Douluo: Wuhun Qimen Formation, control everything!

A gentle breeze blows by the shores of Poseidon Lake.

Zhou Xuan sat cross-legged on a blue stone by the lake, his eyes closed, as if he had become one with the surrounding world.

After completely merging with the territory, Zhou Xuan felt as if he had undergone a complete transformation. There was no leakage of his soul power, yet he gave people a sense of profound weight and imposing presence.

Just sitting there, he exudes an awe-inspiring strength.

Not far away, Jiang Nannan and Xiao Xiao stood side by side, their arms crossed, quietly standing behind him.

"He seems to have gotten much stronger again," Xiao Xiao said softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

In the past few days, she felt that Zhou Xuan had undergone some kind of inexplicable change.

The person is still the same, but the feeling is completely different. It's like a peerless weapon hidden in its sheath, its sharpness concealed, yet it appears even more unfathomable.

Jiang Nannan nodded calmly: "Mm."

She had long been used to Zhou Xuan's occasional rapid progress. In the past, she had the desire to compete with Zhou Xuan, but she had lost that desire since Zhou Xuan returned from Xingdou.

First, it's unnecessary.

Secondly, we can't compete.

Just then, two figures flew swiftly from a distance; it was Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong'er.

"Brother Zhou Xuan!" Huo Yuhao's voice arrived before he did, his face bearing his usual smile.

He landed beside Zhou Xuan and looked him up and down: "Brother Zhou Xuan, you...you've broken through?"

Although Zhou Xuan's soul power was restrained, the aura emanating from him was completely different from when he was seen a few days ago.

Zhou Xuan slowly opened his eyes and smiled calmly: "Hmm, lucky."

"What luck? Brother Xuan, you're being way too crazy!" Huo Yuhao had every reason to believe that Zhou Xuan was in Versailles.

However, he didn't have any other thoughts; he was just a little envious.

Wang Dong'er walked to Huo Yuhao's side, crossed her arms, and her long, light blue hair swayed slightly in the lake breeze. She glanced at Huo Yuhao up and down and snorted, "If some people don't work harder, they'll be left far behind."

Huo Yuhao immediately put on a wronged expression: "Dong'er, I haven't missed a single moment of my daily cultivation, how can you say that about me?"

Zhou Xuan watched the two bickering, simply smiled, and didn't interrupt.

Just then, a deep voice rang out in their ears.

"Zhou Xuan, Huo Yuhao, all of you, come to the Sea God Pavilion!"

It was Elder Xuan's voice.

The group exchanged glances, then sped off towards Seagod Island.

Inside the Sea God Pavilion, the same huge round table still stood, with Elder Xuan sitting upright in the main seat.

Besides the five of them, there were two other people sitting at the table: Beibei and He Caitou.

Seeing them come in, Beibei smiled gently, and He Caitou also greeted them.

"Please sit down," Elder Xuan waved his hand.

After everyone was seated, Elder Xuan's gaze swept across each person's face, finally settling on Zhou Xuan.

"As you've probably guessed, the new Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament is about to begin."

"The rules for this year's competition have changed somewhat. In addition to registering as an academy, it is also allowed to participate as a sect, but this has nothing to do with Shrek Academy."

Sect?

Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei exchanged a glance, and both of them saw something unusual in each other's eyes.

“Of course, Shrek Academy will participate,” Elder Xuan continued. “However, there are limited spots, and the academy will only send one team.”

He paused, then continued, "However, I called you here to ask for your own opinions." Elder Xuan looked at Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei, "Especially you two, the Tang Sect is now quite well-established, isn't it?"

He also knew the significance of the Tang Sect to Huo Yuhao, and the same was true for Bei Bei.

Huo Yuhao's heart skipped a beat, and he stood up excitedly: "Elder Xuan, you mean..."

"The team sent by the academy will be the top students from the inner academy, but if you want to go in the name of the Tang Sect, the academy will agree."

Using the name of a sect means that they will no longer represent Shrek Academy, but the Tang Sect.

"However, it still depends on what you think."

Huo Yuhao turned to look at Bei Bei, who understood immediately, stood up from her seat, and bowed deeply to Elder Xuan in the main seat.

"Elder Xuan, we are willing to participate in the competition in the name of the Tang Clan! Restoring the glory of the Tang Clan has always been my wish!"

He had this idea when he first heard that sects could participate in the competition, but he didn't expect Elder Xuan to bring it up himself.

