At this moment, Ning Fengzhi apparently sensed Tang San looking at him. Gaze roaming, he just met Tang San’s eyes, smiling faintly at him and nodding slightly.
[1] (TL note: the wolf spirit power attacker)
[2] (TL note: the bone spirit speed attacker)
[3] (TL note: the healing staff spirit assist)
[4] The ones they encountered when eating dinner at the hotel the day before entering the forest, with the Black Tortoise teacher.
[5] (时年) “Time Year”
[6] (残梦) Or “ruining/brutal” etc.
Chapter 091: Preselection First Match, Begins
Part 1 (TL by Bagelson)
The officiant on the side of the VIP platform said in a clear voice:
“Next, please welcome his majesty, Heaven Dou Empire’s emperor, to declare this tournament open.”
Just like Tang San guessed, the person seated in the center of the VIP section’s first row, his majesty the Heaven Dou Empire’s emperor wearing gold and red robes, slowly stood amidst thunderous applause.
Raising his right hand to wave at the spectator seats as well as the competing Spirit Masters below, the applause quickly stopped, and the vast space became quiet.
A grave and clear voice transmitted to the entire audience via sound amplifying spirit tools,
“I, emperor of Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Ye[1], represents Heaven Dou Empire, and also this time’s tournament host to declare, the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament now open.”
Applause thundered once again, cheers rising and falling. But in the center of the arena, Tang San suddenly discovered that this emperor’s smiling expression was a bit forced, as if he himself wasn’t particularly excited for this tournament.
After waiting for this round of applause to die down once again, the emperor continued:
“Here, I hope, the Spirit Masters participating in this tournament, can amply display their strength, and obtain good records. You are all the pride of Heaven Dou Empire. For the sake of the Empire’s glory, display your brilliance.”
Applause rose for a third time, and this time the eyes of the Spirit Masters in the center revealed a scorching brightness. To them, this tournament was the best stage to reveal themselves.
The emperor sat back in his seat, and the officiant’s voice rose once again,
“Next, please welcome the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School’s school master, mister Ning Fengzhi, to address this time’s tournament.”
Along with Ning Fengzhi getting up, applause rose once again, and there were even more attentive gazes. Who didn’t want to take a look at the grace of the Spirit Master world’s number one Support Spirit Master.
Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly, holding both hands together,
“I’m very happy to be invited as an honored guest to this tournament opening. As school master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, I have already seen very many Spirit Masters grow. As the Continent’s noblest vocation, each Spirit Master must experience many things to grow. In my experience, a sword’s point comes from sharpening, and plum blossom fragrance follows bitter cold. The Spirit Masters joining this tournament are undoubtedly the elite of the young generation. Just as his majesty just said, I hope you can win honor for the Empire, and also for your own academies. The Empire needs your talent. Thank you.”
Listening to Ning Fengzhi’s address, the Heaven Dou emperor finally revealed a sincere smile.
The officiant said:
“School master Ning, you are the most formidable support system Spirit Master, so I represent the spectators of the battles this time to ask, among the twenty eight teams joining the Heaven Dou City district’s preselection competition, which one do you support?”
Ning Fengzhi still wore a slight smile,
“Besides Heaven Dou Imperial Academy’s first team entering the finals as seeds, among these twenty eight teams, I still think highly of one other. I think that they possess not only the capability to pass the preselection tournament, but at the same time may very possibly obtain the final victory of this Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament.”
“Eh?”
The officiant said, astonished:
“May we know which team could gain school master Ning’s favor?”
Ning Fengzhi smiled mysteriously, saying:
“As for which academy this team belongs to, forgive me for holding back the climax. For the moment I can’t reveal it. But I believe, that the final champions of this tournament, will certainly belong to the Empire.”
Sitting next to emperor Xue Ye, the platinum bishop at this moment opened the eyes he had so far kept almost closed. His eyes appeared very turbid, without any luster, and his gaze fell on the twenty eight competing teams in the center of the arena, as if searching for the team Ning Fengzhi spoke of.
By now the spectators had already begun discussing, everyone speculating on which academy Ning Fengzhi supported. With a bit of thought it was clear that Ning Fengzhi wouldn’t be indicating Heaven Dou Imperial Academy’s second team. Since their strength couldn’t compare to the first team, how could they be the final champions? But there were twenty eight teams in the preselection tournament, and in the end only five teams could remain, how would it be so easy to guess.
Ning Fengzhi sat back down, and the officiant smiling said:
“I regret that school master Ning won’t reveal the team he supports. Next, Heaven Dou City’s Spirit Temple hall master, Spirit Hall platinum bishop, lord Salas[2], will conduct the preselection competition’s first round draw. Afterwards, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy’s secondary team will fight their first drawn matchup. This is also the only match today.”
Platinum bishop Salas slowly stood, and was led by a maid to the side of the officiant, starting to draw the lots. He was apparently very unwilling to speak, and each pair of opponents he drew was announced by the officiant.
“Preselection competition first round, Blue Sunshine Academy versus Purple Star Academy.”
“Preselection competition first round, Auckland Academy versus Blazing Radiance Academy.”
