Bang bang bang—
"Principal Flender, open the door quickly, we have guests at the academy!"
Knocking on the door of what was called the Principal's office but was actually just a two-story wooden house, Chu Chengzhou shouted loudly.
They say teachers are diligent, but the teachers at Shrek Academy definitely don't fall into this category.
Leaving others aside for now, take Principal Flender. On days when he didn't have classes, Flender would always sleep in and even skip breakfast.
And today, being another day without classes, Flender was likely still in bed!
But thinking about it, with so few students in the academy, Principal Flender was quite laid back. Besides necessary meditation and cultivation, he had plenty of free time each day. With no entertainment activities, all that was left was sleeping in.
Three seconds later, an annoyed voice came from upstairs: "What's with all the yelling, you brat?!"
Imperial Battle Team: "..."
"Principal Flender, today we have guests, please pay attention to our academy's image."
Glancing at the seven members of the Imperial Battle Team with strange expressions, Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but remind him.
Although Shrek Academy might not have much of an image to speak of, it would be best to maintain it if possible.
"Guests?"
The recently awakened Flender upstairs paused, then quickly got out of bed and opened the window to check.
"Principal Flender, long time no see!"
Seeing the familiar shoe-horn face peeking out from the second-floor window, Qin Ming waved and greeted.
"Qin Ming? Wait!"
Qin Ming was the most outstanding graduate of Shrek Academy, so Flender naturally recognized him immediately. He said a word and hurriedly dressed to come downstairs.
In the office, Flender invited Qin Ming to sit down.
As for the Imperial Battle Team and Chu Chengzhou's four people? They stood by!
This wasn't because Flender lacked manners, but due to limited conditions at the academy; there weren't enough chairs in his principal's office for everyone to sit.
"Qin Ming, it's been many years since you last returned to the academy. What brings you here today?"
Glancing at the seven members of the Imperial Battle Team beside him, Flender adjusted his glasses and asked curiously.
"Principal Flender, I am currently employed at Tian Dou Imperial Academy. Thanks to the favor of the three education committee members, I became the leader of the Imperial Battle Team.
The Imperial Battle Team is preparing to participate in the Soul Master Tournament, and I'm leading them around to gain experience, challenging various Great Spirit Arenas across different cities. Coincidentally, we are in Suotuo City, so I came back to visit the teachers."
Pointing to the seven standing members of the Imperial Battle Team, Qin Ming smiled as he spoke.
Coming to Suotuo City wasn't exactly coincidental. Qin Ming thought that since they were gaining experience anyway, and Suotuo City wasn't considered a small city on the continent, the Suotuo Great Spirit Arena was suitable for the Imperial Battle Team to train. Thus, he deliberately brought the team here, combining training with visiting their alma mater.
"Soul Master Tournament?"
Upon hearing this, a glint of envy flashed in Flender's eyes as he looked at Chu Chengzhou and the other four.
Flender believed that with Xiao Wu and Chu Chengzhou's strength, even if the rest of the team were dead weight, they could undoubtedly achieve good results in the Soul Master Tournament.
And once they achieved good results in the Soul Master Tournament, it would surely boost Shrek Academy's reputation, naturally resolving the issue of teaching funds.
Unfortunately, Shrek Academy wasn't a formal advanced soul master academy and didn't qualify to participate in the Soul Master Tournament.
Though the students had the ability, without the opportunity, it was useless.
However, the envy in his eyes disappeared instantly. Flender composed himself and started chatting idly with Qin Ming.
A few minutes later, feeling somewhat bored, Dugu Yan poked Yu Tianheng and whispered something in his ear.
"Excuse me! Principal Flender, my name is Yu Tianheng, captain of the Imperial Battle Team. Earlier, this Junior Chu mentioned that Shrek Academy has seven students. It happens that our Imperial Battle Team also has seven members. Would it be possible to have a friendly match?"
Glancing at Chu Chengzhou and the others, Yu Tianheng stepped forward and asked Flender.
"Tianheng!"
Immediately, Qin Ming glared at Yu Tianheng in dissatisfaction.
You young man, doing this is making me lose face!
"Oh?"
Hearing this, Flender didn't show any dissatisfaction but merely raised an eyebrow.
"Chu kid, what do you think?"
