Douluo Amon: I am the Heavenly Venerable of the Dragon King.

Chapter 339 The Round of Sixty-Four

"No wonder he didn't use the Mountain Dragon Martial Soul before. It wasn't to show off, but because he couldn't even control it himself."

Nan Fusheng, who was in the audience, was also watching this scene. After Long Yue unleashed his martial spirit, something was clearly wrong with him; at least, the violent emotions he exuded were undeniably genuine in Nan Fusheng's opinion.

"His bloodline is also a bit strange, somewhat like Tang Wulin's, but there's something else about it."

What is Tang Wulin's situation? It's that Long Yue and his own bloodline seem to be mismatched, with a subtle sense of incongruity.

"I have very little impression of this character."

Even with memories of his past life, how could Nan Fusheng possibly remember a minor character? Therefore, he didn't know much about Long Yue's information.

"Try checking out the Spirit Pagoda when you have the chance."

Nan Fusheng glanced at Lu Fa's match; it was another complete rout. That made sense, given the vast difference in strength. Up to now, no one had forced him to unleash his martial spirit throughout the entire match.

The innate secret techniques of the Body Sect are extremely compatible with Lu Fa's Behemoth bloodline.

Because he didn't need to participate in one-on-one or two-on-two matches, this period was a rare moment of leisure for Nan Fusheng. Cai Yue'er and Wu Changkong also seemed to have forgotten about them, having not appeared for a long time.

However, through Nan Fusheng's spiritual perception, he still discovered that Cai Yue'er was paying attention to their battle, but she had not shown herself, probably because of some kind of test.

That's the problem with Shrek Academy; they're always thinking about testing their students, they really push them to the limit.

"It doesn't matter. I'm going to join the Federation anyway. Staying at Shrek Academy now is just to plan for my future career."

No matter what, Shrek Academy still has considerable influence in the Federation. Even though it was bombed in the original story, the Federation did not define them as a traitorous organization, but only declared the Tang Sect to be a traitorous organization.

Because of its millennia of development, Shrek Academy's network of relationships is incredibly complex, with inexplicable feelings often developing between high-ranking figures in the Federation and members of Shrek Academy.

There's Chen Xinjie from the Temple of War, and Leng Yaozhu from the Spirit Pagoda. These two are just the most famous; besides them, there are others with unclear and ambiguous relationships with the higher-ups of Shrek Academy.

Moreover, it was as if they had been cursed with a spell of infatuation, or a curse placed upon them. This feeling was so deep and complicated that it was impossible to sever or untangle; it was a sorrowful, unique kind of feeling that lingered in their hearts. Even though they were now husband and wife, they had not broken off their ties.

When Nan Fusheng learned of this information from the Spirit Pagoda's intelligence database, he was extremely surprised. It turned out that Shrek Academy was playing such a sophisticated game.

Not only the teachers, but even some of the inner academy students were like this. However, in the original story, Shrek Academy was directly destroyed by a god-killing soul-guided cannon, which prevented this relationship from being revealed.

"But that makes sense. Otherwise, why would they have been able to continue their self-destructive behavior for so many years before the fed up federal hawks, in conjunction with the Spirit Pagoda, finally managed to blow them all up?"

With this connection in place, it should be much easier for Nan Fusheng to integrate into the neutral faction of the Federation in the future.

That's right, he also wants to be a neutral party!

Although most of Shrek Academy's influence was on the side of the doves, he decided it was better for him to play the role of a neutral party and a peacemaker.

"At that time, we can arrange a few hawkish clones and a few doves as well. Then the Federation can do whatever it wants."

Where there are people, there are factions, and he had no intention of creating a one-man show. That was impossible; the Federation's system wasn't like the ancient feudal system, and the various factions were very complex and intertwined.

Nan Fusheng didn't want to go to great lengths to stage any political infighting. All he wanted was fun! And enough fame to solidify his moral compass.

As for the struggle between hawks and doves? Please, he's just a newly appointed, inexperienced newcomer.

After happily finalizing his future plans, Nan Fusheng returned to the Xingluo Hotel. He had come out alone today, while Xu Xiaoyan had gone shopping with Fors.

