Chapter 48

Upon hearing Jiujiu say that, the whole room fell silent, including Wang Yan, and everyone's eyes showed a look of shock.

Translation: Upon hearing Jiujiu say that, the entire room fell silent, including Wang Yan, and every person's eyes showed a look of shock.

Upon hearing Jiujiu say that, the entire room fell silent, including Wang Yan; every person's eyes showed a look of shock.

Chen Qiye realized that the soul beast embryo was itself a scheme—a delaying tactic devised by the Star Luo Empire to ensure its survival.

Translation: Chen Qiye clearly understood that the soul beast embryo itself was a scheme, a delaying tactic by the Star Luo Empire seeking survival.

Chen Qiye clearly understood that the soul beast embryo itself was a scheme, a delaying tactic by the Star Luo Empire seeking survival.

Although the three empires were still seeking breakthroughs in soul tools, the Sun Moon Empire's years of accumulation meant its foundation was on an entirely different level.

Translation: Although the three empires still sought breakthroughs in soul tools, the accumulation of the Sun Moon Empire over many years meant its foundation was completely on a different level.

Although the three empires still sought breakthroughs in soul tools, the Sun Moon Empire's accumulation over many years meant its foundation was on a completely different level.

Everyone knew the Sun Moon Empire's ambition; its defeat a thousand years ago kept it on guard, yet although the three empires were aware of that ambition, none possessed the strength to halt its expansion—willing but unable—and that is the tragedy of the three empires.

Translation: Everyone could know the Sun Moon Empire's ambition; the defeat a thousand years ago kept the Sun Moon Empire from letting down its guard, but although the three empires knew the Sun Moon Empire's ambition, none had the strength to stop its development, willing but unable—this is the sorrow of the three empires,

Note: The line ends with a comma, maybe incomplete. We'll keep as is.

The Star Luo Emperor's idea is sound, but reality is harsh; if it were truly as he imagined, the Sun Moon Empire wouldn't be so hard to handle.

Translation: The Star Luo Emperor's idea was good, but reality is harsh; if it were really as he thought, the Sun Moon Empire would not be so difficult to deal with.

Chen Qiye finally sealed the deal for 200 million gold soul coins, and the soul beast embryo came into his possession.

Translation: Chen Qiye finally closed the deal at 200 million gold soul coins, and the soul beast embryo fell into his hands.

As for the source of his funds, likely only Chen Qiye knows—after all, he'd managed to scrape together just 5,000 gold coins from the Sea God's Pavilion.

Translation: As for the money in his hands, probably only Chen Qiye knows where it came from, after all he only managed to get five thousand gold coins from the Sea God's Pavilion.

Of course, Chen Qiye wondered whether there were any desperadoes, so beforehand he had asked the Sea God's Pavilion for assistance, sending reinforcements.

Translation: Of course Chen Qiye wondered if there were any desperadoes? So beforehand he asked the Sea God's Pavilion for help, sending people to reinforce.

Of course Chen Qiye wondered whether there were any desperate individuals; thus, even beforehand, he had asked the Sea God Pavilion for help, dispatching people to assist.

……

Translation: …… (keep ellipsis). We need to output exactly the same? The line is just "……". We'll output "……". Probably keep as is.

Today's fight is simply a semifinal bout.

Translation: Today's battle is a match in the semifinals.

Gazing at the Star Luo Emperor on the platform, four elderly men stood at his sides, forming a square with the Emperor at its center. Only twenty guards followed behind—this seemingly simple lineup essentially represents the Star Luo Empire's top-tier fighting force.

Translation: Looking at the Star Luo Emperor on the platform, four elders stood beside him, forming a square, with the Emperor himself at the center point. The guards following behind numbered only twenty; this seemingly simple lineup basically represents the top combat strength of the Star Luo Empire.

Since the Spirit Hall, which once wielded the continent's greatest soul-master power, collapsed ages ago, most powerful soul masters have been taken in by the various countries—some joining sects, others establishing their own families.

Translation: Since ten thousand years ago, after the Spirit Hall, which once controlled the continent's strongest Soul Master power, disintegrated. The strong ones of the Soul Master world were mostly recruited by various countries, some joining sects, some choosing to build their own families.

