Chapter 517: The New King Ascends, the Old Emperor Falls - Part 1

In this arena where Soul Kings were the baseline standard, the women of Tianxing Academy, though slightly behind in cultivation due to their outdated "version," had advanced self-created soul skills crafted under Ye Wen's meticulous guidance and a well-coordinated team dynamic. As a result, they cut through their opponents with ease, encountering almost no formidable resistance along the way. 

The direct academies of the three Douluo nations wisely chose to concede without a fight. They saw no benefit in tangling with Tianxing Academy—winning would humiliate Ye Wen, while losing would leave them unable to hold their heads high. Why invite unnecessary trouble? 

The Sun Moon Academy wanted to do the same, but ever since joining the Douluo Continent's exchange system, they had been consistently overshadowed by Shrek Academy. If they now conceded directly to Tianxing Academy—a team generally one rank below them—it would be an outright loss of face. 

However, the combat prowess of Tianxing Academy's women was undeniable. 

Jing Hongchen patted his grandchildren on their shoulders, speaking in a light tone:

"Don't feel too much pressure. You're facing disciples personally trained by one of the strongest Supreme Douluo on this continent. 

Just give it your all in battle. There's no need to carry any burdens." 

Though Jing Hongchen was consoling his grandchildren, he couldn't help but voice his irritation at the situation:

"Tsk, it's such a waste that we're weakening Tianxing Academy only for Shrek to swoop in and reap the benefits later." 

Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen were both amused by their grandfather's mischievous attitude, but they quickly steeled themselves, resolve hardening in their eyes. They were, after all, the prodigies of the Sun Moon Empire's younger generation—how could they entertain such cowardly thoughts? 

As Jing Hongchen had predicted, the Shrek team was absolutely thrilled. 

By now, the tournament had reached the semifinals. 

Shrek's draw placed them against the Star Luo Imperial Academy of the Star Luo Empire. 

Though the Star Luo Academy was led by Xu Jiujiu, whose Star Crown martial soul made them a formidable opponent, they were still far easier to handle compared to the Sun Moon team, whose wealth allowed them to unleash relentless bombardments of soul tools. 

Meanwhile, Ye Wen and his group sat in the competitor's lounge, discussing their next tactical approach. Under everyone's watchful gaze, Ye Wen's fingers lightly tapped the table, producing a crisp rhythm. After a moment, he spoke calmly:

"This round will be an individual match. Though we have a slight advantage over group battles, the Sun Moon Empire's entire roster consists of Soul Kings at the very least—an immense disadvantage for you. 

Moreover, their attacks primarily rely on soul tools, whereas the self-created soul skills I taught you are most effective in close combat. 

Therefore…" 

Ye Wen paused briefly before continuing:

"I'll allow you to use the ultimate trump cards I prepared for you. Though I originally intended to save them as a surprise for Shrek, it seems we have no choice but to use them early." 

Logically, being granted an opportunity to enhance their strength against enemies should have been cause for joy. Yet, the women exchanged awkward glances, shifting uneasily. 

After much silent shoving, the youngest—and yet eldest disciple—Huo Yuer reluctantly stepped forward. With pleading eyes, she looked up at Ye Wen and said, "Master, I think we can defeat them even without resorting to our ultimate trump card. Let's not use it, please~" 

Ye Wen gently placed his hand on Huo Yuer's shoulder, wearing a seemingly kind smile. But in the eyes of the other women, there was no warmth in it. 

"What nonsense are you spouting, Little Yuer? What is the Sun Moon team to you? Your true opponent is Shrek. 

If you don't use these means now and instead rely solely on your own strength to clash head-on, who knows what injuries you might sustain? While I'd feel sorry for you, more importantly—" 

At Ye Wen's stern tone, Huo Yuer froze completely. 

"Have you forgotten your mission, Little Yuer? 

Though the activation conditions may be embarrassing, if you can't overcome this minor hurdle, how can I trust you with the far more difficult task ahead? 

And besides, Little Yuer, you wouldn't want to never see your mother again, would you~" 

"Master!" 

Huo Yuer stared at Ye Wen in disbelief, expecting some profound reasoning, only to find herself threatened with this emotional leverage. 

But she couldn't resist. How infuriating! 

After teasing her, Ye Wen glanced sidelong at Huo Yuer. 

"Do you have any objections?" 

Huo Yuer nodded emphatically, clearly displeased. However, Ye Wen's next words shattered her completely.

"In that case, you'll be the first to take the field." 

"Ah—" 

Huo Yuer felt her emotions spiral into disarray, her mind blank as she stared at Ye Wen.

"Why me? Aren't I supposed to be our final trump card?" 

Ye Wen chuckled silently, amused by how easily the young Huo Yuer fell for his manipulation. A wicked smile tugged at his lips—it was time for Huo Yuer to confront the malice of this world head-on. 

"There's no reason. I simply don't want you all playing house anymore. Besides, as the senior disciple, shouldn't you bear the responsibility of facing difficulties? I have high hopes for you, Little Yuer. You'll be the first to step onto the battlefield. 

Don't disappoint me." 

With that, Ye Wen patted Huo Yuer's shoulder once more, but this gesture only made her feel worse. Instinctively, she turned to her sisters for help. 

Unsurprisingly, her so-called good sisters all averted their gazes. 

After all, better them than me. And if someone else took the lead in embarrassment, they wouldn't feel quite as ashamed later. 

Huo Yuer's heart sank like dead ash. Despite their usual camaraderie and closeness, her sisters had abandoned her in this critical moment. 

But resilient Huo Yuer, though her eyes brimmed with unshed tears, did not let a single drop fall. She was strong like that. Rising to her feet, she resolved to fight alone if she had to. 

Deep down, however, Huo Yuer vowed silently. 

The enemy was strong, yes—but she had her own methods. She refused to believe she couldn't win without resorting to her master's bizarre trump card. 

As expected, Shrek successfully defeated the elite squad of the Star Luo National Academy. 

Had the Star Luo Academy not drawn the dreaded group battle format, they might have been able to significantly weaken Shrek's forces. After all, Shrek had three Soul Emperors, while the Star Luo Academy only boasted two. In a direct confrontation, combined with a few hidden tricks, the outcome would have been uncertain. 

Unfortunately, they had drawn Shrek's specialty: chaotic group battles. At the start of the match, the Star Luo Academy's main and vice captains—both Soul Emperors—were immediately targeted and incapacitated, leaving them unable to fight back effectively.

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