Because she was a control-type Soul Master, Xu Xiaoyan was unfortunately eliminated in the second round, just like Nan Fusheng.

However, Xu Xiaoyan herself was not sad. She didn't really like fighting, unless it was to protect someone important to her. Otherwise, she preferred a more relaxed atmosphere.

Xu Xiaoyan no longer cares much about Shrek Academy's honor. Anyway, she has her companions, and Nan Fusheng will join the Federation in the future, so these things don't concern her much.

"This is human nature. Isn't the saying 'Those who are not of our kind are bound to have different hearts' something created by humans?"

As soon as he returned to the hotel, Nan Fusheng heard this sentence, and then he saw Gu Yue.

"No, has Gu Yue finally gone mad? Is she going to self-destruct now?" Nan Fusheng prepared for battle. Did Gu Yue have this scene in the original story? Is she this arrogant? Or is she just talking to herself? Will he, the one who overheard this by chance, be killed by her?

"The way you're talking makes it sound like you're not human," Ye Xinglan's voice followed.

"Very good, it seems they are talking about something," Gu Yue couldn't help but think. "There shouldn't be any danger, right?"

Nan Fusheng quietly withdrew, and at the same time, he also found out what they were talking about through the Tyrannosaurus Rex spirit on Tang Wulin's body. It turned out that they were discussing whether Tang Wulin's Golden Dragon King bloodline could suppress Long Yue's Mountain Dragon Martial Soul.

To reassure them, Gu Yue told a story about the Dragon God, and in the end, unknowingly revealed his own feelings.

After listening to Gu Yue's tragic collection of dragon god stories, Nan Fusheng felt nothing and even felt a little sleepy.

The saying "Those who are not of our kind are sure to have different hearts" still holds some truth. Even if, to some extent, one is no longer considered a person.

However, if Nan Fusheng had to choose, he would definitely prefer humans to soul beasts.

Even though he often does inhuman things and likes to parasitize others, Nan Fusheng still dares to say loudly and firmly: "I, Nan Fusheng, love humans the most."

Benefits from faith and the establishment of a solid anchor for humanity are just one factor among many.

Furthermore, if soul beasts were to rule humanity, wouldn't technology regress by another 30,000 years, forcing everyone to retreat to the primeval forest and research how to make fire by friction? This was something he couldn't accept.

……

The All-Continent Youth Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament continues, and the round-robin stage is becoming increasingly exciting. More clashes between strong competitors offer even more to watch than the preliminary rounds.

In the group stage, Long Chen finally faced off against Long Yue and successfully forced Long Yue to unleash his Mountain Dragon Martial Soul.

Unfortunately, despite his reluctance, he was still severely injured by Long Yue in the face of the bloodline suppression, which prevented him from participating in the remaining one-on-one matches and led to his elimination.

Two overwhelming victories and the terrifying display of the Mountain Dragon King's martial spirit ignited the emotions of the entire Star Luo City.

The major media outlets of the Star Luo Empire rushed to report on it, and all the previous negative comments were swept away in an instant. Monster Academy was instantly elevated to its peak.

The showdown between the Monster Academy and Douluo Continent teams, in particular, became a popular topic of conversation among the public.

The vast majority of people naturally ignored the age difference; they only knew that Long Yue's strength was something that no one from Douluo Continent could withstand!

In the one-on-one competition, only Lu Fa, Shen Wei, Zui Hongchen, and Xue Liushuang from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy have successfully advanced to the top 64. The others are still a bit lacking in strength, after all, they are almost five years younger than the other contestants.

Shrek Academy also had four participants: Tang Wulin, Na'er, Xie Xie, and Yuanen Yehui. Ye Xinglan voluntarily withdrew because she wanted to focus all her efforts on forging battle armor for Tang Wulin.

The Monster Academy has five members: Long Yue, Dai Yun'er, Dai Yueyan, and two agility-type Soul Kings.

Because Fox King Su Mu and Wolf King Hua Lantang were eliminated by Tang Wulin and Lu Fa respectively, and the remaining Tower King Ye Zhi is a support-type Soul Master, only five people from Monster Academy advanced this time.

This is arguably the fewest participants in the history of Monster Academy to have made it to the final stage of the individual competition.

