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

Chapter 347 Sixteen to Eight

The individual finals of the All-Continent Youth Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament had no rest period; the round of 32 to 16 was held the very next day after the first round. Moreover, it all took place within a single day.

Comparatively speaking, players who have just competed the day before will be at a slight disadvantage, but that's just how the competition is structured.

The round of 32 will be played into 16 matches, with each match going around the other two teams. After this round, there will be a day of rest before the round of 16 to 8 matches begin.

In this match, Lu Fa faced off against an ordinary Soul King who only had a few pieces of battle armor, so he quickly defeated him.

Xue Liushuang, Zui Hongchen, and Shenwei also faced their respective opponents. Xue Liushuang struggled and took more than ten minutes to defeat her opponent, while the other two won easily.

Because Zui Hongchen specializes in poisons, as long as she doesn't encounter opponents with strong poison resistance, such as Lu Fa or Long Yue, almost no one can do anything to her in this competition.

Shenwei, on the other hand, is simply powerful. Unlike the gathering of heroes on Lufa's side, in his group division, apart from Long Yue, no one else can attract his attention. Therefore, those who advance will have a much easier time.

Interestingly, due to the schedule, Shenwei will not face Longyue until at least the semifinals.

In this competition, a total of four students from their Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy advanced to the top sixteen.

Meanwhile, at Shrek Academy, Tang Wulin, Yuanen Yehui, and Na'er also successfully advanced to the top sixteen.

Monster Academy, on the other hand, only had Tiger King Dai Yueyan and Long Yue make it into the top sixteen.

The Round of 16 has concluded.

Without a doubt, the real climax of this continent-wide elite youth soul master competition is about to arrive.

As the competition progressed, the people of Xingluo were extremely dissatisfied.

Because seven people from Douluo Continent actually made it into the top sixteen, while only two students from Monster Academy made it into the top sixteen.

Are the younger generation of Star Luo Continent really inferior to those of Douluo Continent? What they need is victory. They want to see Dragon Leap face off against teams from Douluo Continent, using absolute power to defend the dignity of their Star Luo Continent.

……

"So, Long Yue's Mountain Dragon Martial Soul wasn't something he was born with, but rather he received some kind of inherited ability that was injected into his body, altering his bloodline?"

Nan Fusheng stared at the information on his soul-guided communicator, lost in thought. This information was sent to him by Zhang Geyang, the Netherflame Douluo, the head of a branch of the Spirit Pagoda on the Star Luo Continent; it shouldn't be false.

"Did he accidentally enter the Dragon Valley Small World and thus obtain the bloodline inheritance of the Mountain Dragon King, or are there other factors?" Nan Fusheng began to ponder.

"Hmm?" Suddenly, Nan Fusheng, using the Tyrannosaurus Rex's spiritual senses, detected Tang Wulin's situation. "Has he gained the qualification to enter the Dragon Valley Small World?"

Nan Fusheng's eyes flickered. He was also aware of the activities of the Tang Clan here. Every ten years, they would select thirty outstanding young people to explore the Dragon Valley Small World.

They will first eliminate those below level 40 and above level 50, and then let the remaining people fight, selecting the thirty best among them to enter.

Nan Fusheng did not intend to sign up for that event; he only needed to follow the location on Tang Wulin's body to confirm the location of the Dragon Valley Small World.

When the time comes, he will naturally find his own way to get in.

"Ten years? Long Yue also seems to have mutated before the age of ten. It seems he must have accidentally entered the Dragon Valley Small World and then luckily obtained the Mountain Dragon's inheritance." Nan Fusheng pondered for a while.

"Gu Yue once said that adult mountain dragons seem to transform themselves into mountains and continents for the dragon race to inhabit." Nan Fusheng briefly recalled Gu Yue's previous dragon god skit.

She mentioned this at the time. Although it's unknown whether it's true or not, all the natives in the Star Luo Continent have some dragon bloodline, which shouldn't be a coincidence.

"Could it be that this Star Luo Continent beneath my feet is the transformation of a god-level mountain dragon?" Nan Fusheng pondered for a while. If that were the case, he would use his fifth soul skill on this land: Inorganic Rebirth.

