This Is My Disciple, Yu Xiaogang!
At the same time, in the Heaven Dou Battle Team's lounge.
"Honored leader, your team's registration for the group battle has been matched," the supervisor said politely to Qin Ming. "However, the opposing leader has one request,that your vice-captain must take the field. The reason is that their team also has a control-type spirit master with the Blue Silver Grass spirit. He's the same rank, level 32, and about the same age as your vice-captain."
He continued, "That member has been competing at the Great Spirit Arena for only a month and is already just one victory away from advancing to the Gold Spirit Badge. His team even defeated the Berserk Battle Team, whom your team previously faced, and the deciding factor was this very Blue Silver Grass spirit master."
Classic provocation and goading!
Qin Ming showed no reaction, though inwardly he was intrigued. Same age as Yang Yunhai, same spirit, same rank, and already nearly a Gold Spirit Badge in a single month, even helping to beat the Berserk Team… this young spirit master was clearly extraordinary. He turned to Yang Yunhai.
"Xiaohai, what do you think?"
So it really came to this, Yang Yunhai thought, sighing inwardly before nodding slightly. "A friendly match to test ourselves wouldn't hurt."
The supervisor beamed and handed over some documents. "Honored leader, that team is called the Shrek Battle Team. Here is their information. The match will begin in an hour. Staff will come to guide you to the central Spirit Arena then."
"Also, both sides will field seven members. That has always been Shrek's standard lineup."
Shrek Academy… Qin Ming's eyes lit up, burning with anticipation.
Bringing his team to Soto City wasn't just about training,he had also wanted to see his old teachers again.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes flickered as she quietly glanced at Yang Yunhai.
"Good," Qin Ming nodded and accepted the papers.
The supervisor clasped his hands politely. "Then I'll take my leave," he said, and left briskly.
The moment the door closed, Yufeng leaned forward curiously.
"Same age as Xiaohai, same spirit, same level, and already almost at a Gold Spirit Badge in just a month? Sounds pretty amazing."
"Hmph. Still not as good as Xiaohai," Dugu Yan said with a slight nod.
"Of course! We've all seen Xiaohai's strength for ourselves," Yufeng said, quickly piling on the flattery.
Yang Yunhai shook his head. "Don't underestimate him. To achieve this at his age means he has talent worth noting. Fighting him might even benefit me. And since they managed to defeat the Berserk Team, their strength can't be weak."
"Maybe they'll also join the Spirit Master Tournament. Meeting them early could be good preparation."
"Xiaohai is right. We can't underestimate any opponent." Qin Ming smiled and opened the documents.
After a quick glance, he placed them on the table. "Everyone, take a look."
The team crowded around.
Shrek Six Monsters Battle Team
- Captain: Evil-Eyed White Tiger, White Tiger spirit, level 38 assault-type, rings: two yellow, one purple
- Vice-Captain: Thousand-Hand Shura, Blue Silver Grass spirit, level 32 control-type, rings: two yellow, one purple
- Member: Soft Bone Charming Rabbit, Rabbit spirit, level 31 assault-type, rings: two yellow, one purple
- Member: Sausage Specialist, Sausage spirit, level 31 support-type, rings: two yellow, one purple
- Member: Evil Fire Phoenix, Evil Fire Phoenix spirit, level 28 assault-type, rings: two yellow
- Member: Seven Treasures Glazed, Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda spirit, level 27 support-type, rings: two yellow
- Reserve: Iron Dragon, Forging Hammer spirit, level 29 assault-type, rings: two yellow
- Reserve: Iron Tiger, Forging Hammer spirit, level 28 assault-type, rings: two yellow
"No wonder they could beat the Berserk Team. With a Seven Treasures Glazed Clan support and even a food-type spirit master, dual boosts push their whole team's strength up," Dugu Yan said with a nod.
Then she scoffed. "But only one of them is above level 35. The rest are barely spirit elders, some not even that. They don't even have an agility-type spirit master. Where does their leader get the confidence to face us?"
"Could it be they're relying entirely on that Blue Silver Grass control spirit master?"
"Exactly. It's like they're not even taking Xiaohai seriously," Yufeng agreed.
"Yan!" Qin Ming's expression turned cold. He snorted, his voice sharp. "Yufeng being careless is one thing, but you, a former vice-captain, should know better. If you look down on your opponents with that kind of mindset, how can you ever grow?"
That's why I never mentioned I knew Shrek Academy, Yang Yunhai thought.
Qin Ming's words weren't wrong, but his reaction was unusually intense,unlike his usual steady self.
Clearly, this wasn't just about Shrek Battle Team. This was about Shrek Academy,his alma mater.
So Qin Ming valued them even more than I thought.
Dugu Yan stuck out her tongue, wisely keeping quiet.
"Mentor Qin Ming," Zhu Zhuqing suddenly spoke, "I request to participate in this battle."
Everyone turned to her, including Yang Yunhai.
"Yunhai, there are things I must face. I need closure," Zhu Zhuqing said firmly, her eyes resolute.
Yang Yunhai nodded and looked at Qin Ming. "Mentor, let Zhuqing take the field."
He continued, "My suggestion is an offensive formation: myself, the captain, Sister Yan, Lingling, Zhuqing, Aoslo, and Yufeng. The opponent has no agility-type spirit master, so with Sister Yan and me, Lingling will be safe. Zhuqing's agility abilities will shine,she can eliminate their support masters when the chance comes."