Flender turned to look at Chu Chengzhou.
"Spirit Duel? No problem!"
Without hesitation, Chu Chengzhou directly agreed.
Although they hadn't undergone specialized team battle training, and there were significant internal conflicts, resulting in no real teamwork, Chu Chengzhou was confident that defeating the Imperial Battle Team wouldn't be an issue.
Not to mention, either he or Xiao Wu alone could take on the entire Imperial Battle Team.
"Alright, then have your spirit duel on the playground, let me see the level of the strongest academy in the empire!"
Adjusting his glasses, Flender's lips curled into a smile, subtly flattering the Tian Dou Imperial Academy at the end of his statement.
This wasn't Flender brown-nosing but rather having full confidence in Chu Chengzhou and Xiao Wu's abilities.
First, praise the Tian Dou Imperial Academy as the strongest academy in the Tian Dou Empire. If Chu Chengzhou and the others subsequently defeat the Imperial Battle Team, wouldn't their own Shrek Academy appear stronger than the Tian Dou Imperial Academy?
Although Shrek Academy was very broken and couldn't compare to any advanced soul master academy within the empire, the students of Shrek Academy could defeat students from any advanced soul master academy within the empire!
With this statement, the members of the Imperial Battle Team immediately found Flender more likable.
Although this Principal Flender wasn't handsome, he sure knew how to talk sweetly!
Everyone loves to hear nice words. Since the Tian Dou Imperial Academy was the strongest academy in the empire, weren't they, the Imperial Battle Team, the strongest geniuses in the empire?
As for losing the spirit duel?
The members of the Imperial Battle Team never even considered it.
Are you joking? We are the Imperial Battle Team, how could we possibly be inferior to the students of Shrek Academy?
Ding ding ding—
The bell summoning everyone echoed throughout the entire Shrek Academy.
Not long after, Ma Hongjun and Oscar arrived at the playground.
"Uh~, Boss Chu, who are they?"
Seeing all the teachers present and many unfamiliar faces, Oscar asked Chu Chengzhou.
"That person is Qin Ming, a senior graduate from our academy, and they are the Imperial Battle Team from Tian Dou Imperial Academy. We'll have a spirit duel with them shortly."
Pointing at Qin Ming and the others, Chu Chengzhou explained.
"Tian Dou Imperial Academy?"
Oscar looked over the members of the Imperial Battle Team in astonishment.
As for Ma Hongjun? By this time, he was already mesmerized by staring at Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling from the Imperial Battle Team.
Of course, Ye Lingling wore a veil, and her figure wasn't particularly striking, so Ma Hongjun's gaze mostly fell on Dugu Yan.
Although Dugu Yan wasn't exceptionally beautiful, she was at her peak in terms of looks, and her figure was very alluring, especially her snake-like waist, which fit Ma Hongjun's aesthetic perfectly.
"Fatty, stop your lewd gaze, she already has a boyfriend!"
Chu Chengzhou couldn't help but punch Ma Hongjun in the lower back.
Can you stop embarrassing the academy? Don't you see the disdain written all over Miss Dugu's face?
"Tsk~, such a beauty, alas, she already has a boyfriend?"
Clicking his tongue, Ma Hongjun lamented regretfully and prepared to shift his gaze to Ye Lingling.
This girl wore a veil, so her face couldn't be seen clearly, but presumably, she was a pretty girl.
At this moment, Flender spoke to Oscar and Ma Hongjun: "Have you two seen Dai Mubai?"
Heaven is the eldest, Earth the second, and Flender the third. Ma Hongjun had to withdraw his gaze, exchanging a glance with Oscar, then said: "We saw him last night, but since no one is in the academy, he probably hasn't returned yet."
Clearly, last night, the three of them went to the same place.
Flender: "..."
Didn't return from the club?
"Principal Flender, since Dai Mubai hasn't returned, we six can handle it."
Chu Chengzhou spoke up.
Does it matter whether Dai Mubai is here?
No, it doesn't make a difference. Smashing the Imperial Battle Team is like taking candy from a baby.
"Alright, then you six!"
After some thought, Flender nodded and then turned to Qin Ming and said: "Qin Ming, you be the referee!"
