Zhu Zhuqing naturally had no objection when Ning Rongrong approached her with the request to team up.
In truth, Zhu Zhuqing also thought it was the most suitable choice. With Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda buffing her speed, together they would form a balanced and lethal combination of agility and auxiliary.
Besides, what was the alternative? Would she be forced to partner with Oscar or—heaven forbid—even Ma Hongjun?
Zhu Zhuqing's cold eyes flickered toward them briefly, then she looked away immediately. I don't want it!
…
Ma Hongjun, on the other hand, stood silently near the back, his round figure slumping. He felt a little pitiful watching the three girls find their ideal pairings instantly. His spirit dropped even further as he realized what a gloomy leftover partner he had become.
A heavy hand suddenly slapped his back. Flender, his owl-like face serious but sympathetic, leaned close and said in a low voice, "Fatty, don't be too discouraged. Even though you lost that thing, you've also become freer, haven't you?"
Ma Hongjun's chubby face turned red with grief. "Dean…"
He knew exactly what Flender meant. 'That second brother' down below, that cause of his lifelong evil fire torment, was forever gone. Which meant… he no longer suffered from the flare-ups that previously forced him to vent his evil fire on poor innocent girls.
As Flender quietly pointed out, with nothing there, even if the evil fire wants to rise, it can't rise anymore.
Woo, woo, woo~~
Ma Hongjun felt like crying, but no tears would come.
To console himself, he thought of the silver lining. Ever since that painful night of loss, his spirit energy had unexpectedly surged one full level. He was now Spirit Power Level 28.
A tragic advancement…
…
Meanwhile, Tang San stood off to the side, his brow furrowed tight as he watched Xiao Wu cheerfully grasp Xiao Tian's hand. The words left his lips with forced calm but an edge of reluctance.
"Xiao Wu. I really think you'd be a more suitable partner for me."
Xiao Wu immediately frowned.
But Tang San didn't let her answer and quickly justified himself with carefully chosen logic. "Think about it: Xiao Tian is a Soul Sect, already far above us. He'll most likely be matched against Soul Sect-level opponents. With you only at Level 34, you won't be able to keep up. If Xiao Tian teams with Boss Dai, the overall advantage is stronger. You and I, meanwhile, are closer in level—it's more balanced, isn't it?"
Words cleverly crafted. To the others, it sounded like consideration for tactics and team balance. Yet beneath the mask of selflessness, Tang San's real motive was obvious—he wanted to partner Xiao Wu himself.
Yu Xiaogang's eyes flicked coldly. He, more than anyone, knew his disciple's feelings. Seizing the opportunity, he interjected with scholarly authority.
"Xiao San's reasoning isn't wrong," he said, adjusting his tone into neutrality. His eyes, however, darted directly at Xiao Tian. "You will likely face Soul Sect-level duos. Pairing you with Mubai or even with Rongrong aiding from behind would be most efficient."
His words dropped carefully, each phrase sounding moderate, yet in truth—he was forcing Xiao Wu away from Xiao Tian. He even attempted to pull Ning Rongrong into the excuse, knowing her longing glances toward Xiao Tian would make her a useful pawn.
But Ning Rongrong suddenly stepped forward. Her tone sharp; her eyes glinting like gems.
"Master, that's nonsense. Xiao Tian is already so powerful—two Soul Sects against him? He could still triumph. You're clearly trying to push him away from Xiao Wu just because Tang San is your disciple, aren't you? Just a moment ago, didn't you insist teams could form freely? Now suddenly there are restrictions?"
Her words pierced through pretenses with merciless bluntness.
The courtyard froze.
Ning Rongrong rarely defied the group openly. But spending time with Xiao Tian had sharpened her insight: she wasn't the spoiled princess of old only concerned with surface appearances. She could now discern the motives beneath words—and Yu Xiaogang's attempt to disguise bias as strategic "advice"? Too transparent.
Moreover, she was tired of swallowing resentment. With Grandpa Jian standing here now, was there any reason to keep silent?
Yu Xiaogang stiffened, face pale. Her frank reproach left him choking as though something lodged in his throat. His hands clenched tighter behind his back, but he dared not show temper—not while Chen Xin listened mere steps away.
Turning, he forced a smile that looked uglier than crying. "R-Rongrong… you misunderstand. How could I favor one student over another? I was simply offering advice. Ultimately, your choices are your own."
Advice disguised as coercion, hmm?
Ning Rongrong snorted lightly. Her mocking gaze burned sharper than her words.
"…Hmph."
Xiao Wu, standing close to Xiao Tian, also couldn't hold her temper. She stamped her foot, her crisp tone rising like firecrackers.
