Star Luo Plaza, Duel Arena No. 1.
Around the massive arena, the cheers of hundreds of thousands of spectators surged like a tsunami. As the opening match of the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Duel Tournament, the appearance of defending champions Shrek Academy naturally drew every eye.
However, when the seven members of Shrek's team stepped onto the stage, the entire venue fell silent for a moment.
There was none of that oppressive sensation of Soul Power spilling from their bodies.
The seven youths wore matching white hooded trench coats, simple and sharp in design, without a single unnecessary decoration. Strange silver-black metal devices hung from their ears, and their gazes were calm and unruffled.
In contrast, the Sky Spirit Advanced Soul Master Academy team standing opposite them looked far more conventional. All seven members were eager for a fight, dressed in flamboyant team uniforms and practically itching to release their Martial Souls to display their strength to the entire crowd.
"Shrek Academy?" Sky Spirit's captain was a burly man at the four-ring Soul Ancestor level. Looking at the group of children across from him who still seemed wet behind the ears, anger at being underestimated flashed through his eyes. He loudly mocked, "The defending champions sent a reserve team like this to brush us off? Aren't you looking down on us a little too much?!"
No one on Shrek's side responded to the provocation.
Huo Yuhao stood slightly behind the center of the formation, his right hand gently pressing against the tactical earpiece by his ear. A faint golden gleam flashed through his Spirit Eyes.
"Communication channel confirmed." Huo Yuhao's voice traveled through bone conduction and rang clearly in the minds of the other six.
"Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, forward assault positions ready."
"He Caitou, heavy fire support position ready."