Douluo Continent: A Sister Who Loves Me From the Start

Not far to the east of Xingluo Square stands a grand seven-story hotel. This hotel, named Xinghuang Dahan Hotel, is owned by the royal family. It has been specially set aside to accommodate participants from advanced Soul Master academies or Soul Master trainees from various countries.

As the defending champions and the number one Soul Master Academy on the continent, Shrek Academy's team members were accommodated in luxurious rooms on the top floor. Each person had their own bedroom, and there was also a dedicated conference room for their use.

At this moment, all ten team members, along with their teacher Wang Yan, were sitting in the conference room for a pre-competition mobilization meeting.

They arrived in Star Luo City yesterday, which is considered quite late among the participating academies. However, as the defending champion and the number one academy on the continent, in the eyes of others, this was simply due to Shrek Academy's pride.

Wang Yan sat at the head of the table, with Ma Xiaotao, Dai Gangheng, and Ling Luo'ai, whose faces were still pale, on his left. All three had suffered internal injuries, and although they had received medication and recuperation, their injuries had worsened due to the rapid travel using their flying soul tools. Their recovery time might even be longer than expected.

Under these circumstances, it's no wonder Wang Yan's expression was unpleasant. Wang Yan forced a smile, "How did everyone sleep last night? The treatment here is really quite good."

"Teacher Wang, today is the last day to register for the competition. Before then, can we get any reinforcements? If not, I'm here for you. I can hold the fort. When time stands still, we are all just ants."

Wang Yan waved his hand and said, "Don't worry. I've already received a message from the academy that it will take some time to mobilize the students who are away. Besides, our academy has special privileges. As for you?" At this point, Wang Yan coldly adjusted his glasses and said something that Shen Yumo found unacceptable.

"We should conserve our strength! You are a trump card in our hands, and we won't use you unless absolutely necessary..."

……

Chapter 160 The Grand Tournament

"We should conserve our strength! You are a trump card in our hands, and we won't use you unless absolutely necessary..."

Ace? Shen Yumo fell silent. It seemed that things were going like this now...

"Okay, but I have one condition: I'll play in the first match, and I'll be the one to show Shrek's first act!"

……

At dawn, as the first rays of sunlight pierced through Xingluo City, the capital of the Xingluo Empire exuded a solemn atmosphere.

All the streets around Xingluo Square were blocked off by soldiers in bright armor, especially near the Xinghuang Hotel, where thousands of soldiers were stationed. The streets leading to Xingluo Square from there were completely under martial law.

Only team members from each academy who exited the Star Emperor Hotel were eligible to pass.

The arena for this year's Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament is not located in the center of Star Luo Square, but rather in front of the main gate of the Imperial City. This allows His Majesty the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire and his court officials to watch the battle from a high vantage point atop the city walls. Not only is the view optimal, but safety is also guaranteed.

The entire arena is 100 meters wide and 5 meters high. There are 108 metal pillars surrounding the arena. These are not decorations, but actual protective soul tools. Once the competition begins, 108 soul masters will oversee the arena's defenses. These metal pillars will form a protective shield to prevent any soul skills from leaking out, thus avoiding damage to the imperial city or harm to innocent people.

The construction of this competition platform alone cost a huge sum of money, and the mobilization of 108 Soul Masters to serve the competition for more than a month requires national-level resources.

At this moment, Xingluo Square was deserted, with no one in sight except for the soldiers in the distance.

The last time the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament was held in the Star Luo Empire, a stampede occurred. This time, the Star Luo Empire's royal family took it very seriously, not only dispatching a large army to maintain order, but also coming up with many new methods.

Early in the morning, the teachers leading the teams from each academy arrived at the imperial city and drew lots using the competition number plates they had received during registration. The drawing ceremony was now complete. Officials from the Star Luo Empire had tallied the results. Once the competition order was announced, the final preparations for the major competition were finished.

As the sun slowly rose into the sky from the distant east, a warm feeling instantly spread through Xingluo City, located in the central part of the continent.