"Some juniors only have six people, so the Imperial Battle Team should reduce one member as well! Shi Mo & Shi Mo, one of you brothers step out." (T/N: Bruh their names are the same in English fml)
Seeing that Chu Chengzhou's side only had six people, Qin Ming didn't plan to take advantage and immediately addressed the Shi Mo brothers in the Imperial Battle Team.
Captain Yu Tianheng and Vice Captain Dugu Yan were the main forces, Yu Feng was a flying-type soul master, Oslo was agile attack, Ye Lingling was auxiliary healing, and the Shi Mo brothers were both defense-type soul masters. Reducing one member from the seven-person team naturally meant choosing between these two brothers.
The Shi brothers exchanged a glance, and then Shi Mo, whose soul power was one level lower, stepped out.
On the playground of Shrek Academy, the two sides faced off thirty meters apart.
The competition venue was simple—it was just a large circle fifty meters in diameter drawn on the field. Touching the ground outside the circle was equivalent to elimination.
"Both sides release their martial souls, spirit duel begins in one minute!"
With the team members in position, Qin Ming announced.
Immediately, the members of the Imperial Battle Team released their martial souls, all sporting two yellow rings and one purple ring.
"Yu Tianheng, captain of the Imperial Battle Team, martial soul: Blue Lightning Dragon King, Level 39 strong attack system soul master."
"Dugu Yan, vice captain of the Imperial Battle Team, martial soul: Jade Phosphor Serpent, Level 38 control system soul master."
"Shi Mo, martial soul: Black Tortoise, Level 38 defense system soul master."
"Yu Feng, martial soul: Wind Chime Bird, Level 36 agile attack system soul master."
"Oslo, martial soul: Ghost Leopard, Level 36 agile attack system soul master."
"Ye Lingling, martial soul: Nine-Heart Begonia, Level 35 healing system soul master."
According to convention on the continent, during competitive spirit duels, both sides declare their martial souls, soul power levels, and systems. In this friendly match, the Imperial Battle Team naturally wouldn't be an exception.
"Chu Chengzhou, martial soul: True Spirit Flag, Level 36 auxiliary system soul master."
"Xiao Wu, martial soul: Soft Bone Rabbit, Level 44 strong attack system soul elder."
"Ning Rongrong, martial soul: Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, Level 27 auxiliary system great soul master."
"Zhu Zhuqing, martial soul: Netherworld Spirit Cat, Level 28 agile attack system great soul master."
"Oscar, martial soul: Sausage, Level 32 food system soul master."
"Ma Hongjun, martial soul: Phoenix, Level 28 great soul master."
On Shrek Academy's side, Chu Chengzhou and the six others similarly reported their basic information.
However, when Xiao Wu displayed four soul rings—two yellow and two purple—after masking, she immediately drew the attention of the members of the Imperial Battle Team. Even Qin Ming, acting as the referee nearby, widened his eyes in surprise.
Level 44 Soul Elder? Is her soul power level really that high?
"Principal Flender, is Xiao Wu's strength really that formidable?"
Qin Ming couldn't help but ask Flender.
"Haha~, Qin Ming, you were the strongest genius student before, but since Xiao Wu came, she has become the academy's strongest genius."
Adjusting his glasses, Flender proudly stated.
"Principal Flender, Xiao Wu doesn't look very old, how old is she this year?"
Qin Ming asked curiously.
"Not much, just 17 years old."
Flender casually waved his hand.
And this was just her apparent age. Xiao Wu's true age was only 12!
"A 17-year-old Level 44 Soul Elder? Principal Flender, congratulations!"
Qin Ming immediately congratulated with a smile.
With Xiao Wu's talent, as long as she doesn't meet an untimely death, she will surely become one of the strongest people on the continent. At that time, even a little bit of influence could help Shrek Academy develop significantly.
And Shrek Academy was his alma mater. He undoubtedly hoped that the academy would grow and prosper in the future.
Despite the shock, tactics still needed to be arranged.
Why not arrange beforehand? They didn't even know the opponent's martial souls and soul power levels earlier, so how could they plan anything?
Taking advantage of the brief preparation time, Yu Tianheng began assigning tactics.
"Spirit duel officially starts!"
Soon, the one-minute preparation time passed, and under Qin Ming's announcement, the spirit duel between the Imperial Battle Team and Shrek Academy officially began.
