"Blazing Academy." Yu Xiaogang's expression was grave, his hands unconsciously clenching into fists.
In the past few matches, the strength displayed by Blazing Academy was evident to all. Relying on their formidable explosive power, they ended every match quickly, within 10 minutes.
Even the thick-skinned Elephant Armored Academy was defeated under Blazing Academy's bombardment.
Yu Xiaogang had studied Blazing Academy's battles. He was surprised to find that this team had abandoned the traditional extreme-style tactics of the elemental academies and instead embarked on a balanced development path.
Fire-attribute power attack, fire-attribute control, fire-attribute agility attack, fire-attribute auxiliary...
Each position complemented the others, building an extremely threatening combat system.
Undoubtedly, for Shrek Academy, the next match against Blazing Academy would be an exceptionally difficult bloody battle.
"The trickiest part is that the fire element perfectly counters Little San's Blue Silver Grass. The next match will be too hard to fight." Flender looked helpless and sighed heavily.
Yu Xiaogang's face grew darker. After pondering for a moment, he said decisively, "Let Zhu Zhuqing take the field in the next match. No, just her alone isn't secure enough. Have Ning Rongrong replace Jiang Zhu."
Flender adjusted his glasses, his eyes full of doubt. "Xiaogang, haven't you always emphasized conserving strength? Exposing Ning Rongrong's existence so early, won't it affect the subsequent ranking matches?"
Yu Xiaogang's face instantly flushed red, and he shouted hoarsely, "The little monsters can't lose again! I want those who once looked down on me to pay the price!"
Flender nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "Shrek will triumph!"
The next day, the sun was bright, and the sky was cloudless.
The Great Spirit Arena was already packed. Cheers and discussions intertwined like rolling thunder. For the Great Spirit Arena, just selling tickets every day brought in a considerable income.
On the main podium, Lu Feng, Owen, and Dou Dou sat side by side.
After commentating on several matches, Lu Feng and Owen had gained the recognition and support of many spectators with their professional commentary.
Dou Dou was very clear about her role: to be a pretty face.
When the two were talking, she would interject with brief responses like "That's right," "Okay," "Mhm," at appropriate times, which also won her the affection of many viewers.
Because of his role as a host, Lu Feng was restricted from participating in the competition, the reason given being "to ensure the fairness of the competition."
Back then, two investigation teams were responsible for the investigation. One was led by Salas, and the other by Xue Qinghe. And the one who proposed restricting Lu Feng from competing was precisely His Highness the Crown Prince.
Lu Feng didn't care about this result. His original intention in participating was to collect fragments, not to compete with these clear-eyed students.
On the spirit battle stage, the members of both teams strode into the arena with heads held high.
In an instant, the spectator stands seemed to erupt with tumultuous waves, cheers rising and falling incessantly.
The voices supporting Blazing Academy accounted for the vast majority. Only a small portion of the audience shouted Shrek Academy's name.
However, most of these voices regarding Shrek Academy were mockery like "Get off the stage" and "Trash."
"Damn it, I really can't stand it anymore." Dai Mubai walked forward, clenching his fists tightly.
Tang San, following behind him, could clearly feel Dai Mubai's muscles tensing all over, like a volcano about to erupt at any moment.
"Boss Dai, endure it a little longer. When the match starts, we'll use our strength to shut them up completely." Tang San raised his hand and gently patted Dai Mubai's shoulder.
Although his words were spoken lightly, his slightly trembling shoulders still betrayed his suppressed anger.
Dai Mubai looked back at Tang San, took a deep breath, and tried to calm his emotions.
"Damn it, this match, we must show them Shrek Academy's true strength!" Dai Mubai said through gritted teeth.
As his words fell, Zhu Zhuqing nodded in rare agreement.
For Zhu Zhuqing, if the team could enter the finals, she would have the chance to fight her sister, Zhu Zhuyun. As long as she performed well enough in the match, even if they were defeated in the end, she would possess the capital to negotiate with her family.
In this match, Shrek Academy sent out its strongest lineup. Everyone knew clearly that Shrek Academy had no way out.
This battle allowed only victory, not defeat.
On the host's podium, Owen's slightly magnetic voice sounded leisurely.
