Seeing that dark shadow appear like a ghost, the smug smile on Xuan Zi's face instantly froze.
The atmosphere, which had relaxed just a second ago because victory seemed within reach, turned grave in an instant.
After confirming that the "mysterious genius youth" had firmly rejected Shrek Academy, Xuan Zi had already issued a top-level secret surveillance order. He mobilized Shrek's deepest undercover agents within the Sun Moon Empire to monitor Liu Yuan's every move.
For an old monster who had lived for centuries, his logic was simple—and ruthless:
An uncontrollable genius…
If not a friend, then inevitably an enemy.
And for enemies, especially those not yet fully grown—
You either understand them completely… or eliminate them.
A chilling glint flashed through Xuan Zi's cloudy eyes as he spoke in a low, raspy voice:
"Speak. What have you found?"
The spy remained kneeling, head lowered, voice emotionless:
"Reporting to Elder Xuan. The Sun Moon Royal Academy has officially begun internal selections for the All-Continent High-Rank Soul Master Tournament."
A brief pause.
"The target… is participating."
Yan Shaozhe stood silently at the side.
Xuan Zi's gaze sharpened.
"How did he perform?"
"Due to the sudden start, our agents could not access the core arena. However… in the class-level selection, he advanced with absolute dominance."
Silence followed.
Xuan Zi frowned deeply before issuing a cold command:
"I don't care what it takes."
"Watch every match from now on."
"I want everything."
"His Spirit Abilities. His combat style. His spirit tools. His limits."
"Every detail."
Each word carried a killing intent so cold it seemed to freeze the air.
"The more we know… the easier it will be to kill him when the time comes."
"Yes, Elder Xuan."
The shadow vanished as silently as it appeared.
---
Sun Moon Royal Academy — Senior Arena
Liu Yuan, however, knew none of this.
After advancing effortlessly in the class selection, he and the Hongchen siblings had a rare day of rest.
Originally, he planned to continue cultivation.
But early in the morning—
Bang! Bang! Bang!
His door was nearly broken down.
"Brother Liu Yuan! Stop cultivating! Come quickly!"
Xiao Hongchen dragged him out before he could even ask questions.
"A good show is waiting!"
Meng Hongchen followed, calmly explaining:
"The fifth and sixth graders are competing today."
Xiao Hongchen grinned:
"Those guys are the real threats. If we want the championship, we need to see what we're up against."
Liu Yuan paused… then nodded.
"Fair enough."
---
The Main Combat Arena
The moment they stepped inside—
A wave of heat, noise, and pressure slammed into them.
This was nothing like the second-year arena.
This place was massive.
Ten enormous alloy battle platforms stood in the center, each covered by shimmering blue energy shields. Above them, hundreds of spirit tool lights illuminated everything like daylight.
And the crowd—
Deafening.
Cheers, explosions, energy blasts, metal clashes…
The air itself smelled like burnt spirit power.
Liu Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly.
This…
Now this looked like a real battlefield.
---
A Rank 6 Clash
"Look there!"
Xiao Hongchen pointed excitedly toward the main platform.
Liu Yuan followed his gaze.
A burly senior stood at the center, wielding a terrifying six-barreled soul cannon.
A genuine Rank 6 spirit tool.
Each rotation of the barrels unleashed a storm of destructive beams, forcing his opponent into pure defense.
The enemy could barely breathe under the pressure.
On the senior's chest—
A badge with six stars.
A Rank 6 Soul Engineer.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Energy blasts tore across the arena, slamming against the defensive shields and sending ripples through the barrier.
The opponent was already on the verge of collapse.
Seeing this, Xiao Hongchen's eyes lit up with excitement.
"We hit the jackpot."
He grinned, battle intent rising.
"This is the level we're aiming for."
---
Liu Yuan's Observation
Liu Yuan said nothing.
He simply watched.
Carefully.
Analyzing everything—
Energy output rhythm
Cannon cooldown timing
Defensive reactions
Spirit power fluctuations
After a moment, the corner of his lips lifted slightly.
"Not bad…"
"But…"
His gaze sharpened.
A faint glint of confidence flashed through his eyes.
"Still not enough."
---
Quiet Resolve
While the arena roared with battle…
Liu Yuan had already reached his conclusion.
These seniors—
They were strong.
Much stronger than second-year students.
But…
Not strong enough to stop him.
His goal had never changed.
Champion.
Not top three.
Not top ten.
The absolute peak.
And as he stood there, watching the clash of Rank 6 power—
A faint smile appeared on his face again.
Xiao Hongchen glanced at him and frowned.
"That look again…"
"You're definitely planning something crazy."
Liu Yuan didn't deny it.
He just kept watching the battlefield ahead.
Because soon—
He wouldn't be the spectator anymore.
He would be the one standing in the center of that arena…
With everyone else looking up at him.
-------------Author---------------
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