When Shen Yumo stepped onto this place, her feelings were beyond words. Not far from them were the teams from various academies. In an instant, Shen Yumo clenched her fists, her fighting spirit soaring, her blood boiling, and the elegance in her eyes radiating from within.

On the city wall of the imperial city, a middle-aged man in a bright yellow robe and wearing an eight-treasure purple-gold crown stood with his hands behind his back. His position was the very center of the main gate of the imperial city, the best spot to watch the competition below.

Beside him stood a beautiful woman in magnificent palace attire, respectfully and gently accompanying him. A few steps behind were the civil and military officials of the Star Luo Empire.

"Your Majesty." An elderly man dressed in a bright red civil official's robe stepped forward quickly and bowed respectfully to the man. From the python patterns embroidered on his robe, it was clear that this old man held an extremely noble position. He could be described as a minister at the very pinnacle of power.

"Prime Minister, how are the arrangements going?" His Majesty the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire asked with a smile.

The Prime Minister respectfully said, "Everything has been arranged. The draw has concluded, and the order of the matches has been determined. The surrounding area is orderly. The public can now enter."

Emperor Xingluo smiled and said, "Good. Pass on my orders: begin allowing people to enter at each checkpoint, control the speed, and maintain order. Anyone responsible for a particular area who causes problems will be severely punished."

"Yes." The Prime Minister first took a few steps back before turning and leaving.

Watching the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament isn't free. The daily admission fee isn't too expensive, just two gold soul coins. However, even though Star Luo Square strictly controls the number of spectators, it can still accommodate over 200,000 people simultaneously. Two gold soul coins is just the base price. The closer to the arena, the more expensive the admission fee. In the spectator area closest to the arena, each person needs to pay one hundred gold soul coins to enter.

Today, all the students of Shrek Academy are wearing their traditional dark green school uniforms, the standard color of Shrek Academy. Furthermore, they stand in the first row of all the academies, a position to which no other academy objects. This is the glory that Shrek Academy has accumulated through centuries of strength.

With a thunderous shout of silencing, the entire square fell silent as everyone turned to look at the center. The emperor smiled slightly.

"All of you, rise!"

"The All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament is the most important event in the Soul Master world of Douluo Continent. I am very pleased that this year it is being held in our Star Luo Empire. Here, on behalf of the Star Luo Empire, I welcome the representatives from various academies, led by Shrek Academy. I hope you will show your true colors in the competition over the next month."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The leaders and students from the 133 academies bowed in gratitude.

The Emperor of Xingluo also smiled and nodded in their direction.

"Alright, I hereby declare the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament officially open." With the Star Luo Emperor's resounding announcement, the curtain was raised on this grand event.

After a day of earth-shaking 108 volleys, the entire square had turned into a sea of ​​joy, and the emperor, along with his empress and a host of civil and military officials, took their seats.

The referee then came up and spoke about the game and the rules.

When the host announced Shrek's name at the end of the competition, the atmosphere in the entire Xingluo Square reached its peak.

"Shrek, Shrek, Shrek..."

The shouts of Shrek Academy echoed in almost every corner of the arena.

This situation left the six reserve players, who were unprepared for the match, completely dumbfounded. Their faces turned deathly pale, and their hearts pounded. There were 100,000 spectators! If they lost, they couldn't even imagine the consequences… they simply couldn't fathom what that situation would entail…

Faced with this situation for the first time, the six panicked. They looked at each other, dumbfounded. Only the blue-haired boy who was leading the group, with his extraordinary appearance and demeanor, looked elsewhere, with a hint of panic in his eyes.

Shen Yumo stared blankly at one spot. Jiang Nannan noticed his unusual behavior and gently approached him. Thinking Shen Yumo was also nervous, she reassured him, "Yumo, it's okay, we're strong! Shrek Academy is our greatest weapon! I believe that not only are we panicking, but those who are matched against us are even more panicked! So..."

……

Chapter 161 The Competition is Underway

"...Shrek Academy is our greatest weapon! I believe that not only are we panicking, but the people who are in line for us will be even more panicked! So we don't need to be nervous." After saying that, Jiang Nannan's face showed a beautiful and reassuring smile.

