformation! White Tiger Demon God Transformation!" Dai Mubai roared, unleashing his Evil Eyes White Tiger Martial Soul, fearlessly charging forward! Tiger claws and dragon fists clashed fiercely!

Boom--!

With a muffled, loud bang, Dai Mubai's body trembled violently, and he staggered back several steps. His arm went numb, and his expression changed slightly. Such powerful strength! Huo Wushuang's Unicorn Fire Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul was of extremely high quality, and its power was already astonishing. Coupled with the amplification from the Dragon Transformation Arms, in a pure clash of strength, it actually overwhelmed him, who was activating two powerful amplification Soul Skill!

"First Soul Skill, Mars Like Rain!" From behind, the support Soul Master of the Blazing Fire Academy waved his staff, and sparks merged into his teammates' bodies. The flames on the Blazing Fire Team members instantly rose, and their momentum surged again!

"Third Soul Skill, Fire Crane Assault!" The two Agility Attack System Fire Crane Soul Ancestor transformed into two Daoliu, bypassing the main battlefield and rushing straight towards Oscar and Tang San at the rear of Shrek.

"Dream on! Phoenix Fire Line!" Ma Hongjun spread his phoenix wings, attempting to intercept, but Huo Xuan, wielding a Huo Xuan sword, clashed with Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Flame, resulting in a series of explosions.

"Second Soul Skill, Fire Sun Halo!" Huo Wu shouted, conjuring a huge fireball in her hand. It wasn't an attack, but rather it hovered in mid-air, emitting intense light and heat, interfering with the Shrek Academy members' vision and perception.

Her Third Soul Skill, Repulsion Fire Ring, repelled Xiao Wu, who attempted to attack her, and unleashed a barrage of fireballs, forcing Xiao Wu to rely on her Instantaneous Movement Soul Skill to dodge repeatedly. With ease, Huo Wu also occasionally unleashed fireballs to restrict Tang San's spider web and Dai Mubai's movement.

Tang San frowned, his Purple Demon Eye activated, searching for an opening. "First Soul Skill, Tough Spider Web!" He unleashed his spider web, aiming directly at a Fire Crane Soul Ancestor. However, the moment the web approached, it was scorched by the intense flames emanating from the opponent, its resilience greatly reduced, and he easily broke free. Fire Attribute, a natural counter to his spider-like control skills!

"Third Soul Skill, Fire Snake Dance!" The Fire Whip Soul Ancestor's whip seemed to come alive, Entanglement Xiao Wu and forcing her to dodge repeatedly.

Li Qingshan and Lu Ziqi went to Tang San and Ma Hongjun respectively. Under Huo Xuan aura, Li Qingshan and Ma Hongjun struggled to hold on, while Lu Ziqi's Star Luo Chess Martial Soul set up a chessboard to help Tang San restrict the actions of the two Fire Crane Soul Ancestor.

The situation is completely one-sided! The Shrek Team is at a disadvantage in every aspect! Individual strength, Martial Soul attributes, and teamwork are all suppressed! Dai Mubai is tightly entangled by Huo Wushuang and is at a disadvantage; Tang San's control is countered by fire; Ma Hongjun's fire effects have extremely limited effect on the opponent; Xiao Wu and the others are also completely restrained.

In the stands, Flender and Zhao Wuji wore solemn expressions. The gap in strength was greater than they had anticipated.

Just then, Huo Wu, while elegantly manipulating the flames, turned her gaze to Ma Hongjun, who was locked in combat with Huo Xuan. Her clear voice, carrying a hint of expert commentary, rang out. "Evil Fire Phoenix? What a pity... It was originally a top-tier Phoenix Bloodline mutation, but due to insufficient origin, it has become this Evil Fire fire-afflicted form."

If you could endure the agony of being consumed by Evil Fire when your Martial Soul Awakening, and guide it with your will, you might one day be able to forge a true Phoenix Flame. Alas, alas, indulging in momentary pleasure and unleashing it outwards has ultimately led you astray, severing your path to Martial Soul sublimation. Unless you encounter an extraordinary stroke of luck, becoming Soul Sage will be your only end in this life."

Her words were like sharp needles, piercing Ma Hongjun's heart. The fat man's face instantly turned red, and shame, anger, and a trace of barely perceptible despair flashed in his eyes.

Upon hearing this, Flender's face also showed bitterness. He knew all too well that Ma Hongjun was young at the time, suffering terribly from the Evil Fire in his heart, and as his teacher, he ultimately softened his heart.

Huo Wu shook her head and sighed softly, seemingly regretting it. However, in that brief moment of distraction as she made her comments—

A sudden change has occurred!

Tang San, who had been suppressed and seemed helpless, suddenly unleashed a dazzling crimson-gold light in his eyes! A terrifying Dragon Might's Primordial Era, primordial, domineering, and surpassing all beasts, erupted like a dormant volcano, sweeping across the entire area!

"Second Martial Soul, Crimson Gold Dragon, Possession!"

With a deep Dragon Roar, Tang San's body was instantly covered with a layer of fine crimson-gold dragon scales, his forehead bulged slightly, and his right hand transformed into a ferocious and domineering Dragon Claw claw.

