Chapter 194: The Opening

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Three days later, in the capital of the Tian Dou Empire—Tian Dou City—the opening ceremony of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament's Tian Dou Division was held in grand fashion at the Tian Dou Colosseum.

As the largest and most prestigious soul master tournament, it attracted not only the attention of soul masters but also the royal family, nobles, and commoners alike. For the citizens of Tian Dou City, this tournament was the biggest festival of the year.

The opening ceremony took place inside the Tian Dou Colosseum. A month prior, all tickets for the event had already been sold out.

It was worth noting that the price of these tickets was equivalent to the admission fee for the main arena of the Tian Dou Colosseum.

As the primary venue for the Tian Dou Division, the Tian Dou Colosseum had suspended all dueling matches a month earlier to undergo internal renovations.

All the smaller arenas within the coliseum were merged with the main arena, forming an enormous competition space.

Aside from the VIP section, which remained on the northern side of the venue, the renovated coliseum could accommodate up to eighty thousand spectators simultaneously.

Though ticket sales brought in substantial revenue, the costs incurred by the coliseum were equally significant. All preliminary rounds of the Tian Dou Division would take place here in the coming weeks.

Early in the morning, before the sun had even risen in the east, the renovated Tian Dou Colosseum was already flooded with a massive crowd.

The early arrival of the audience wasn't to secure better seats—each ticket came with a designated seat number—but rather to catch a glimpse of the young soul masters participating in the tournament.

Among the attendees were many love-struck young women. The total number of soul masters across the continent didn't exceed six figures, and those representing advanced academies were the cream of the crop.

With an age limit of twenty-five, these participants naturally became ideal romantic prospects for young women. Marrying a powerful soul master would undoubtedly bring both fame and fortune—a dream come true.

Even some nobles who had purchased tickets for the VIP section gathered outside. Nobility had always been eager to recruit talented soul masters.

The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament itself was a breeding ground for talent. Whether participants achieved notable results or simply took part in the competition, they were highly sought after by noble families and clans.

At this moment, nearly one-third of Tian Dou City appeared deserted as crowds flocked to the Tian Dou Colosseum.

Since several days ago, all hotels in Tian Dou City, regardless of their class, had been fully booked.

The city's population had surged by nearly fifty percent.

This clearly demonstrated just how much allure the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament held for people.

To ensure order during the event, Tian Dou City mobilized a full five thousand city defense troops. Thanks to their efforts, potential disturbances were largely avoided.

Li Luochen and Qin Ming led the Shrek Academy team to Tian Dou City. The teachers accompanied them, while the defense of Shrek City was left in the capable hands of Dai Tianxing, Dai Tianyuan, Niu Gao, and Yang Wudi.

Moreover, during the Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament, everyone was preoccupied with the competition. Who would bother causing trouble for Shrek Academy? Besides, Qian Renxue had arranged for a Title Douluo to remain stationed in Shrek City.

There was absolutely no need to worry about the safety of Shrek City.

"Wow! So many people!" Ning Rongrong looked around excitedly. Oscar stood protectively by her side, wearing a gentle smile, though he remained vigilant of their surroundings.

Yu Tianxin exuded the presence of a coiled dragon ready to strike, while Ma Hongjun radiated the pride of a phoenix. Walking together, they truly embodied the harmony of "dragon and phoenix."

Zhu Zhuqing remained aloof, though her eyes were fixed on Li Luochen's back. Ye Lingling did the same.

Yang Wu walked with the posture of a spear—his body upright even while walking. Niu Dun moved with the imposing gait of a fortress.

The three reserve members walked with their heads held high, chests out. Only Dai Mubai appeared dispirited, lacking motivation. He simply couldn't muster any pride anymore.

Dai Mubai was like a rooster whose comb had been plucked—he was utterly deflated.

The Shrek Academy team wore version 2.0 of the uniforms personally designed by Li Luochen. The uniforms retained the original German military-style design, but Li Luochen had upgraded the materials to enhance elasticity, comfort, and durability.

The academy's emblem was prominently displayed on the chest and cap. Unfortunately, Flender's sense of aesthetics left something to be desired. Despite Li Luochen's numerous modifications, the Shrek Academy logo still wasn't particularly appealing.

Nevertheless, the overall image was impeccable. Leather trench coats, military uniforms, and boots—what a sight! As they walked, they garnered countless envious glances.

"Oh my goodness, what academy is that? Their uniforms are so cool! I love them! Look at that handsome guy, that beautiful girl—they're incredibly charming and full of vigor! My goodness!"

"Yes, I must join that academy. With such stylish uniforms, the academy must be excellent too."

"They look amazing. Why aren't I part of that academy?"

"Hmph, I think it's all about appearances. This is a competition, not a beauty pageant. They might just be all show."

"Brother has a point. All show!"

"You're just jealous…."

"…."

The chatter back and forth was mostly filled with praise for the uniforms. The members of Shrek Academy couldn't help but hold their heads higher and cast grateful glances toward Li Luochen.

Uniforms were a matter of pride. Even before the competition began, the high-quality uniforms had already won over countless fans. Indeed, a youthful principal was the best kind.

Not only was he immensely powerful, but he was also an excellent teacher. He taught methods he himself had tested, provided resources to his students, balanced work and rest, and had impeccable taste in aesthetics. His clothing designs were outstanding—he was a true all-rounder.

Within Shrek Academy, countless girls fantasized about climbing into Li Luochen's bed—though it was just wishful thinking.

After all, Li Luochen's wife, Dugu Yan, the headmistress of Shrek Academy's inner court, was not someone to be trifled with. When the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect had come to cause trouble—sending two Soul Douluos and seven Soul Sages—Dugu Yan had resolved the matter in under three minutes.

This incident had spread throughout the inner court, instilling a sense of fear in everyone. Since Dugu Yan rarely made public appearances, people naturally imagined her as an extremely strict headmistress.

Flender walked ahead of Li Luochen, his chest puffed out. After ascending to Title Douluo status, his appearance had rejuvenated. From his previous age of forty or fifty, he now looked to be in his early thirties.

His gaze was sharper, his features more defined. Combined with the modified German general uniform designed by Li Luochen and the new glasses Li Luochen had given him, his charisma was off the charts.

In Li Luochen's opinion, Flender's current appearance far surpassed Yu Xiaogang's. If one lacked natural charm, they could always rely on good styling. Clothes truly made the man—sometimes, great style could even enhance one's looks!

Just look at Liu Erlong clinging to Flender. Their daughter, Liu Lan'er, was being held by Dugu Yan, while Qian Renxue cradled Li Chengqian. Both women were playfully entertaining the children.

However, the slightly older Liu Lan'er kept observing the adorable little boy in front of her—Li Chengqian. She looked at him curiously, left and right.

Meanwhile, Dugu Yan and Qian Renxue exchanged secret whispers, conspiring to have their eldest son win over Liu Lan'er. Such a fine young lady couldn't be allowed to fall into the hands of outsiders. Better to keep her within the family.

The two women reached a mutual understanding: "Keep our own, not others!"

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