Graduation Grand Tournament, Clash of Dragons and Tigers (3)

The next day, dawn had barely broken and the mist had yet to fully disperse, but Heavenly Phoenix Academy's central plaza was already bustling with voices. Compared to yesterday, the atmosphere was even more solemn and fervent. After the first day's Soul Power assessments and preliminary individual matches, every spectator understood that today's elimination round—from the top thirty-two to the top sixteen—marked the true beginning of clashes between elites. Those who had made it into the top thirty-two were all outstanding among the graduating students. Every battle to come would be an ultimate contest of will, strength, and wisdom.

The drawing ceremony concluded under Li Lexuan's direction. The instant the matchups appeared on the light screen, gasps and hushed discussions erupted throughout the plaza. Some were relieved to have avoided formidable opponents, while others wore grave expressions, keenly aware of the difficult road ahead.

Arena One undeniably became the focus of the entire venue. The contestants were the recognized king of this tournament—the level-sixty-two assault-type Battle Soul Emperor, Li Xuanqing—and an exceptionally powerful level-fifty-eight peak Soul King, Li Yuanlei. Li Yuanlei was one of the leading figures among the younger generation of the Yuan branch. His martial soul, the Thunderclap Spear, possessed not only overwhelming attack power but also a potent paralyzing effect. His personality mirrored his martial soul: fierce, forceful, and unyielding. Facing Soul Emperor-level Li Xuanqing, not a trace of fear showed in his eyes. Instead, they burned with almost fanatical battle intent. To fight such a powerful opponent with everything he had was itself an honor.

"Xuan Qing!" Li Yuanlei clasped his fists in salute, his voice booming like a bell as faint electric serpents slithered around him. "Please give it your all, and let Yuanlei witness the might of a Soul Emperor!" He longed to break