Chapter: 161 -170
Chapter 161: The Duel Begins
The time for the Great Spirit Arena's routine battles was drawing near.
In a short while, the one-on-one and two-on-two preliminary matches would kick off. After these concluded, the most anticipated team battles would take center stage.
Yun Feng, having no matches to participate in, decided to stay and watch. Earlier, he had inquired with the Great Spirit Arena staff about the possibility of Soul King-level battles, only to be informed that none were scheduled. Resigned, he prepared to cheer for his friends.
Upon arriving at the arena, the group was assigned to the 13th sub-arena.
Following their original plan, the group registered for their matches using their Iron Spirit Badges. Under Grandmaster's guidance, the five competing in both one-on-one and two-on-two battles informed the staff of their double participation. This allowed the matches to be scheduled without time conflicts.
Additionally, everyone updated their Spirit Badge titles, hiding their real names and adopting the nicknames decided earlier. Changing the titles cost each of them ten gold coins. Fortunately, winning a single match would more than cover the expense.
Xiao Wu, having limited options for a partner at the Soul Elder level, invited Tang San to team up. The two decided to participate in a two-on-two match first, followed by their individual matches.
Oscar and Ning Rongrong would wait for Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing to finish their one-on-one matches before entering their own two-on-two battles.
Flander and Zhao Wuji followed the majority into the one-on-one area, while Grandmaster accompanied Tang San and Xiao Wu to the two-on-two section.
Tang San and Xiao Wu's match was scheduled as the second in the two-on-two category at the 13th sub-arena.
The Atmosphere Heats Up
Yun Feng sat in the spectator stands, blending in with the lively crowd.
For ordinary citizens, today being a weekend meant an even larger audience than usual. These sub-arenas catered mainly to common folk, whose excitement reached a fever pitch as the first match concluded. Cheers and shouts reverberated through the arena.
When Tang San and Xiao Wu entered the arena, their anonymity under their new nicknames earned them little applause.
"Next, let's welcome their opponents—the Cat and Mouse Duo!" announced the host, his voice full of enthusiasm.
"This duo has achieved an unprecedented four-match winning streak in the two-on-two Soul Elder category. If they win today, they'll reach five consecutive victories, earning the honor of entering the central arena for their next match!"
The announcement drew loud cheers from the audience.
Upon hearing their opponents' name, "Cat and Mouse Duo," Xiao Wu chuckled and glanced at Yun Feng in the stands. Though their masks hid their expressions, their eyes shared a moment of mutual amusement.
The name alone hinted at their opponents' specialties—speed and agility. Both cats and mice were known for their swiftness, marking their duo as agility-type Soul Masters.
This played right into Tang San's hands as a control-type Soul Master, the natural counter to agility-types. Given that their opponents were likely within ten levels of their own, Tang San and Xiao Wu were confident in their chances.
The Opponents Appear
Amid enthusiastic applause, the Cat and Mouse Duo stepped onto the stage.
The pair consisted of a tall, lean woman and a short, round man.
The woman, in her early twenties, had fiery red short hair and sharp, piercing eyes. Her slender fingers moved rhythmically, betraying her combat readiness.
Recognizing this, Tang San immediately identified her as the "cat" of the duo. Grandmaster had taught him that feline martial souls often manifested through subtle finger movements.
The man, on the other hand, was a stark contrast. He was so rotund that he made Ma Hongjun look slim by comparison. His entire body was round, including his head. Only his small, beady eyes gave away his "mouse" nature.
The pairing of a lithe "cat" and a plump "mouse" struck an almost comedic note.
The duo also took note of Tang San and Xiao Wu's masks, pausing briefly in surprise. Though some Soul Masters concealed their identities, wearing masks was rare.
The slender woman snorted disdainfully. "Hiding your faces? What a show of cowardice."
As the match approached, the audience's anticipation grew, their cheers filling the arena. Wasting no time, the host announced the start of the second two-on-two match in the 13th sub-arena.
The Match Begins
At the host's signal, the Cat and Mouse Duo activated their martial souls, their soul power surging.
After reaching Level 30, beast-type Soul Masters underwent more significant transformations during martial soul activation.
As Tang San had predicted, the woman's martial soul was indeed feline. Sharp claws extended from her fingers, and streaks of bright silver emerged amidst her red hair. Her pupils turned vertical, her posture crouched, ears perked, and fine silver fur covered her arms. Three soul rings—white, yellow, and purple—lit up around her.
The purple millennium soul ring indicated her third soul skill, likely powerful and well-suited to her martial soul.
The man's transformation was less imposing, almost comical. His face elongated into a pointed snout, complete with whiskers and two oversized buck teeth. His small eyes became wide and round. Though his rounded body seemed unwieldy, black claws extended from his slender forearms, signaling his potential danger. His soul rings mirrored the woman's: white, yellow, and purple.
As their opponents revealed their martial souls, Tang San and Xiao Wu sprang into action.
Xiao Wu leapt gracefully into the air, landing on a strand of Tang San's Blue Silver Grass with practiced ease. Their coordination was seamless as both activated their own martial souls.
Xiao Wu's signature rabbit ears, snow-white fur, elongated legs, and striking red eyes appeared, emphasizing her agility and charm. Her arms now bore a light covering of soft fur, finer than the silver fur on the feline opponent.