I wonder if it will bring this land back to life and turn it into a mountain dragon?

"Forget it, I'm only a level 60 Soul King right now, and I haven't even gotten my sixth Soul Ring yet, so I shouldn't think about it too much."

Nan Fusheng shook his head. He didn't have that much soul power. If he wanted to revitalize a continent, he would need to reach the god level in soul power. Otherwise, he would definitely not be able to do it.

……

"Welcome everyone to the stadium to witness the Round of 16 in the All-Continent Youth Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament. Today's matches will determine the top eight, who will be the strongest of the younger generation." Fang'er's voice rang out in the stadium.

As she said these words, both she and the audience members turned their gazes toward the waiting area.

The sixteen contestants were all seated, and what awaited them was a match that would determine their fate.

The top eight finishers in each competition not only receive generous rewards, but this achievement also becomes a significant milestone in their development. Such a record in their personal profile guarantees them preferential treatment anywhere in the empire.

Choosing to join the army will immediately make you a mid-level officer. Joining a family, sect, or pursuing any profession will grant you significant advantages. Furthermore, you will be granted a noble title by the empire. Yes, a noble title!

As times have changed, titles of nobility have not disappeared; on the contrary, they have become even more precious.

In the current Star Luo Empire, there are only two ways to obtain a title: one is to gain national recognition through strength, like in the current competition; the other is to make outstanding contributions to the country.

Moreover, no title, regardless of its nature, can be inherited. However, the benefits that a title brings are still enormous.

In the Star Luo Empire, the concept of fiefdoms no longer exists in this day and age, but the titles still grant a series of national welfare benefits.

It can be said that once you possess a title, even the lowest one, you can live a comfortable and worry-free life. You can also gain a high social status.

Reaching the top eight in the individual competition will earn one the title of Baron, as stipulated in previous competitions. Winning the championship will grant one the title of Viscount.

You must understand that if you are in the military, you need to have made great contributions to have the opportunity to receive such a reward! A viscount's status in the Star Luo Empire is comparable to that of a city lord.

This is why all young people are willing to participate in the competition. Once you make it into the top eight, it's like a meteoric rise. No matter what your previous identity was, as long as you're not an evil spirit master or a terrorist, you can obtain a title and become a true noble.

Although there was no fiefdom, a property in the capital was indispensable. All expenses were covered by the state.

Therefore, of all the contestants who came to compete today, apart from the seven from Douluo Continent, only the two from Monster Academy seemed relatively calm; the other seven contestants all looked eager to try. Of course, this was all on the premise that they could actually make it into the top eight.

"Today's first match will be between Zui Hongchen from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy of Douluo Continent and Xue Liushuang, who is also from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy."

That's right, this is still an internal conflict between them. As the competition has progressed to this point, even the competition organizers cannot avoid situations where they clash with each other.

In fact, besides the pair from Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy, Tang Wulin from Shrek Academy also faced off against Na'er today.

Lu Fa, on the other hand, faced off against Dai Yueyan.

"Hmph, Sister Liushuang, I won't hold back." Zui Hongchen looked sharply at Xue Liushuang.

"If you really show mercy, then I'll look down on you." Xue Liushuang stared at Zui Hongchen with equal glare.

Sparks flew between their eyes as they looked at each other.

"You two better not really fight!" Lu Fa looked at the two of them helplessly. She didn't know if these two were true best friends or fake sisters. They usually got along quite well, but now they were at each other's throats.

However, in Lu Fa's heart, he still favored Zui Hongchen more. This was because although Zhu Qing's Ice Toad Martial Soul was ice-attribute, her eyes were fire-attribute, making her extremely unique. Furthermore, she could generate a special cold poison by alternating between her ice and fire abilities.

Even though Xue Liushuang's splitting sword has a certain ice attribute, it cannot prevent her from being poisoned, because this special poison can ignore elemental defenses that are not of the ultimate attribute.

As expected, after a period of stalemate, Zui Hongchen used the powerful toxicity of Zhu Qingbing Toad Martial Soul to wear down Xue Liushuang and kill her.

