Under the brilliant lights of Suotuo City's Great Soul Arena, the Azure Dragon Squad had earned a fearsome reputation. Day after day, they had crushed their opponents, their teamwork and individual prowess leaving the audience in awe. But as their victories stacked, they found themselves facing a problem—there were no more worthy opponents.
Jiang Yun, Zhu Zhuqing, Dugu Yan, Hua Yue, Feng Ming, Qiao Xuan, Bai Ling, and Ning Rongrong stood before the arena manager, Ao, a middle-aged man with a thick mustache and a troubled expression.
"Manager Ao, our team needs more challenging battles," Jiang Yun said calmly. "But it seems the other teams are avoiding us."
Ao sighed. "Azure Dragon Squad has become a legend in Suotuo. Ordinary teams are too afraid to face you. Even the better teams are unwilling to take the risk."
Zhu Zhuqing crossed her arms. "So, we have no more fights?"
"I might have a solution," Ao murmured, his gaze thoughtful. "Shrek Academy has been participating in the arena recently. They may not have the same experience, but their combat ability is outstanding. They have won every match so far."
Jiang Yun's eyes glinted with interest. "Shrek Academy?"
"Yes. They may not be as strong as your team in terms of spirit power, but their tactics and cooperation are exceptional. If I can arrange a match between you and them, would you be interested?"
Jiang Yun smiled. "We will gladly accept. Let me know when it's set."
As they left the manager's office, Jiang Yun turned to his teammates. "Ning Rongrong, you will be participating this time."
"Me?" Ning Rongrong blinked, surprised. Her Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda had reached level 28, and Jiang Yun had been training her in combat support.
"Yes. You have trained enough, and it's time for you to test your strength," Jiang Yun encouraged. "The others will cover you."
Ning Rongrong nodded, her expression determined. "I won't disappoint you."
Meanwhile, in Shrek Academy, Grandmaster gathered his students in the simple room. Tang San, Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, Yu Xuan, and Mei Ling stood before him, listening intently.
"I received a request from Suotuo's Great Soul Arena," Grandmaster began. "There is a team named Azure Dragon Squad that has been dominating the arena. The manager believes you could benefit from facing them."
"Azure Dragon Squad?" Dai Mubai raised an eyebrow. "Are they that strong?"
"All their members are above level 30, with some above 40," Grandmaster stated calmly.
The students' faces shifted in surprise. Level 40? Among them, only Dai Mubai was close, and even he was only level 38.
"But it's still an opportunity," Grandmaster continued. "The Soul Arena has safety measures, and a loss won't harm you. This will be your chance to experience combat against stronger opponents."
Tang San's calm eyes glowed with determination. "Teacher, we are willing to take this challenge."
Xiao Wu smiled confidently. "Yes, we won't lose that easily."
Oscar, ever the optimist, chuckled. "A challenge like this is what we need to get stronger."
After that he gave them a list which includes the information about Azure Dragon Squad.
1. "Jiang Yun: Level 44 - Martial Spirit: Kamen Rider "
"Zhu Zhuqing: Level 44 - Martial Spirit: Hell Civet"
"Dugu Yan: Level 46 - Martial Spirit: Jade Phosphor Earth Dragon"
"Bai Ling: Level 38 - Martial Spirit: Radiant Lotus"
"Hua Yue: Level 42 - Martial Spirit: Crimson Tiger"
"Feng Ming: Level 39 - Martial Spirit: Gale Falcon"
"Qiao Xuan: Level 38 - Martial Spirit: Earthbind Serpent"
"Ning Rongrong: Level 28 - Martial Spirit: Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda"
Dai Mubai sat in the private viewing room of the Soul Arena, casually flipping through the information sheets provided for the upcoming match. His usual confident expression faltered as his eyes landed on a familiar name.
"Zhu Zhuqing. Age: 12. Soul Power: Level 44. Martial Spirit: Hell Civet. Affiliation: Azure Dragon Academy."
The paper slipped slightly from his fingers. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
"Zhu Zhuqing... How?" he whispered, eyes widening in disbelief.
His mind raced, memories flooding back—his fiancée from the Star Luo Empire, the girl who was always forced to trail behind him, silent and sullen. But now she was here, in Heaven Dou Empire, far stronger than he had ever imagined.
"Level 44? At her age?" he muttered, his voice trembling. "How did she get so strong? And why is she here... not with me?"
His heart pounded against his chest. A mix of shame, shock, and fear gripped him. Had she broken free of her fate? Had she abandoned him?
"Azure Dragon Academy... When did she join them? Who is backing her?"
For the first time in a long while, Dai Mubai felt a sense of helplessness clawing at him.
Back at the Azure Dragon Squad's training hall, Jiang Yun crossed his arms, watching as the others sparred and practiced. He wasn't planning to participate in this match. Instead, he would use this opportunity to observe how his team would fare without him. They needed to adapt and grow, especially against a team as adaptable and tactical as Shrek.
Jiang Yun stood calmly with his team. "Everyone, you've seen the information on Shrek Academy. They have solid teamwork and some strong individuals, but their overall strength is below ours. Don't get careless."
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes narrowed. "Dai Mubai is part of their team."
Jiang Yun nodded. "Yes. Zhuqing, you might face him directly. Are you ready?"
Zhu Zhuqing's expression was cold. "I have nothing to say to him. If he stands in our way, I will defeat him."
Ning Rongrong leaned closer, giving Zhu Zhuqing a reassuring smile. "And we'll back you up, just like always."
