All of Thunderclap Academy's team members possessed thunder-attributed Martial Souls. Lin Jie had originally planned to take the field himself for this match. However, with their most formidable opponent—Godwind Academy—still ahead, he chose to step aside and give his teammates the opportunity instead. He firmly believed that, even without his participation, Shrek Academy had more than enough strength to defeat Thunderclap Academy.
At that moment, Yu Xiaogang turned to Lin Jie and asked, "Lin Jie, your Martial Soul is lightning-based. You must have unique insights when it comes to thunder-attribute Spirit Masters, right?"
Lin Jie replied, "Somewhat. But it's important to understand the distinction—Thunderclap Academy's Martial Souls merely possess thunder attributes, whereas mine is pure lightning. The fundamentals are quite different, so there's not much direct comparison. As for thunder-attribute Spirit Masters, you all know they boast terrifying attack power and explosive strength. Their speed is also extremely high. However, since their Martial Souls only possess the attribute and aren't entirely elemental, their development path varies. If they're power-attack type, their offense and burst strength are overwhelming. If they're agility-attack, their speed is frightening. Even control-type Spirit Masters among them shouldn't be underestimated. When facing them in battle, it really depends on each individual's focus."
The team listened carefully. After all, Lin Jie's own Martial Soul—lightning—was regarded as a pinnacle elemental force. Whether in attack, burst, or extreme speed, he embodied them all.
Lin Jie continued, "That said, I have confidence in all of you. With your current strength, Thunderclap Academy shouldn't be a problem."
Dai Mubai echoed with a loud voice, "That's right! Even if Lin Jie doesn't fight, we can still beat Thunderclap Academy."
"Then let's go all out."
"Yeah!" the others responded with confidence.
Seeing the team in high spirits, Yu Xiaogang announced the lineup. "Here's the match order: Tai Long, followed by Jing Ling, Huang Yuan, Tang San, Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ma Hongjun. Any objections?"
Lin Jie spoke up, "Teacher Yu, I think Fatty should go fourth instead."
Yu Xiaogang frowned slightly. "And why do you say that?"
Lin Jie didn't elaborate. "Forget it. Just go with your plan." He believed that with Zhu Zhuqing in the later lineup, there was no way they would lose.
Since Lin Jie gave no clear explanation, and Yu Xiaogang had full confidence in his own arrangement, the match preparation proceeded.
The match began quickly. Lin Jie sat calmly on the viewing platform, watching the opening bouts. He still had faith in Zhu Zhuqing and the others.
There was no question that Thunderclap Academy was strong. They had four Spirit Ancestors—comparable to Godwind Academy. Though Blazing Academy also had four Spirit Ancestors, theirs had only recently broken through, and their foundation wasn't as solid.
Thunderclap Academy took this match very seriously. They knew Shrek Academy had more Spirit Ancestors than they did. To analyze Shrek's lineup, they were willing to sacrifice early morale by placing their three Spirit Elders in the first positions, saving their four Spirit Ancestors for the end.
As both teams stepped onto the field, the referee announced the official start of the match.
First Match: Tai Long vs Thunderclap Academy Spirit Elder
Unexpectedly, Tai Long managed to secure a win using his immense durability and defense. As a pure strength-type Spirit Master, Tai Long lacked offensive Spirit Abilities but had absurdly high physical defense. Relying on his tank-like endurance, he held out through round after round of thunder attacks, exhausting his opponent's Spirit Power before delivering a counter to win.
Second Match: Tai Long vs Second Thunderclap Spirit Elder
But the enemy wasn't foolish. After seeing Tai Long's strategy, they immediately adjusted. The next Spirit Elder unleashed his strongest thunder attack at the very start. Tai Long, having spent most of his Spirit Power defending earlier, was overwhelmed by the powerful lightning and lost.
Yu Xiaogang had believed Tai Long could grind through another Spirit Elder with proper guidance. Unfortunately, Tai Long fell in the second round.
Lin Jie chuckled silently. Yu Xiaogang, do you really think you're the only smart one?
Third Match: Jing Ling vs Second Thunderclap Spirit Elder
Jing Ling was up next. While his Martial Soul wasn't outstanding, his speed was solid. Yu Xiaogang instructed him to dodge and wear down his opponent's Spirit Power.
