For the next few days, Xiao Yan stayed indoors, cultivating and consolidating his cultivation level.
During this time, someone delivered a schedule of the competition and a list of participating contestants.
Xiao Yan studied it carefully, but didn't pay much attention to it.
He has now advanced to the Soul Emperor level, and his strength and realm have far surpassed those of his peers. Moreover, he has no interest in the position of Holy Son of the Spirit Hall.
He wouldn't have come here if Bibi Dong hadn't sent Ghost Douluo in person.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
On the morning of the fourth day, just as dawn was breaking, the entire Spirit City was in an uproar.
The plaza in front of the main hall of the Spirit Hall was packed with people.
The young Soul Master from various branch halls awaited the start of the competition.
Dozens of stands were set up around the square, filled with spectators from all over the world—nobles, merchants, rogue Soul Master, and representatives of various families.
Ten arenas, each three zhang high, were erected around the square.
The arena was constructed from special obsidian, making it incredibly hard. It was not only engraved with intricate array patterns, but also surrounded by defensive barriers, capable of withstanding attacks from Soul Saint level opponents.
Directly north of the arena is a high platform.
Several magnificent chairs were placed on the high platform, prepared for the Pope and the elders. The chairs were entirely gold, inlaid with various gemstones, and shimmered in the sunlight.
Xiao Yan and the others had already arrived at a corner of the square and taken their seats. Xiao Yan's gaze swept over the familiar figures of Xie Yue and Hu Liena, who were not far away.
As if sensing Xiao Yan's gaze, Hu Liena Xiao Yan to meet his eyes, her eyes flashing with a defiant light.
Hu Liena had been harboring resentment ever since she was defeated by Xiao Yan, even though the six months they spent in the secret realm had allowed them to witness Xiao Yan's strength.
Completely impressed, Hu Liena has already reached the threshold of Soul Emperor after two years of progress.
Therefore, the gaze directed at Xiao Yan at this moment naturally carried a probing intent to challenge him to a fight.
Xiao Yan felt Hu Liena's gaze, shook his head slightly, and looked away, which startled Hu Liena. Then, a hint of anger appeared in her eyes.
Not long after, the melodious chimes rang out.
The entire square fell silent instantly.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, a majestic figure slowly emerged from the main hall.
Bibi Dong wore a long black dress and a golden crown, her face still beautiful and dignified.
She walked slowly toward the high platform, each step carrying supreme majesty.
Behind her, the two Titled Douluo Ghost Douluo Chrysanthemum Douluo, lagged half a step behind, followed by the bishops and elders of the various branch halls, numbering in the dozens.
The entire room fell silent, and everyone involuntarily lowered their heads, unable to look directly at that figure.
Bibi Dong walked to the center of the platform, her gaze sweeping across the entire area, pausing briefly on Xiao Yan, before speaking softly:
"Let's begin."
Her voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.
As soon as he finished speaking, a cardinal with white hair and beard, but vigorous spirit and unfathomable aura, dressed in a red robe, stepped onto the arena.
In this competition, he, as the Soul Douluo, is both the host and the referee.
" The Spirit Hall's Holy Son and Holy Daughter Selection Competition now begins!"
He announced loudly, his voice booming like a great bell:
Competition rules: Elimination by draw; winners advance, losers are eliminated.
Intentional homicide and the use of prohibited drugs are forbidden. Now, all contestants, please come to the stage to draw lots!
As the cardinal finished speaking, Xiao Yan and the others went up on stage one by one to draw their numbers.
As a popular contestant, many people's attention has fallen on Xiao Yan.
Despite being a dark horse who initially overpowered Xie Yue and Hu Liena, Xiao Yan's achievements are still widely touted in Spirit City.
Xiao Yan glanced at the number plate in his hand: number seventeen.
The first round of the competition began quickly.
Douluo I after another took place in the arena, accompanied by cheers and shouts.
Those who can participate in this competition are all elites from their respective branch halls, with strength above Soul Elder, but most are Soul Ancestor and Soul King. The battles are extremely fierce, and every match is spectacular.
Xiao Yan sat in the players' rest area, quietly observing the situation on the field.
