"The Soul Fighting Tournament has three stages. The first is the preliminary knockout round. I've already asked around, and a total of one hundred and thirty-three academies have registered this time, which means one hundred and thirty-three teams. The first-stage knockout round is simple: the teams face off in pairs. The winners advance to the second-stage round robin, and the losers are eliminated outright. In other words, half of the one hundred and thirty-three teams will be eliminated in the very first round. This stage has always seen the fiercest fighting in the Soul Fighting Tournament. Only by winning your knockout match do you earn the right to compete further."
Wu Tong paused, then continued, "The knockout matches are seven-on-seven team battles. This round determines whether we can keep going. If we lose, everything ends there. Our goal is to contend for the championship, so we must give the knockout round everything we have. Even if we're unlucky enough to face Shrek Academy, we must tear a mouthful of flesh from them. Now, I'll announce the starting lineup for the knockout round: Xu Yunxiu, Jiang Hai, Bingqin, Huo Wu, Feiyan, Xu Wenqing, and Sun Yunhai. Before the draw, everyone must eat a Fortune Star Bun made by Baozi. Although its attribute boosts won't last, luck is crucial too. With good luck, our chances of winning will be higher, and our chances of drawing a bad matchup will be lower. Also, Lan Ling'er, you must stay ready at all times, just in case. In the knockout round, victory is the only option. Understood?"
"Understood!" The nine exchanged glances, brimming with spirit.
"Good! This time, East Cang Academy will give everyone who looks down on us the shock of their lives!"
Wu Tong smiled and continued, "The knockout round generally lasts three