"I'll team with my brother. That's final. No one else can replace him—not Boss Dai, not anyone! And honestly? Dai Mubai might not even measure up to me at all!"
Her words cracked across the air like a whip.
Dai Mubai's expression snapped. His pride as man and leader flared instantly, his lips curling downward.
"What did you say? Are you mocking me?"
Xiao Wu didn't back down an inch; her eyes glittered battle-lust.
"Oh, why don't we test it then? Tonight's a Soul Arena. Dare you sign for a one-on-one fight against me? Instead of just bragging, prove it."
The jab was direct, merciless, and full of unshakable arrogance.
The stunned group looked at her in disbelief. Was she truly taunting Dai Mubai publicly?
Flender hurried to wave his claws. "Hey, hey, what is this? We're discussing team pairings! Why escalate so far? Still…" he paused, then chuckled bitterly, "…a real match may not be bad either. After all, what kind of fighters come to the Fighting Spirit Arena just to stand by? Go get experience."
…
Finally, after much wrangling, the eight Shrek members finalized their pairings:
Xiao Tian and Xiao Wu
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing
Tang San and Ma Hongjun
Dai Mubai and Oscar
With this, the applications were submitted.
But aside from Ning Rongrong and Oscar, everyone else also signed up for solo matches and two-on-two matches to sharpen themselves further.
Flender muttered, concern peeking out as he leaned to Yu Xiaogang. "Will they exhaust themselves? Taking so much on at once, their spirit power may not last long."
Yu Xiaogang shook his head gravely. "They'll manage. No issue sustaining. But another concern… is their cohesion. Can you not see?"
His eyes darkened, his thoughts private.
Two factions had already emerged within Shrek.
On one side—Tang San, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar. Bound in loyalty and tied by pride.
On the other—Xiao Tian, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing.
The quiet conflict simmered under every choice and word. The air shimmered tense with impending fracture.
Yu Xiaogang sighed. Perhaps through the crucible of team combat, they'll develop unity. If not… Shrek's heart may split in two before long.
…
Their doubts ended as the booming host's voice echoed across the arena, announcing the first official match of the night.
"Tonight's first battle—between the Soft Bone Charming Rabbit, and the Evil Eyed White Tiger!"
The crowd erupted with awed murmurs. The two combatants stepped forward under codenames, not their real names.
It was Yu Xiaogang's original suggestion—they could purchase simple masks to obscure their identities. But Xiao Tian had waved it off bluntly.
Pointless. Our martial spirits are already too distinct.
Dai Mubai's white tiger, Zhu Zhuqing's nether cat, Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Pagoda… none could be disguised by a mask. Ma Hongjun's fire phoenix, Oscar's sausages? Everyone in Soto knew their reputations anyway.
And besides, their registration team name was boldly declared as Team Shrek. Clearly, anonymity had never been the intention.
Thus, when their codenames were shouted, the truth was clear to those who cared enough to know anyway.
…
In the waiting hall, everyone's gazes immediately turned toward the two chosen competitors—Xiao Wu and Dai Mubai. Their eyes narrowed; expressions mixed with intrigue and tension.
"Xiao Wu, good luck," Xiao Tian whispered softly by her ear.
He wanted to caution mercy. But recalling the four-level gap between them—Xiao Wu's 34 spirit power versus Dai Mubai's 38—he realized mercy might backfire. Dai Mubai might unleash a berserk backlash if provoked.
No. Better she fight with all her might. If things go wrong, I'll step in.
Xiao Wu nodded gently, determination in her eyes.
The two opponents walked out from opposite entrances, stepping into the lit, deafening arena floor where thousands roared from seats above.
The host's voice bellowed dramatically:
"What a surprise for our opening match! Two young talents! Both are strong, both are promising—this will be a battle of the next generation!"
"Introducing first: Soft Bone Charm Rabbit! Martial Spirit: as declared! Spirit Power: Level 34! Strong-attack type battle soul master!"
"And opposite her—Evil Eyed White Tiger! Martial Spirit: Evil-Eyed White Tiger! Spirit Power: Level 38! Strong-attack type!"
The audience cheered and raged, excitement electric across the hall.
But then, a mocking voice from the stands jeered aloud.
"Hey! Where'd you pluck that weak girl from? You sure she's not here by mistake? Her opponent's a TIGER—what chance does a little rabbit cub have? Aren't you afraid she'll be eaten whole?"
Laughter rippled among some of the crowd, cruel and dismissive.
Xiao Tian's eyes half-lidded, an icy glimmer passing through them.
Mock all you like. Soon, you'll choke on your words.
--
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