Xiao Tian's tone was calm, yet his words carried weight.
"This martial spirit—the Nine-Hearted Begonia—is best suited for war. As a field medic it possesses terrifying potential. Imagine an army where every wounded soldier could recover in moments, a mobile healing crystal covering entire ranks. If more of these spirits existed, the tide of war itself would change.
"Sadly…" his eyes dimmed slightly, "the inheritance is cursed. Only one per generation, and only within a bloodline of grandfather to granddaughter or parent to child. Severely restricted—by heaven, or by… the plane's rules."
He sighed inwardly. What a pitiful waste. If Nine-Hearted Begonia were hereditary like the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda, entire legions could march immortal.
If by chance a begonia user awakened a domain, the effect would be monstrous. Even armies would crumble against a force with undying soldiers.
But the world's laws restrained it. Perhaps necessary, to keep balance.
His explanation ended the debate. Oscar was benched.
Xiao Tian knew full well the resentment blazing now in Oscar's heart. In fact, he welcomed it. Tang San's faction already boiled with suppressed jealousy. They needed a spark, a flashpoint. Better the frustration tear open after the match—then he could finally walk away with Xiao Wu, free of lingering pretense.
If I leave quietly, I'll seem evasive. As if I'd run from them. No, I want them to break against me, to give me a reason to leave, a perfect exit.
Besides, the system still rewarded him with "critical hit" benefits for decisive actions or battles. One more fight under its gaze before leaving might bring another blessing. He'd take it. Next opportunity wouldn't come until the Continental Soul Master Competition itself.
And he knew: without Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, and his guiding hand, Shrek's chances collapsed. Even Tang San alone with his hidden weapons would struggle just to advance beyond the preliminaries. Unless he exposed Clear Sky Hammer prematurely, they could never defeat squads like Canghui or Xiangjia Academies, let alone the elite four elemental academies—Tianshui, Blazing Fire, Thunderclap, and Divine Wind.
Without the three women, their so‑called Shrek Monsters are barely monsters at all.
That night, anticipation in Soto City was at a fever pitch.
Manager Ao's voice thundered across the grand arena.
"Everyone, I know you've been waiting a long time. Tonight—your wish is granted! Shrek's Human Emperor will step forward once again!"
The crowd roared instantly.
"Shrek! Shrek! Shrek!"
"Human Emperor! Human Emperor! Human Emperor!"
The echoing chants rocked the stadium like tidal waves.
From gamblers to nobles, from street peddlers to swordsmen, they wanted one thing—to see this young man with four purple spirit rings fight again.
Fan clubs had already begun. Some cheered "Human Emperor" only, dismissing all others in Shrek as mere foils. Others had their little favorites: the rabbit girl whose Eight-Stage Throw had humiliated Dai Mubai, or even Zhu Zhuqing with her cold eyes and perfect figure.
In the stands, vulgar laughter rang:
"Haha, I don't care about your sword kid. I came to watch that cat girl—did you see her waistline last time? Hooo—like a goddess!"
"Bah! You shameless smelter! Dirty eyes! This is a sacred match!"
"Sacred my foot, you idiot! Can't I appreciate beauty while watching?"
Laughter roared. The audience meant business—not with etiquette, but passion.
Manager Ao was satisfied. The crowd's madness meant gold. But in his heart, he leaned toward the Royal Team tonight. Shrek's team had been too dominant. Even without Xiao Tian, they hadn't suffered one loss. The arena had lost wagers and coin by the bundle.
So privately, Ao had spoken already with the Royal Fighting Team. "Defeat them," he promised, "and the arena will grant ten thousand gold soul coins as reward."
The nobles of Royal Academy scoffed at the sum. To their aristocratic houses, this was pocket change. But they weren't here for gold. They were here to prove supremacy. And to strike at the upstart "Human Emperor" whose name had shaken through Soto faster than theirs.
"Please welcome—the Shrek Team and the Royal Fighting Team—on stage!"
The roar of the announcer heralded them, and twin squads strode into the arena.
Up in a grand pavilion on the second floor, a familiar man leaned forward. His eyes softened.
"Dean Flender…" Qin Ming whispered. His lips curved. It has been so many years. Tonight, I will see your students again.
He was once just a poor student of Shrek, saved and raised there with gritted teeth. Only three were in his "class." He had left to survive, but he had never forgotten.
When word spread that a "Shrek" team had stunned the Soto Arena, he refused to believe—until Manager Ao confirmed: their captain registered as Yu Xiaogang, Flender stood as overseer.
His heart raced. Without Shrek, there would be no Qin Ming today. I owe everything to them. Tonight, Royal Academy fights—but my soul owes Shrek forever.
Xiao Tian, from the field, would've laughed had he known Qin Ming's thoughts. Hopeless idiot! Flander raised you? No. He shackled you. Without him, you'd likely be stronger now. Stop worshipping that rotten bird who nearly drove his school to bankruptcy.
The formations locked. On Shrek's side: Xiao Tian front, Xiao Wu ready beside, Dai Mubai prowling white tiger aura, Tang San's vines writhed faintly, Ning Rongrong squared her tower, and Zhu Zhuqing's cold killing intent laced the edges. Ma Hongjun flared behind, fire already licking his breath. Oscar sat pale in the benches, fists shaking.
Their opponents stood tall, gleaming with noble confidence.
Manager Ao read their names proudly, one by one:
"Royal Fighting Team, strongest pride of Tiandou Royal Academy:
—Captain Yu Tianheng, Martial Spirit, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, Level 39!
—Vice-Captain Dugu Yan, Martial Soul, Jade Phosphorus Snake, Level 38 Control!
—Shi Mo, Martial Spirit Black Tortoise, Level 38 Defense!
—Shi Mo, Martial Spirit Black Tortoise, Level 37 Defense!
—Yufeng, Martial Spirit Wind Chime Bird, Level 36 Agility Attack!
—Oslo, Martial Spirit Ghost Leopard, Level 36 Agility Attack!
—Ye Lingling, Martial Spirit Nine-Hearted Begonia, Level 36 Auxiliary Healing!"
The glowing rings of both squads lit, dazzling the air.
Shrek's glow drew gasps. Four glowing purple rings gleamed around Xiao Tian alone.
"Four… purple… Purple rings?!" The audience shuddered again with awe. "He really is the Human Emperor!"
Royal Team's eyes hardened. This youth was no rumor. He was monstrous.
Before they stepped in, Qin Ming had pressed them—"Focus on him and the support Seven Treasures Pagoda girl. They are Shrek's spine. Shatter them first."
Yu Tianheng nodded coldly. He already resolved—defeat Xiao Tian to prove Blue Lightning's true pride.
Beside him, Dugu Yan's mouth stretched into thin smile. Already, green phosphorous scales shimmered across her skin.
At Yu Tianheng's whisper, "Now, Yan," her three soul rings erupted in unison.
Her snake's maw unhinged, and a tide of toxic mist unfurled—a viridian storm rolling straight for Shrek's line.
—
Even before the referee's cry finished, the Royal Team had already chosen venom as opening strike.
They weren't playing games. They came to show fangs.
And Shrek's "Human Emperor" only smiled faintly as sword intent began to rise.
--
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