But the next second she realized that Shen Yumo seemed not to have heard her, and turned his head to the side as if he was looking for something.

Jiang Nannan followed his gaze and turned to look, only to find that behind the leading Shrek Academy team was the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy team! Shen Yumo, however, was searching for the figure on the other side.

Jiang Nannan frowned instantly, becoming unhappy.

"What are you looking for? It's almost our turn to go on stage, and you're still not paying attention."

"Ahem, I was wrong, Nan Nan." Shen Yumo smiled awkwardly and gently took her small hand. She searched for a long time among the Sun Moon Royal Soul Masters but couldn't find Meng Hongchen; instead, she saw her brother Xiao Hongchen and Ma Rulong, among others.

Shen Yumo found it strange. Logically speaking, why wouldn't she come to the opening ceremony on the first day? Could there be something else going on?

"Hmph!" Jiang Nannan snorted coldly, "Get ready to go on stage, stop talking so much nonsense." After saying that, she ignored Shen Yumo.

"Don't panic, everyone. This is the glory of Shrek Academy. And it will soon be yours too. We faced the same situation in the last competition. I can tell you that our opponents will be ten times more nervous and panicked than we are, because we are Shrek Academy." Ma Xiaotao's voice reached the ears of every reserve team member.

Even Wang Yan, who was leading the team, was facing this situation for the first time! Only Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, and Ling Luochen had encountered it before when they represented Shrek Academy as the reserve team in the previous competition. At this moment, Ma Xiaotao's words naturally carried the most weight.

Encouraged by their senior, the group's initial excitement subsided slightly, though their palms remained sweaty. They were unaware that in Shrek Academy's history, reserve players had never appeared in the first round. This first match represented Shrek Academy's image, and facing such an enthusiastic audience for the first time would undoubtedly affect the reserve players' composure. Therefore, the first match was always played with the full strength of the team.

But they have no other choice now!

Just then, the host's voice rang out, "Let's first invite the team members from Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy to the stage."

Further back in the players' area, a team of pale-faced young players emerged. As they walked out of the players' area, they even seemed to be walking unsteadily.

Ma Xiaotao chuckled and said to Shen Yumo and the others, "Look, these are your opponents. Did you notice? Some of your legs are trembling. Shrek Academy's reputation certainly places a heavy responsibility and burden on your shoulders. However, the glory of Shrek Academy is also one of your most powerful weapons. Show your courage and strength, Shrek will prevail."

As she spoke, Ma Xiaotao strode up to Beibei and extended her right hand. The others followed suit. Eleven right hands were clasped together.

Wang Yan whispered, "Shen Yumo, once you're on stage, you'll be in charge of commanding the battle. The others should fight according to his strategy. If possible, Shen Yumo, you can use your domain-type soul skill at lightning speed to win the first match and show them the strength of the Shrek Academy reserve team members!"

Now that things have come to this, if Shen Yumo still doesn't understand what Wang Yan is saying, then he's a fool. This is clearly a show of force to him. Some people's doubts have annoyed them, but if Shen Yumo leads the way and wins this battle well, then he will definitely surprise everyone again.

Shen Yumo was stunned for a moment. You didn't want me to use my true strength... But soon, his eyes became sharper. "Okay, Teacher Wang Yan, just watch."

Isn't this exactly the result I wanted? My 100,000-year soul ring should finally amaze the world.

"Alright, the team from Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy has entered the arena. At this moment of great anticipation, let us now welcome the number one academy on the continent, the true kings among academies, the Shrek Academy team!" The host's resounding voice pierced the clouds, and Star Luo Square instantly transformed into a sea of ​​cheers for Shrek. Even the Star Luo Emperor, who was sitting atop the city wall watching the battle, couldn't help but stand up, his face revealing excitement.

With a vigorous shake of eleven hands, Shen Yumo raised her head again. The lazy smile on her face had vanished, replaced by a resolute and determined expression. She strode towards the competition stage.

At this moment, the fog in his heart had long since dissipated, replaced by a surge of passion! He needed to fight, he preferred to grow through battle, and he loved seeing defeated opponents look at him with despair or beg for mercy—a thrill that nothing else could provide.

