The finals—today's match attracted tremendous attention.
After the clash between Shrek and Thunder Academy, it was now time for the two strongest academy teams from the world's two empires to battle. Without Jun Tianlin and Gu Ran participating, the two sides were evenly matched, and no one could predict the direction of the match.
Yu Yuanzhen looked proudly at Yu Tianheng leading his team onto the stage. He knew today was his grandson's moment to shine, and Tianheng would not lose. He carried the glory of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
If Tianheng were to lose today, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan would lose all face, and people would say Yu Tianheng had only made it to the finals thanks to Jun Tianlin's support. Without Jun Tianlin, he, the third heir, would be seen as worthless.
The Emperor Team walked onto the Soul Arena together. On the Xingluo side, five members stepped onto the stage first, standing respectfully on either side as Dai Weisei and Zhu Zhuyun made their entrance.
These two carried an air of superiority. Zhu Zhuyun, wearing black today, had a figure even more alluring than her sister, Zhu Zhuqing.
"You're quite good at acting. Where was all this so-called magnanimity when you persecuted your own siblings?" Yu Tianheng said disdainfully.
"Yu Tianheng, make no mistake," Dai Weisei responded calmly. "I had no desire to persecute Mubai and Zhuqing. As for Mubai, due to family pressure, I had no choice but to destroy his spirit and soul power—but at least I spared his life. I sent him to a small town to live out his days in debauchery and comfort."
"As for Zhuqing, I was willing to let her go entirely. If she became my concubine, not only could she continue cultivating, but she would also enjoy endless wealth and honor. The one truly pushing them into desperation was your good brother, Jun Tianlin."
"Shameless!" Yu Tianheng snarled, unable to control his fury. "What's the difference between that and sentencing them to death? At least Xiaotian is helping them regain dignity and freedom!"
"I also have a brother," Tianheng continued. "Even though we compete for the family headship, when danger strikes, I know he'll stand in front of me without hesitation—and I'll fight shoulder-to-shoulder with him. Because we are brothers."
He spoke, of course, of Yu Tianxin. Hiding among the Thunder Academy team, Tianxin was deeply moved by his brother's words. Though he usually wore a cold expression, hearing such heartfelt words stirred him deeply.
Yu Yuanzhen chuckled, stroking his beard. He loved to see the healthy rivalry between Tianheng and Tianxin—brothers who advanced together in peace, fought together against external enemies, and shared life and death. With grandsons like these, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had a prosperous future.
As for Xingluo's brutal system of internal competition, Yu Yuanzhen despised it from the bottom of his heart. How could someone who didn't even cherish their own kin rule their people with benevolence?
Xingluo might have strong military power, but their ruthless competition fostered tyranny. Their royal family was oppressive, their people followed suit, and life for ordinary citizens was miserable.
"Hmph, save your nonsense," Dai Weisei snorted. "Friendship? Strength is all that matters. Yu Tianheng, prepare yourself!"
With a roar, Dai Weisei's Evil-Eyed White Tiger possessed him.
Seeing this, the referee stepped between the two teams. "Prepare for the match! The loser will be eliminated; the winner will advance to the top three. Tiandou Royal Academy versus Xingluo Royal Academy—get ready!"
The moment the referee spoke, both teams activated their martial spirits. Fourteen combatants, all with two yellow and two purple soul rings, stood poised for battle.
Especially the strongest on each side—Dai Weisei and Yu Tianheng—both at peak Level 49, half a step into the Spirit King realm.
"The opponent's auxiliary spirit master is the Nine Hearts Flowering Apple. We must eliminate her first," Dai Weisei ordered Zhu Zhuyun.
Zhu Zhuyun nodded and swiftly charged toward Ye Lingling. At the same time, Xingluo's auxiliary spirit master activated her soul skill.
Her martial soul, "Shangshan Ruoshui"—a poetic and famous auxiliary martial spirit in Xingluo—unleashed its power.
"Third soul skill: Raging Waves!"
A surging wave boosted Zhu Zhuyun's overall attributes by about 30%, propelling her speed to incredible levels.
Though not as extraordinary as Ning Rongrong's boosts, it was still far superior to Oscar's 10% enhancement from the original timeline. However, the drawback was clear: Shangshan Ruoshui could only assist a single person at a time, unlike Ning Rongrong's wide-area support.
The dominance of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan's auxiliary support remained unchallenged.
"If you want to hurt Lingling, you'll have to get past me first! First soul skill: Leopard Shadow Strike!" Osler, noticing Zhu Zhuyun's movement, darted forward. In a flash, he blocked her path.
Ye Lingling was his creditor; he wouldn't let anyone harm her!
"So fast!" Zhu Zhuyun was shocked. She hadn't expected Osler, even without augmentation, to match her speed. Forced to abandon her attack on Ye Lingling, she faced Osler head-on.
"Second soul skill: Nether Hundred Claws!"
Cat claws and leopard claws clashed at blinding speed, but how could a cat hope to overpower a leopard? Very soon, Zhu Zhuyun fell into a disadvantage.
"What's wrong, black-hearted cat? Can't keep up?" Osler taunted. "Then fall! Third soul skill: Leopard Shadow Clone!"
He was about to finish it, but suddenly, a mirror appeared and absorbed Zhu Zhuyun, teleporting her back to Xingluo's side.
"Sorry, the surprise attack failed" Zhu Zhuyun said, apologizing to Dai Weisei.
"Forget it" Dai Weisei replied coldly "I didn't expect the agility-attack soul master from the Emperor Team to match you in speed and attack." He didn't blame Zhu Zhuyun—there was no point. Since the sneak attack failed, they would fight head-on.
"The mirror just now\... it must be a Reflection Mirror Martial Spirit." Jun Tianlin arms folded, assessed the situation.
Compared to Dai Weisei and Zhu Zhuyun, the soul master wielding the Reflection Mirror was more troublesome. Facing someone with even a hint of spatial control was difficult without overwhelming mental power like Jun Tianlin's.
"Spatial martial spirits? I don't care," Yu Tianheng shouted "At worst, I'll just smash every mirror they have! Emperor Team, get ready—RIOT STRATEGY, ASSAULT TACTICS!"