Accompanied by four Titled Douluo, the Emperor mounted the competition stage, facing the Star Luo Plaza, smiled, and said, "My people, rise."

Translation: The Emperor, flanked by four Title Douluo, ascended the competition platform, facing the direction of Star Luo Square, and smiled, saying: "My subjects, rise."

It goes without saying that a mighty empire needs a strong emperor; otherwise it could never attain the prestige it deserves, which calls for both love and awe. Still, the Star Luo Emperor's last comment is quite thought‑provoking.

Translation: It must be said that a powerful empire certainly needs a strong emperor; otherwise, it could never achieve the due prestige, which requires not only affection but also awe! However, the last words of the Star Luo Emperor are quite thought-provoking.

"I know everyone is eager to watch the match, and I am just as excited; let's get started. I wish to celebrate with the people, and I also pray that my Star Luo Empire may thrive forever."

Translation: "I know everyone is eager to watch the match, and I am equally looking forward to it; we will begin now. I wish to rejoice with the people, and also pray that my Star Luo Empire may flourish forever."

The Star Luo Empire indeed lives up to "eternal prosperity," but this flag is actually a bitter pill—after the original Sun Moon Empire conquered the Tian Hun and Dou Ling Empires, it crushed the Star Luo Empire again; yet the Star Luo Empire later fled the Douluo Continent with its people, found new land across the sea, defeated the natives, and rebuilt itself, becoming the sole surviving empire among the four.

Translation: The Star Luo Empire truly is eternally prosperous; this flag really brought a dose of poisoned milk. After the original Sun Moon Empire destroyed the Heavenly Soul Empire and the Fighting Spirit Empire, it again crushed the Star Luo Empire. However, the Star Luo Empire later led its people to escape the Douluo Continent, found new land across the sea, defeated the natives, and rebuilt the Star Luo Empire, becoming the only surviving empire among the four great empires.

The Star Luo Emperor smiled and said, "To guarantee the safety of the competitors in both the semifinals and finals, I have decreed that in every upcoming match the empire's Guardian Douluo will act as referee and oversee the bout. Today's draw and the first match will be presided over by Senior Huang Jinchu, whose title is Heavenly Slayer."

Translation: The Star Luo Emperor smiled and said: "To ensure the safety of both sides' participants in the semifinals and finals, I therefore decide that in each upcoming match, the Empire Guardian Douluo will serve as referee and oversee the competition. Today's draw and the first match will be overseen by Senior Huang JinXu, whose title is Heavenly Slaughter."

For ordinary spectators, the Emperor's introduction would only draw cheers, but the four competing teams below were all taken aback.

Translation: For ordinary spectators, the Emperor's introduction would only elicit cheers, but the four competing teams below were all startled.

Wang Yan exclaimed in surprise, "Heavenly Slayer Douluo Huang Jinchu—it's really him! I thought he had died long ago. I never imagined he'd defected to the Star Luo Empire."

Translation: Wang Yan exclaimed in surprise: "Heavenly Slaughter Douluo Huang JinXu, it's actually him. I thought he had already died. I never expected he had defected to the Star Luo Empire."

Ma Xiaotao had already stepped onto the stage, and Huo Yuhao quietly asked Bei Bei beside him, "Senior Brother, what's the background of this Heavenly Slayer Douluo? Is he very strong?"

Translation: Ma Xiaotao had already walked onto the platform, and Huo Yuhao quietly asked Bei Bei beside him: "Senior Brother, what's the background of this Heavenly Slaughter Douluo, and is he very strong?"

Bei Bei nodded without hesitation and said, "Very strong. The Star Luo Empire is making a show of force, displaying its national power. The Heavenly Slayer Douluo's martial soul is extremely unique—it takes the form of stars in the sky. Legend says that on the day he was born, a star shone unusually bright. After birth, his martial soul awakened on its own. That night his mother died from massive blood loss, and at age eight his father died violently. Soon after, all his relatives and friends died one by one. Only later did they learn that his martial soul is actually the Lone Star of Heavenly Slayer, which specifically targets kin. Thus he is destined to live a solitary life."