Following closely behind were Jiang Nannan, Bei Bei, and others. This time, the entire team consisted of seven reserve members, making Shen Yumo the undisputed leader. We believe in him; he will reach the pinnacle.

Jiang Nannan strode closely behind him, her long legs moving with confidence. Looking at his confident back and listening to the cheers that echoed throughout the arena, she suddenly felt that he was really handsome. Following behind him, she felt a strong sense of security. At the same time, she was also very proud. Just watch, the one who will defeat you is my man. Remember that!

By now, everyone's face was flushed with excitement, and their hearts were pounding.

The seven members of each side gathered in a corner of the arena, facing each other. When the students from Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy saw that Shrek Academy had sent such a young lineup, they couldn't help but be taken aback. Was this Shrek Academy's reserve team? But this was an elimination tournament! Weren't they afraid?

When the students from Tianling Academy saw that the opposing leader was a handsome teenager with an extraordinary air about him, they were even more puzzled. But when they saw the look in the boy's eyes, they were enraged. Even a clay figure has some temper! Let alone these geniuses from Tianling Academy!

His sky-blue eyes were exceptionally beautiful, unlike the kind of eyes a boy should have. Yet, his handsome face was filled with disdain and mockery, making people feel a sense of disgust. They were furious because he was young and viewed them with prejudice.

If it were the opposing team's regular teammates, that would be fine, but what's with you, a mere kid who hasn't even grown up yet, acting so arrogant?

The stunned were not only the contestants from Tianling Academy, but also the delegation from the Sun Moon Empire, the emperor of the Star Luo Empire, all the academy delegations present, and the spectators at the front.

Chapter 162 The Competition is Underway

The stunned weren't just the students from Tianling Academy; the delegation from the Sun Moon Empire, the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire, all the academy delegations present, and the spectators at the front were also dumbfounded. Even though they were from the renowned Shrek Academy, it didn't mean they could so boldly challenge someone of a higher level.

At this moment, even Xiao Hongchen questioned his own judgment. Shrek Academy was far too audacious! Even if they were strong, sending a team of students with an average age of under fifteen, some even looking eleven or twelve, how could they possibly defeat an academy whose members were nearly twenty? There was no room for defeat in the elimination rounds!

Emperor Xingluo was also taken aback, and asked in confusion, "What is Shrek Academy trying to do? Why didn't they send their main force? Why isn't Dai Hao's son playing?"

At this moment, the atmosphere on the field seemed to have frozen, with only the handsome blue-haired boy standing proudly on the stage.

The referees sent by the Star Luo Empire have arrived. They gesture for both sides to step forward.

The seven students on both sides quickly gathered in the center of the arena. Now that they were closer, the Shrek Seven Devils could see the ugly expressions on their opponents' faces.

The referee said in a deep voice, "The first round is a team elimination tournament. Both sides can use most of their soul tools in the competition. However, if one side concedes defeat during the battle, the other side cannot continue to attack. Soul masters cannot use high-damage equipment such as fixed soul tools in combat. Do you all understand?"

"Understood." The blue-haired youth in the lead nodded indifferently, and arrogantly scanned the opposing contestants again, while the demonic blade in his mental sea grew increasingly uneasy.

The captain of the Tianling Advanced Soul Master Academy was a tall, slender young man who looked to be around twenty years old. Among the seven opponents, he was the only one whose expression remained relatively normal. He also echoed Shen Yumo's agreement.

The judge 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 at a half-loss."

The two sides slowly widened the distance. As they retreated, Shen Yumo turned around and whispered, "Everyone, watch my soul skill. When I use my 100,000-year soul skill and the opponent is completely frozen in speed, you guys immediately follow up with damage to try and not give them a chance to fight back."

On the other side, the Heavenly Spirit Empire 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 arena, slowly raised his right hand. At that moment, the Xingluo Square, with its hundreds of thousands of people, fell silent. Everyone stared wide-eyed at the vast playing field.

This is the first match, and the first elimination round even features the top academy on the continent! Although the Shrek Academy team members are so young, they still represent the pride of Shrek. Everyone is eager to see what they will show.