A solid, Golden Soul Ring, radiating a terrifying power, rose from beneath his feet! Although it was just a simple Martial Soul Possession, the incomparably pure Golden Dragon Bloodline pressure caused the souls of many Beast Martial Soul Master present, especially those with Dragon Martial Soul, to tremble!

Having realized his own inadequacy during this period, Tang San also attempted to control his Second Martial Soul. Under Flender's supervision, he repeatedly activated his Second Martial Soul, trying to master it.

In the end, he succeeded. He was able to control the Crimson Gold Dragon Martial Soul to possess his body. The originally illusory Golden Soul Ring had solidified into a real Soul Ring, and he gained a powerful amplification Soul Skill. Furthermore, he could control his right hand to become a Golden Dragon Claw claw with shattering properties. When he went all out, his combat power was enough to easily defeat Dai Mubai, who was already Soul King.

"What?! Twin Martial Souls, and... heterochromatic Soul Ring?!" Huo Wu's face paled, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief!

Huo Wushuang, who was the first to be affected, felt an indescribable sense of fear and submission coming from the Unicorn Fire Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul within his body. His Soul Power circulated for a moment and his movements were a beat slower!

"Now!" Tang San's crimson-gold dragon eyes locked onto Huo Wushuang, his Dragon Claw tearing through the air with an unstoppable, Shattering Artistic Conception as he slammed down on Huo Wushuang, who was now vulnerable due to the suppression of his bloodline!

"Watch out!" Huo Wu cried out, but it was too late to help!

"Boom--!"

Huo Wushuang, who only had time to cross his arms in front of his chest in his Dragon Transformation form, was hit head-on by Huo Wushuang battering ram. He flew backward like a kite with a broken string, heading straight for Dai Mubai!

Dai Mubai was taken aback at first, then his eyes flashed with a fierce light! "Fourth Soul Skill, White Tiger Meteor Shower!" Countless orbs of light, filled with rage, rained down on Huo Wushuang, who was unable to gain any leverage Huo Wushuang the air!

"Brother!" Huo Wu!

Rumble--!

A violent explosion rang out in mid-air. A powerful flame shield erupted from Huo Wushuang's body, but he was still blasted to shreds and covered in wounds. He fell heavily off the stage and struggled for a few moments before managing to stand up, but he was clearly out of the game.

The entire audience erupted in uproar!

Twin Martial Souls! Tang San of Shrek actually possesses Twin Martial Souls, a rare find among thousands! And his Second Martial Soul is such a powerful Dragon Martial Soul! Instantly turning the tide of battle!

"Brother--!" Huo Wu let out a shrill scream. Seeing her brother seriously injured and unconscious, her heart was filled with regret, self-blame, and anger.

It was because of her carelessness that Tang San had the opportunity to take advantage of her; otherwise, she would have been able to block Tang San's sneak attack with her Repulsion Fire Ring.

"You... since you hurt my brother! Then you must pay the price!" Huo Wu face was frosty, and her beautiful eyes burned with a mad flame! Her soul Soul Power surged like boiling water, and her five Soul Ring lit up at the same time, beginning to resonate and merge in a strange trajectory!

"Ring Fusion - Huo Wu Yaoyang - Fallen!"

Ring Fusion is a powerful secret technique. Its core lies in using a powerful Spiritual Power far exceeding the current Soul Power Level as the control hub to forcibly "integrate" the Soul Power origin of one or more Soul Ring into another Soul Ring, causing it to "sublimate" in a short period of time and unleash terrifying power far exceeding the original age level.

With a Huo Wu cry, Huo Wu unleashed the Soul Power of her five Soul Ring, which surged into her fourth Soul Ring like rivers flowing into the sea! The already enormous fireball instantly expanded several times in size, its color changing from crimson to a dazzling white-gold!

The terrifying heat caused the arena floor to melt, the air to distort, as if a miniature sun had descended upon the world! The energy fluctuations it emitted had clearly reached the Soul Sage level!

"Oh no! Admit defeat immediately!" Flender and Zhao Wuji's expressions changed drastically, and they stood up abruptly!

But it was too late! The platinum sun, carrying an aura of Destruction, crashed down upon the Shrek Team! An area-of-effect attack covered the entire arena!

"Referee!" Flender roared!

The referee, who had already sensed something was wrong, was a Soul Douluo- level powerhouse. In a flash, he appeared in front of the Shrek Seven Devils, his immense Soul Power forming a solid barrier that protected the seven of them behind him!

Boom----------!!!

A deafening explosion resounded throughout the entire Great Soul Arena! A platinum-gold flame storm engulfed half of the arena, and even though the terrifying shockwave was weakened by the barrier set up by the Soul Sage, it still made the audience in the front row of the stands feel a scorching heat!

The firestorm lasted for a full six seconds. Even though Xiao Wu's Fourth Soul Skill, Invincible Golden Body, could make her invincible for three seconds, she still couldn't escape unscathed from the storm.