Translation: Bei Bei nodded without hesitation and said: "Very strong. The Star Luo Empire is doing this to show off its national power. The Heavenly Slaughter Douluo's martial soul is extremely special, taking the stars in the sky as its martial soul. Legend has it that on the day of his birth, a star shone especially bright in the heavens. After his birth, his martial soul actually awakened on its own. That night, his mother died from massive blood loss, and at age eight his father died violently. Immediately after, all his relatives and friends around him died one by one. Only later did they learn that his martial soul was actually the Heavenly Slaughter Lone Star, which specifically kills relatives. Therefore, he is destined to live a solitary life."

Huo Yuhao stared agape and said, "There's actually a martial soul like that?"

Translation: Huo Yuhao stared agape and said: "There's actually such a martial soul?"

Bei Bei smiled slightly and said, "Soul masters' martial souls are myriad and varied—what isn't there? Although Senior Huang's Lone Star of Heavenly Slayer martial soul has cost him all his kin, it likewise grants him tremendous power. It's said he cultivated entirely on his own, self‑taught and self‑created. All the way, he eventually earned the Heavenly Slayer title. He's about sixty years old, with a cultivation level around ninety‑one or ninety‑two. However, thanks to the stellar power of his Lone Star of Heavenly Slayer, he can even contend with a ninety‑five‑rank Super Douluo."

Translation: Bei Bei smiled slightly and said: "Our Soul Masters' martial souls are myriad and varied; what isn't there? This Senior Huang's Heavenly Slaughter Lone Star martial soul, while causing him to lose all his relatives, also granted him extraordinarily powerful strength. It is said he cultivated self-taught, completely self-taught and self-created. All the way, he ultimately achieved the Heavenly Slaughter title. He is about sixty years old, his cultivation roughly around rank ninety-one or ninety-two. However, it is said that with the aid of the star power from his Heavenly Slaughter Lone Star, he can even contend with a rank ninety-five Super Douluo."

Just as Bei Bei was introducing Huo Yuhao to the background of that Heavenly Slayer Douluo, the four team captains representing the four strong contenders had already arrived on stage.

Translation: Just as Bei Bei was introducing Huo Yuhao to the background of that Heavenly Slaughter Douluo, the four team captains representing the four strong contenders had already arrived on the platform.

On Shrek Academy's side is Chen Qiye; the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy is represented by Ma Long; the Tian Ao Academy sends a medium‑built, broad‑shouldered youth who looks very steady, as solid as a rock. The Star Luo National Academy, however, sends a young girl—a rare female captain. This girl, whom Huo Yuhao and everyone from Shrek Academy have seen, turns out to be the chief auctioneer they met at the Starlight Auction House, Princess Jiujiu.

Translation: On Shrek Academy's side is Chen Qiye; the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy is Marulong; the Imperial Academy is a youth of medium build, broad shoulders and back, looking very steady, giving a feeling of firmness like a rock. The representative from the Star Luo National Academy who went up on stage, however, was a girl, a rare female captain. This girl, whom Huo Yuhao and everyone from Shrek Academy have seen, is none other than the chief auctioneer they met at the Starlight Auction House—Princess Jiujiu.

Seeing this princess, not only the Shrek team members were shocked, but the people from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy and the Tian Ao Academy also widened their eyes in surprise—after all, they had all participated in that top‑tier auction!

Translation: Upon seeing this princess, not only were the members of the Shrek team surprised, but the people from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy and the Imperial Academy also stared wide-eyed in surprise. After all, they too had participated in that top-tier auction!

Looking at the princess on stage, Wang Yan couldn't help but frown, because up until today the Star Luo National Academy's lineup had never included this princess. However, according to the information he received, the Star Luo Empire indeed has a vacant spot for a reserve team member.

Translation: Looking at the princess on the platform, Wang Yan couldn't help but frown, because prior to today, the Star Luo National Academy's camp had never seen this princess appear. However, according to the information he received, the Star Luo Empire indeed had a vacant spot for a reserve team member.

