At the same time, on the other side, in the Heaven Dou Battle Team's resting room.
"Honored leader, the team battle you registered for has been matched successfully." The supervisor politely addressed Qin Ming: "However, the opposing leader made one request, that your vice-captain must take the stage. The reason is that their team also has a control-type soul master, with the same martial soul—Blue Silver Grass. His soul power is also rank 32, and his age is close to your vice-captain's."
"Additionally, that member has only been fighting in the Great Spirit Arena for a month, and is now just one victory away from earning a Gold Spirit Fighting Badge. His team even defeated the Berserk Team that your team had previously fought against. And the key to their victory was this Blue Silver Grass soul master."
A typical provocation and challenge!
Qin Ming remained calm, though inwardly, he was intrigued. Same age as Yang Yunhai, same martial soul, same rank 32 soul power, and after only one month nearly at Gold Spirit Fighting Badge, even helping his team defeat the Berserk Team. That alone proved this soul master's talent. He couldn't help turning his gaze toward Yang Yunhai.
"Xiao Hai, what do you think?"
'Didn't expect to really run into this,' Yang Yunhai thought to himself. He nodded slightly. "Sparring to test each other isn't a bad idea."
The supervisor's face lit up, smiling as he handed over some documents. "Honored leader, that team is called the Shrek Team. This is their information. Please take a look. The match will begin in an hour. At that time, staff will guide you to the central Spirit Fighting Stage."
"Also, this will be a seven-versus-seven team battle, which has always been the Shrek Team's lineup."
"Shrek Academy…" Qin Ming's expression brightened slightly, his eyes holding a faint heat.
One of the reasons he had brought the team to Suotuo City—besides training—was to see his old teachers.
"Shrek Team…" Zhu Zhuqing's gaze flickered, and she turned to glance at Yang Yunhai.
"Good." Qin Ming nodded slightly, taking the documents.
"In that case, I'll excuse myself." The supervisor cupped his hands politely and turned to leave.
As soon as the door closed, Yu Feng leaned forward curiously.
"A Blue Silver Grass martial soul, same soul rank, same age as Xiao Hai, and almost got a Gold Spirit Fighting Badge in just a month? Sounds pretty strong."
"Hmph, definitely not as strong as Xiao Hai." Dugu Yan nodded.
"Of course. We've all seen Xiao Hai's strength with our own eyes." Yu Feng immediately chimed in with flattery.
Yang Yunhai shook his head. "Never underestimate others. For someone to achieve this at his age, he must have his strengths. Facing him might actually help me as well. Besides, their team defeated the Berserk Team, which shows they aren't weak."
"Who knows, they might also be competing in the Continental Spirit Master Tournament later. Meeting them now could be good preparation for us."
"Xiao Hai is right. We must not underestimate any opponent." Qin Ming smiled as he opened the documents.
After a quick glance, he laid the papers on the table. "Everyone, take a look."
The team members crowded forward.
Team Name: Shrek Six Devils
Captain: Evil-Eyed White Tiger, martial soul White Tiger, rank 38 assault-type battle soul master, spirit rings: two yellow, one purple.
Vice-Captain: Thousand Hands Shura, martial soul Blue Silver Grass, rank 32 control-type battle soul master, spirit rings: two yellow, one purple.
Member: Soft Bone Demon Rabbit, martial soul Rabbit, rank 31 assault-type battle soul master, spirit rings: two yellow, one purple.
Member: Sausage Monopoly, martial soul Sausage, rank 31 auxiliary-type tool soul master, spirit rings: two yellow, one purple.
Member: Evil Fire Phoenix, martial soul Evil Fire Phoenix, rank 28 assault-type battle soul master, spirit rings: two yellow.
Member: Seven Treasures Glazed, martial soul Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, rank 27 auxiliary-type tool soul master, spirit rings: two yellow.
Reserve Member: Tie Long, martial soul Forging Hammer, rank 29 assault-type tool soul master, spirit rings: two yellow.
Reserve Member: Tie Hu, martial soul Forging Hammer, rank 28 assault-type tool soul master, spirit rings: two yellow.
"No wonder they beat the Berserk Team. With both a Seven Treasures Glazed Sect auxiliary soul master and a food-type auxiliary soul master, double support can really boost a team's overall strength." Dugu Yan nodded slightly.
Then she curled her lip. "But only one of their main fighters has soul power above rank 35. The rest are either just new Soul Elders or not even Soul Elders yet. They don't even have a speed-type soul master. I really don't know what gave their leader the confidence to challenge us."
