"It's over…"
Those two words echoed in Xuan Zi's mind like a heavy hammer, smashing through his mental defenses.
The noisy discussions and shocked exclamations around him sounded unbearably sharp, as though everyone were mocking the tragic fate that awaited Shrek Academy.
He didn't even dare imagine the storm that would sweep across the entire Douluo Continent if Shrek truly fell in the Top 16.
That was ten thousand years of glory.
A golden reputation forged from the blood and lives of countless ancestors.
Was it all going to be shattered—completely destroyed—in his hands?
"No… no! Absolutely not!"
Xuan Zi shook his head violently, forcing down the fear and despair surging in his heart.
He was the leading elder, the spiritual pillar of these children. If even he collapsed, then this match would already be lost before it began.
By now, Ma Xiaotao had stepped down from the high platform, her expression vacant and despondent.
The crimson dress that had once burned like fire now seemed dull and lifeless, as if its color had been drained away.
She kept her head lowered, not daring to meet anyone's gaze, and walked straight back to the team.
"Elder Xuan… I'm sorry…"
Ma Xiaotao's voice trembled, heavy with sobs.
"I… I used up everyone's luck…"
"Sister Xiaotao…"
Wang Dong, Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, and the others felt a sharp ache in their chests as they looked at her.
They opened their mouths, wanting to comfort her, but their throats felt blocked, as if something were lodged there, leaving them unable to say a single word.
Blame her?
In the end, this was a matter of luck. Who could truly blame her?
But if they didn't blame her, where could this crushing pressure be released?
In the Shrek team's area, the atmosphere was unbearably oppressive—like the suffocating stillness before a violent storm.
Xuan Zi took a deep breath, forcing a smile that looked more painful than crying. He gently patted Ma Xiaotao on the shoulder.
"It's alright, Xiaotao. This isn't your fault."
"Drawing lots depends on luck. Since the heavens arranged for us to meet the Sun Moon team early, that just means they think highly of us!"
He looked around at everyone, deliberately raising his voice to lift their spirits.
"Children, don't look so dispirited! What's so special about the Sun Moon team? They don't have three heads or six arms!"
"Other than that Liu Yuan, who's a bit abnormal, the rest—Ma Rulong, Xiao Hongchen—none of them are worth fearing!"
"In terms of overall strength and Spirit quality, Shrek Academy is still number one on the continent!"
But the moment he finished speaking, Ma Xiaotao raised her head.
The phoenix eyes that were usually filled with confidence were now clouded with confusion and fear.
"But Elder Xuan… what about Liu Yuan?"
"That guy… how are we supposed to avoid him? And even if we try, would he let us?"
"In the last match, I gave everything I had, but I was completely outmatched by him. If we can't deal with him, then even if we defeat everyone else, what's the point?"
Her words were like a bucket of ice water, instantly extinguishing the tiny spark of hope Xuan Zi had just managed to ignite.
She was right.
Liu Yuan.
That name was like an insurmountable mountain, pressing heavily on everyone's hearts.
Whether they wanted to admit it or not, as long as Liu Yuan remained unresolved, this match was a dead end.
Xuan Zi opened his mouth, wanting to refute her, but found himself unable to say a word.
A violent headache surged through his skull—his body's instinctive response to extreme anxiety.
…
In stark contrast to Shrek's gloom, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy's side was filled with excitement.
"Hahaha! Number eight! It really is number eight!"
Xiao Hongchen was so thrilled he nearly jumped into the air, completely ignoring the looks from those around him.
"Brother Liu Yuan, is your mouth blessed or something? You said we'd draw them, and we actually did!"
"Exactly! This is amazing!"
Meng Hongchen was just as excited, her small face flushed red.
"This is perfect. We don't even have to wait for the finals—we can send those self-righteous guys packing tomorrow!"
Ma Rulong clenched his fist and punched the air, flames of revenge flickering in his eyes.
"I've waited for this day far too long. I'll wash away the humiliation of the last tournament with my own hands!"
Liu Yuan stood at the center of the group, listening to his teammates' cheers with a faint smile.
He raised a hand and pressed it down lightly.
"Everyone."
His voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly, filled with unshakable confidence.
"Since the opportunity is right in front of us, there's nothing more to say."
"Tomorrow, we have only one goal—"
"To make Shrek Academy pack up and get lost at the gates of the Top 16!"
"Yes!"
Their unified roar echoed through the air, the overwhelming aura causing nearby teams to glance over in shock—secretly relieved that they hadn't run into these lunatics in the first round.
…
The drawing ceremony ended in an oddly tense atmosphere.
Teams left the Star Luo Grand Hotel with vastly different moods.
Just as they stepped out of the entrance, Liu Yuan suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong?"
Jing Hongchen, walking ahead, turned back in confusion.
"Hall Master."
