The Eve of the Semifinals, the Princess's Regret

Star Emperor Hotel, Shrek Academy's exclusive conference room.

The atmosphere was heavy and solemn.

Senior Sister Zhang Lexuan stood before the tactical board, analyzing the upcoming situation with a stern expression.

"The list of the final four has been finalized: Sun Moon Imperial Soul Master Academy, Star Luo National Academy, Heaven Dou Empire's Di'ao Academy, and our Shrek Academy."

"Each of these three teams is a tough nut to crack. Among them, Sun Moon Imperial Soul Master Academy is undoubtedly our greatest rival. According to intelligence, their lineup is highly likely to be one Spirit King and six Spirit Kings. What is even more terrifying is that every one of them is equipped with top-tier Soul Tools, possessing immense explosive power."

Hearing this, everyone's expressions grew heavy. A Spirit Emperor combined with six Spirit Kings was not inherently terrifying; what was terrifying was that they were equipped with powerful Soul Tools from the pinnacle of the continent's soul technology sanctuary—Mingde Hall.

This level of strength would be a guaranteed championship in any previous tournament.

"Di'ao Academy cannot be underestimated either. They also have a configuration of one Emperor and six Kings. Although they are inferior to the Sun Moon Team in terms of Soul Tools, their martial soul foundation is profound."

Zhang Lexuan continued: "As for Star Luo National Academy, although they have no Spirit Emperor, they do have six Spirit Kings. Furthermore, the tournament has progressed to this point, and their captain has yet to make an appearance. Additionally, as the hosts, they possess the advantages of timing, location, and human support."

Huo Yuhao narrowed his eyes; the captain of Star Luo National Academy was indeed an unexpected figure.

"The final rules have been adjusted to include team battles, individual elimination rounds, and the Two-Two-Three Battle Method. This places higher demands on our tactical arrangements. Therefore, we must be extremely cautious in the next two matches; we cannot afford the slightest mistake!"

Having said this, Zhang Lexuan paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone present before finally landing on Huo Yuhao, the sternness in her eyes softening slightly.

"However—" Zhang Lexuan's tone shifted, her voice becoming impassioned, "I believe that no matter who the opponent is, and no matter how the rules change, the championship of this tournament still belongs to Shrek!"

"Shrek will win!" everyone shouted in unison, their morale soaring like a rainbow.

After the meeting ended, the night was already deep.

Huo Yuhao did not return to his own room, but instead knocked on Ling Luochen's door with practiced ease.

"Come in." A cold, clear voice came from inside.

Huo Yuhao pushed the door open and entered, only to see Ling Luochen wearing a light silk nightgown, sitting cross-legged on the bed with a chill lingering around her.

Seeing Huo Yuhao enter, a trace of panic flashed across her face, which was usually as cold as frost.

"Yuhao, you... what are you here for?"

"The big battle is imminent, I thought you might need me." Huo Yuhao chuckled.

"I... I do need your Ultimate Ice to assist in my cultivation and adjust to my best state," Ling Luochen said, forcing herself to remain calm, though her slightly trembling eyelashes betrayed her inner nervousness.

"Happy to serve, Senior Sister." Huo Yuhao hooked the corner of his mouth into a playful smile and closed the door behind him.

A few days ago, this iceberg senior sister had ignored him; today was the perfect time to collect the debt with interest.

This night was destined to be a sleepless one.

The spirit power of Ultimate Ice circulated within their bodies. Although it was for cultivation, the process was... naturally somewhat "intense."

It could be said that Ling Luochen suffered greatly.

The dominance of the Ultimate Ice, combined with Huo Yuhao's bottomless reserve of spirit power, pushed her to the brink of collapse.

If she hadn't finally begged for mercy with a tearful voice, explaining that she had to participate in the semi-finals tomorrow, Huo Yuhao might have truly kept her in bed for several days and nights.

It wasn't until dawn was approaching that Huo Yuhao left, feeling refreshed.

