A tense atmosphere filled the arena as the members of the Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy looked towards Shrek Academy.
In their eyes, it was no match for them; the aura it exuded was like that of a tiger eyeing its prey, terrifying and incredibly intimidating.
Ma Xiaotao's black Shrek Academy uniform fluttered without wind, and her surging Soul Power was constantly emanating from her body.
Her tall figure concealed immense power, and a slight smile played on her lips as she looked at her opponent, who was barely able to stand.
Ling Luochеn and Xi Xi stood on either side, with Dai Yueheng and the other three behind them, all wearing confident smiles.
As the two sides drew closer, the members of the Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy showed even greater panic.
Especially when they saw the mature faces of the Shrek Academy, they realized that they were facing Shrek's regular team members.
Known as the regular members of the Monster Academy, based on past competitions, it's likely that none of them are Soul Ancestor below level 40.
For a small college like theirs, this undoubtedly means going home early.
"Captain, should we... just surrender?" a male student stammered to the captain at the front.
The man who looked like the team leader naturally knew the level of his team, and could only accept his bad luck.
Why did he have to encounter Shrek Academy in the very first round? Whether that was good or bad luck, he himself couldn't say for sure.
But looking at the huge stage around them, they had been looking forward to this day for a long time, and he was really unwilling to admit defeat just like that.
He gritted his teeth, clenched his fists, and his eyes revealed his unwillingness.
He believed his companions were doing the same, as if making a final struggle, and he turned to look at them.
His companions' eyes met his, as if sensing his determination; even the first boy who said he wanted to surrender was infected by his resolve.
The male student patted his trembling legs hard and forced a smile, saying, "Captain, in that case, go for it! We believe in you."
The other members also unconsciously placed their hands on the captain's shoulders, as if they wanted to share their strength with him.
To do something knowing it's impossible already surpasses many others; even if they lose this battle, it will be a magnificent defeat.
Seeing that everyone was ready, the referee said in a deep voice, "First round, elimination round, team battle. Both sides may use most Soul Tool in the competition. However, during the battle, if one side concedes, the other side may not continue to attack. Soul Engineer cannot use high-damage equipment such as Stationary Soul Tool in combat. Do you all understand?"
Ma Xiaotao replied haughtily, "Understood."
The captain of the Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy, with a determined look in his eyes, also agreed with Ma Xiaotao.
Looking at the Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy, who had already adjusted their state, Ma Xiaotao did not underestimate them. The look of wanting to fight in their eyes made her also prepare to be serious and show her respect.
The referee nodded and said, "Alright, both sides step back to the sides of the arena. The match will begin on my command. No one may release their Martial Soul before I announce the start; otherwise, they will be disqualified."
The two sides slowly widened the distance between them. As they retreated, Ma Xiaotao turned around and instructed, "Don't be frivolous in this match. Even if we can crush them, we must still earn their respect."
Dai Yueheng and the others nodded in unison, all looking at Gongyang Mo at the very back.
Feeling uncomfortable being stared at by several pairs of eyes, Gongyang Mo immediately said, "Hey, why are you all looking at me? You guys are the main attackers, okay? I'm just a support. I'll definitely take my buffs seriously."
On the other side, the Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy was also making its final preparations during its retreat.
Soon, both sides reached the edge of the field.
The referee, standing in the center of the field, slowly raised his right hand. At that moment, the Star Luo Plaza, with its hundreds of thousands of people, fell silent instantly. Everyone stared wide-eyed at the wide playing field.
This is the first match, the first elimination round, and it's even a match featuring the continent's top academy! Although the Shrek Academy team members are so young, they still represent Shrek's glory. Everyone is eager to see what they will show.
As soon as the referee raised his hand, the players above immediately straightened their backs, their inner Soul Power stirring.
At the same time, all 108 Star Luo Empire Soul Master who were already prepared below the stage pressed down on the metal pillars in front of them.
One hundred and eight metal pillars simultaneously shone brightly, and instantly, beams of white light shot into the sky, tracing arcs as they converged in the air, eventually gathering twenty meters above the competition platform.
