Soul Master Tournament, Reunion with Canghui

In the dimly lit room, Yu Xiaogang sat at the desk by the window, scribbling and making revisions. He was fully absorbed in the books before him, occasionally sipping tea, his eyes sweeping over the lines of text with intense focus. He seemed utterly unconcerned with Tang San, who stood respectfully to the side.

Purple light flickered in Tang San's eyes, barely making out the drafts beside the Master's hand, marked with phrases like "The Eleventh Competitive Trait of Martial Souls" and "Martial Soul Potential Realization."

"Father, have you developed a new martial soul theory?"

"That's right. After a period of deep study, I've not only refined my previous theories, but also made a new breakthrough atop them. These theories will likely be published before the Soul Master Tournament begins."

The moment Yu Xiaogang mentioned martial soul theory, his eyes lit up with joy, as if already basking in future accolades. He turned to his godson Tang San and smiled, "Little San, the second stage of the tournament will be held in Spirit City. When that time comes, I'll visit the Spirit Hall's library to help you research the training method for twin martial souls. Under my guidance, you'll definitely become the strongest soul master."

"Thank you, Father. I'll focus wholeheartedly on training and won't embarrass you in the tournament." Tang San's face beamed with joy. 'Seems accepting this godfather wasn't a mistake—he's finally going to help me train my twin martial souls.'

Looking at Tang San's happy expression, Yu Xiaogang's lips curved subtly. He shook his head and thought, 'No matter how mature Little San acts, he's still just a child. A hint about twin martial soul training and he lights up with joy.'

"Little San, since you've been in a bad mood today, there's no need to study martial soul theory this afternoon. Go out for a walk and clear your mind. And close the door on your way out."

"Father, then I'll take my leave."

Tang San stepped out of the room in a few quick strides, gently closing the door behind him.

He leaned against the wall just outside, closed his eyes, and let out a long sigh. The Blue Silver Grass wrapped around his forearm slowly relaxed its grip on the sleeve dart. 'What's wrong with me lately? Why am I so impulsive? I even had the crazy thought of attacking Master just now. Is it because Xiao Wu has been so cold to me lately that I can't keep my composure?'

Because Tang San was never truly a good person, he didn't even notice that his Blue Silver Grass had absorbed too much life force from others during battles, becoming increasingly bloodthirsty. A soul master and their martial soul are one—how could he not be affected by it? How could he not become more prone to killing?

With less than half a year remaining until the Soul Master Tournament, Yu Xiaogang endured the menial task of cleaning toilets without complaint, and quietly wrote his theories during his free time. Tang San, meanwhile, clung to Xiao Wu, obsessing over why she ignored him.

Just like that, the Shrek group immersed themselves in training, quickly passing several months.

Several Months Later – Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena

After months of cultivation, the Blue Tyrant Academy students gathered here to attend the opening ceremony of the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament – Heaven Dou Empire Division.

As the grandest event in the soul master world, the tournament attracted attention from every level of society—from royalty and nobility to commoners. For many, it was a celebration; for young soul masters, it was the best stage to gain fame.

As the main venue for the Heaven Dou division, the arena had ceased all regular matches a month in advance for renovations. The sub-arenas were merged into the central arena, creating a massive competition platform. Aside from the VIP area reserved on the northern side, the arena could hold eighty thousand spectators.

In the front row of the VIP area, only three people sat.

In the center was a man in a gold-and-red robe, crowned with a radiant golden headdress, holding the Heaven Dou royal scepter. His noble aura was awe-inspiring. Though the eldest of the three, his presence commanded the attention of all. Who else could sit there but the Emperor of Heaven Dou Empire?

To his left sat an indistinct old man wearing a five-point platinum crown.

The highest authority in Spirit Hall was the Supreme Pontiff. Below the Pontiff were the four Platinum Bishops, marked by five-point platinum crowns. This man was undoubtedly one of them—most likely the head of Spirit Hall's branch in Heaven Dou City.

He had a spear-like lean build, wrapped in a scarlet robe. Although half of his face was visible, his eyes were half-closed, and he resembled a tightly wrapped corpse more than a living soul master.

To the Emperor's right was Ning Rongrong's father, Ning Fengzhi, the master of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. He wore a white robe and the Seven Treasures purple-gold crown, chatting amiably with the Emperor. Being the clan closest to the Heaven Dou royal family, his presence was fitting.

Once all teams had entered and stood in formation at the arena's center, the master of ceremonies announced, "Now, His Majesty the Emperor of Heaven Dou Empire will officially open the tournament."

Amid thunderous applause, the Emperor slowly rose, raised his right hand to the audience and participants, and silence fell over the crowd.

The Emperor's deep and powerful voice rang out through the soul tool amplifiers, "I, Emperor Xue Ye of Heaven Dou Empire, representing the host of this grand event, declare the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament officially open."

Cheers erupted again. When they faded, the Emperor continued, "Here, I hope every participating soul master can showcase their full strength and earn outstanding results. You are the pride of our Empire. For honor, for glory—shine on this stage."