"Do they think that one Blue Silver Grass control-type soul master can carry the whole team?"
"Exactly, it's like they don't even take Xiao Hai seriously." Yu Feng jumped in.
"Yan Zi!" Qin Ming's expression darkened, his voice stern. "It's one thing for Yu Feng to be careless, but you're the team's former vice-captain. To underestimate opponents like this—how do you expect to improve with such a mindset?"
'This is exactly why I didn't mention I knew Shrek Academy,' Yang Yunhai thought.
Qin Ming's words weren't wrong, but his unusually sharp reaction was a clear giveaway. This wasn't his usual steady temperament.
No doubt—it was because this was the Shrek Team, backed by Shrek Academy, his alma mater.
So, Qin Ming valued Shrek far more than I imagined. No wonder in the original he chose to follow them.
Dugu Yan stuck out her tongue and fell silent.
"Teacher Qin Ming," Zhu Zhuqing suddenly spoke up. "For this match, I request to participate."
Everyone turned to look at her—including Yang Yunhai.
"Yunhai, there are things I need to face myself, to settle once and for all." Zhu Zhuqing lifted her head, her eyes filled with determination.
Yang Yunhai nodded and looked to Qin Ming. "Teacher Qin Ming, let Zhu Zhuqing participate. My suggestion is to go with an offensive formation—me, the captain, Sister Yan, Lingling, Zhu Zhuqing, Oslo, and Yu Feng. Their team doesn't have a speed-type soul master. With me and Sister Yan present, Lingling should be safe. Zhu Zhuqing can use her agility to target their auxiliary soul masters."
"As for Yu Feng, he can keep that Evil Fire Phoenix soul master in check—especially if he can fly. Just don't let him show his strength."
"Fire restrains Sister Yan's poison. That's something to watch for."
"The captain can handle their White Tiger soul master. Oslo can focus on that Rabbit martial soul assault-type. The rest will be handled by me and Sister Yan."
"I agree!" Dugu Yan eagerly tried to redeem her image, nodding quickly. "If they want to win, they'll definitely bring their Seven Treasures Glazed Sect soul master. But she's just a Soul Master with only two skills—she won't be able to provide much amplification. Besides, her soul power reserves are low. She can't sustain boosting too many teammates. Their leader can't be unaware of this."
"So if they add another assault-type who doesn't benefit from buffs, what's the point?"
"Given that the supervisor already mentioned Xiao Hai earning a Purple Gold Badge, they'll surely expect his control strength. In that case, those two Forging Hammer soul masters—close-range and without buffs—what chance do they have against Xiao Hai?"
"That's why I think they'll definitely send the food-type support soul master instead. We don't know his skills yet, but every food-type soul master's abilities are team buffs. Better to field him than a useless fighter."
"After all, it's quality, not quantity. Their leader must understand this. It's their only chance."
"So I suspect the Shrek Team will field both of their auxiliary-type soul masters at once."
"And with two non-combat supports, Zhu Zhuqing will easily have an opening to strike them down. Maybe they think we'll go with a full Soul Elder lineup for safety, but by flipping the script, we might catch them off guard. With Lingling on our side, we don't even have to fear mistakes."
'Not bad. Guess being poisoned with soul bone detox lessons does sharpen the mind. When the boyfriend's unreliable, you boost your own IQ,' Yang Yunhai thought.
"Yan Zi's reasoning is sound." Yu Tianheng nodded with a smile.
The other teammates' eyes lit up, nodding in agreement—even the Shi Mo brothers who weren't playing.
Dugu Yan straightened her back proudly, her curves more prominent than ever.
"Then it's settled," Qin Ming nodded. "One more thing: no matter what, no killing or crippling the enemy. Understood? Yan Zi, especially you. If your poison takes effect, you must detoxify them immediately after the match. Not a second's delay."
"…"
Meanwhile, in the Shrek resting room, Yu Xiaogang had just finished relaying the supervisor's words to his team.
'Same age, same martial soul, same rank, Purple Gold Badge…' Tang San's eyes burned with fighting spirit.
Flender, however, looked troubled. "Xiaogang, you shouldn't have agreed so quickly. At least not this easily. That was obvious provocation. To get a Purple Gold Badge at rank 32 in three months is no small feat. I don't need to think twice—the stakes on this match will be enormous. If we're going to fight, we should've bargained for more."
"When did you become so mercenary?" Yu Xiaogang shot him an annoyed glance.
"You think I want to?" Flender sighed bitterly. "But you know how dire our finances are."