Liu Yuan looked at him seriously.
"There's an event tonight that I believe we must attend."
"An event?" Jing Hongchen was taken aback. "You mean the top-tier auction?"
"Exactly."
Liu Yuan nodded.
"I've received information that a very special item will appear tonight."
"I want it."
Jing Hongchen's expression immediately turned solemn.
"Good!"
He waved his hand decisively.
"Since you've said so, there's nothing else to discuss."
"Let's go—off to the auction!"
…
Meanwhile, on the other side.
The dejected Shrek group was preparing to return to their rooms to rest.
"Wait."
Xuan Zi, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke.
Everyone stopped and turned to look at him.
Xuan Zi took a deep breath. A glimmer of light reignited in his cloudy old eyes—the madness of a gambler staking everything in desperation.
"There's a top-tier auction tonight. All of you prepare yourselves and come with me."
"An auction?"
Wang Yan pushed up his glasses, puzzled.
"Elder Xuan, the match is tomorrow. Going to an auction at a time like this… isn't that inappropriate?"
"What's inappropriate about it?"
Xuan Zi snorted coldly.
"It's precisely because the match is tomorrow that we must go!"
"I've heard that tonight's auction will feature many rare items—high-level soul tools, and even Spirit Bones!"
"You've all seen the situation. Relying on raw strength alone, our chances aren't great. That's why we must use every possible method to increase our power!"
As he spoke, Xuan Zi patted the storage soul tool at his waist, a grim smile spreading across his face.
"Last time, I was tricked by Jing Hongchen. I learned my lesson."
"This time, I specifically had the academy rush tens of millions of gold coins here in cash!"
"Tonight, as long as it's something useful, no matter the price, I'll buy it! Even if I have to bury you all in money, I'll arm you to the teeth!"
When they heard "tens of millions of gold coins," the Shrek members' breathing unconsciously quickened.
But just then, the usually taciturn Chen Zifeng spoke up hesitantly.
"But… Elder Xuan, didn't you used to hate soul tools the most? You even taught us not to rely too much on external objects…"
The moment those words fell, the atmosphere turned awkward.
Xuan Zi's old face flushed red. A flicker of irritation crossed his eyes before he forced it down.
"Hmph! That was then—this is now!"
He retorted stubbornly.
"That advice was for normal cultivation, to build a solid foundation. But what time is it now? This is a matter of life and death!"
"As long as we can win, as long as we can preserve Shrek's glory, no method is shameful!"
"Besides, soul tools are also part of one's strength!"
"Enough talk. Everyone, follow me!"
With a sweep of his sleeves, Xuan Zi took the lead toward the auction house.
Behind him, the Shrek members exchanged glances, then followed helplessly.
…
Starlight Auction House, Top-tier Auction Hall.
The level of luxury here far surpassed any previous auction.
Above them, the massive dome was inlaid with countless night pearls, as if the entire starry sky had been brought indoors. Every seat was made from top-grade Spirit Beast fur, luxuriously soft and comfortable.
Liu Yuan, Jing Hongchen, and the others sat in a VIP box with the best view.
Coincidentally, Shrek Academy's box was diagonally opposite theirs.
Through the one-way glass, Liu Yuan could clearly see Xuan Zi's grim expression, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the auction stage like those of a starving wolf.
Liu Yuan lifted his glass of red wine and took a sip.
"Shrek Academy… meeting again so soon. The world really is small."
"But tonight's protagonists were never meant to be you."
At that moment, the lights in the auction hall dimmed, leaving only a single spotlight illuminating the center of the stage.
An auctioneer in a golden gown, exuding noble elegance, slowly stepped forward.
"Distinguished guests, good evening."
"Welcome to the Starlight Auction House's top-tier auction. I am tonight's auctioneer—Xu Jiujiu."
Princess Xu Jiujiu smiled and bowed gracefully, instantly drawing countless admiring gazes.
"Without further ado, let us begin."
"I believe tonight's first item will be a pleasant surprise for all Soul Engineers and Power Attack System Spirit Masters present."
As her voice fell, two burly men pushed a cart draped in red cloth onto the stage.
Xu Jiujiu stepped forward and swept the cloth aside.
Whoosh!
A blinding golden light instantly flooded the stage.
Resting atop the cart was a massive war blade with an exaggerated design and a ferocious aura.
The blade was over two meters long, entirely dark gold, engraved with a lifelike fierce tiger that looked ready to leap out and devour its prey at any moment.
A heart-stirring wave of spirit power continuously radiated from it.
"This is tonight's appetizer—"
Xu Jiujiu's voice rose sharply.
"Crafted by a master Soul Engineer of Mingde Hall, a perfect fusion of offense and defense—"
"A Level 8 melee soul tool: the Tyrant Tiger Soul-Refining Blade!"