"At this moment, both teams are in position. Blazing Academy still has everyone's familiar seven-person lineup, but Shrek Academy has switched in a few new faces. Chief Host Lu, what do you think?"
Lu Feng's gaze was like a torch, slowly sweeping over the Shrek Academy crowd. He saw Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong standing side by side at the very back of the formation.
The corners of his mouth tilted up slightly. "The Shrek Academy teacher disregarded the tournament rules, causing them to be directly disqualified from three matches. Now the situation is severe. If Shrek loses this match again, I'm afraid they will completely miss the ranking competition."
"In my opinion, the few standing on the stage now are likely the strongest lineup Shrek Academy can field."
Dou Dou nodded obediently and echoed, "Mhm, it's truly their misfortune to be stuck with such a teacher."
As the three finished speaking, waves of mockery from the spectator stands surged toward Shrek Academy like a tide.
In the team rest area.
Yu Xiaogang listened to the overwhelming insults, anger burning in his heart. His hands unconsciously clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white from excessive force.
He suppressed his inner anger, cupped his hands around his mouth, and shouted loudly toward the stage, "Little monsters, go all out! Fight hard for me! Shrek will triumph!"
"Whoosh!" Almost at the same instant, the referee waved the yellow flag in his hand, pointing straight at Yu Xiaogang.
"Interfering with the match, one warning!" the referee's stern voice rang out.
This referee was the same one from Shrek Academy's first match. After the incident on the stage last time, he had been severely reprimanded by his superiors and had a month's salary deducted.
Strictly speaking, Yu Xiaogang's cheering wasn't a violation. But clearly, this referee was already holding a grudge against him.
"You..." Yu Xiaogang was just about to retort, but he caught a glimpse of the referee already raising the red flag halfway. He forcibly swallowed the words that had reached his lips.
On the stage.
The seven students of Blazing Academy formed a triangular formation, their aura imposing.
Standing at the very front was Huo Wushuang. His Martial Soul was the One-Horned Fire Tyrant Dragon. He was a level 42 power attack system Battle Soul Ancestor, taking the route of pure explosive attacks.
At this moment, Huo Wushuang's gaze was like a knife, staring straight at Dai Mubai. Their gazes collided fiercely in the air, sparking invisible sparks.
A mocking smile curled the corner of Huo Wushuang's mouth as he sneered, "Shrek Academy? You were all talk before, and now you've screwed yourselves over, haven't you?"
A tall, thin Soul Master behind Huo Wushuang said, "If it were me, I wouldn't have the face to stay here and compete."
Dai Mubai narrowed his eyes slightly, a cold light flashing within. He snorted coldly, "I hope you can still be this arrogant when we start fighting later."
"Both sides, release Martial Souls." The referee's voice sounded.
In an instant, light burst forth from the central main arena. The blinding light made it almost impossible to open one's eyes. Looking closely, both sides had identical lineups: two Soul Ancestors leading five Soul Elders.
Huo Wushuang's gaze quickly shifted to Zhu Zhuqing, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes. He muttered, "Interesting. White Tiger Martial Soul, Hell Civet Martial Soul."
Immediately, his gaze moved past Zhu Zhuqing and finally landed on Ning Rongrong at the back of the team.
In Ning Rongrong's hand, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda bloomed with brilliant, dazzling light, emitting a powerful aura.
"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!" Huo Wushuang's face darkened, exclaiming in surprise.
Dai Mubai sneered but didn't respond. But in reality, he didn't have much confidence in his heart either.
If he and Zhu Zhuqing could use their Martial Soul Fusion Skill, this match might still have a chance of victory. But Zhu Zhuqing hadn't even looked at him directly.
Moreover, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul was countered by the opponent's fire attribute. Who would win this match was still an unknown.
"Match, officially begin!" The referee gave the order.
"Boom—"
In that instant, the first soul ring on every member of the Blazing Academy team released a dazzling brilliance. The lights intertwined, looking like a brilliant sea of fire.
On the two auxiliary-type Soul Masters, sparks shot out like fireworks, brilliant but harboring danger.
Countless tiny red points of light in the air, as if guided by invisible hands, bombarded the stage at extreme speed.
