After the heated battle in the Soul Arena, the Azure Dragon Squad gathered in their private lounge. Jiang Yun's calm eyes scanned his teammates, and he smiled. "You all did well, but there's always room for improvement."
Dugu Yan, who led the team in the match, nodded. "We had the upper hand, but we were almost caught off guard by Tang San's control skills."
Feng Ming, with his sharp eyes, added, "Yes, those blue silver grass vines are more dangerous than they look."
"Rongrong," Jiang Yun turned to their auxiliary support, "Your positioning was great, but you can be even faster in supporting the front line."
"I understand, Brother Yun," Ning Rongrong replied, a bit embarrassed but determined to improve.
Hua Yue leaned against the wall, grinning. "Honestly, they were strong, but we were stronger. But I agree, we shouldn't get complacent."
Jiang Yun nodded. "Exactly. Soul battles are about teamwork and strategy, not just raw power. We'll keep training and focus on improving our coordination."
As they finished their discussion, a loud knock echoed at the door. Before anyone could answer, the door burst open, revealing a furious Dai Mubai. His fierce tiger eyes locked onto Zhu Zhuqing.
"Zhuqing! Why? Why are you here? Why are you fighting against me?" His voice was filled with disbelief and anger.
Zhu Zhuqing stood up, her cold gaze meeting his. "Why? Isn't it obvious? I have left our family's twisted tradition behind. I won't live like a pawn in a cruel marriage arrangement, nor will I be tied to a man who indulges himself and wastes his talents. I will walk my path with Jiang Yun."
Dai Mubai's fists clenched, veins bulging on his forehead. "What do you mean by that? Do you know what I've been through?"
"I know exactly what you've been through, Mubai. You were free to enjoy your life while I was struggling to survive. But I won't be your escape anymore. I have chosen my own path," Zhu Zhuqing declared, her voice cold as ice.
Dai Mubai's eyes widened, his pride and anger flaring. "Is it because of him?" He pointed at Jiang Yun, his voice rising. "You think he can protect you? I can protect you better than anyone!"
Jiang Yun calmly stepped forward, his tone steady. "Dai Mubai, this isn't about protection. Zhuqing is her own person, and she made her choice."
"Then fight me!" Dai Mubai's spirit energy surged, a faint white light flickering around him. "I'll prove to you I'm the better man!"
Jiang Yun's calm expression didn't change. "I don't fight meaningless battles. You are strong, but you are not ready to face me. If you truly want to challenge me, then train harder, become stronger, and meet me at the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament."
Dai Mubai's face turned pale. His proud aura seemed to wither, and he staggered back. Without another word, he turned and stormed out of the room.
Jiang Yun sighed, stepping forward and gently holding Zhu Zhuqing's hand. "Are you okay?"
"I am fine, Brother Yun," Zhu Zhuqing smiled gently, her voice softening. "This is a choice I made long ago."
The rest of the team remained silent, understanding that this was Zhu Zhuqing's resolution.
Over the next few days, the Azure Dragon Squad continued to train in the Soul Arena. They faced a variety of opponents, from fierce assault teams to clever control-oriented squads. Jiang Yun occasionally rotated the team members, ensuring that each of them learned to adapt and fight alongside different teammates.
In one particular match, their opponent was a powerful defensive team led by an Iron Armored Elephant Spirit Master. Dugu Yan led the team, using her Earth Dragon Domain to control the battlefield, while Feng Ming's lightning-fast strikes exploited the gaps in the enemy's formation.
Bai Ling's radiant lotus glowed, continuously healing and enhancing the team's endurance. Hua Yue's fierce charges broke through the enemy's front lines, while Qiao Xuan's earthbind serpent coiled around the toughest enemies, disrupting their formation.
Ning Rongrong, despite being the youngest and newest member, displayed excellent support skills, enhancing her teammates' speed and strength at critical moments.
Their victories piled up, each fight pushing them further and refining their teamwork.