“Preselection competition first round, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy versus Shrek Academy.”
The Shrek Academy group didn’t pay much attention to the rest of the matchups. When they heard their first opponent would actually be Heaven Dou Imperial Academy’s second team, everyone couldn’t help their expressions becoming grotesque.
Oscar muttered:
“Such an unlikely coincidence.”
Ma Hongjun squeezed his fingers, issuing bone popping noises,
“Excellent. They aren’t rushing us off. This time we’ll let them have a look at what’s called strength.”
Tang San and Dai Mubai smiled wryly. They were naturally looking forward to fighting Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, but becoming the focus of the tournament’s first day in their present attire, was really somewhat……
Not just the Shrek Academy people were astonished, the audience was too. The other academies might not have paid attention, but the Shrek Academy was really too gaudy, how couldn’t they attract notice?
For a moment, jeers flowed continuously. Very many spectators were all shouting the word ‘fraud’, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy’s second team was clearly looking for pushovers, and Shrek Academy didn’t seem like a Spirit Master team as much as a pack of clowns.
The lottery done, that platinum bishop Salas swept his gaze across everyone, indifferently saying:
“I[3] drew the lots, and sensed no falsehood. I swear on the honor of Spirit Hall. At the same time, I hereby declare, of the participating Spirit Master academy students, Spirit Hall will make an exception for anyone capable of reaching the finals, letting them directly enter Spirit Temple.”
These words weren’t anything to the spectators, but the Spirit Masters were already in an uproar.
What kind of place was Spirit Temple? It was the highest place in Spirit Hall apart from Supreme Pontiff
Palace and Douluo Palace, in the entire Continent only the two great imperial capitals had one each. Supreme Pontiff Palace was for the Supreme Pontiff’s use, and Douluo Palace was a symbolic existence. Therefore, the Spirit Temples’ position were in fact the highest ranked institutions in Spirit Hall. To a Spirit Master, being able to directly enter Spirit Temple could be a shortcut to improving his strength. Not only would he have the best treatment, but all kinds of cultivation aids as well as Spirit Temple’s prestige, no part lacked extreme attraction to ordinary Spirit Masters.
Hearing the platinum bishop’s words, emperor Xue Ye’s expression clearly dropped. Ning Fengzhi on his side softly shook his head at the emperor, and emperor Xue Ye’s complexion eased somewhat.
The people nearby were behind them and naturally didn’t catch this little exchange, and the Spirit Masters below were very far away. But, this didn’t escape Tang San’s Purple Demon Eye. He clearly saw the subtleties within, and combined with what Grandmaster had once told him about some matters, Tang San understood that the conflict between Spirit Hall and the Empire was already growing deeper and deeper, almost to the degree where it couldn’t be reconciled. Otherwise, that platinum bishop wouldn’t dare recruit outstanding Spirit Masters right in front of this emperor.
“Good, then next we will conduct the first match of the first round of the preselection competition, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy facing Shrek Academy. All competing academies leave the field. The two academies taking part in the match later please prepare. In one hour, the match will formally begin.”
“Third brother, let me go up.”
Fatty didn’t pay the slightest attention to those contemptuous expressions in their surroundings, and spoke to Tang San while rubbing his fists and wiping his palms[4].
Tang San glared at him,
“We’ll follow the original plan. No need to argue.”
Tai Long laughed out loud and clapped Fatty’s shoulder,
“Junior, don’t worry. Later big brother will help you properly teach those Heaven Dou Imperial Academy fellows a lesson.”
Fatty deflated like a ball. If one described his current expression with two words, it would be ‘secret grudges’.
As a result of the other academies not competing today, after stepping off the field they directly left the rest area, guided by functionaries to specially prepared viewing platforms for competitors to watch the fights. Because the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was the symbol of the Heaven Dou imperial family, they were naturally treated different from normal academies and didn’t rest here. Inside the vast rest area, very quickly remained only the Shrek Academy team.
Flender, Grandmaster, and Liu Erlong weren’t here. Clearly, this match was left in their control.
Dai Mubai lowered his voice:
“Little San, you plan it.”
Part 2 (TL by Bagelson)
Tang San didn’t need to be urged, nodding:
“When we go up we’ll have Dai Mubai, Me, Xiao Wu, Jing Ling, Huang Yuan, Jian Zhu, Tai Long. We’ll attack according to the first plan. At that time we suffered that kind of humiliation at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, even though it was caused by prince Xue Xing, the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy symbolizes the imperial family. Dean Flender and the other teachers aren’t here, but we understand what they think. If we want to have a good future, then today we must thoroughly smash our opponent. I think, to us, one minute should be enough.”
Tai Mubai’s tiger palms slapped together, the four pupils of his evil eyes glinting ominously,
“That’s right, we only need one minute.”
An incorporeal harsh atmosphere spread in Tang San and Dai Mubai’s hearts. The scene of that time they powerlessly withdrew from Heaven Dou Imperial Academy in front of Dugu Bo would never be erased from their minds. Even though Tang San didn’t say it clearly, everyone understood that they not only had to prevail over this Heaven Dou Imperial Academy second team, they still had to keep them from passing this time’s qualifying competition.