But once again, Yu Xiaogang underestimated thunder-attribute Spirit Masters.
Jing Ling's opponent was also an agility-type Spirit Master, and his lightning-attribute Martial Soul made him even faster. Moreover, he was higher ranked and possessed stronger abilities. Jing Ling was swiftly defeated.
Returning to the viewing area with his head hung low, Jing Ling felt disappointed. He had followed Yu Xiaogang's strategy but still lost.
Lin Jie patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it. We've got your back."
Jing Ling nodded, though he glanced at Yu Xiaogang as if to ask: Why did I lose, even though I did what you said?
Yu Xiaogang coughed awkwardly. He had assumed Jing Ling's speed and reflexes would let him stall the opponent, but he hadn't expected such a wide gap. Still, he wouldn't admit his arrangement was flawed—only that Jing Ling needed to improve.
At this point, Shrek had lost two members, Thunderclap only one.
Fourth Match: Huang Yuan vs Third Thunderclap Spirit Elder
Huang Yuan, a power-attack Spirit Master with the Lone Wolf Martial Soul, stepped onto the stage. His opponent had already fought two matches and was worn down. Huang Yuan secured a win, but was then defeated in the next round.
So far, both teams had lost three members each.
Yu Xiaogang wiped his brow in relief. When Tang San stepped up next, he gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
Fifth Match: Tang San vs Third Thunderclap Spirit Ancestor
Tang San entered the ring with a calm expression. He had carefully observed the prior matches. Jing Ling and Huang Yuan had lost not due to incompetence, but because Yu Xiaogang had underestimated the enemy. Thunderclap's team was not weak. In fact, they were just as talented as Shrek, otherwise they wouldn't have made it this far.
Tang San was never careless with any opponent—especially not a Spirit Ancestor.
Although the opponent had used some Spirit Power earlier, he still seemed strong. When Tang San's Blue Silver Grass attempted to bind him, the opponent's lightning scorched it on contact.
Realizing how dangerous the lightning attribute was, Tang San activated Purple Demon Eye to precisely observe his enemy's flaws. He then executed Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to maneuver into a vulnerable angle.
He launched his third Spirit Ability—Spider Web Restraint—toward the target. However, before it could land, the opponent unleashed his fourth Spirit Ability: a devastating blast of destructive lightning.
The immense power of the thousand-year Spirit Ability shattered Tang San's Web of Binding on contact.
Frowning slightly, Tang San realized Thunderclap's strength was no joke. But that ability had to cost a significant amount of Spirit Power.
From then on, Tang San began evasive maneuvers using Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, while using Blue Silver Grass to harass the opponent. Eventually, the opponent ran out of Spirit Power and was bound by Tang San's vines—forced to concede defeat.
Sixth Match: Tang San vs Lei Tian (42nd Rank Spirit Ancestor, Martial Soul: Thunderhawk)
By now, both teams had figured out the other's likely lineup. Thunderclap had paid attention to Shrek for a long time.
Tang San, at 38th rank, had just beaten a 41st rank Spirit Ancestor. But he had spent a lot of Spirit Power. Now he was facing Lei Tian, a 42nd rank power-attack Spirit Master with a flying Martial Soul.
If Tang San were allowed to use hidden weapons and poison, he'd win easily. But in an official tournament, only Spirit Abilities and one's own skill were permitted.
Even so, he still had the secret techniques of the Tang Sect.
Lei Tian eyed Tang San seriously. He knew that despite being a Spirit Elder, Tang San was a formidable opponent.
With Thunderclap having lost four members and Shrek only three, if Lei Tian lost now, it would be hard for his team to recover. Before the match, Thunderclap's coach had instructed him to end it quickly.
Once the match began, Lei Tian released his Martial Soul. A high-pitched eagle cry pierced the air as purple lightning spread from his back. His third Spirit Ring lit up as he soared skyward.
A flying-type Spirit Master held an innate advantage—especially against opponents without ranged abilities.
And Tang San had no ranged attacks. His Blue Silver Grass could only bind and was ground-based. His footwork was quick, but he couldn't fly.
Seeing his opponent take flight, Tang San's expression turned grim.
From the stands, Yu Xiaogang's heart sank. He had just realized—his match order was completely flawed.