But they weren't the only ones observing these battles. From the audience seats, Grandmaster and the Shrek teachers carefully studied the Azure Dragon Squad's strategies. Grandmaster's sharp eyes analyzed each move, each tactic.
"That girl, Dugu Yan, has an incredible understanding of battlefield control," Grandmaster muttered.
Flender nodded. "And that support girl, Ning Rongrong, her reaction speed and positioning are exceptional for her age."
Zhao Wuji grinned. "Their teamwork is impressive. They fight like seasoned warriors, not just students."
"Who are they? Such talent at their age... it's almost terrifying," Grandmaster murmured.
As the Azure Dragon Squad left the arena after another victory, Jiang Yun gathered them.
"Everyone, I want you all to understand something. The world is not peaceful right now. Conflicts are brewing between the two empires and the Spirit Hall. Even though we are strong, we must continue to grow. We cannot be complacent."
Hua Yue frowned. "Brother Yun, is it really that serious?"
Jiang Yun's gaze was sharp. "Yes. The Spirit Hall's ambitions are vast, and the two empires will not just sit and watch. If we want to protect ourselves and those we care about, we must become even stronger."
Ning Rongrong looked worried. "Then we must train even harder."
"Exactly. We will continue to fight in the Soul Arena, but we will also seek opportunities to hunt powerful soul beasts for your next soul rings when you are ready," Jiang Yun declared, his calm voice filled with determination.
The team members nodded, their eyes burning with resolve. As they looked at Jiang Yun, they felt a sense of security and purpose.
.....
After their intense confrontation with Shrek Academy and Dai Mubai's challenge, Jiang Yun and his team decided it was time to continue their journey. The bustling streets of Suotuo City faded behind them, replaced by winding forest paths and open plains. The group walked with a renewed sense of purpose, each member silently reflecting on their growth and experiences.
Zhu Zhuqing walked beside Jiang Yun, her delicate fingers occasionally brushing against his. Dugu Yan, walking on the other side of Jiang Yun, seemed unusually quiet, her thoughts a mix of determination and subtle envy.
"Brother Yun, where are we going next?" Bai Ling asked, her radiant lotus spirit gently glowing with a soft light. The supportive smile she gave the team never seemed to fade.
"More cities, more Soul Arenas. Our goal is clear — to strengthen ourselves through actual combat," Jiang Yun replied, his voice steady.
Hua Yue's crimson tiger eyes sparkled with excitement. "I can't wait to test my strength again. That last battle with Shrek wasn't enough."
Feng Ming flapped his arms, his Gale Falcon martial spirit causing a light breeze to stir. "And we'll crush any opponent that comes our way!"
"Always so confident," Qiao Xuan muttered, his tone calm. The control-type Earthbind Serpent user always maintained a quiet, calculating demeanor, balancing out the team's energy.
Jiang Yun smiled. "Confidence is good, but never become arrogant. Remember, each fight is a test and an opportunity to learn. We are not just here to win — we are here to become stronger."
The team's journey continued, and soon they arrived at the bustling city of Farsight. It was a place known for its famous Soul Arena, attracting powerful teams from all over the region. The group checked into an inn and quickly made their way to the Soul Arena, eager for battle.
As they entered, the bustling crowds and the faint scent of sweat and iron filled the air. Jiang Yun approached the manager, who recognized them instantly. "Azure Dragon Squad! It's an honor to have you here. Would you like to register for team battles immediately?"
"Yes," Jiang Yun nodded, "and we would also like to take on individual matches. We're here to train and sharpen our skills."
The manager's eyes widened in surprise but nodded with a smile. "Understood. I will arrange suitable opponents for you."
Soon, the team's first match was announced, and they stood together on the massive arena platform. Opposite them was a team known as the Ironclad Beasts — a group of fierce, experienced fighters led by a burly man with a Steel Mammoth martial spirit.