Instantly, the first and second soul rings on Chu Chengzhou's body lit up, and amid surging soul power, a huge white lion over five meters long and a dark green tree ten zhang tall abruptly condensed.
One lion and one tree were none other than the unsize-restricted summoned spirits Bright Lion Little Bai and Sky Azure Tree Little Qing.
As for Fire Phoenix Little Hong? There was no need to use Little Hong against the Imperial Battle Team.
"Little Bai, go!"
Swinging the flag towards Little Bai's head, Chu Chengzhou pointed at the opposing Imperial Battle Team.
Roar!
A deafening roar rang out, and Little Bai's body shot forward.
Chu Chengzhou waving the flag and calling for action—not humans, but beasts—his teammates weren't idle either.
"I've got a flying sausage!"
The third soul ring on his body lit up, and muttering the incantation, a golden light flashed in Oscar's hand as a golden-winged flying sausage materialized, which he handed to Ma Hongjun nearby.
He could silently chant the spell, but he couldn't perfectly control it. Right now, during the spirit duel, there was no time for him to slowly create it. And since the sausage was for Ma Hongjun to eat, it didn't matter if it was a flying sausage; even a big sausage could be consumed.
As for Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing?
They lacked long-range attack methods, and with their overwhelming chances of victory, they didn't plan to use them.
"Seven treasures reveal their radiance; first for strength, second for speed!"
Ning Rongrong's pagoda emitted brilliant light, and three beams of colorful radiance surged out, merging respectively into Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ma Hongjun's bodies, enhancing their strength and speed attributes by 30%.
Ning Rongrong was support, and Little Bai was also support. However, to give her a sense of participation, Chu Chengzhou didn't let Little Bai buff the team. Otherwise, not contributing in a team spirit duel would make his fish seem redundant.
Having made a flying sausage and transforming Ma Hongjun, the "old hen," into air force, Oscar and Ning Rongrong, who had finished buffing their teammates, took a few steps back and stood together under the canopy of the Sky Azure Tree summoned spirit.
Shrek Academy's strategy was simple. Those with no combat ability, Oscar and Ning Rongrong, along with Chu Chengzhou, who feigned having no combat ability, stayed in the rear while Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun, and the summoned spirit Bright Lion Little Bai served as the main forces in this spirit duel.
Although the Sky Azure Tree summoned spirit Little Qing, equivalent to a thousand-year Sky Azure Tree spirit beast, was a healing-type summoned spirit, the division of spirit beast types wasn't as clear-cut as with soul masters. Even though Little Qing specialized in healing, using roots and vines derived from the tree, its strength could rival a newly-entered three-ringed strong attack system soul master with a less dominant martial soul.
"Tricky opponents! Yu Feng, you deal with Ma Hongjun; Oslo, you handle Zhu Zhuqing.
Shi Mo, you and Yan Yan deal with that lion; I'll handle Xiao Wu; Lingling, be ready to heal at any time!"
As Chu Chengzhou summoned two summoned spirits and Shrek launched their offensive, Yu Tianheng, the captain, immediately changed his original tactics.
"Understood!"
Although Yu Tianheng temporarily changed tactics, the remaining five members of the Imperial Battle Team had no objections.
After all, strong attack versus strong attack, flying versus flying, and agile attack versus agile attack—Captain Yu Tianheng's arrangement was the most reasonable.
"Dragon Transformation!"
Letting out a loud shout, countless tiny blue-purple lightning snakes erupted from Yu Tianheng's body.
Instantly, the sleeve on Yu Tianheng's right arm exploded, and the length of his arm increased by more than half a foot, becoming extremely thick, covered with blue-purple scales. His originally slender fingers transformed into five sharp claws.
Moreover, unlike ordinary soul masters, Yu Tianheng's two yellow and one purple soul rings did not revolve around his body but spiraled directly around this mutated arm.
The Blue Lightning Dragon King family's secret technique: Dragon Transformation. This art was as important to Blue Lightning Dragon King soul masters as Heart Separation Control was to Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda soul masters or the Hao Tian Nine Absolutes were to Hao Tian Hammer soul masters.
Starting from level 30, every major level increase for a Blue Lightning Dragon King soul master allowed them to dragon-transform part of their body. Theoretically, upon reaching the seven-ringed Soul Sage level, activating the Dragon Transformation technique would allow transformation into a true dragon.