Bibi Dong and the other high-ranking members of the Spirit Hall sat high up, wary of the opponent's powerful strength, and Xiao Yan did not dare to keep staring at them.
However, Xiao Yan could sense that, apart from the group of bishops and deacons, Bibi Dong, Chrysanthemum, Ghost Douluo and other Titled Douluo did not seem to have much enthusiasm for this so-called Holy Son Selection Competition.
Soon, it was Xiao Yan's turn.
"Match 17: Xiao Yan from the Star Chasing City branch versus Zhang Lie from the Heaven Dou City branch!"
Xiao Yan stood up and walked onto the arena.
His opponent was a man in his thirties, burly, with broad shoulders and a fierce face.
Seeing Xiao Yan go on stage, he grinned, revealing a simple and honest smile.
" Xiao Yan, I am Zhang Lie, a level 54 Power Attack System Battle Soul King, my Martial Soul Iron North Azure Wolf. Please enlighten me!"
As soon as he finished speaking, his Martial Soul instantly possessed him!
A gigantic, Ironback Azure Wolf phantom appeared behind him, and his body began to change, his hands transforming into sharp claws, his entire body covered in gray wolf fur.
Soul Ring appeared on his body—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black!
" The Ironback Azure Wolf has good defense and attack, but its speed is a weakness."
Xiao Yan's gaze swept over Zhang Lie, and he instantly made a judgment.
However, Xiao Yan did not expect that his opponent would actually come from Heaven Dou City, which reminded him of the Shrek Academy, which is currently located in Heaven Dou City.
" Xiao Yan, a level 61 Control System Battle Soul Emperor, Martial Soul Bone Spirit Cold Flame!"
Since the other party had taken the initiative to perform the etiquette expected of Soul Master, Xiao Yan didn't want to offend them.
Moreover, once Martial Soul is used, the Soul Ring will naturally be revealed, so there is no need to hide one's strength.
Yellow, yellow, purple, black, black, black!
Six Soul Ring appeared around Xiao Yan, and in an instant, all eyes in the Xiao Yan fell on him.
Everyone stared in astonishment at the six Soul Ring floating on Xiao Yan's body. The once noisy square, filled with the sounds of battle, instantly fell into a deathly silence.
Even Hu Liena, who had always wanted to fight Xiao Yan again, was pale-faced and looked incredulous.
Seeing this Xie Yue, who was sitting next to Hu Liena, gave a wry smile.
He was well aware of how hard his younger sister had worked these past two years. She had now reached level 59, just one step away from becoming Soul Emperor. He had thought that even if she hadn't surpassed Xiao Yan, she hadn't fallen behind.
Now, Xie Yue felt a sense of helplessness.
However, in Xie Yue's gaze towards Xiao Yan, besides regret, there was also shock and a very subtle hint of admiration...
On the high platform, Bibi Dong and the others stared at Xiao Yan, stunned.
"If I remember correctly, Xiao Yan isn't even twenty years old yet, is he?"
Chrysanthemum Douluo's voice was filled with shock, and he looked at Xiao Yan as if he had seen a priceless treasure.
"More than that, he's only seventeen..."
Ghost Douluo's ethereal voice rang out, startling everyone around him.
Soul Emperor at the age of seventeen is unprecedented in the history of the Douluo Continent!
"Truly... Heaven blesses our Spirit Hall..."
"With Xiao Yan around, the Spirit Hall will inevitably surpass the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire in the future!"
The obsequious smiles of the bishops and deacons filled the air.
However, the cardinals looked at Bibi Dong, who was sitting upright, with subtle expressions. Although they showed appreciation on their faces, they did not speak.
On the arena, Zhang Lie looked at the six Soul Ring that appeared on Xiao Yan's body and stood awkwardly in place.
If Xiao Yan were merely Soul King, he might still have the nerve to ask Xiao Yan for guidance.
Facing Xiao Yan, who was at the Soul Emperor Realm, he knew that no matter what, he would never be a match for Xiao Yan.
"Make your move."
Xiao Yan stood still, nodded slightly to Zhang Lie, and spoke.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Lie took a deep breath, and a hint of fighting spirit reappeared in his eyes.
Third Soul Skill: Azure Wolf Howls at the Moon!