As for this princess's background, neither he nor the other three academies have any information—

Translation: As for this princess's information, whether it was him or the other three academies, their minds were completely blank.

Suddenly, Wang Yan's eyes shifted, a flash of surprise crossing his gaze: 'I remember now, Qianheng—the martial soul of the Star Luo Imperial family should be…' Qianheng approached Wang Yan, nodded, and said, 'Professor Wang, you're right. My father once evaluated the sovereign's cultivation; at that time he only said four words: unfathomable. He said the sovereign is the most outstanding cultivator in the imperial family over the past three hundred years. But I have never heard of this princess…'

Translation: Suddenly, Wang Yan's gaze shifted, and a flash of shock appeared in his eyes: "I remember now, Yueheng—the martial soul of the Star Luo imperial family should be……" Dai Yueheng came to Wang Yan's side, nodded, and said: "Teacher Wang, you guessed correctly. My father once evaluated the Emperor's cultivation; at that time he only said four words: unfathomable. My father said, the Emperor is the most outstanding cultivation talent in the imperial family in the past three hundred years. However, I have never heard of this princess……"

Wang Yan took a deep breath and said, 'Let's look at the draw first.'

Translation: Wang Yan took a deep breath and said: "Let's look at the draw first."

The four team captains representing the four academies have already come onto the stage, and the draw begins.

Translation: The four team captains representing the four academies had already arrived on the platform, and the draw began.

Under the watchful eyes of the four Titled Douluo, the four captains approached His Majesty the Star Luo Emperor. The emperor smiled slightly and said, 'I'm delighted to see you talented youths. The match is about to begin; I hope you will uphold the principle of friendship first, competition second, and complete this tournament. Shortly, I will toss four balls marked with the draw numbers; you will all rush for them at the same time—are you ready?'

Translation: Under the gaze of the four Title Douluo, the four team captains approached before the Star Luo Emperor. The Emperor smiled slightly and said: "I'm very pleased to see you young talents. The match is about to begin; I hope you can uphold the principle of friendship first, competition second, to complete this tournament. Later I will throw out four balls with the positions written on them; you will all rush to grab them at the same time—are you ready?"

Ma Xiaotao narrowed her eyes, glanced at the nearby Princess Jiujiu, and said, 'All right.'

Translation: Ma Xiaotao narrowed her eyes slightly, glanced at Princess Jiujiu beside her, and said: "All right."

Princess Jiujiu gave a slight smile and nodded. Ma Long and the captain of the Imperial Academy also nodded in turn.

Translation: Princess Jiujiu smiled faintly and nodded. Marulong and the captain of the Imperial Academy also nodded respectively.

'Pay attention.' The Star Luo Emperor narrowed his eyes, and before anyone could see how he moved, four clusters of golden light shot up into the sky simultaneously.

Translation: "Pay attention." The Star Luo Emperor narrowed his eyes slightly, and immediately, before anyone could see how he moved, four clusters of golden light shot up into the sky simultaneously.

Both the Imperial Academy and Ma Long made the same choice: they leapt straight up and rushed toward the golden balls in the air as fast as possible.

Translation: The Imperial Academy and Marulong made the same choice: they leapt straight up, rushing toward the golden balls in the air at maximum speed.

Only Chen Qiye and Princess Jiujiu remained motionless, still standing there with faint smiles.

Translation: Only Chen Qiye and Princess Jiujiu remained motionless, still standing there with smiles on their faces.

Jiujiu glanced at Chen Qiye, her eyes filled with an indescribable charm…

Translation: Jiujiu glanced at Chen Qiye, her eyes holding an indescribable charm……

Meanwhile, the Imperial Academy captain and Ma Long exerted a sudden burst of force, their bodies springing upward like springs; each grabbed a ball and fell back down. The last two golden balls then dropped out of nowhere, and Princess Jiujiu and Chen Qiye simply reached out and caught them.

Translation: Meanwhile, the Imperial Academy captain and Marulong, with that sudden burst of force, sprang up like a spring, each grabbing a ball and landing. Then the last two golden balls fell out of nowhere, and Princess Jiujiu and Chen Qiye simply reached out and caught the balls.