As the light faded, a huge, charred crater appeared in the center of the arena. The referee's face was slightly pale, clearly indicating that he had expended a considerable amount of Soul Power to withstand the attack. The Shrek Seven Devils behind him, though protected, were also pale and shaken by the terrifying power. Had it been even a second later, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

"Blazing Fire Academy wins!" the referee announced loudly, giving Huo Wu a stern look at him. The Ring Fusion Secret Technique is incredibly powerful, but if not controlled properly, it can easily cause injury or death. This girl was too impulsive.

Huo Wu, having exhausted her Soul Power, collapsed to the ground, feeling a pang of guilt as she watched her brother being carried away. However, her resentment towards Shrek Academy, especially towards Tang San and Dai Mubai, remained undiminished.

Shrek Team suffered a crushing defeat in their first match of the Round Robin! It was a one-sided, overwhelming loss. Even with Tang San revealing his Twin Martial Souls, it couldn't bridge the massive gap in their overall strength. Huo Wu's final, furious attack shattered any remaining hope they had.

Back at their base, the atmosphere within the Shrek Team plummeted. The shadow of defeat loomed over everyone. Dai Mubai remained silent, Ma Hongjun was deeply devastated, Xiao Wu looked at Tang San with worry, and Li Qingshan and Lu Ziqi wore bitter expressions. They truly understood the gap between themselves and top academy geniuses, a gap that couldn't be easily bridged by mere fortuitous encounters or tactical maneuvers.

Flender didn't reprimand them much, but said in a deep voice, "Do you see the gap? This is reality. Blazing Fire Academy isn't the strongest yet. In the upcoming matches, everyone need to be on your toes! Our goal is to qualify, and then strive for the best possible ranking in the Revival Round! This year, we'll gain experience; the next year will be our real stage!"

In the subsequent Round Robin, the Shrek Team abandoned unrealistic fantasies and played steadily. In their Group B, apart from the Blazing Fire Academy standing out, the other teams were relatively evenly matched.

Having learned from their mistakes, the Shrek team adopted a more pragmatic approach and improved their teamwork, defeating the other six teams in their group one after another. Ultimately, they finished second in their group with a record of six wins and one loss, successfully advancing to the top sixteen!

However, reaching the knockout stage of the round of 16 meant they would likely face top teams from other groups. When the draw results came out, the Shrek team's hearts sank again—their opponent was Five Elements Academy, the top team in Group D, whose strength was comparable to the Blazing Fire Academy Skywater Academy, and even more difficult to deal with in some aspects!

Skywater Academy's captain is Shui Bing'er, a sixteen-year-old level 54 Control System Battle Soul King with the Martial Soul Ice Phoenix! The vice-captain Xue Wu, also a level 54 Control System Battle Soul King with the Martial Soul Snow! Yu Hairou a level 52 Power Attack System Battle Soul King with the Martial Soul Coral Barracuda! In addition, there are four other Soul Ancestor members, all possessing high-quality water-type Martial Soul. Martial Soul teamwork is excellent, especially Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu's Martial Soul Fusion Skill — Ice Snow Falling —which is incredibly powerful!

Most importantly, all members of the Skywater Academy possess water-type Martial Soul, with no dragons among them, rendering Tang San's Crimson Golden Dragon Bloodline ineffective in suppressing them! On the other hand, the opponent's Extreme Ice actually has a certain degree of restraint against Ma Hongjun's flames and Tang San's spider webs.

Silence reigned in the preparation room. The disparity in strength was so great that victory was virtually impossible.

After a long silence, Tang San raised his head, his gaze sweeping over his teammates, his voice calm yet tinged with a hint of helplessness. "We concede defeat in this match."

Dai Mubai clenched his fist, then helplessly relaxed it, nodding dejectedly. Xiao Wu, Oscar, and the others silently agreed. To do something knowing it's impossible is courageous, but also foolish. Conserving their strength and preparing for the upcoming Revival Round to compete for ninth or tenth place is a more realistic and wiser choice.

The crushing defeat in the Round Robin was like a heavy blow, shattering the Shrek team's dreams of genius and making them truly realize their place. The road ahead is still long and arduous, but at this moment, they are less impetuous and more composed.

After making the decision to concede, everyone felt a little relieved. Although it was a bit of a pity to stop here, reaching this point was already a huge success for the Shrek Academy, which had not been established for long.

When the news of Shrek Team's voluntary surrender spread, the stands erupted in uproar, with expressions of understanding, regret, and disdain. But the Shrek members remained remarkably calm. Recognizing reality and making the most advantageous choice is also part of growth.

Although their journey ends here, Shrek's adventure is not over. They still have a chance in the Revival Round.

Moreover, they share a common expectation—to witness firsthand the ultimate showdown between Yu Tianquan and Qian Renxue, the two who stand at the pinnacle of this competition and even the entire continent's younger generation!

It was more than just a competition; it was a symbol, a goal they needed to look up to and strive for. Perhaps, by witnessing this epic battle, they could see the road ahead and find the direction for their future efforts.

They knew that it would be a clash between true geniuses, a clash that transcended their current understanding.