Now, an opportunity had presented itself.
He might not be able to defeat Long Xiaoyao, but could others really stop him?
Elder Xuan was confident in his Rank 98 Super Douluo strength. Even across the entire Douluo Continent, only a handful of people could truly surpass him.
Encountering Long Xiaoyao was just an unfortunate coincidence.
Although many teams were participating, not all of them had powerful protectors like himself.
Now that all the teams had gathered at the venue, he couldn't strike imdiately.
He needed to wait once the day's matches concluded, teams would return to Mingyue Hotel to rest.
And when they were at their most relaxed, his attack would be foolproof.
"Elder Xuan! You can't do this!"
Cai i'er's voice was urgent, her face full of worry.
But Elder Xuan simply raised his right hand, blocking her.
"My mind is made up. No more discussion."
Then, he looked toward Qian Duoduo, his voice filled with conviction.
"Duoduo, watch carefully during this tournant."
"You'll soon see how I defend our thousand year legacy."
"Then, you'll realize just how right my decision is."
Imperial Seating – Xu Tianran and Jing Hongchen
Seated in his ornate chair, Xu Tianran turned to Jing Hongchen.
"According to the match schedule, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy is up next."
"Master Jing, how many mbers of the Sun Moon team will it take to defeat the Dragon Slayer Sect in the individual elimination rounds?"
In every previous tournant, the reigning champions had always played the first match.
Xu Tianran had chosen to keep this tradition.
He believed it was a great way to let Sun Moon citizens see their nation's strength and boost morale.
Of course, this wouldn't reveal too much about their team.
After all, the Dragon Slayer Sect was just a small opponent they would be easily crushed.
This sect, from the Dou Ling Empire, had been around for over a thousand years, but they were nothing special.
Jing Hongchen, seated beside him, gave a polite smile.
"Your Highness, in my opinion, we only need to send one person to handle the Dragon Slayer Sect."
Xu Tianran was slightly surprised.
"Oh? Just one person?"
"Are you saying that Laughing Dust will bombard them with soul cannons every round?"
"If the Dragon Slayer Sect uses a rotation strategy, even Laughing Dust might feel the strain."
"Milk bottles can replenish soul power, but not ntal stamina."
Though Xu Tianran had an informant inside Sun Moon Academy, the team's secrecy was tight.
Even Juzi couldn't get detailed intel.
Since he was busy governing the empire, he had no ti to investigate further.
Of course, he could have forced Jing Hongchen to reveal the team's strength using his status, but he chose not to.
With Kong Deming's increasing support for Huo Yuhao and his frequent visits to the Royal Academy, Xu Tianran didn't want to further sour their relationship.
However, his negotiations with the Holy Spirit Sect had been going well.
Even Ye Xishui had praised his imperial deanor, arranging for Long Xiaoyao to serve as his guardian.
At this point, even if the Holy Spirit Sect failed to win the championship, he would still establish them as the state religion and appoint Zhongli Wu as Imperial Grandmaster.
As for Kong Deming's objections, Xu Tianran believed everything could be negotiated.
"Everything can be resolved if the price is right."
Jing Hongchen simply smiled.
"Your Highness, the Sun Moon team will give you a pleasant surprise."
He offered no further explanation.
After all, once the team took the stage, Xu Tianran would see the truth for himself.
This was not the sa Sun Moon team as before.
Tournant Opening – Thunderous Applause
An elderly man took the stage, speaking through a Sound Amplifying Soul Tool.
After explaining the rules, his expression turned passionate as he made the first announcent.
"The first elimination match of the preliminary rounds is about to begin!"
"Representing the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, the reigning champions of the last Soul Master Tournant!"
At his words
Deafening applause erupted across the stands.
Most of the cheering spectators were Sun Moon citizens.
After all, the Sun Moon Academy had won the last championship, bringing imnse national pride.
For years, the Soul Master Tournant championship had been monopolized by Shrek Academy.
But the Sun Moon Academy had broken that streak.
Although Shrek had withdrawn, allowing Sun Moon to win by default, the people didn't care.
To them, Sun Moon's victory was historic.
Even the poorest of citizens stood proudly, rembering the glory of their nation's triumph.
As the cheers intensified, voices rang out.
"Sun Moon Royal Academy will win!"
"For the empire! Bring ho another championship!"
"Shatter the myth of Shrek!"
Elder Xuan's Displeasure
From high above, Elder Xuan scowled.
"Their victory was aningless."
"They only won because Shrek was weakened."
"Had we been at full strength, we could have crushed them effortlessly."
"And yet, one championship is enough to make these people so arrogant."
"This kind of empire won't last long."
Cai i'er, standing beside him, sighed internally.
She knew the real reason Shrek had to withdraw and Elder Xuan was a major cause of it.
Had he not made those reckless decisions, Shrek Academy could have competed in full force and easily secured another victory.
First Match Begins – The Fighters Enter the Arena
"The individual elimination rounds will begin!"
"Referee, take your position!"
A formidable elder, exuding Title Douluo aura, rose into the air.
His sharp gaze swept across both teams, awaiting their first fighters.
The Dragon Slayer Sect sent out a tall, burly man.
anwhile
The Sun Moon Academy sent Huo Yuhao.
Huo Yuhao was the strongest mber of the Sun Moon team.
Unlike in the original tiline, he had completely replaced Laughing Dust as team captain.
With his imnse power, he was undoubtedly their trump card.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon/Albino1
User Comments
0 comments from readers