The tournament arena in Star Luo Grand Plaza was vast and imposing. Its hard, patterned bluestone floor bore the gaze of spectators from across the continent.
The two teams took the stage in turn, and the air instantly turned grim.
Unlike Shrek's usual formation, which sent its vanguard charging forward, this time the entire team centered itself on Huo Yuhao. The seven stood in a tight ring, forming a seamless defense and offense.
In earlier matches, Huo Yuhao had mostly coasted and watched, occasionally stepping in to finish an opponent. This time, he was the team's true support hub and the heart of its battlefield control.
Of course, Huo Yuhao was an archer at range, not a lancer cursed with E-rank luck.
If their opponents copied the original strategy and had everyone charge a Thunder Soul Guidance Cannon, he would not mind changing roles on the spot—from team support to an unstoppable master of battlefield control with Ultimate Spirit.
The referee raised a hand and called out, his voice ringing across the arena:
"Match—begin!"
The instant the words fell, the vertical Heavenly Eye on Huo Yuhao's forehead snapped open, and a pale-gold spiritual glow spread outward.
His First Soul Skill, Heaven's Apex: All-Seer Clarity, activated at once. An intangible web of spiritual threads linked the minds of all seven Shrek members.
They shared sight and predictions, and their Soul Power moved in unison. Not a single flaw remained in their coordination.
At the same time, light gathered in Huo Yuhao's palm. The long Imperial Bow appeared, its string humming as a platinum arrow took shape.
He released the string!
The arrow tore through the sky, trailing brilliant blue-gold light like a falling star as it flew straight for Dou Ling Team Captain Gu Zhu Jian's face.
Gu Zhu Jian's expression