A day later, the Continental Youth Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament finally entered the round-robin stage. The earlier chaos caused by the overwhelming number of teams had ended. Now, fierce clashes between powerhouse squads would begin.
But with stronger opponents came more complex rules.
The 32 qualifying teams were divided into four groups of eight. Each team would face every other team in their group once—seven matches per squad.
Each day, two groups would compete—four matches per group. The next day, the other two groups would take the stage, also playing four matches each in the morning and afternoon. The entire round-robin phase would last roughly fourteen days, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the finals.
In the finals, champions would be decided through three knockout rounds: quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand final.
However, under deliberate manipulation by the Sun Moon authorities, the groups were arranged as follows:
- Group One: Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect vs. Snow Demon Sect
- Group Two: Shrek Academy vs. Mingdu Soul Engineer Academy
- Group Three: Holy Spirit Church, Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy, Xing Luo Royal Academy, Tianlong Gate
- Group Four: Other sects and academies
The first, second, and fourth groups drew little complaint.
But Group Three?
Many faces darkened instantly.
This was undeniably a Group of Death.
It was obvious who this targeted.
When Chen Junting's group met Xu Jiujiu, her usual playful smile was gone—replaced by a grimace.
She'd just returned from Tianlong Gate.
From her, they learned that the moment the groups were announced, she'd rushed to Tianlong Gate to strategize—
How to survive against the Holy Spirit Sect.
Not "how to defeat them."
How to survive.
After all, this year's Xing Luo Royal Academy team wasn't strong.
Xu Jiujiu's plan? Forfeit.
Better to lose face than lose your life.
But Tianlong Gate slammed the door in her face.
Their reply?
"Tianlong Gate are proud dragons—not craven dogs. We'd rather die with honor than live in shame."
This left Xu Jiujiu seething.
Who're you calling a dog?!
—
Morning.
A gentle breeze swept through sunlit Mingdu, carrying autumn's chill into the high-tech capital.
It was Mingdu's most comfortable season—crisp air, clear skies. Crowds thronged the streets, breathing in the cool, metallic-scented air with delight. Prosperity buzzed everywhere.
By dawn, masses already gathered at the arena outskirts, awaiting the day's matches.
In the ready zone, Chen Junting sat upright—though his eyes were closed in meditation, his presence electrified the stands.
"That guy's fighting personally?!"
Xiao Hongchen gripped his fists, glaring at the ready zone.
If Meng Hongchen hadn't been yanking his sleeve, he'd have shot up instantly.
"The Snow Demon Sect is just some obscure Tianhun sect! What makes them worthy? Am I not good enough? Is Chen Junting looking down on me?!"
"Brother, calm down!" Meng Hongchen pleaded. "Keep your dignity! Don't let other teams laugh at us. And stop shouting so loud—" She gestured subtly toward nearby spectators.
But soon, she nearly covered her eyes in despair, wishing she didn't know this loudmouth.
Just then, Xu Sanshi stood from Shrek's section, shooting Xiao Hongchen a disdainful glare. Xiao Hongchen immediately fell silent.
Xu Sanshi scanned the crowd.
"Oh? Which stray dog's barking so loudly?"
He turned back to Xiao Hongchen, feigning surprise. "Ah! Brother Xiao! Long time no see!"
Xiao Hongchen's face twitched.
Stray dog? Who're you insulting?!
"A big man like you sure has a sharp tongue," Xiao Hongchen sneered.
"Pfft! Not as confident as you, Brother Xiao," Xu Sanshi sighed. "I may be sharp-tongued, but I'm grounded. Unlike some people."
"You—!" Xiao Hongchen bristled—
"Enough!"
A cold voice cut through—Di Yao. Her icy gaze pinned him down, silencing him instantly.
"A Soul Saint who couldn't beat a non-peak Soul Emperor—and lost in under half a minute—has the nerve to yap? Sit down and shut up if you've got no skill!"
Xiao Hongchen's face cycled through shades of green and purple—but he stayed mute.
During the exchange program, Di Yao had beaten him so badly he now flinched at her shadow.
Just then, the referee announced on stage:
"Round-Robin Group One, Match One: Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect vs. Snow Demon Sect! First individual match—competitors, take the stage!"
The Snow Demon Sect moved.
None of their previously competing members stepped forward. Instead, six new fighters advanced under Princess Vina of Tianhun.
A towering youth leapt onto the platform effortlessly, then turned to face the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Broad-shouldered and sharp-eyed, he radiated calm strength. His piercing gaze seemed to cut through souls—undeniably formidable.
Chen Junting noted, "Long Aotian doesn't want to go first. Then, Xiao Feng—you're up."
Ning Tian nodded. "Xiao Feng, this one's yours."
"Got it! Easy win!" Wu Feng grinned.
She hadn't fought yet—and this opponent looked strong! Perfect!
In a flash, Wu Feng dashed onto the stage, meeting her foe at center.
The referee intoned, "State your names."
"Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—Wu Feng."
"Snow Demon Sect—Wang Yanfeng."
"This is the first round-robin match," the referee warned. "Avoid crippling injuries. I'll separate you the moment victory is clear. Any continued attacks will result in disqualification. Understood?"
Both agreed and took position.
"Begin!"
Wang Yanfeng showed no chivalry. He lunged instantly—light as a ghost, his movements swift yet elusive, making him hard to lock onto.
'If I can't lock on—I won't!'
Wu Feng decided in a heartbeat.
Two yellow, two purple, two black!
Flames engulfed her. Her second and third rings flared—Dragon's Fury and Crimson Scales activating fully.
Her first ring pulsed—
WHOOSH—!
A torrent of superheated flame warped the air, scorching toward Wang Yanfeng!
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