Hua Yue clenched her fists, her crimson aura flaring slightly. "I wonder if they can keep up."
Dugu Yan chuckled. "Whether they can or not, we will find out soon enough."
The arena was packed with spectators, the roars of the crowd reverberating off the stone walls. Rows of eager faces watched the combatants enter, whispers of excitement sweeping through the audience like wildfire.
Back in the arena, the announcer's voice boomed. "Ladies and gentlemen! In this corner, we have the undefeated Azure Dragon Squad!"
Jiang Yun and his team walked out with calm confidence. The crowd's cheers were thunderous. Each member of Azure Dragon Squad radiated an aura of power, and their synergy was clear from their relaxed yet synchronized movements.
"And in the opposite corner, the rising stars of Shrek Academy!"
The Shrek team walked out, a mix of determination and nervous excitement in their eyes. Dai Mubai's gaze immediately locked onto Zhu Zhuqing, his expression a mix of shock and frustration. Zhu Zhuqing, however, did not even glance at him.
"How can she ignore me…?" Dai Mubai muttered, his jaw clenching.
The announcer raised his hand. "This is a seven-on-seven team battle! The first team to force all opponents out of the ring or incapacitate them wins! Let the battle begin!"
Tang San's Blue Silver Grass erupted instantly, spreading out to form a net. "Control the battlefield!" he commanded.
Dugu Yan's jade-green aura flared. "Earth Dragon Domain!" A dense, oppressive aura filled the arena, slowing Tang San's Blue Silver Grass and weakening its vitality.
"Attack! Don't give them time!" Zhu Zhuqing's figure blurred, her Shadow Phantom skill activating as she sped toward Dai Mubai.
Dai Mubai barely reacted in time, his White Tiger Barrier flaring up to block her first strike. "Zhuqing! Why are you—"
Her claws tore through his defense, leaving a shallow mark on his armor. "Talk after you survive!"
Hua Yue roared, her Crimson Tiger form blazing as she charged at Yu Xuan, whose silver feathers danced in the air. "Don't get caught by her flames!" Yu Xuan warned, his Silver Feathered Falcon soaring above her.
But Hua Yue's flames shot upward, transforming into fiery claws that struck Yu Xuan, forcing him to dodge desperately.
"Strength Boost! Speed Boost!" Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda shone brightly, golden light enveloping her team.
"Radiant Lotus: Healing Bloom!" Bai Ling's petals danced around the team, constantly mending minor injuries.
On the Shrek side, Oscar handed out his recovery sausages. "Everyone, keep up your strength!"
"Xiao Wu, with me!" Tang San commanded, and the two moved in sync. Xiao Wu's agile movements were a blur, her teleportation skill allowing her to close the gap on Dugu Yan.
But Dugu Yan's Earth Dragon Domain expanded, and Xiao Wu's movements slowed. "Earth Spikes!" Dugu Yan commanded, sharp spikes rising beneath Xiao Wu. She flipped back, barely avoiding them.
Mei Ling, Shrek's support, sent waves of light from her Luminous Crystal Lily, boosting defense and slightly healing her team.
But the pressure from Azure Dragon Squad was immense. Zhu Zhuqing's Shadow Phantom allowed her to outmaneuver Dai Mubai, her claws striking repeatedly. His White Tiger Vajra Transformation tried to enhance his strength, but against Zhu Zhuqing's superior speed, he was losing ground.
"Zhuqing! Why are you doing this?! Why are you with them?!" Dai Mubai yelled, his tone desperate.
"I choose those who strive for strength, not those who waste their talent," Zhu Zhuqing replied coldly.
Dai Mubai's heart tightened. "You…"
But his distraction cost him. Zhu Zhuqing's claws struck his shoulder, and he was sent tumbling out of the ring.
"Focus, Dai Mubai!" Tang San's voice was strained as he tried to support his team.
But the fight was turning against them. Hua Yue's fierce flames forced Yu Xuan to retreat. Feng Ming's Gale Falcon sliced through the air, clashing with Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Fire, but the gale winds scattered the fire, forcing Ma Hongjun back.
Oscar's support was stretched thin, his recovery sausages barely keeping up with the injuries his teammates sustained.
Tang San's Blue Silver Grass tried to capture Zhu Zhuqing, but Dugu Yan's domain corroded it before it could reach her.
Finally, one by one, the Shrek team fell. Xiao Wu was struck by a burst of earth from Dugu Yan, Ma Hongjun's fire was extinguished by Feng Ming's gales, and Tang San was forced to surrender as Zhu Zhuqing's claws hovered inches from his throat.
The announcer's voice echoed. "Victory goes to Azure Dragon Squad!"
The crowd erupted in cheers. Azure Dragon Squad stood victorious, barely winded, while the Shrek team lay exhausted on the ground.
As the two teams walked off the stage, Dai Mubai caught up to Zhu Zhuqing. "Zhuqing! Why won't you talk to me?!"
Zhu Zhuqing stopped, her cold eyes meeting his. "You chose your own path, and I chose mine. We were never meant to walk together."
Dai Mubai's heart sank, his anger fading into despair.
Jiang Yun, watching from the stands, sighed. "The past will always come back… but she has chosen her future."
Ning Rongrong grinned. "We did great! That was a clean victory!"
Hua Yue nodded. "But we must not become complacent. Shrek was not our limit."
Jiang Yun smiled. "That's right. We will continue to improve."
Far above, Grandmaster's expression was serious. "Azure Dragon Squad… They are far beyond what our students can handle."