The day of the Finals arrived as scheduled.
Dark clouds hung over Star Luo City. A light drizzle fell now and then, and a thin mist rose in the air.
The eager crowds had gathered early along the streets and in the square, packed so tightly they nearly filled both sides of the road. The crowds stretched all the way from the hotel to the imperial city square.
The teams competing in the Finals left the hotel and followed a passage cleared by soldiers to the arena's rest area.
An additional figure stood atop the imperial city wall today: the White Tiger Duke, Dai Hao, whom the Star Luo Emperor had specially summoned back to watch the match.
The moment Dai Hao appeared, Dai Yueheng's face lit up with emotion.
Once both teams had assembled, the Star Luo Emperor rose to deliver a brief address before the Finals.
After a few personal reflections on the tournament, he announced the champion's prize: the winning team could choose three Soul Bones for themselves.
Then the Referee for this match, Heavenly Fiend Douluo, stepped into the center of the arena and read out the rules for the Finals.
At the same time, Xuan Zi suddenly appeared in Shrek's rest area, clutching his wine gourd.
"Both sides, prepare. The team members taking part in the team battle will enter the arena in one minute."
As the Referee finished speaking, Wang Yan gave the lineup a final check.
Xuan Zi swept his gaze over the team members before settling on Lu Yi.
He had chosen Lu Yi for the Reserve Team early on because he valued Lu Yi's unusual ability.
Now he could not help looking forward to what Lu Yi would do next.
The minute passed quickly. At the Referee's timed signal, seven members