Chapter 156

Unfortunately, this is ultimately just speculation; moreover, even if we were certain they had a Soul Fusion Technique, we wouldn't know its specific effects, so we couldn't take preventive measures.

Soul Fusion Techniques are like soul skills, having various effects; for example, the four Soul Fusion Techniques of Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong each have different effects. Without knowing the specific effects, they can only keep Wang Yan's words in mind and stay vigilant against this brother‑sister pair using a Soul Fusion Technique.

Soon, the highly anticipated semifinal began.

As the semifinal representing the tournament's final stretch, the rules changed again; at least this time Shilake Academy did not learn their opponent in advance, and everything was decided by an on‑site draw.

For the remaining four teams, each had at most two battles left; the decisive moment had arrived, and the moment of giving their all likewise came.

After renovation, the rest area now had only four zones, with each team's area relatively far from the others.

With nearly half an hour left before the match, all members of the four teams had already gathered.

Occasional glances sparked between the teams, their fighting spirit high, while the rest area's atmosphere became solemn and tense, even carrying a hint of lethal intent.

The sky gradually brightened; today's weather remained fine, sunlight bathing the wide Star Net Plaza, casting the entire square in a faint golden hue.

To everyone's surprise, a red carpet ten meters wide was laid from the direction of the imperial city gate all the way to the front of the competition platform; when there were still ten minutes before the draw began, the imperial palace gates swung open, and the Emperor of the Star Net Empire emerged, escorted by his court guards, striding straight toward the competition platform.

"Long live, long live, long live!"

All the soldiers tasked with maintaining order raised their weapons high and shouted "Long live!"

The members of all four teams also rose to their feet and gave the emperor a respectful gaze.

Tang Wulin noticed that beside Emperor Xu Jiawei stood four elders forming a square, with the emperor at its center, while only twenty guards followed behind—nothing extravagant in appearance.

However, the members of each competing team clearly knew that this escort was actually extremely lavish, and those four elders were likely Honored Douluo‑level experts retained by the Star Net Empire.

Since ten thousand years ago the Spirit Hall, which once controlled the continent's strongest soul‑master power, collapsed, the vast majority of powerful soul masters have been recruited by various nations.

As soul masters' understanding of martial souls deepened, the likelihood of appearing as an Honored Douluo increased greatly compared to the past, although some Honored Douluo rely too heavily on medicinal aids during breakthrough, leaving their true strength somewhat weaker.

Of course, even if the number of Honored Douluo is greater than ten thousand years ago, the total remains scarce, and they are highly sought after everywhere.

The 108 soul masters guarding the competition platform simultaneously bowed to Emperor Xu Jiawei, but without kneeling; according to Star Net Empire regulations, royal soul masters of the fourth ring or higher need not perform a kowtow.

Surrounded by four Honored Douluo, Emperor Xu Jiawei ascended the competition platform, facing the Star Net Plaza, and smiled, saying, "My people, rise."

"Long live, long live, long live!"

A wave of cheers instantly erupted on the Star Net Plaza, showing that the emperor was deeply beloved by his people.

Emperor Xu Jiawei did not try to stop the commotion; he simply looked calm, smiling at the distant civilians until the plaza gradually quieted, then he smiled and said, "The Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Duel Tournament is a grand event held every five years on the Douluo Continent; hosting this edition in our nation brings me great honor. First, I thank the over a hundred academy teams from various countries, whose splendid matches have shown us the rapid development of soul masters and soul engineers across the continent, and have given me the opportunity to rejoice with the people."

"Today, shortly the semifinal will begin, and this edition of the Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Duel Tournament will also draw to a close. The semifinal draw is the final draw of this tournament, so I have decided to personally preside over it, hoping that Shilake Academy, Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, Imperial Auspicious Academy, and our Star Net Empire's Star Net National Academy will deliver an even more exciting match in the final."

"I know everyone is eager to watch the match, and I am equally eager; let us begin now. I wish to rejoice with the people, and I also pray that the Star Net Empire may prosper forever."

Among the four elders who ascended the stage with Emperor Xu Jiawei, the one on the left front took two steps forward, faced the rest area, and said in a deep voice, "Please have the captains of the four teams come up to draw lots."

An indescribably powerful aura burst forth from that elder, and his astonishing pressure made every person on the Star Net Plaza feel as if the sky had darkened.

Emperor Xu Jiawei smiled and said:

"To ensure the safety of both sides in the semifinal and final, I have decided that in each upcoming match the Empire's Guardian Honored Douluo will serve as the referee presiding over the bout. Today's draw and the first match will be overseen by Senior Huang Jin Xu, whose title is Heavenly Slayer."

Having said that, he made a gesturing invitation, indicating that the captains of the four teams should come up to draw lots.

Shilake Academy sent Dai Yaoheng, Imperial Auspicious Academy sent Jiang Peng, and Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy sent Ma Ru Long—nothing unusual so far—but the person dispatched by Star Net National Academy exceeded everyone's expectations.

The person they sent was none other than Xu Jiujiu, who had previously presided over the Starlight Auction.

Upon seeing the Princess, not only were the members of the Shilake team astonished, but so were those from Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy and Imperial Auspicious Academy, who all widened their eyes in surprise, having also participated in that top‑tier auction.

Looking at the Princess on stage, Wang Yan frowned, for prior to today the Star Net National Academy's roster had never included this Princess, yet according to the information he had received, the Star Net Empire indeed had a vacant spot for a reserve team member.

As for the Princess's background, neither he nor the other three academies had any information about her.

Suddenly, Wang Yan's gaze shifted, and a flash of shock appeared in his eyes.

"That's right, I just remembered—the martial soul of the Star Net Empire's royal family is the Star Crown!"

Tang Wulin curiously asked:

"Teacher Wang, what is the Star Crown martial soul, and does it have any special traits?"

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

As he recalled the Star Net imperial family's martial soul, the four captains representing the four academies had already arrived on the platform, ready to begin the draw.

(End of chapter)