The Ironclad Beasts had seven members:
Steel Mammoth (Leader, Defense-Type)
Rock Bear (Defense-Type)
Swift Wolf (Agility-Type)
Twin Hammer Warlord (Power-Type)
Stone Fang Gorilla (Power-Type)
Iron Serpent (Control-Type)
Mystic Bull (Support-Type)
The host's voice echoed across the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen! On one side, we have the fearsome Ironclad Beasts, known for their indomitable defense and brute strength! And facing them is the rising star of the Soul Arena circuit, the Azure Dragon Squad!"
Cheers erupted from the stands, but Jiang Yun's team stood calmly, their focus razor-sharp. Jiang Yun stepped forward, his calm gaze fixed on the Steel Mammoth leader.
"Everyone, focus on your roles. I'll take the leader. Support each other," Jiang Yun commanded, his voice steady but filled with confidence.
The battle began with a thunderous roar from the Steel Mammoth leader, his massive form charging directly at Jiang Yun. The arena shook with each of his steps. His teammates followed — the Rock Bear and Stone Fang Gorilla taking the front, with the Swift Wolf darting to the sides. The Twin Hammer Warlord and Iron Serpent lurked behind, while the Mystic Bull raised a shimmering aura that enhanced his team's defense.
Jiang Yun's body shimmered with a faint red glow. "Henshin!"
His form shifted, and in an instant, he stood clad in his Mighty Form — the crimson red armor of Kuuga. His eyes glowed with a fierce golden light.
The Steel Mammoth's tusks swung down like a hammer, but Jiang Yun sidestepped, his movements fluid. "Mighty Kick!" He leaped into the air, his leg blazing with crimson energy, and struck the mammoth's thick hide. A shockwave burst out, pushing the massive beast back.
"Crimson Lock!" Jiang Yun's gaze locked onto the Steel Mammoth, his movements growing sluggish.
"Now!" Zhu Zhuqing's form blurred as she shot forward, her Shadow Hunt carving deep gashes into the Swift Wolf's side.
"Earth Dragon Domain!" Dugu Yan's jade scales shimmered as earthen spikes erupted around her, trapping the Twin Hammer Warlord and the Rock Bear.
Feng Ming swept over the battlefield, his Gale Falcon claws slicing at the Iron Serpent, who struggled to maintain his grip.
"Flame Claw!" Hua Yue's claws blazed with red flames, each strike leaving searing burns on the Stone Fang Gorilla.
Bai Ling's radiant lotus glowed, petals of light surrounding her teammates, enhancing their strength and resilience.
Qiao Xuan's Earthbind Serpent coiled around the Rock Bear, constricting it with crushing force.
Jiang Yun's staff appeared in his hands as he shifted into his Dragon Form, the azure blue armor radiating a brilliant light. With a sweeping strike, he shattered the Steel Mammoth's defensive aura.
The Mystic Bull desperately tried to heal his teammates, but he was overwhelmed by intense power coursing through the arena.
"Final Strike." Jiang Yun's staff glowed, slamming into the Steel Mammoth's chest, sending him crashing down, unconscious.
One by one, the Ironclad Beasts fell. Their overwhelming defense and brute strength were no match for the Azure Dragon Squad's perfect teamwork, speed, and raw power.
The arena erupted in cheers, the crowd mesmerized by the Azure Dragon Squad's flawless coordination and overwhelming might.
Jiang Yun turned to his team, a proud smile on his face. "Excellent work, everyone."
Back at the inn that night, they gathered around the dining table, laughter and excitement filling the air. Zhu Zhuqing leaned against Jiang Yun, her soft whisper in his ear, "You were incredible, as always."
"You were just as amazing," Jiang Yun replied, his hand gently covering her. "All of you were."
Dugu Yan leaned back, her gaze lingering on Jiang Yun. "You always take the lead so easily… I want to grow strong enough to stand by your side."
"You will, all of you," Jiang Yun assured her. "This is just the beginning. Our journey is far from over."