Ten days later, the round-robin tournament ended, which meant that the competition had entered the final stage, and the knockout stage was about to begin again.

Every match will determine the final ranking of all participating teams. The single-elimination format leaves no room for error, creating immense pressure for everyone involved.

The knockout stage is different from the previous matches. The knockout stage will not be interspersed. Instead, one-on-one individual matches will be held first to determine the champion. Then, the two-on-two matches will begin, followed by the final team battle.

The round of 64 will still be conducted by drawing lots. The winner of each group will be seeded and will have priority in the first round of the draw.

In addition, after the top 64 were determined, the competition was suspended for three days. This was not only to give the contestants more time to rest, but also to make adjustments to the arena.

……

Entering the knockout stage, multiple matches will no longer be held simultaneously at the Xingluo Grand Stadium. Only one playing field will remain inside the stadium, a much larger playing field than before.

The entire competition platform is nearly 500 meters in diameter; if only two people were on it, they would appear as tiny as ants. The massive protective shield reaches a height of over 200 meters, giving the impression of almost touching the sky.

From any angle, you can see the situation on the field. At the same time, large screens are suspended in the air, showing magnified details of the game.

Before the knockout stage, we had a full three-day break to prepare for these events.

From now on, whether it's one-on-one, two-on-two, or team battles, they will all take place in this same arena.

Every major competition reaches its most exciting and thrilling moment in the knockout stage.

Today's round of 64 is the day to narrow down the field to 32. Every participant who has made it to the knockout stage has already received a generous reward, and with each round they advance, the reward almost doubles.

Those who make it into the top 64 will inevitably attract the attention of major conglomerates and families, becoming targets for recruitment.

The reason why so many young soul masters spare no effort to participate in the competition is that they want to make a name for themselves in such a competition and lay the foundation for their future development.

Being able to participate in the final stage of the competition is undoubtedly a success for these 64 people.

The waiting area is no longer the same as before, because the competition venue has been changed to a large stadium with ample space.

A temporary, luxurious waiting area was set up on the edge of the competition venue, with the best viewing spot, the VIP stand, right above it.

Today's matches are one-on-one, and all sixty-four participants are in this waiting area.

Inside the waiting area, sixty-four luxurious sofas were neatly arranged, and a wide variety of food and drinks were provided, along with dedicated service staff. This was sufficient to meet most of the participants' needs.

These waitresses were all young and beautiful, radiating youthful energy, and each had a gentle smile on their face. Their service was impeccable.

Those who can sit here are all the pride of the younger generation. In the history of the All-Continent Youth Advanced Soul Master Elite Competition, there have been many cases of beautiful waitresses and contestants getting married.

For these ordinary waitresses, this was nothing short of a meteoric rise. Therefore, their enthusiasm for service is understandable.

"Go away, we don't need your service here." Zui Hongchen angrily dismissed a female waitress. This was the ninth waitress she had dismissed.

She hadn't even succeeded in making a move herself, so how could she let these vixens compete with her? Even though she knew Lu Fa looked down on them, she was still annoyed.

She had long considered Lu Fa her future husband, and her father and grandfather did not object to this; in fact, they even seemed to support her.

You haven't even succeeded yourselves, so why are you even thinking about it?

Xue Liushuang said somewhat helplessly, "Xiao Zui, it's not surprising that Captain Lu Fa's strength and appearance would attract these waiters. You should adjust your state first, so as not to affect your performance later."

Lu Fa was also somewhat helpless. Indeed, in terms of appearance, among all the sixty-four male contestants, there were few who could compare to him.

Young, handsome, and strong—each of these qualities is a powerful tool for attracting women.

Zui Hongchen curled her lip and said, "Sister Liushuang, don't worry. Although my opponent is not weak, it won't be difficult for me to defeat him with the poison of the Zhu Qing Ice Toad."

"Brother Lu Fa, what are your thoughts on your opponent?" Zui Hongchen asked curiously, his eyes darting around.

Because Lu Fa's opponent this time is truly extraordinary in terms of identity. She is the little princess of the Star Luo Empire, the emperor's darling, and the eighth heavenly king of the Monster Academy: Dai Yun'er.

(End of this chapter)