Watching Huo Yuhao's retreating back, Ling Luochen, who was sprawled on the bed, bit her red lips, her eyes complex.

She finally understood that this kid's spirit power was like a bottomless pit. In the future, she must never let him accumulate too much; otherwise, if it all erupted at once, her small frame simply couldn't handle it!

The next day, Star Luo Plaza.

The horn for the semi-finals officially sounded.

Emperor Xu Jiawei of Star Luo personally took the stage to announce the start of the semi-finals and would personally preside over the drawing ceremony.

To show the importance placed on the semi-finals, the referee was also replaced by a heavyweight figure—the Guardian Douluo of the Star Luo Empire, Huang Jinxu, titled Heavenly Calamity.

Looking at the cold-faced, murderous old man on the stage, Ma Xiaotao leaned into Huo Yuhao's ear and whispered in surprise: "Yuhao, that is the Heavenly Calamity Douluo! I heard his martial soul is the star of calamity in the sky, his fate is extremely hard, and he is a Lone Star of Heavenly Calamity; his friends and family have all passed away one by one because of his fate. Although he is only level ninety-two now, relying on his special martial soul attributes, his combat power can even rival a level ninety-five Super Douluo!"

Huo Yuhao chuckled upon hearing this, his eyes carrying a hint of indifference: "Fate is the kind of thing that exists if you believe in it, and doesn't if you don't. As long as one's strength is sufficient, whatever Lone Star of Heavenly Calamity it is, one punch will shatter it. Sister Xiaotao, when you break through to Title Douluo, you will definitely be stronger than him."

Ma Xiaotao rolled her eyes at him, but she felt wonderful inside.

At this moment, the captains of the four teams had already walked onto the arena.

Opposite them, the captain of the Star Luo National Academy team was none other than the chief auctioneer he had met once at the auction house, and also the eldest princess of the Star Luo Empire—Xu Jiujiu.

Today, Xu Jiujiu had changed out of her gorgeous long dress and put on a tight-fitting team uniform, making her look even more heroic. Seeing Huo Yuhao, she smiled and nodded, acknowledging him.

Huo Yuhao also nodded politely in response.

"The draw begins!"

The Star Luo Emperor waved his hand, and four golden spheres inscribed with the draw positions were tossed high into the air.

"Grab them!"

Almost at the same time, except for Huo Yuhao, the other three captains surged forward, each using their own methods to rush toward the spheres in the air.

However, Huo Yuhao stood where he was, not moving an inch.

Just when everyone thought he had given up on seizing the initiative, Huo Yuhao slowly raised his right hand and made a grasping motion toward the air.

"Controlling Crane Capturing Dragon? No, it's Psychic Power!"

One of the golden spheres seemed to be pulled by an invisible force, tracing a strange arc through the air, bypassing the scramble of the others to land obediently in Huo Yuhao's hand.

This display of telekinesis was effortless and incredibly stylish!

The entire audience erupted into thunderous applause.

Huo Yuhao opened his palm, and the golden sphere cracked open to reveal the note inside—the number one draw.

At the same time, Xu Jiujiu landed and steadied herself on the opposite side. She looked at the golden sphere in her hand, her expression momentarily stunned. Then, she gave a wry smile and showed Huo Yuhao the draw she had received.

It was also the number one draw.

"It seems this is fate." Xu Jiujiu looked at Huo Yuhao, a hint of regret flashing in her eyes. "I had hoped to face you all from Shrek Academy in the finals, but it seems we must decide the outcome ahead of schedule."

Huo Yuhao smiled slightly, his eyes burning with fighting spirit. "It is my honor to cross swords with you, Your Highness. However, Shrek Academy is determined to secure this ticket to the finals."

"Then let us wait and see." Xu Jiujiu withdrew her smile, her gaze becoming sharp.

The first match of the semifinals, Shrek Academy versus Star Luo National Academy, was about to ignite!