The First Battle of the Grand Competition

Returning to his room, Dai Yueheng held the pale green liquid that radiated an aura of life, his mind filled with a thousand thoughts.

He did not hesitate, downing the Clear Heart Jade Marrow Brew in one gulp.

A gentle yet majestic energy instantly dissolved in his stomach, flowing through his limbs and bones like spring rain nourishing the earth.

His entire body felt as if it were soaking in a warm spring, an indescribable sense of comfort washing over him.

Feeling this astonishing effect, Dai Yueheng couldn't help but sigh with emotion:

"To be able to produce something of this caliber so casually... let alone being his enemy, I fear even those who want to be his friend would have to fight tooth and nail for the chance."

He shook his head, casting aside the distracting thoughts in his mind.

Such a powerful aid must not be wasted.

He immediately sat cross-legged, guiding the residual medicinal power within his body as he entered a state of deep cultivation.

Meanwhile, in the room shared by Ji Jing and Wang Dong.

Wang Dong had finished washing up and changed into a comfortable silk pajama set, returning to her female form.

As she used her soul power to gently steam-dry her long, water-blue hair, she asked curiously:

"Did someone come by just now? I thought I heard voices."

Ji Jing poured a cup of Clear Heart Jade Marrow Brew and pushed it toward her, briefly recounting how Ma Xiaotao and the others had come to apologize.

After listening, Wang Dong fell silent for a moment.

She picked up the wine glass, looking at the clear liquid within, and sighed softly:

"It's a pity... those who have already sacrificed their lives can never return."

The death of Yao Haoxuan had deeply affected everyone.

Except for Ji Jing.

Ji Jing walked over to her side, reached out, and gently stroked her hair, comforting her in a low voice:

"Don't think too much about it; the dead are gone. You've been tired these past few days, get some rest early."

"Mm."

Wang Dong responded softly, leaning into Ji Jing's embrace. She buried her cheek against his chest, taking a deep breath of the reassuring scent that clung to him.

A moment later, she lifted her head, and the two exchanged goodnights before heading to their respective beds to rest.

Over the next few days, the team adjusted their state under the guidance of Teacher Wang Yan, adapting to the environment of Star Luo City and making final preparations for the upcoming tournament.

Finally, the opening day of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Tournament arrived.

The magnificent Star Luo City square was packed with people, the atmosphere heated to the extreme.

When the emcee loudly announced, "The Shrek Academy representative team enters the arena," the eyes of the entire crowd instantly focused on the contestant tunnel.

Ji Jing walked at the very front of the team, his expression calm and his pace steady.

Behind him were Ma Xiaotao, who had regained her former brilliance, as well as Dai Yueheng, Ling Luochen, Xixi, Gongyang Mo, and the members of the reserve team.

Thanks to Ji Jing's Clear Heart Jade Marrow Brew, the injuries of Ma Xiaotao and the others were no longer a concern, allowing them to participate in the entrance ceremony.

Only Chen Zifeng, who had suffered the most severe injuries, remained at the hotel to recuperate and could not attend.

As the defending champions, the entrance of Shrek Academy undoubtedly drew intense attention and discussion from all participating academies and spectators alike.

After a long and impassioned opening ceremony, the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire, Xu Jiawei, personally took the stage to announce the official start of the tournament.

The first stage of the tournament was the brutal knockout round.

The draw results were quickly displayed on the large soul guidance screen; the first match of the first round was the highly anticipated defending champion—

Shrek Academy versus Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy!

When the massive soul guidance screen clearly displayed the words "Shrek Academy vs. Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy," the entire Star Luo City square fell silent for a heartbeat before erupting into a mountain-shaking roar of discussion.

"Tianling Academy's luck is just too bad! They ran into Shrek in the very first match!"

"Indeed, the opening match for the defending champions—this is going to be a good show."

"I bet Shrek ends the fight in under a minute!"

Amidst the waves of discussion, the rest area for Tianling Academy was shrouded in gloom.

Their captain looked at his team members with an ashen face.

Although he tried to boost their morale repeatedly, facing the immense pressure brought by the name "Shrek," his team members remained devoid of confidence; some even found their legs trembling uncontrollably.

On the other side, the preparation area for Shrek Academy appeared much calmer.

Teacher Wang Yan adjusted his glasses, turning his gaze toward the most composed member of the team, Ji Jing, and said:

"Ji Jing, you are the captain for this match; you decide the lineup."

After the recent incident, Wang Yan had gained a new understanding of Ji Jing's judgment and strength, and he was eager to see how Ji Jing would arrange his troops on the formal battlefield.

As soon as these words were spoken, the main team members, including Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng, all cast their gazes toward Ji Jing.

Ji Jing's gaze swept slowly across the group, finally landing on Gongyang Mo and the reserve team members behind him.

He spoke calmly:

"For the early and middle stages of the tournament, Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, and I will try our best not to take the stage."

"For this match, Gongyang Mo will lead the team. Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, Beibei, Jiang Nannan, Xu Sanshi, Huo Yuhao—you seven will go up."

This decision left everyone, including the reserve team members who had been named, stunned.

"Let us go up?"

Xiao Xiao found it hard to believe.

"Only sending the reserve team?"

Dai Yueheng also felt surprised.

"Yes,"

Ji Jing nodded and looked at Gongyang Mo, "Gongyang Mo's support abilities are enough to bridge the gap in Soul Power Level. Besides, this battle is the best opportunity for you to build confidence. Go, let the entire continent see the strength of the Shrek Academy reserve team."

Gongyang Mo took a deep breath; he understood that this was the trust and heavy responsibility Ji Jing had placed in him.

He nodded solemnly:

"Yes, Captain!"

Huo Yuhao and the others reacted immediately, their eyes igniting with fierce fighting spirit.

That's right, they were also members of Shrek Academy!

They, too, had to prove themselves!

Soon, the teams from both sides stepped onto the massive competition stage.

When the audience saw the lineup sent by Shrek Academy, there was another uproar.

"What's going on? That redhead and the eldest son of the White Tiger Duke Mansion aren't playing?"

"Except for that support, they're all fresh faces! Is Shrek Academy so arrogant that they'd only send their reserve team?"

The members of Tianling Academy felt a slight sense of relief upon seeing that their opponents were not the legendary main team, but this was quickly followed by the anger of being looked down upon.

Their captain gritted his teeth and said:

"Brothers, they look down on us! This is our chance! Cheer up, let's fight them with everything we've got!"

"The match begins!"

As the referee gave the order, the battle erupted instantly.

The seven members of Tianling Academy immediately set up their formation, their spirit rings flashing as they attempted to seize the initiative.

However, they were fast, but the Shrek side was faster!

Standing in the center of the formation, Gongyang Mo's eyes lit up instantly.

With a clear, resonant dragon roar, a brilliant and dazzling phantom of a Rainbow Dragon appeared behind him.

Red, orange, yellow, green, and cyan lights shone as his five spirit rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, and black—rose, looking magnificent.

"First Spirit Skill, Power of Red!"

"Second Spirit Skill, Keenness of Orange!"

"Third Spirit Skill, Toughness of Yellow!"

"Fourth Spirit Skill, Vitality of Green!"