Elder Xuan nodded; Bei Bei's reaction was similar to what he had expected.

"Okay. But have you thought this through? Once you fight in the name of your sect, you will no longer be part of Shrek Academy's team."

You will face the top powers from across the continent alone, and the support the academy can provide will be very limited.

All the pressure will be borne by your Tang Clan alone.

"We understand!"

Having said all that, Elder Xuan said no more: "In that case, the three of you will participate in the competition under the name of the Tang Sect?"

Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong'er, and Bei Bei all nodded in agreement.

In fact, a large part of the reason why Elder Xuan agreed to let them participate in the competition under the name of Tang Sect was Zhou Xuan.

Zhou Xuan's strength is far beyond what is expected of any other student of his age at Shrek Academy. He can say without hesitation that even if Huo Yuhao and the other two were tied together, they wouldn't be a match for Zhou Xuan.

With students like these, having fewer students participate in the competition won't be a big deal for Shrek Academy, not to mention there are geniuses like Jiang Nannan and Xiao Xiao.

"Since you've made your decision, I won't try to persuade you any further. You've chosen your own path; whether you become dragons or worms depends on your own destiny."

"Don't worry, Elder Xuan."

"Now, let's get down to business. The four of you are the main players for the Shrek Academy team this time."

He Caitou scratched his head sheepishly. He was a substitute last time, but now he was a regular player, so he was naturally happy.

Old Master Xuan tapped his thick fingers on the table, making a dull sound.

"As for the captain..."

His gaze was fixed on Zhou Xuan.

"Zhou Xuan, you take the role! Any questions?"

This is less of an inquiry and more of a direct appointment; asking questions is just going through the motions.

"I have no objection!" He Caitou was the first to speak up. Whether in terms of strength or the level of soul tools, Zhou Xuan's strength was well-deserved.

Jiang Nannan and Xiao Xiao nodded slightly; they naturally had no problem with it.

"I will do my best," Zhou Xuan could only accept. Elder Xuan nodded in satisfaction.

“Very good.” He looked around and continued, “But don’t get too excited yet. This year’s competition will be held in the Sun Moon Empire. You should know the level of the Soul Masters there, so you can’t be careless!”

Elder Xuan's voice became deep and powerful, "This time, you have only one goal—the championship!"

"The champion must stay on our side!"

Zhou Xuan didn't take it too seriously: "I understand."

Judging from Zhou Xuan's current strength, there are almost no opponents in this competition that can pose a threat to him; it's no different from playing in the Baby Cup.

What he needs to be wary of is the high-end combat power of the Sun Moon Empire.

Although he had Di Tian's dragon scales protecting him, once Di Tian revealed himself, many things would no longer be able to be hidden.

"Alright, that's all I have to say." Elder Xuan waved his hand. "Beibei, you can go back now. Prepare well, and don't embarrass Shrek Academy on the field."

Bei Bei bowed deeply to Elder Xuan once more, then turned and left with Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong'er.

Inside the Sea God's Pavilion, only the official Shrek team that had set out on this expedition remained.

Elder Xuan looked at Zhou Xuan and instructed him, "Zhou Xuan, you are the captain. The team's integration is now in your hands."

Before the competition begins, you should all stay in the inner courtyard. If you need anything, just come to me. As for the weaker team members, the academy can select a few more. If you have any candidates, you can also recommend them; it won't conflict with your choices.

"Understood." Zhou Xuan nodded.

"In that case, let's end this meeting here and continue when the team is complete." After saying this, Elder Xuan left.

With Elder Xuan gone, only Zhou Xuan, Jiang Nannan, Xiao Xiao, and He Caitou remained around the huge round table.

"Hehe, Captain!" He Caitou came over, his face full of excitement. "I'll be relying on you from now on!"

Zhou Xuan waved his hand: "Just call me by my name. The title 'Captain' sounds awkward."

Xiao Xiao, however, spoke with some concern: "What about our remaining team members? Who will the academy send?"

Zhou Xuan said casually, "It doesn't matter. The academy will arrange it. I don't have any requirements, just don't send in any idiots who will drag us down."

He really didn't care much about trivial matters like finding teammates.

Since Elder Xuan has set his sights on the championship, he naturally can't just find a few random people to fill the quota.

A few days later, Elder Xuan summoned the group together again.

Inside the inner courtyard, in a training ground specifically used for team cohesion.

When Zhou Xuan and his companions arrived, Elder Xuan was already waiting there, with three unfamiliar figures standing beside him.

