Marco's earth-shattering performance from the previous match, where he single-handedly defeated seven opponents with overwhelming Haki, had swept through Heaven Dou City like a whirlwind. When news spread that the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy's first team would face the Elephant Armor Academy in the second round of the preliminary competition, the Great Spirit Arena was once again packed to capacity.
Everyone wanted to witness firsthand how this youth hailed as Heaven Dou's top genius would perform against the Elephant Armor Academy, renowned for their defense and strength. Could he maintain his invincible momentum from the previous match? How far had his abilities truly progressed? Did he possess any hidden weaknesses?
Thus, even before the match began, the spectator stands were already overflowing. Nearly all participating teams from the major academies were present, hoping to gather intelligence on Marco through this match to prepare for any potential future encounters.
The VIP section today was particularly star-studded.
Emperor Xue Ye sat solemnly at the center, his expression dignified yet carrying a trace of anticipation. To his left sat Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, as refined and elegant as ever. To his right was Ning Fengzhi, the master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, exuding scholarly grace. Beside Ning Fengzhi today was not Sword Douluo Chenxin, but the other guardian—Bone Douluo Gu Rong. Gu Rong's face was gaunt, his frame tall and imposing. Though silent, he radiated a mountain-like aura that commanded respect.
Platinum Bishop Salas of the Spirit Hall was also notably present, his expression calm but his eyes profound. Seated beside him was an exceptionally burly and robust elder—none other than Hu Yan Zhen, master of the Elephant Armor Sect, one of the Lower Four Sects! Hu Yan Zhen's face was grim, his brow tightly furrowed, clearly in poor spirits. No one would feel at ease watching their sect's academy face such a terrifying opponent.
At a slightly farther position on the other side of Emperor Xue Ye sat a middle-aged man in dark green combat attire, his back ramrod straight, his aura restrained yet sharp—the newly titled Douluo, "Godly Spear" Li Zhaoyan. His gaze rested calmly on the Soul Duel Stage below, but the slight upturn of his lips betrayed his inner pride and anticipation.
The atmosphere in the VIP section appeared harmonious on the surface, but undercurrents swirled beneath.
Hu Yan Zhen watched the impending match below, his expression growing increasingly unpleasant. Unable to contain himself, he transmitted a voice message to Bishop Salas beside him: "Bishop Salas, you've seen Marco's strength. Sending my boys up there is just throwing them to the wolves! This..."
Bishop Salas remained expressionless, replying via voice transmission with an undeniable authority: "Sect Master Hu Yan, remain calm. This battle's primary purpose is reconnaissance. The Spirit Hall requires more detailed intelligence to understand this youth's true strength, the characteristics of his Spirit Abilities, and any potential weaknesses. Have your disciples give their all—force him to employ more techniques, even... force out his Martial Soul and Soul Rings! This is crucial for our subsequent arrangements."
He paused, his tone softening slightly with a hint of temptation: "Rest assured, regardless of the outcome, I will faithfully report the contributions your Elephant Armor Sect has made for the Spirit Hall to His Holiness the Pope. In the future, benefits will not be lacking for you."
Hu Yan Zhen's expression eased slightly upon hearing this, though it remained grave. He glanced at his sect's disciples below the stage—burly yet visibly tense—and sighed inwardly before replying via sound transmission, "Since Your Excellency puts it that way, I shall have them give their all. I only hope... they won't lose too disgracefully."
Though their sound transmission was discreet, every seated individual was a top-tier expert. Emperor Xue Ye, Ning Fengzhi, Gu Rong, Li Zhaoyan, and others saw through it clearly despite maintaining composed expressions and continuing light conversation.
Emperor Xue Ye broke the silence first, smiling at Li Zhaoyan with a tone both gentle and probing. "Godly Spear Douluo, for today's match, will Marco compete alone as he did last time?"
Li Zhaoyan bowed slightly, his voice calm yet carrying unwavering confidence. "Your Majesty, the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy's primary team registration still lists only Ke'er as participant."