The second match was between Tang Wulin and Na'er. However, after entering the arena, Na'er chose to concede defeat directly, allowing Tang Wulin to better conserve his energy for the next match.

The competition continued. In the round of 16, every match was exceptionally exciting, with both sides fighting tooth and nail. Many soul tools were used. Aside from fixed soul tools, which were prohibited, the contestants were even allowed to use mechs during the competition.

The atmosphere of the match was getting increasingly heated, but many spectators' eyes kept drifting towards the waiting area. Today's match schedule had already been announced.

The match between Lu Fa, captain of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy team, and Dai Yueyan, the Tiger King ranked second among the Eight Heavenly Kings of Monster Academy, is undoubtedly the most anticipated match of the day.

As the second king after the Dragon King Long Yue, and also the fourth prince of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Yueyan's dual identity inevitably drew the attention of the people.

Moreover, some people who are well-informed about the inner workings of the royal family know that this fourth prince will soon become the future crown prince.

Undoubtedly, it was a great risk for Dai Yueyan to participate in this competition. As the crown prince, failing to achieve good results in the competition would severely damage his reputation.

However, as one of the eight Heavenly Kings of Monster Academy, it was his duty to represent the academy in the competition.

Even Fang'er, sitting on the platform, kept glancing this way. If Dai Yueyan could defeat Lu Fa, everything would be over, which would be the best-case scenario. But, was it really that easy?

This Lu Fa has defeated Hua Lantang and Dai Yun'er without even showing his Martial Soul so far. He is also known as the most mysterious contestant in this competition, even Long Yue has at least used his Martial Soul.

And what about him? Aside from displaying terrifying blood and qi power, everything else was a blank. Even though Fang'er had repeatedly watched Lu Fa's previous matches, she couldn't glean much information from him.

"The next match, and the highlight of today, will be between Lu Fa from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy and Dai Yueyan from the Monster Academy."

Fang'er's voice was noticeably higher. In her heart, she didn't really think much of Dai Yueyan, but she couldn't say it out loud. After all, Dai Yueyan was a prince of the Star Luo Empire, the future heir to the throne.

Then, Fang'er's gaze involuntarily turned to Dai Yueyan, her hands clenched into fists on her knees, determined to defeat him!

"Your Highness! Your Highness! Your Highness!" Suddenly, a deafening roar erupted from the stands.

Dai Yueyan, who had just stood up from the waiting area, suddenly felt a surge of adrenaline.

As the future crown prince, no matter how calm and composed he is, when he hears his people calling out to him with such unity and determination, the feeling he experiences is truly indescribable.

"I will definitely not lose!" Dai Yueyan shouted in his heart with great pride, while also looking at Lu Fa, "and by the way, I'll collect Yun'er's debt as well."

Lu Fa remained calm. Facing the overwhelming momentum of the Xingluo people, his gaze did not change at all. He walked towards the competition stage amidst the cheers of the crowd for Dai Yueyan.

Dai Yueyan also composed himself and walked out of the waiting area.

On the podium, Dai Tianling sat in the main seat, with Enci, the dean of Monster Academy, beside him. Today's competition was very important, so these two big shots were present in person.

"Teacher, what are the chances of Yueyan winning against that Lufa?" Dai Tianling asked Enci in a low voice.

Enci frowned slightly, a rare occurrence. "Although Yueyan is a talented child with a calm and wise personality, Lu Fa has never used his Martial Soul. According to the information from Douluo Continent, he was already a One-Word Battle Armor Master a year ago."

Long Yue had recently mentioned that he was nearly driven to the brink of losing control by the burst of blood energy from Na Lu Fa. This suggests that Na Lu Fa's bloodline level is certainly no lower than his own. This battle is likely to be a tough one!

Upon hearing this, Dai Tianling frowned slightly. Even though his teacher had been very subtle in his words, how could he not tell that Enci probably didn't think much of Dai Yueyan?

I don't want to write about battles anymore, it's too much trouble. Let's finish this as soon as possible.

(End of this chapter)