Chapter 273: The Shock of Full Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Rings

The referee stepped onto the stage, his voice amplified by a soul tool that carried his announcement far and wide.

"The third round of the group stage: Shrek Academy versus Zheng Tian Academy. Match type: seven-on-seven team battle."

"Now, will both teams please take their positions."

At that moment, Zheng Tian Academy's seven starting members marched onto the stage, while Qian Ran leisurely strolled up, holding an apple that Tang Ya had just peeled for him.

Zheng Tian Academy's team had mentally prepared themselves for facing a single powerhouse from Shrek Academy, but seeing Qian Ran in person still left them momentarily stunned.

It couldn't be helped—Qian Ran looked far too young. His dashing and relaxed demeanor only highlighted his youthful appearance.

"Is this really our opponent? Is Shrek Academy deliberately holding back their best players?"

The same thought flickered through the minds of Zheng Tian Academy's seven members.

The spectators were no less incredulous. When Qian Ran casually stepped onto the stage, silence fell over the massive crowd, only to erupt moments later in a cacophony of disbelief.

Of course, there were exceptions. Many women in the audience were smitten by Qian Ran's striking looks, their hearts racing as they watched him.

"Oh my god! Is Shrek Academy serious? They're only sending one person?"

"Maybe it's a strategy to intentionally throw a match?"

Despite Qian Ran's excellent first impression, almost no one believed he could win.

Even the referee, who had been informed of the unusual lineup in advance, struggled to wrap his head around it.

If someone like Ma Xiaotao, a Soul Emperor, were taking on the challenge, it might be plausible. But for someone so young?

"Is Shrek Academy joking?"

In the stands, the Sun-Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy team, including Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, stared blankly at Qian Ran.

Xiao Hongchen in particular felt deeply shaken.

"He's quite handsome. I wonder how strong he is," Meng Hongchen murmured, her eyes lighting up as she observed Qian Ran.

After being enhanced by the system, Qian Ran's already impressive looks had reached new heights.

As he stepped onto the stage, countless female spectators found themselves utterly captivated.

"Hmph, this is probably just for show. His cultivation level is low, so even if he loses, it won't tarnish Shrek Academy's reputation. Instead, it'll earn him attention," Xiao Hongchen scoffed, trying to comfort himself.

"Zheng Tian Academy, Yang Yifan."

"Zheng Tian Academy, Yu Mengdi."

"Zheng Tian Academy, Tang Xiaolei."

"Zheng Tian Academy, Blood Wolf."

"Zheng Tian Academy, Yan'er."

"… And I am Ye Wuqing, captain of Zheng Tian Academy. While I regret not facing Shrek Academy's main lineup, we will still do our best to secure victory," said Ye Wuqing, a mixture of disappointment and excitement in his voice.

Defeating Shrek Academy, even under these circumstances, would still be a monumental achievement.

"Qian Ran," he replied simply, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Both teams, take your positions at opposite ends of the arena. Wait for my signal to begin. Until then, no one may release their martial spirit. Violators will forfeit the match," the referee declared, raising his hand.

The vast Star Luo Plaza, packed with tens of thousands of spectators, fell silent as everyone focused on the broad arena.

It was clear to everyone that Shrek Academy was making a statement.

While prodigies had occasionally taken on entire teams in the past, such stunts were typically reserved for weak opponents. Zheng Tian Academy, on the other hand, was a team with a strong chance of making the semifinals.

"Begin!"

As soon as the referee's voice rang out, the Zheng Tian Academy team unleashed their martial spirits. Three Soul Kings and four high-level Soul Elders lit up the stage with dazzling arrays of spirit rings.

But no one was paying attention to Zheng Tian Academy.

All eyes were on Qian Ran, waiting to see what Shrek Academy's mysterious move would reveal.

At that moment, an overwhelming aura burst forth from Qian Ran.

Blood-red light bathed the arena as a chilling, ruthless, and murderous energy erupted.

Three massive red spirit rings materialized around Qian Ran, their menacing glow instantly eclipsing the combined presence of Zheng Tian Academy's seven members.

Red spirit rings—the pinnacle of power.

Each one represented 100,000 years of cultivation.

And Qian Ran didn't just have one. He had three.

Unlike Huo Yuhao's simulated rings in the original timeline, Qian Ran's were genuine. After being enhanced by the system, their power had grown to 200,000 years each.

Behind him, a golden, six-winged angelic martial spirit appeared.

Elegant. Noble. Sacred.

The martial spirit that once dominated the continent during the reign of the Spirit Hall had reemerged on the grandest stage.

The golden glow of his wings combined with the crimson brilliance of his rings, dyeing the entire battlefield in resplendent gold and red.

Gasps swept through the crowd like a tidal wave. The deafening roar of tens of thousands of shocked spectators filled the air.

Even the Emperor, Empress, and assembled officials of Star Luo Empire rose to their feet in astonishment.

For so long, Qian Ran had masked his spirit rings with the system's help. But now, bolstered by allies like Qian Renxue, Bing'er, and soon, Snow Empress, he no longer needed to conceal his strength.

With a single flap of his angelic wings, Qian Ran vanished from sight.

When he reappeared, he was standing in front of Zheng Tian Academy's Blood Wolf.

"It's rude to be distracted during a match," Qian Ran remarked lightly, punching Blood Wolf squarely in the chest.

Boom!

The impact sent Blood Wolf flying off the stage, landing unconscious.

It wasn't until Qian Ran spoke that the rest of Zheng Tian Academy snapped out of their stupor.

But it was too late.

After dispatching Blood Wolf, Qian Ran turned to Yang Yifan, the team's agility-type Soul Elder.

Yang Yifan barely had time to react before Qian Ran's fist struck his chest, knocking him out cold. A nearby Contra-class referee rushed to carry him off the stage before his injuries worsened.

In mere moments, Qian Ran had eliminated two members of Zheng Tian Academy.

And he wasn't even trying.

"His spirit rings are all red… genuine hundred-thousand-year rings…" Cai Mei'er murmured, her voice trembling.

Having witnessed Qian Ran effortlessly help Ma Xiaotao and the others absorb high-level soul bones, Cai Mei'er had already suspected that his sect possessed some profound secrets.

But this? This was beyond comprehension.

To cultivate three red spirit rings at such a young age? It was unprecedented.

Even Shrek Academy's strongest elder, Xuan Lao, only possessed a single red ring on his ninth soul ring.

Yet here was Qian Ran, his first three rings already surpassing that of a Titled Douluo.

(Chapter End)