The three were all wearing the red school uniforms of Shrek Academy, but their temperaments were quite different.

The leader was a tall young man with a cold face. He had his arms crossed over his chest, and his whole person was like a sharp sword that had been drawn from its sheath, revealing its sharpness.

Standing next to him was a pretty girl who looked a little shy, with her head down, seemingly unaccustomed to this kind of occasion.

The last person was a burly young man with a simple and honest smile on his face, curiously sizing up Zhou Xuan and the others.

"Everyone's here," Elder Xuan said in a deep voice.

Elder Xuan pointed to the cold-faced young man and introduced him in a loud voice: "This is Ling Haochuan, a level 51 Power Attack-type Battle Soul King, whose Martial Soul is the Star Sword."

Upon hearing this, the young man named Ling Haochuan simply nodded slightly to Zhou Xuan and the others as a greeting.

"Her name is Xu Yun, a level 54 Control-type Battle Soul King, and her Martial Soul is the Illusionary Sound Bell." Elder Xuan then pointed to the shy girl.

Xu Yun timidly raised her head, glanced at everyone, and then quickly lowered it again, her voice barely audible: "You... hello everyone."

"The last big guy is called Ding Kun, a level 52 defensive-type Battle Soul King, whose Martial Soul is the Xuanyan Turtle."

The burly young man, Ding Kun, was much more cheerful. He grinned, revealing two rows of white teeth: "From now on, we'll be teammates. Please take care of me!"

His gaze fell on Zhou Xuan, filled with curiosity.

Zhou Xuan's name was already known to everyone in the inner academy. Especially among the Soul Masters, he was revered as a god.

After the introductions were finished, Elder Xuan's eyes swept across the entire room, finally settling on Zhou Xuan.

"This is Zhou Xuan, the team leader for this competition. As for his background, I believe you are all familiar with him. Now that the team is formed, whether you can work together as a cohesive unit depends on yourselves."

As soon as Elder Xuan finished speaking, the atmosphere in the training ground changed.

Ling Haochuan, holding his sword, took a step forward and stared directly at Zhou Xuan.

"I'm a few years older than you, so I'll call you Junior Brother Zhou Xuan. I've heard of your great reputation before. I admit that your expertise in soul tools is unmatched, but as the team captain, I need to verify your combat capabilities."

His tone was not provocative, just somewhat direct.

Upon hearing this, He Caitou became anxious and was about to say something when Zhou Xuan stopped him with a gesture.

"He makes a good point. How do you want to confirm that?"

A fighting spirit ignited in Ling Haochuan's eyes: "It's simple, let's have a spar. If you can withstand one of my sword strikes, I will be completely convinced."

"One sword?" Zhou Xuan chuckled. "That's fine."

Elder Xuan watched with great interest, showing no intention of stopping them. Instead, he stepped back a few paces, giving the two enough space.

He also wanted to see for himself just how strong Zhou Xuan had become.

Jiang Nannan and Xiao Xiao exchanged a glance and then both stepped back.

Ling Haochuan stopped talking and slowly drew the long sword from his back.

It was a sword that was entirely silver-white, with what appeared to be starlight on its blade. As he poured his soul power into it, those starlight began to twinkle, and an extremely sharp sword intent soared into the sky.

Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, and black—five spirit rings rose one after another from beneath his feet, unleashing the aura of a Soul King without reservation.

So strong!

Ding Kun was secretly alarmed. As a fellow Soul King, he could feel that Ling Luochen's soul power was much more solid than his own, and that sword intent made his skin feel a stinging pain.

"Be careful!"

Ling Luochen let out a low shout, and his fifth spirit ring suddenly shone brightly!

"Fifth Soul Skill, Starfall!"

He pointed his longsword forward, and the starlight at the tip of the sword suddenly shone brightly, transforming into a dazzling meteor with a long tail of flame and a sharp whistling sound, heading straight for Zhou Xuan's chest!

This sword strike was swift, precise, and ruthless! It embodied all his energy and spirit!
However, Zhou Xuan simply raised two fingers.

Under everyone's gaze, those two slender, white fingers casually met the tip of the sword.

Ding!
A crisp, light sound suddenly echoed through the training ground.

The sword light that seemed poised to destroy everything vanished the moment it touched Zhou Xuan's fingertips.

Ling Haochuan remained in his forward-charging posture, the tip of his Star Sword firmly held between Zhou Xuan's two fingers, unable to advance even an inch further. (End of Chapter)