"First Soul Skill, Thunder Dragon Claw!"
The first soul ring on Yu Tianheng's right arm lit up, and amid surging soul power, lightning flashed, forming a massive thunder dragon claw composed of countless electric currents, which swiped towards Xiao Wu charging forward.
However, Xiao Wu's reaction speed was very fast. Before the thunder dragon claw reached her, she shifted her rushing steps and dodged.
"Second Soul Skill, Charm!"
Since the opponent had attacked, Xiao Wu, who never suffered losses, naturally wouldn't "just take hits without retaliation." Her second soul ring lit up, pink light flashing in her eyes, and intangible spiritual power surged forth.
In an instant, not only Yu Tianheng, who had weaker soul power and an even greater disparity in mental strength, was immediately controlled by Xiao Wu's charm skill.
Once Xiao Wu, the "master of soft techniques," closed in and the opponent was unable to resist, the outcome was obvious.
Just as Xiao Wu was about to approach and deliver a set of eight consecutive throws, she suddenly remembered Chu Chengzhou's instructions.
What instructions? Naturally, not to use her thighs to hook someone's neck directly.
There was no way around it. Xiao Wu's eight-step throw was too suggestive, and Chu Chengzhou naturally disapproved of his girlfriend directly using her bare thighs to hook someone else's neck. However, this problem was easily solved—just wear armor.
Immediately, azure light shimmered around Xiao Wu's body, and the Azure Cloud Patterned Armor materialized instantly.
Following this, Xiao Wu gave a slight toss of her head, and the scorpion-tail braid at the back of her head successfully wrapped around Yu Tianheng's neck.
After wrapping around Yu Tianheng's neck, Xiao Wu forcefully kicked his abdomen. At the same time, her first soul ring brightened, and her first soul skill, Waist Bow, activated. Using her waist strength to drive her upper body, she tilted her neck back and thrust her left leg forward. Under the effects of the charm skill, Yu Tianheng, who was completely unable to resist, was immediately thrown into the air.
Then, the scorpion-tail braid quietly unraveled, and Xiao Wu jumped up chasing Yu Tianheng's body flung into the air.
When Yu Tianheng's body reached its highest point, Xiao Wu caught up. She directly grabbed Yu Tianheng's clothing at the waist with both hands, and the Waist Bow soul skill triggered again. Her supple waist bent sharply, spinning Yu Tianheng's body backward.
At this moment, Xiao Wu was like a highly skilled acrobat, and Yu Tianheng, who couldn't resist, was the performance prop in the acrobat's hands.
She fully rotated twice in the air, accompanied by whistling sounds. Under the effect of the Waist Bow soul skill, Xiao Wu rapidly spun, slamming Yu Tianheng's body directly into the ground.
Boom!
A loud rumble sounded, dust flew everywhere, and Yu Tianheng crashed heavily onto the ground.
Considering it was just a friendly match, Xiao Wu spared Yu Tianheng's dignity, not letting him land flat on his face but instead landing back-first, sparing him from disfigurement.
However, just this alone wasn't enough to incapacitate Yu Tianheng. After all, the physique of a Blue Lightning Dragon King soul master wasn't weak; enduring such a fall would at most leave him slightly dazed.
Still, Xiao Wu's movements didn't pause. She performed a backflip, her legs directly clasping around Yu Tianheng's head, who still hadn't escaped the charm control.
The next moment, the Waist Bow soul skill triggered again, and the cold leg armor carried Yu Tianheng's head, slamming his body forward.
Boom—
Another cloud of dust rose.
Subsequently, Xiao Wu supported herself with both hands and performed another backflip, swinging Yu Tianheng's entire body and smashing him heavily onto the ground.
At this moment, Xiao Wu fully demonstrated the elasticity of her waist strength, utilizing the recoil from throwing Yu Tianheng violently downward to flip her body back and slam him back to his previous position.
Boom boom boom—
Yu Tianheng's body was like a worn-out sack being swung by Xiao Wu's feet, slammed a total of eight times—four times front and back—causing his bones to crackle continuously.
This violent scene caused Ning Rongrong, Oscar, and Ye Lingling, watching from the sidelines, to worry that Yu Tianheng might get seriously injured.
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