In the blink of an eye, flames soared. Fiery red light enveloped the entire stage, and scorching heat rushed over, making one feel as if they were in a blazing furnace.
The Martial Soul of these two auxiliary-type Soul Masters was 'Mars' (Spark), an extremely peculiar Martial Soul.
While assisting teammates, it also carried a certain offensive capability. If they encountered a Battle Soul Master a major stage lower than themselves, they might even be able to defeat them.
On the podium, Owen's clear voice interpreted the battle situation for the entire audience: "It has appeared! Blazing Team's signature tactic. The match has just begun, and they have already created the most favorable terrain advantage for themselves."
On the field, Tang San quickly launched an attack. Blue Silver Grass burst from the ground like azure spirit snakes, attacking the Blazing Academy crowd at extreme speed.
However, the moment the Blue Silver Grass touched the sparks, a sizzling sound rang in everyone's ears. The originally emerald green leaves instantly curled, withered, and lost their vitality.
Seeing this, a trace of excitement flashed in Owen's eyes. "Contestant Tang San's Blue Silver Grass is clearly countered by Blazing Academy's fire attribute."
"As a control system Soul Master, he has actually lost the ability to use his Martial Soul effectively?"
"Perhaps, he is Shrek Academy's biggest weakness."
Dou Dou nodded repeatedly in agreement. "Mhm, mhm, that's right, it certainly is."
As the two hosts finished speaking, a heated discussion erupted in the spectator stands.
"Hehe, Blue Silver Grass really deserves the title of Trash Martial Soul."
"If you feed this grass to pigs, even the pigs would refuse to eat it."
"Knowing full well that Blue Silver Grass is countered by fire attributes, yet insisting on sending Tang San out... Shrek Academy's leading teacher is probably a waste too."
In the team rest area.
Yu Xiaogang turned a deaf ear to the audience's insults.
Over the years, he had heard words like "waste" too many times. He was long accustomed to it, and his heart didn't waver.
Flender watched the situation on the field, anxious like an ant on a hot pan. He couldn't help but say, "Xiaogang, I said before we should have let Jing Ling play. Now Little San's Blue Silver Grass is completely countered. What should we do?"
Yu Xiaogang clasped his hands behind his back, his expression calm and composed. He asked in return, "Flender, do you know why I insisted on letting Tang San play?"
Without waiting for Flender to answer, he continued, "Little San's skills are not limited to this. Although the Soul Master competition prohibits the use of other weapons, with his magical methods, even facing any Battle Soul Elder, he will absolutely not fall into a disadvantage."
Hearing this, Flender immediately recalled the match between Shrek and the Heaven Dou Imperial Team.
At that time, Tang San, with his Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul countered, had fought Yu Tianheng without falling into a disadvantage relying solely on his agile movement techniques.
"Then I'm relieved."
Flender quickly reverted to his expressionless, shoe-sole-like face.
Yu Xiaogang snorted coldly and said with a hint of pride, "Hmph, you should consider whose disciple Little San is."
On the spirit battle stage, the fighting grew increasingly intense.
Huo Wushuang, imposing and fierce, met the attack head-on. A loud dragon roar erupted from his mouth. After Martial Soul possession, flames surged all over his body, and his skin was covered with a layer of hot, dark red scales, like a violent dragon.
Another power attack system Soul Master followed closely behind him. His Martial Soul was the Fire Leopard, possessing both powerful attack power and speed.
Two agility attack system Soul Masters, Huo Yun and Huo Yu, spread a pair of gorgeous Fire Crane wings behind their backs. Like two red lightning bolts, they glided around from both sides.
Their target was very clear: Ning Rongrong.
After all, a Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Soul Master was a priority target for the enemy, no matter where they were.
With a "poof," Ma Hongjun suddenly spat out a mouthful of thick purple flame.
First Soul Skill: Phoenix Fire Wire.
The purple flame was like a surging wave, colliding head-on with Huo Yun's first soul skill, instantly engulfing it.
Huo Yun turned pale with fright. He frantically twisted his body in mid-air. The purple flame grazed his hair, scorching a large patch.