A faint smile appeared on the princess's delicate face as she glanced at the ball in her hand; although she was the last to secure one, she was the first to announce the result.

Translation: A faint smile appeared on the princess's lovely face; she glanced at the ball in her hand, and although she was the last to get hold of it, she was the first to announce the result.

'I am number one.'

Translation: "I am number one."

Ma Long said in a deep voice, 'I am number two.'

Translation: Marulong said in a deep voice: "I am number two."

Chen Qiye's gaze fell directly onto Princess Jiujiu's lovely face: 'I am number one.'

Translation: Chen Qiye's gaze fell directly onto Princess Jiujiu's lovely face: "I am number one."

………

Translation: ……… (keep as is)

. Princess Jiujiu stood at the forefront, her gaze calm as she glanced over at Shrek Academy's side; the first thing she saw was Chen Qiye.

. Princess Jiujiu stood at the forefront, her gaze calm as she glanced over at Shrek Academy's side; the first thing she saw was Chen Qiye.

. Princess Jiujiu stood at the forefront, her gaze calm as she glanced over at Shrek Academy's side; the first thing she saw was Chen Qiye.

Chen Qiye was also looking in their direction; their eyes met, and he blinked slightly, detecting a hint of provocation among the many gazes.

Translation: Chen Qiye was also looking toward them; their gazes met, and Chen Qiye slightly startled, seeing a hint of provocation in many of those looks.

Chen Qiye still narrowed his eyes, a flash of blood-red light flickering in his depths; in that instant of his gaze, the distant Princess Jiujiu felt a sudden chill in her heart, trembling slightly.

Translation: Chen Qiye still had his eyes slightly narrowed; a flash of blood light appeared in the depths of his pupils, and in that instant when his gaze flashed, the distant Princess Jiujiu felt a chill in her heart, actually trembling slightly.

'Shrek Academy and Star Luo National Academy, team battle members, take the field.' The referee for today's team battle was indeed the previous Heavenly Slayer Douluo.

Translation: "Shrek Academy, Star Luo National Academy, team battle members, step onto the field." The referee in charge of today's team battle was indeed that very Heavenly Slaughter Douluo from before.

The Star Luo Emperor, under the protection of the other three Titled Douluo, had returned to the imperial city and ascended the city walls to watch the battle.

Translation: The Star Luo Emperor had already returned to the imperial city under the protection of the other three Title Douluo, ascended the city wall to watch the battle.

Ma Xiaotao led the way, followed closely by Dai Yunheng, Ling Luochen, Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Huo Yuhao, and Chen Qiye; the two teams stepped onto the competition platform simultaneously.

Translation: Ma Xiaotao walked in the lead, followed by Dai Yueheng, Ling Luochen, Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Huo Yuhao, and Chen Qiye. The two teams stepped onto the competition platform simultaneously.

The semifinal had not yet begun, but as the members of both sides eyed each other, a thick scent of gunpowder already filled the air.

Translation: The semifinals had not yet begun, but as the members of both sides eyed each other, a thick smell of gunpowder already spread.

The Heavenly Slayer Douluo's gaze swept over Ma Xiaotao, showing a hint of surprise, but quickly returned to normal; with a stern expression he said, 'Both sides, step back; before I announce the start of the match, no one may release their martial soul.'

Translation: The Heavenly Slaughter Douluo's gaze swept over Ma Xiaotao, showing a hint of surprise, but quickly returned to normal; with a cold, stern expression he said: "Both sides step back; before I announce the start of the match, no one is allowed to release their martial soul."

'The match begins.' At the moment both sides were closely watching each other's condition, the Heavenly Slayer Douluo bellowed, a golden light flashed across the center of the stage, and this powerful Titled Douluo vanished from sight.

Translation: "The match begins." At the moment when both sides were closely watching each other's conditions, the Heavenly Slaughter Douluo shouted loudly, a golden light flashed across the center of the competition platform, and this powerful Title Douluo vanished from sight.

The reactions of both sides were extremely swift; all released their martial souls in the first instant.

Translation: The reactions of both sides were extremely quick; all released their martial souls at the first instant.

QQ group: 681263581 (End of chapter)