Within Tiandou City, private duels between soul masters were strictly prohibited.
However, if they only used their fists, it would simply be considered a regular brawl—of a different nature entirely.
As the members of the Elephant Armor Academy drew closer, the Seven Treasures team quickly formed a line.
Oscar and Ning Rongrong, being auxiliary-type soul masters, stayed behind for protection.
"Huyan Li, it seems that the lesson from Elder Dugu the other day wasn't enough," Ning Tianchen said coldly with a smirk.
Huyan Li, leading the group, crossed his arms over his chest and replied dismissively, "What? Are you trying to play the hero and punish us, the 'villains'?"
"Before the tournament starts, engaging in private duels within the city will result in disqualification. Do you still want to fight?"
Ning Tianchen cracked his wrists, his gaze icy. "Even without our martial souls, we can still beat you."
Upon hearing this, the members of the Elephant Armor Team burst into laughter.
Without their martial souls, relying solely on physical strength, the seven members of the Elephant Armor Team boasted physiques that could easily rank among the top few teams in the competition.
"Brothers, give them a taste of what we're capable of. Remember, don't kill them—we don't want people saying we're bullying them," Huyan Li taunted with a sneer.
Their audacity to cause trouble in the city stemmed from the backing of powerful forces.
If they could force the Seven Treasures team to use their martial souls first, their goal would be achieved.
"Arrogant," Chen Huayu muttered. Among the Seven Treasures team, he was the strongest in terms of physical build.
He charged forward, throwing a punch aimed at Huyan Li's cheek.
Huyan Li didn't dare to take it lightly and blocked with both hands.
Pa!
The collision of fist and palm sent Huyan Li staggering back several steps.
"What incredible strength!" Huyan Li furrowed his brow.
In terms of sheer power, he believed himself to be the strongest among the younger generation. Yet, he hadn't expected someone to surpass him.
After absorbing the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, Chen Huayu's physical prowess had significantly improved. Combined with their similar soul power levels, Huyan Li was bound to suffer under his blows.
On the other side, Ning Tianchen and the others weren't idle.
Having been strengthened by the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, Ning Tianchen's physical abilities had undergone a qualitative leap.
In his previous life, he had watched numerous combat videos online. Dealing with the members of the Elephant Armor Team was child's play.
In no time, Ning Tianchen had already knocked down three of them.
"Tianchen is so fierce!" Oscar swallowed hard.
Aside from using his sword, this was the first time he realized just how powerful Ning Tianchen's combat skills were.
Not long after, all members of the Elephant Armor Team lay incapacitated on the ground.
The surrounding crowd applauded and cheered.
"I hope that during the Soul Masters Tournament, you won't act like cowards!" Ning Tianchen looked down at the seven members of the Elephant Armor Team lying on the ground, his eyes cold.
Huyan Li knew they were no match and dared not make any threats. He led his group away in disgrace.
"The Elephant Armor Sect dares to cause such blatant trouble—it's likely the Spirit Hall wants to use this opportunity to test the limits of Tiandou Empire," Feng Xiaotian said grimly.
Huyan Li wasn't a fool, yet he dared to stir up trouble in Tiandou City, clearly acting under someone's orders.
Ning Tianchen put away his cold expression and suddenly smiled. "Never mind them. Let's go eat."
---
Two days passed quietly.
Today was the opening ceremony of the Elite Tournament of All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academies in the Tiandou Empire region.
Ning Tianchen and the others were summoned early by Ke Jie to gather in the lounge.
Not long after, Sun Buyu entered the lounge carrying several sets of clothes.
"These are the uniforms. Hurry up and change into them."
The team's uniforms were modified versions of the original standard uniforms.
The white uniforms now featured several golden edges, and the iron school badges on the chest had been replaced with crystal badges, giving them an understated yet luxurious look.
After changing into their uniforms, everyone quickly assembled.
Ke Jie urged them, "The Tiandou Empire has arranged for us to appear first. There's about one incense stick's worth of time left before the opening ceremony. Let's head out immediately."
During the opening ceremony, the thirty teams participating in the preliminaries would make their appearances in front of the public.
Being the first to appear was proof of the Tiandou Royal Family's high regard for them.
There was no concept of saving the best for last in this event—the later a team appeared, the less attention they received.
After all, the audience couldn't possibly remember every team. Teams appearing earlier often left a deeper impression.
---
The Elite Tournament of All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academies was one of the rare grand events on the Douluo Continent.
The participants were the cream of the crop among the young soul masters of this generation. Countless people had traveled from all directions just to catch a glimpse of these young talents.
The roads leading to the arena were controlled by the Tiandou Empire's city guards, with spectators kept on either side of the road. Only the competing teams were allowed to walk along the road.
Sun Buyu led the Seven Treasures team around a corner and onto the road.
"Is this the Seven Treasures team? I've heard they're very strong."
"Their uniforms look nice too. I'm tempted to buy a set to wear myself."
"Wow, they're all so young."
Hearing the crowd's praise, the members of the Seven Treasures team couldn't help but straighten their backs.
"It seems our popularity isn't bad," Yu Die said with a smile, waving to the spectators on the roadside.
The Seven Treasures team had participated in duels at the Tiandou Grand Spirit Arena. The majority of the spectators here were locals of Tiandou City, so they were well aware of the team's strength.
Behind them walked the second team of the Imperial Academy.
Compared to the Seven Treasures team, the Imperial Second Team clearly received much less attention.
After all, above them was the far superior Imperial First Team.
At the very end of the procession, the Shrek team, wearing their greenish-brown uniforms, couldn't help but feel intimidated.
"Master, these uniforms are so ugly. Being seen by so many people like this is so embarrassing," Dai Mubai covered his face, afraid of being recognized.
Yu Tianheng couldn't resist complaining either. "It's bad enough that the uniforms are ugly, but is the principal really that short on funds? Posting advertisements for sponsorship is ridiculous!"
"All right, stop complaining," Yu Xiaogang frowned.
He also thought the uniforms were ugly, but given the academy's financial situation, there was no money to hire a designer to create a custom uniform. They had to leave it to Flender's questionable creativity.
As for the advertisements, it was a necessary evil.
To support the cultivation of the Shrek Seven Monsters, the academy's funds had run dry. Without additional income, the academy wouldn't be able to continue operating.
When the Shrek team entered the road, the anticipated jeers arrived as expected.
"What academy is this? Their uniforms are so tacky."
"That blond-haired guy looks pretty good, but it's a shame he's wearing such an ugly uniform."
"My evaluation is that they're not even worth a single hair of the Seven Treasures team."
"Heh, wearing those green uniforms, living that peasant life."
"They've already lost in spirit. Why bother competing? They should just go home and farm."
"Advertising sponsorships? What a bunch of losers."
The members of the Shrek team gritted their teeth, wishing they could teach the hecklers a lesson on the spot.
Tang San furrowed his brows and said sternly, "Everyone, don't pay attention to them. Once the matches begin, we'll let our strength do the talking!"
"Uniforms are just external—they won't affect our abilities," Dai Mubai clenched his fists tightly.
Yu Xiaogang sighed. "I'll report the issue with the uniforms to Flender. For now, let's focus on entering the arena."
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