"These final four teams aren't all that impressive," Qian Ran commented as he stretched his body while walking out of the meeting room.
"You think everyone's like you?" Ma Xiaotao retorted with a grin. "Reaching Soul King level before twenty is already a remarkable achievement for most. And let's not forget, many Soul Kings from other academies are the result of forced growth—especially in those soul engineering academies."
She elaborated further: "A genuine Soul Emperor under the age of twenty? That's almost exclusive to Shrek Academy. Other academies may occasionally produce one, but it's a rarity."
The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, despite boasting numerous Soul Kings and even a few Soul Emperors, largely relied on drugs to boost their students' levels.
In the original timeline, the next generation of the Sun Moon team took this reliance to extremes, with Xiao Hongchen even reaching Soul Sage by essentially overdosing on supplements.
To be honest, Qian Ran had never understood why Xiao Hongchen, hailed as a once-in-a-millennium genius of the Sun Moon Empire, was so highly regarded. Aside from being able to perform a martial soul fusion technique with Meng Hongchen, there wasn't much about him that stood out.
As for his martial soul, even with all the praise heaped upon it, Qian Ran had never found it particularly extraordinary. Likely, his reputation owed more to his status as the grandson of Jing Hongchen, the head of Mingde Hall.
"So, they're mostly drug-enhanced," Xiao Xiao and the other reserve team members murmured, now enlightened by Ma Xiaotao's explanation.
"Hehe, but we didn't need any drugs, and we're still ahead of them," Wang Dong'er chimed in with a playful laugh. Thanks to Qian Ran's assistance, her cultivation—along with that of her peers—was leagues ahead of others their age.
While Ma Xiaotao and the other inner court disciples could hold their own, the likes of Gongyang Mo were clearly envious. Thanks to Qian Ran's guidance, all the girls close to him now possessed unprecedented potential, even by Shrek's high standards.
The key difference lay in the method. While Qian Ran's aid enhanced their futures, the drugs used by the Sun Moon Empire merely burned through potential for temporary gains.
Even Wang Yan and the instructors speculated that by the time Wang Dong'er and her peers reached twenty, they'd all be at least Soul Emperors, with half of them likely advancing to Soul Sages.
And even without further help from Qian Ran, most of them had the potential to eventually become titled Douluos.
"Ugh, I'm so jealous. If I'd known, I wouldn't have joined this competition—it's too demoralizing," Gongyang Mo muttered under his breath, glancing at his fellow inner court disciples like Ling Luochen and Ma Xiaotao, whose combat prowess had skyrocketed. He couldn't help but envy them.
Still, it wasn't as though he had much choice. Qian Ran clearly didn't swing his way, or Gongyang Mo might have considered making a "sacrifice" for strength.
"Want me to ask Qian Ran for you?" Ma Xiaotao teased, her expression full of mischief.
"N-no, forget it. Hmph, I, Gongyang Mo, will rise to greatness on my own!" he declared with feigned bravado. In truth, he knew Qian Ran wouldn't be interested, or he might actually have gone through with the idea.
Wang Yan stood by the meeting room doorway, observing the banter with a silent nod of approval.
In five years, once these reserve team members matured, Shrek Academy would undoubtedly have the strongest team in its history. It might even be the most powerful generation of Shrek's Seven Monsters yet.
One thing was certain—he'd apply to be their teacher for future competitions. If everything went well, his name might even be etched into Shrek Academy's annals.
Wang Yan couldn't help but feel grateful for Qian Ran. That gratitude allowed him to turn a blind eye to Qian Ran's frequent tardiness and disappearances.
Morning: Preparation for the Final Four Matches
After a routine of freshening up and breakfast, the Shrek team set out for the battlefield.
Dressed in their sleek, dark green battle attire, the Shrek Academy team stepped onto Star Luo Plaza, greeted by a thunderous wave of cheers.
From the initial hundred-plus teams, only four remained. For these teams, the tournament had reached its climax. With only two matches left for each, the moment of truth had arrived, demanding their all.
The rest area had been remodeled, now divided into four distinct zones for the remaining teams. Each group was separated by considerable distance.
An hour remained until the matches began, yet all four teams had already arrived. Occasionally, their eyes would meet, sparking fierce competitive tension. The atmosphere grew heavier, tinged with solemnity and an undercurrent of hostility.
As sunlight bathed Star Luo Plaza in a golden hue, it marked not just another day but the pursuit of ultimate glory for the remaining teams.
The day's semifinals began with team battles.
A broad ten-meter red carpet stretched from the gates of the imperial palace to the competition stage. Ten minutes before the drawing of lots, the gates swung open, and Emperor Xu Jiawei of the Star Luo Empire emerged, flanked by royal guards, making his way toward the stage.
"Long live the emperor!" The soldiers maintaining order raised their weapons in unison, shouting in reverence.
The crowd echoed the chant, their voices reverberating across the plaza.
The four remaining teams stood and offered respectful salutes as the emperor approached.
Surrounding the emperor were four elder guards, forming a square around him, with the monarch at its center. Following them were only twenty additional guards—an understated yet formidable presence.
The contestants, however, recognized the four elders as Titled Douluos, serving as the empire's ultimate protectors.
As they passed, each of the four Titled Douluos cast a subtle glance at Qian Ran. Since their intimidation by the Ice Empress and Qian Renxue, they had fully accepted the Spirit Hall's growing influence as an ally of the empire.
The captains of the four teams stepped onto the stage for the lot drawing.
From Shrek Academy, it was Ma Xiaotao.
Representing the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy was Ma Rulong.
For the Tianhun Empire's Dio Academy, a broad-shouldered and steady-looking young man took the stage, exuding a calm, unyielding demeanor.
The fourth was Princess Xu Jiujiu of the Star Luo National Academy—Qian Ran's fiancée.
Her appearance startled not just the Shrek team but also the members of the Sun Moon Academy and Dio Academy.
Unlike her graceful and elegant demeanor at the auction, Princess Jiujiu now wore a fitted pale yellow battle uniform, exuding an aura of vigor and strength. Her golden hair was tied neatly into a ponytail, and her bright smile added to her commanding presence. The perfectly tailored uniform highlighted her figure, drawing every eye.
Though Ma Xiaotao's figure arguably surpassed hers, Jiuling's regal aura was unmatched.
Not only was Xu Jiujiu a princess, but she had also been a top-tier auctioneer at Starlight Auction House for years.
Among Qian Ran's many admirers, some surpassed her in specific traits. Yet none could match her unique blend of poise, confidence, and charm—a quality Qian Ran deeply admired.
Inspired by Xu Jiujiu's multifaceted refinement, Qian Ran had even arranged for Huo Yun'er, upon her revival, to undergo noble training at an aristocratic academy.
(End of Chapter)