The light gathered, and a pale white light curtain instantly spread out, enveloping the entire competition venue.
Instantly, all the Shrek members, except for Gongyang Mo who stood at the very back, lined up in a row, their eyes sharply fixed on the seven people opposite them.
On the Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy side, the seven people quickly lined up in a typical traditional formation.
Three Soul Master were in front, clearly either Power Attack System or Defense System. The two Soul Master on either side, slightly behind, were likely Agility Attack System.
At the very back, in the center, were two Soul Master, one in front and one behind.
These should correspond to the Control System and the Auxiliary System, respectively.
Although the referee was surprised by the Shrek Academy's formation and had some doubts, he immediately thought of his job.
He realized what was happening, lowered his raised right hand, and shouted, "The match begins!"
With the referee's loud shout, both sides released their Martial Soul almost simultaneously.
The seven students from the Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy had halos light up beneath their feet. Although there were no Five-Ring Soul King, only two students were Three-Ring Soul Elder, while the rest were Soul Ancestor Masters.
However, at this moment, the audience's attention was not on them, but focused entirely on the Shrek Academy, or more precisely, on Ma Xiaotao at the very center of the team.
Even the students of the Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy were no exception.
At that very moment, an indescribable aura of terror suddenly appeared on the competition stage.
The crimson light illuminated the entire arena in an instant, and a ferocious aura of rage and destruction suddenly erupted.
Following the red one, six Soul Ring —two yellow, one purple, and three black—appeared before everyone.
Seven rings!
Seven-Ring Soul Sage!
Soul Saint with Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring!
In an instant, everyone's nerves tensed up; the sudden appearance of a terrifying aura caused them to lose their ability to think.
Even though Dai Yueheng, Ling Luochеn, and Xi Xi, who were all around Ma Xiaotao, were already at the Soul Emperor realm, no one paid any attention to them.
Not to mention the other members of Shrek who are at least Five-Ring Soul King.
Just then, Ma Xiaotao moved, and a phantom of Fire Phoenix instantly appeared behind her before anyone could react.
A red light suddenly shot forward, followed by a phoenix cry. The students of the Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy all took flight and finally landed outside the competition venue.
Instant kill!
Ma Xiaotao stood with her hands behind her back, her eyes calm, and said to the referee, "The game is over."
"Ah?"
Before the referee could react, his mind still replaying the fleeting, scorching light, Ma Xiaotao had already begun to slowly walk off the stage.
The crisp sound of high heels echoed throughout the venue.
The Star Luo Plaza, which could hold hundreds of thousands of spectators, including the Star Luo Imperial Family, civil and military officials, and more than a hundred other high-level Soul Master and Soul Engineer academies, was completely silent at this moment.
Glug...
The simultaneous swallowing sounds proved Shrek's strength; this was the truly invincible Shrek.
Soul Saint who is not even twenty years old, and possesses a Soul Saint of Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring, is truly astonishing.
On the high platform, Xu Jiawei watched Ma Xiaotao slowly walk away and said, " Shrek's resources are indeed terrifying! This girl is probably one of Shrek's trump cards! She's probably here to deter those who are eyeing us covetously..."
Xu Jiujiu covered his mouth and chuckled, watching Ma Xiaotao's departing figure, then looking at Huo Yuhao in the distance, thinking to himself, "Brother, you really have a vivid imagination. Shrek might not be the Shrek we know and love anymore."
At this moment, the contestant area of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy was completely silent.
Xiao Hongchen stared intently at the departing Ma Xiaotao, his steady right hand trembling involuntarily, and the Martial Soul within his body trembling slightly.
His pupils trembled, sweat involuntarily beaded on his forehead, veins bulged, and his teeth were clenched tightly into his lower lip, from which blood was faintly visible.
Xiao Hongchen was incredulous. "Damn it! Soul Saint? How is this possible... No, I'm still young. Give me a few more years, and I can do it too..."