At these words, Hu Yan Zhen's face darkened further, and he couldn't suppress a cold snort. Bishop Salas's eyes flickered with displeasure, though he quickly concealed it.
Ning Fengzhi smoothed things over with a smile. "Young friend Marco possesses extraordinary talent and peerless strength. A one-man team has its own charm. I trust he will astonish us all again today."
Bone Douluo Gu Rong's raspy voice chimed in, laced with curiosity. "This old man is eager to see how the lad will break through the defenses of Patriarch Hu Yan's renowned defensive specialists." His words seemed to praise the Elephant Armor School, but in reality, they heightened everyone's expectations.
Hu Yan Zhen's lips twitched, but he remained silent.
Emperor Xue Ye laughed heartily. "In that case, We shall watch with anticipation. We are certain the son of Godly Spear Douluo will not disappoint."
Li Zhaoyan responded with a faint smile, saying no more, yet his absolute trust in his son was palpable.
Just then, the announcer's booming voice echoed through the arena: "Honored audience! Next up is the second preliminary round: Heavenly Dou Royal Academy's primary team versus Elephant Armor Academy!"
The entire venue erupted instantly! Countless eyes fixed on the competitor entrance.
"Competitors, please take the stage!"
Amid deafening cheers and discussions, both teams emerged from the tunnel.
The Heavenly Dou Royal Academy's primary team still had only Marco. Dressed in simple black martial attire, he walked calmly with a serene expression, as if heading for an ordinary stroll rather than a match that attracted everyone's attention. His appearance immediately triggered thunderous screams and shouts.
"Marco! Marco!"
"Heavenly Dou's top genius!"
The Elephant Armor Academy side featured seven exceptionally burly and towering students. Averaging over 2.2 meters in height and weighing more than 150 kilograms, they resembled moving hills. Their uniform earth-yellow team suits strained against solid muscles, and each step caused faint tremors in the ground. All seven wore grave expressions, their eyes tense yet resolute, fully aware of their opponent's fearsome reputation yet bearing the crucial "reconnaissance" mission.
The referee observed both sides, took a deep breath, and raised his right hand high. The arena fell silent at once, everyone holding their breath in anticipation.
"Match—"
The referee drew out the word, tension peaking.
"Begin!"
As the words fell, the seven members of Elephant Armor Academy simultaneously erupted!
"Diamond Mammoth, Spirit Possession!"
Seven furious roars echoed at once! Dazzling white light burst from their bodies! Their already massive frames expanded further, with diamond-clear keratin layers appearing on their skin surface, gleaming with an indestructible luster! A terrifying aura—thick as mountains and brimming with raw power—instantly filled the entire arena! Yellow, yellow, purple, purple... Soul Rings rose from beneath their feet—every single one of them had reached the Soul Ancestor level! Particularly their captain at the forefront, Huyan Li, who possessed two yellow and two purple Soul Rings, emanated the most formidable Domain Momentum!
"Roar! Formation! Diamond Bulwark!" Huyan Li bellowed! The seven swiftly moved, their Soul Power interlinking to create a tight defensive formation. Illusory, heavy shields condensed from Soul Power—shimmering like diamonds—materialized before them, layer upon layer, forming what appeared to be an impenetrable wall! This was the very defensive formation that had made the Elephant Armor Sect famous!
Their strategy was clear: prioritize avoiding mistakes over seeking immediate advantage. They would rely on ultimate defense to withstand Marco's first assault, then seek opportunities to counterattack and force him to reveal more of his capabilities!
The entire audience was awestruck by this formidable defensive formation! "Incredible defense!"
"The Elephant Armor Sect truly lives up to its reputation!"
"Can Marco still break through so effortlessly this time?"
All eyes converged on Marco, who remained calmly standing, not even having released his Martial Soul yet. How would he confront this renowned Diamond Bulwark?
In the VIP seats, Hu Yan Zhen breathed a slight sigh of relief—at least their opening formation was solid. Bishop Salas narrowed his eyes. Emperor Xue Ye and the others also showed expressions of anticipation.