"Hmph, what trash fire. In front of this young master's Evil Fire Phoenix, it's practically a grandchild," Ma Hongjun mocked with a face full of smugness.
"What Evil Fire Phoenix? I think it's an Evil Fire Grass Chicken!" Huo Yun mocked, looking at Ma Hongjun's fat figure.
"Grass! What I hate most is people calling me a Grass Chicken!" Ma Hongjun roared, and a stream of flames sprayed from his mouth.
Huo Yun spiraled upward, easily dodging the flame. At the same time, his flame wings flashed, and another attack blasted toward Ning Rongrong.
Without exception, it was blocked again by Ma Hongjun's first soul skill.
For a time, the two exchanged soul skill bombardments, filling the air with gorgeous explosions of fire.
Huo Yu's opponent was Zhu Zhuqing. In the brief exchange just now, his left arm had been hit by Zhu Zhuqing's sharp claws and was now completely unable to lift.
If an auxiliary Soul Master hadn't buffed him in time, he would probably have been beaten to the ground long ago.
"Such fast speed!" Huo Yu circled in mid-air, looking at Zhu Zhuqing below with fear in his heart, hesitant to attack again.
"Zhuqing, isn't my support amazing?" Ning Rongrong laughed.
Zhu Zhuqing felt the 40% speed attribute boost in her body and nodded lightly.
"Rongrong, don't worry about me. Support the others first. This Fire Crane Soul Master poses no threat to me," Zhu Zhuqing said in a deep voice.
In fact, the moment the match started, Zhu Zhuqing had intended to cut into the back row and take out the opponent's two auxiliary Soul Masters.
But she hadn't expected Tang San's Blue Silver Grass to be countered so thoroughly.
Worse, she found that without a control system, no one on their side could stop the two flying Soul Masters from ambushing Ning Rongrong.
"Alright."
Ning Rongrong pouted slightly, then chanted loudly, "Seven Treasures have names, the first is: Strength!"
"Seven Treasures have names, the third is: Soul!"
Two beams of seven-colored light entered Dai Mubai and Tai Long respectively. Instantly, their auras climbed steeply, and they combined forces to knock Huo Wushuang back.
"This boost... as expected of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. Too awesome!" Tai Long roared excitedly.
Under the 40% soul power boost, his muscles bulged high, his skin became as hard as rock, and his whole person was filled with power.
Dai Mubai's sharp claws extended. Feeling the surging power boost in his body, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but rise.
He looked at Huo Wushuang mockingly. "What's wrong? Where did that arrogance go?"
"Hmph, a villain celebrating success." Huo Wushuang wiped the corner of his mouth and snorted coldly.
Before he finished speaking, the sparks in the air, like a dense rain of arrows, gathered and instantly merged into his body. In a flash, a circle of golden-red light suddenly released from his body, and his aura surged.
"Sou!"
Flames rose beneath Huo Wushuang's feet. He turned into a burning cannonball, rushing toward Tai Long at high speed.
"Dodge, quickly!" Seeing this, Dai Mubai shouted loudly at Tai Long.
At the same time, his third soul ring shone. His body erupted with a burst of intense golden light as he waved his tiger claws and blasted toward Huo Wushuang with all his might.
However, he was shocked to find that his speed couldn't keep up with the opponent at all.
Seeing he couldn't dodge in time, Tai Long shouted and resolutely charged at Huo Wushuang.
Power Gorilla, no retreat!
"Bang!" A dull, loud noise. The powerful impact caused the surrounding air to vibrate violently.
Tai Long was hit in the chest by Huo Wushuang. His body flew backward like a kite with a broken string. The front of his body was stained with flames, instantly emitting a burnt smell.
"Bang!" Another muffled grunt was heard.
Huo Wushuang turned and exchanged a blow with Dai Mubai. Both their bodies shook at the same time. Dai Mubai took a step back, while Huo Wushuang stood firmly in place, not moving an inch.
Both of their Martial Souls were extremely tough, but in terms of soul power, Huo Wushuang was ultimately superior. Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's strength boost was not weak, the simultaneous boost from two auxiliary Soul Masters was also not to be underestimated.
"Shrek Academy, nothing more than this!" Huo Wushuang patted the corner of his clothes and mocked.