"Yufeng should restrain the Evil Fire Phoenix spirit master. If he can fly, just don't let him use it."
"Fire counters Sister Yan's poison,be careful."
"The captain can handle the White Tiger spirit master. Aoslo can handle the Rabbit spirit master."
"The rest, Sister Yan and I will take care of."
"I agree!" Dugu Yan quickly spoke up, trying to restore her image.
She added her own analysis, explaining why Shrek would likely send both support spirit masters and how Zhuqing could cut them down quickly.
Her words impressed the others, earning nods and bright eyes all around.
"Then it's settled." Qin Ming nodded. "One more thing: no matter the outcome, you may not cripple or kill any opponent. Yan, especially you,if your poison takes effect, you must detoxify them immediately after. No delays."
Meanwhile, in the Shrek lounge.
Yu Xiaogang had just finished relaying the supervisor's words.
Same age, same spirit, same rank… Tang San's eyes burned with battle intent.
Flender, however, looked worried. "Xiaogang, you shouldn't have agreed so easily. That was clear provocation. Reaching Gold Spirit Badge in just three months at level 32 is no simple feat. I bet the stakes for this match are enormous. Even if we fight, we should at least gain something from it."
"When did you become so greedy?" Yu Xiaogang shot him an annoyed glance.
"You think I want to? A penny can bring down a hero. You know the academy's situation," Flender said bitterly.
Yu Xiaogang ignored him and instead calmly mentioned prize distribution.
Then he tapped the table, spreading out the opponent's information. "We'll discuss that later. For now, study our opponents. Make no mistake, this will be a very difficult battle."
"This is a seven-person battle. Treat it as a rehearsal for the Spirit Master Tournament."
The Heaven Dou Battle Team,clearly from the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Shrek's future rivals.
The Shrek team crowded forward, gasping as they read.
Heaven Dou Battle Team
- Captain: Yu Tianheng, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon spirit, level 39 assault-type, rings: two yellow, one purple
- Vice-Captain: Blue Silver Controller, Blue Silver Grass spirit, level 32 control-type, rings: two yellow, one purple
- Member: Dugu Yan, Jade Phosphor Snake spirit, level 39 control-type, rings: two yellow, one purple
- Member: Shi Mo, Xuanwu Turtle spirit, level 38 defense-type, rings: two yellow, one purple
- Member: Shi Mo, Xuanwu Turtle spirit, level 37 defense-type, rings: two yellow, one purple
- Member: Yufeng, Wind Bell Bird spirit, level 36 agility-type, rings: two yellow, one purple
- Member: Aoslo, Ghost Leopard spirit, level 36 agility-type, rings: two yellow, one purple
- Member: Ye Lingling, Nine-Heart Begonia spirit, level 35 support-type, rings: two yellow, one purple
- Member: Nether Civet, Nether Civet spirit, level 29 agility-type, rings: two yellow
"???" Dai Mubai froze at the last name, his brows furrowing. Zhu family? If he could bring her over for a spirit fusion technique…
"Xiaogang, are you sure we can win?" Flender asked, wide-eyed.
Yu Xiaogang glanced at him calmly.
"Pressure breeds strength. Retreat before difficulty, and you'll never become true strong ones. Flender, where's the edge you once had?"
Flender flushed red. "I'm just worried for the kids' safety."
"Don't worry. I already guessed this team's background. If I'm right, the children won't be in danger. In fact, this is a rare chance for tempering." Yu Xiaogang spoke with quiet confidence.
Then he looked at Tang San. "Xiao San, you may not use hidden weapons. But if necessary, you can use the Eight Spider Lances. And no one is to surrender before the very end."
He began analyzing each opponent.
Tang San asked, "Teacher, how does the Jade Phosphor Snake master control the battlefield? Snakes aren't usually control types."
"Poison," Yu Xiaogang replied simply.
Tang San's eyes narrowed, then relaxed. "If that's the case, we just need to watch the unknown Blue Silver Grass spirit master. As for the snake, if she comes, I have a way to deal with her."
"Oscar's sausage is only his second ability. It won't detoxify snake venom," Yu Xiaogang said.
Tang San smiled. Poison was his specialty. Who in this world knew more than him? "Teacher, don't forget Fatty can breathe fire. Combined with Realgar wine,the bane of snakes,it might work."
"?" Ning Rongrong blinked. Fire burns, wine fuels, sure. But snakes afraid of realgar? It's only the smell they dislike. And it doesn't cure venom…
But Yu Xiaogang's eyes lit up. "A fine idea."
Better not to spoil the mood, Ning Rongrong thought, choosing silence. Instead she said, "Master, may I suggest something?"
"Go ahead," Yu Xiaogang said.
"In battle, our priority should be their support spirit master."
"Oh? Why?" Yu Xiaogang asked, surprised. He had never heard of the Nine-Heart Begonia.
Ning Rongrong explained.
After listening, Yu Xiaogang stiffened, then grew solemn.
"This is nearly a perfect lineup."
"We can win," Tang San said firmly.
His words lit a fire in his teammates. Hands stacked together, their eyes burned with determination.
"Teacher, let me lead the strategy for this battle. May I?" Tang San asked eagerly.
"Good!" Yu Xiaogang smiled, full of satisfaction at his disciple's leadership and unyielding resolve.
This,this is the disciple I, Yu Xiaogang, have trained!