Not long after, a special functionary arrived and hurried everyone to the stage. The organizers clearly weren’t optimistic about their chances, and they were even brought by just one functionary. Just as they were leaving the mouth of passage, the Shrek Academy group could already hear the officiant outside declaring the names and spirits of each member of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy team. Golden beams of light shot down on the high stage from the side of the Great Spirit Arena, accompanying each member of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy second team as they appeared.
Before speaking of strength, the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy members were excellent in terms of appearance, the faintly golden uniforms had the words ‘Heaven Dou’ embroidered on the left side of the chest, and on the back was a design of seven silver stars, the symbol of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Each one was valiant and formidable-looking, all appearing over twenty years old. Under the illumination of those spirit tools, even though it was daytime, they still seemed to release a dazzling radiance, just like little golden suns, attracting the audiences attention.
“Fuck, they’re clearly taking us as extras, setting off this kind of fireworks.”
Huang Yuan said angrily. Even though this Lone Wolf Spirit Master’s stature wasn’t as doughty as Tai Long, he was still fairly robust. Like Dai Mubai he was also a power attack system Spirit Master. Because of his straightforward nature, he was very quickly accepted by the Shrek Seven Devils.
To the side, Jing Ling uneasily said:
“Wrong. We’re not extras, but considered cow dung. Fresh flowers stuck on top of manure, isn’t that even more dazzling?”
Contrary to Lone Wolf, his appearance was somewhat wretched. The slender agility attack system Spirit Master gave a somewhat feminine impression. Together with him, most people would feel uneasy. His cold gaze at people was like a poisonous snake, and even when everyone were exchanging pointers, he would never let himself be in a disadvantageous position. He would frequently team up to attack, but when defending there would rarely be a trace of him. He was called a coward by the ferocious male students Dai Mubai, Huang Yuan, and Tai Long, but fortunately, this fellow only had a somewhat strange character, and his strength was still fairly outstanding.
“We’ll let them know who is manure.”
Tai Long resolutely waved his fist.
Dai Mubai coldly said:
“Let’s go. It’s our turn to go up.”
The lights in the arena faded, and the Shrek Academy competing students slowly went on stage amidst loud hissing voices.
In the arena there had already occurred a change. In just that brief half hour, a long ago prepared stage had been constructed. The stage was ten meters tall and circular, with a diameter of thirty meters, a fairly large area. Of course, this was still only one stage. Once the preselection competition truly started tomorrow, there would be five stages here simultaneously. The twenty eight teams would conduct twenty seven rounds of the preselection competition, each team confronting twenty seven opponents. The victors would obtain one point, the defeated none. After twenty seven rounds, the five teams with the most points would advance to the promotion competition. And entering the promotion competition was equal to entering the finals. This month long qualifying competition was equal to a trial for each of the academy teams. Twenty seven days of continuous matches was enough for teams that lacked endurance to collapse.
In the entire Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament, this preselection competition would occupy the first half of the time. The finals after the promotion competition would take place on the common border of the Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire, in the public plaza in front of the Supreme Pontiff Palace. The final champions would be issued the award by the Supreme Pontiff personally, an immense honor.
It truly was a difference in treatment. Tang San squinted slightly, the expression on his face still serene. Together with Dai Mubai, they brought the Shrek Academy’s altogether eleven members into a line in
the center of the stage, standing opposite to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy second team’s members.
This Heaven Dou Imperial Academy second team had altogether sixteen members. At that time the Shrek Academy only stayed at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy for a very short time, and these people naturally didn’t recognize Tang San and the others. These aristocratic children naturally looked even more at the Shrek Academy members’ attire. If this hadn’t been on stage, some of them might have already burst out laughing.
“Truly a group of toads. This type also participates in the Spirit Master Tournament?”
Standing furthest ahead in the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy second team was a petite male student. His skin was fair, and his long hair also very beautiful, seemingly like a girl. Even his voice was soft and feminine.
“Captain, why would we draw an opponent like this. Toads on your foot really won’t bite people, but are still disgusting[5]. Look at those uniforms, I’ll die laughing.”
A gorgeously dressed female student with ample chest next to the petite man covered her mouth as she spoke. That gesture was apparently for fear of smelling the Shrek Academy students.
That captain nodded consideringly, his gaze somewhat lecherously floating over to Xiao Wu,
“It’s only a pity on such a little beauty.”
Xiao Wu snorted coldly,
“A hermaphrodite and a prostitute, how did we draw an opponent like this.”
“Little slut, who are you calling a prostitute?”
That hot bodied female student immediately flipped out. That male student addressed as a hermaphrodite also immediately went ashen.
Dai Mubai laughed out loud,
“Xiao Wu, you’re too talented. Why didn’t I think of such a good description? Hermaphrodite and prostitute. Really a perfect match!”
The Heaven Dou Imperial Academy second team’s petite captain coldly said:
“Fine, you’re very good. Even if the competition prohibits killing opponents, injuries really are hard to avoid. Since you’re courting death, don’t blame us.”
Douluo Dalu - Volume 01-48 Page 163