In the central main dueling arena, there were a total of twelve high-grade VIP boxes and three hundred and twenty standard VIP boxes. These rooms were almost never empty. The high-grade boxes all had their owners, and even the standard ones were fully booked at the beginning of every year.
Suddenly, the already brilliant golden lights of the central main dueling arena intensified further. No longer scattered in all directions, all the illumination converged upon the dueling platform. It was as if a colossal spotlight had cast a pillar of golden light straight down from the heavens, enveloping the entire stage. From just this single light-based Soul Guide alone, one could tell how wealthy the dueling arena truly was.
Right in the center of the dueling platform, a circular section of the floor, two meters in diameter, suddenly rose. As it slowly ascended, one could see it was supported by a thick golden pillar. Leaning against that pillar was a woman.
The woman looked only eighteen or nineteen years old. She wore a dignified and elegant white dress, her long, wavy brown hair cascading down. In her hand she held a conical, megaphone-shaped Soul Guide, and a professional smile adorned her lovely face.
"It is my honor to welcome our distinguished guests once again," said the white-dressed woman, Doudou, after her circular platform had risen into position. She stepped forward, gave a graceful spin on the spot, and waved to the surrounding spectator stands. The platform that had carried her up quietly descended, soon returning to its original position, leaving not a single trace behind.
"It is Doudou's privilege to host the team battle Soul Duel for our distinguished guests again tonight. I hope you all have a wonderful time. Tonight will be a highlight event, as we have arranged only this one duel. Although both opposing teams are merely at the Soul Venerable rank, they all already hold the honor of the Silver Battle Emblem. If one must give them a title, I believe the word 'genius' would be most fitting. Doudou will provide commentary for you throughout. Now, allow me to introduce the opposing teams."
"The Imperial Battle Team. Captain: Yu Tianheng, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Soul Master..."
"The Shrek Seven Devils Team. Captain: Evil-Eyed White Tiger, White Tiger Soul Master..."
The hostess, Doudou, skillfully introduced the details of both competing teams. Her goal was simple: to build anticipation for every distinguished guest in attendance.
"Alright, Doudou will say no more. Now, please welcome the team members to the stage. As a Soul Master of the Soul Venerable rank myself, I truly look forward to seeing the spectacular performance these fellow Soul Masters, at the same level as me, will deliver."
As she spoke, brilliant white light suddenly erupted from the hostess Doudou. Immediately after, a single streak of white appeared amidst her long, brown, wavy hair. A pair of pristine white wings silently unfurled from behind her back, and three yellow Soul Rings materialized around her simultaneously. The third Soul Ring flashed brightly, her wings beat gently, and she rose into the air, still holding her megaphone Soul Guide.
Just as Doudou had said, she was indeed a Soul Venerable-ranked Soul Master. Although her third Soul Ring was not the optimal thousand-year level, the ability it granted her was clearly flight. For a Soul Master possessing a flight-type Martial Soul, this was supremely important. Doudou's Martial Soul was a cute and gentle animal, a symbol of peace: the white dove.
On both sides of the dueling platform, two doors swung open soundlessly and simultaneously, and the team members from both sides entered, walking toward the center.
On the left came the Imperial Battle Team. Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Soul Master Yu Tianheng led the way at the front. Dugu Yan habitually nestled close beside him. Following right behind the pair were the Shi brothers. Then came Black Panther Aosi Luo and Wind Chime Bird Yu Feng. Bringing up the rear was the mysterious Nine Heart Begonia Soul Master, Ye Lingling.
Compared to the Imperial Battle Team's varied attire, the Shrek Seven Devils appeared much more uniform. Identical black, tight-fitting combat outfits. Identical green masks. Though their heights varied, they clearly presented themselves as a disciplined unit.
These outfits had been custom-made by the Great Master. They were only worn during duels. One purpose was to better conceal their true condition; another was to give them a stronger sense of being a team.
The clothes could hide their bodies, the masks could hide their faces. But their eyes could never be concealed.
The moment both teams made their appearance, the gaze of Dai Mubai, who walked at the front of the Shrek Seven Devils, collided fiercely in mid-air with that of Imperial Battle Team Captain Yu Tianheng.
For a brief instant, both of their gazes froze. Across the entire dueling arena, it seemed a chorus of dragon roars and tiger cries echoed.
Yu Tianheng felt a chill in his heart. When Dai Mubai's twin-pupiled, evil eyes met his, he immediately felt a powerful, oppressive force bearing down on him. He instantly understood that this opponent, only a single rank lower than himself, would not be easy to deal with.
They faced each other coldly, and a dazzling light erupted simultaneously from both their eyes. The duel had not yet begun, but their opposing auras were already clashing.
"Attention, all Soul Masters participating in the team battle Soul Duel. You now have one minute to summon your Martial Souls. You may only attack when I announce 'begin.' The duel continues until one side surrenders, is completely incapacitated, or is forced off the dueling platform."