Applause thundered for a third time. The young soul masters standing at the center now had fiery resolve in their eyes. This was the best chance to prove themselves to the world.

Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San in the Blue Tyrant Academy lineup and couldn't stop smiling. He clenched his fist and whispered, "Little San, whether I can finally raise my head in the eyes of the soul master world depends on your performance in this tournament."

Once the Emperor returned to his seat, the master of ceremonies said, "Now, please welcome the head of Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, Lord Ning Fengzhi, to deliver the opening remarks."

As Ning Fengzhi rose, another round of applause followed. As the strongest support-type soul master and head of a clan based near Heaven Dou City, the crowd welcomed his words.

He smiled and gently gestured with his hands, quieting the roaring crowd. Looking toward Blue Tyrant Academy, he spoke calmly:

"I'm honored to be invited as a guest for this tournament's opening. As clan master of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, I've witnessed the growth of many soul masters. As the noblest profession on the continent, every soul master must undergo countless trials to progress. But I say: only through grinding does the blade sharpen, and only through cold does the plum blossom bloom. All of you here are the elites of the younger generation. As His Majesty said, may you shine not only for your Empire, but also for your academies. Our Empire needs talents like you."

After Ning Fengzhi sat, the master of ceremonies smiled, "Now, please welcome the Platinum Bishop of Heaven Dou City's Spirit Hall, Lord Salas, to draw lots for the preliminary round. The first match will be between the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's second team and their drawn opponents. It will be the only match today."

Salas slowly rose and was guided by a palace attendant to the stage to draw lots. He seemed reluctant to speak, handing each drawn match-up to the announcer instead.

"Preliminaries, Round One: Canghui Academy vs. Purple Star Academy."

"Preliminaries, Round One: Auckland Academy vs. Flame Radiance Academy."

"Preliminaries, Round One: Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team Two vs. Blue Tyrant Academy."

After the speeches, the teams began to exit the arena.

Coincidentally, Canghui Academy was right beside the Blue Tyrant Academy lineup.

Canghui's uniforms were still their classic moon-white robes with green-stitched characters on their shoulders. This time, however, their outfits were embroidered with silver thread, making them even more eye-catching.

The Shrek Seven Devils had once clashed with Canghui's students in Star Dou Forest. Though only a few of those same students were here, every Canghui member looked at Blue Tyrant's team with odd expressions.

As they exited, a Canghui student couldn't resist sneering, "Weren't you guys from Shrek Academy? Why are you flying Blue Tyrant's banner now? Don't tell me Shrek wasn't even eligible to compete?"

"Only a chicken-school would raise students who act like street thugs. What a disgrace to soul masters," another said, glancing at Ma Hongjun with contempt.

Already irritated from dealing with Yu Tianming, Zhu Zhuqing, and Tang San, Dai Mubai heard the taunts and sneered, "Just a bunch of losers. When did you gain the right to bark in front of me?"

Ma Hongjun swaggered forward, combing back his rooster-style hair with both hands. "Boss Dai's right. You losers better hope you don't run into Fatty on the platform."

Hearing the insults, Flender narrowed his eyes, turned around, and stepped in front of Canghui's students. His cold gaze swept over them, and his owl-like voice cut through the air, "The strength of an academy will be shown on the stage. Don't regret your words."

The students weren't intimidated by Dai Mubai or Ma Hongjun, but the moment Flender, a Soul Sage, revealed a hint of aura, they all backed away in fear.

At that moment, a powerful voice called from behind them, "What are you doing?"

At the sound, the Canghui students quickly moved aside. From behind them, an elder in his sixties emerged in a gold-embroidered moon-white robe.

Even Flender's eyes twitched at the sight of him.

Ma Hongjun, unaware, whistled and laughed, "Oh, the old dog came out. One trash general brings out a nest of trash soldiers. Hurry and leash your little pups before they embarrass themselves."

Unexpectedly, the old man only glanced at Ma Hongjun, didn't lash out, and simply ordered, "Go." He turned and walked away, and the Canghui students quietly followed.

Ma Hongjun laughed, "That old fossil listens well. No wonder he raised such a sorry bunch."

"Enough, Fatty." Flender shot him a glare, and Ma Hongjun finally shut up, though his eyes still gleamed with mischief.

Flender frowned and murmured, "Didn't expect that old bastard to be at Canghui. Seems they've got some talent this year."

Ma Hongjun quickly asked, "Teacher, who was that old man?"

Flender nodded and told everyone, "His name is Shi Nian. His martial soul is called Dream Remnant, capable of casting illusions to trap opponents. With his current strength, he can trap foes in illusions until they self-destruct. He's ruthless and petty—be careful."

"Illusions? A martial soul like that?" Tang San was shocked. He began mentally calculating how to counter it, but came up empty.

Before anyone could ask more, Flender added, "Alright. Tang San, take the team to the rest area. I'll head to the stands to admire your gallant figures."

Before they could protest, the leader had vanished without a trace.

(End of Chapter)

---

This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, and New BTTH Fic is Out. Go Check It Out.

Support me if you like this Fanfiction.

Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_

(Remove comma for dot.)

Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.