Yu Xiaogang ignored him, briefly explaining the prize distribution. Then he tapped the table and spread out the opponent's information. "Enough. Let's study today's opponents. Don't doubt it—this will be a very difficult battle."
"This is also a seven-versus-seven. Think of it as a warm-up for the tournament."
The name of the opponent left no doubt: the Heaven Dou Royal Academy Battle Team.
Everyone leaned in—and collectively gasped.
Team Name: Emperor Team
Captain: Yu Tianheng, martial soul Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, rank 39 assault-type battle soul master, spirit rings: two yellow, one purple.
Vice-Captain: Blue Silver Controller, martial soul Blue Silver Grass, rank 32 control-type battle soul master, spirit rings: two yellow, one purple.
Member: Dugu Yan, martial soul Jade Phosphorus Serpent, rank 39 control-type battle soul master, spirit rings: two yellow, one purple.
Member: Shi Mo, martial soul Xuanwu Turtle, rank 38 defense-type battle soul master, spirit rings: two yellow, one purple.
Member: Shi Mo, martial soul Xuanwu Turtle, rank 37 defense-type battle soul master, spirit rings: two yellow, one purple.
Member: Yu Feng, martial soul Wind Chime Bird, rank 36 agility-type battle soul master, spirit rings: two yellow, one purple.
Member: Oslo, martial soul Ghost Leopard, rank 36 agility-type battle soul master, spirit rings: two yellow, one purple.
Member: Ye Lingling, martial soul Nine Heart Begonia, rank 35 auxiliary-type tool soul master, spirit rings: two yellow, one purple.
Member: Hell Spirit Cat, martial soul Hell Spirit Cat, rank 29 agility-type battle soul master, spirit rings: two yellow.
"???" Seeing the last entry, Dai Mubai froze, then frowned thoughtfully.
'Which Zhu family member could that be? If we can bring her in for a Martial Soul Fusion Skill…'
"Xiaogang, are you sure we can win?" Flender stared wide-eyed at Yu Xiaogang.
Yu Xiaogang only glanced at him calmly. "Pressure creates motivation. If we shrink back from difficulty, we'll never be true powerhouses. Flender, where's that spirit of your youth?"
Flender flushed, muttering, "I'm only worried about the kids' safety."
"Don't worry. I've already guessed this team's background. If I'm right, the children won't be in danger. In fact, this is an invaluable chance to sharpen them." Yu Xiaogang's tone was calm, but his eyes were confident.
He turned to Tang San. "Xiao San, same as always—no hidden weapons. But in this match, if necessary, you're allowed to use the Eight Spider Lances. And until the last moment, you're not to admit defeat."
He began introducing each Emperor Team member.
Partway through, Tang San asked, "Teacher, how exactly does that Jade Phosphorus Serpent soul master control? Snakes don't seem suited for control."
"Poison," Yu Xiaogang answered bluntly.
'Controlling with poison…' Tang San's pupils shrank, then relaxed. "If that's the case, then our focus should just be on the Blue Silver Grass soul master. As for the Jade Phosphorus Serpent, if she's on stage, I think I can handle it."
"Can Oscar's sausages detoxify the Jade Phosphorus poison?" Yu Xiaogang frowned.
Tang San smiled. "Teacher, did you forget Fatty can breathe fire? If he uses it with realgar wine, which snakes fear, it could work wonders."
"?" Ning Rongrong blinked. Fire burns poison, wine fuels flames, that made sense. But snakes afraid of realgar? At most, they avoided the smell—it wasn't fear, and it couldn't detoxify.
But Yu Xiaogang's eyes brightened. "That's a good idea."
'Best not to spoil the mood,' Ning Rongrong thought, holding her tongue. Instead, she said, "Teacher, may I suggest something?"
"Go on," Yu Xiaogang nodded.
"In battle, we should prioritize targeting their auxiliary soul masters first," Ning Rongrong said.
"Oh? Why?" Yu Xiaogang was surprised. He had never heard of the Nine Heart Begonia.
Ning Rongrong explained.
After listening, Yu Xiaogang stiffened, silent for a long moment before saying gravely: "That's nearly a perfect combination."
"We can win." Tang San's voice was firm.
After an inspiring pep talk, the team's eyes shone with resolve. They stacked their hands together, brimming with fighting spirit.
"Teacher, let me take charge of this fight. Will you allow it?" Tang San asked, his eyes blazing.
"Good!" Yu Xiaogang smiled, deeply gratified.
This—this was the disciple of Yu Xiaogang!
(End of Chapter)
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