Three soul rings—two yellow and one purple—materialized around Xiao Wu and Tang San, drawing gasps from the audience.
Frequent visitors to the arena were well-versed in the significance of soul ring colors. The presence of such high-level soul rings on two youthful fighters immediately captivated their attention, igniting murmurs of excitement.
The battle was about to begin, and all eyes were on the stage.
Chapter 162: No Reason to Lose
With two hundred-year soul rings and one thousand-year soul ring, the Three-Five Duo had an undeniable advantage over their opponents, the Cat and Mouse Duo, when it came to soul ring quality.
The audience, initially favoring the Cat and Mouse Duo due to their four-match winning streak, began to waver. Still, the atmosphere grew even more charged—closely matched battles always provided the best entertainment.
While the spectators noticed the disparity in soul rings, the Cat and Mouse Duo were even more acutely aware. However, with the battle underway, retreat was not an option.
The slender "cat" launched herself forward, her body a whirlwind of motion as she darted toward Tang San and Xiao Wu. Her first two soul rings lit up simultaneously.
Her sharp claws slashed through the air, sending ten silver claw marks hurtling toward the duo. At the same time, her speed reached an astonishing level, and the pressure of her soul power surged.
Tang San immediately analyzed her tactics: one skill boosted her speed, while the other unleashed the claw attack. Without knowing the exact names of the abilities, he had already formulated a counter.
Shouldering Xiao Wu, Tang San gave her a slight boost, allowing her to leap into the air toward the rotund "mouse" at the back. Meanwhile, he activated his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track and Controlling Crane Catching Dragon, stepping aside and attempting to redirect the cat's attack to gauge her soul power.
The result startled Tang San. The cat's strength and soul power rivaled Dai Mubai's, which explained the duo's winning streak. Fortunately, his combination of skills diverted her attack, and he escaped unscathed.
Watching from the stands, Yun Feng quickly lost interest.
With Tang San and Xiao Wu's abilities, there's simply no way they could lose in a place like this.
His prediction was spot on.
The battle ended as quickly as it started. In mere moments, the fight was over. The Cat and Mouse Duo barely had time to react before Xiao Wu and Tang San claimed victory.
The audience, previously cheering for the Cat and Mouse Duo, fell silent. Xiao Wu hardly felt any challenge during the fight and attributed her ease to the advantage of martial soul compatibility.
Tang San's control-type abilities and her close-combat strength were natural counters to agility-based opponents. While she would typically struggle against such foes, her teleportation skill had eliminated her primary weakness. The "mouse" hadn't even had the chance to use his millennium soul ring skill before Xiao Wu sent him flying out of the ring.
From the stands, Yun Feng nodded in approval. Xiao Wu's seamless integration of her martial soul with her quick thinking impressed him.
Meanwhile, Grandmaster's pride was evident. He struggled to suppress a smile as he watched his students dominate the battlefield. Their victory wasn't merely due to martial soul compatibility—it was also the result of months of rigorous training under his guidance.
The host declared the Three-Five Duo victorious, marking their second consecutive win in two-on-two battles. Both Tang San and Xiao Wu earned three points each, and the crowd erupted in applause.
Despite the short duration of the fight, the spectators were captivated by Tang San's Blue Silver Grass and Xiao Wu's teleportation skill. Fair and appreciative, the audience gave the duo a rousing sendoff as they exited the stage.
A Day of Perfect Victories
The Shrek team enjoyed an incredible start to their Soul Arena journey, winning all their one-on-one and two-on-two matches.
Oscar and Dai Mubai, calling themselves the Twin-Winged White Tiger, faced a team of attack- and defense-type Soul Masters. With Oscar's mushroom sausages boosting Dai Mubai's speed, he swiftly overwhelmed one opponent, leaving the other with no chance.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, the Seven Treasure Spirit Cat, encountered two Soul Masters who immediately hesitated upon seeing Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. As a member of one of the continent's Seven Great Clans, Ning Rongrong's background was not something ordinary Soul Masters dared to provoke.
With Ning Rongrong's support, Zhu Zhuqing's speed and strength surged by 30%. Though lacking a third soul ring, she quickly dispatched her opponents with ease.
In total, the Shrek team secured five victories in one-on-one matches and three in two-on-two, achieving a flawless record for the day.
Preparing for the Team Battle
The final event of the night was the team battle.
The team battle arena was significantly larger than the one-on-one and two-on-two arenas, and the waiting room was bustling with over thirty Soul Masters.
Soto City's Great Spirit Arena was one of only two large arenas in the Balak Kingdom, the other being in the kingdom's capital. As such, nearly every Soul Master in the region gathered in these two cities to compete, making for a vibrant and competitive environment.
According to the Spirit Hall's statistics, the entire continent had no more than 100,000 Soul Masters. Balak Kingdom had about 2,000 resident Soul Masters, many of whom were drawn to the Great Spirit Arena for its fame and rewards.
Even high-level Soul Masters, like Flander and Zhao Wuji, occasionally participated in arena battles. Their superior strength made them eligible for significant earnings. If not for Zhao Wuji's numerous enemies and Flander's pride, they might have joined the arena to alleviate the academy's financial struggles.
As Grandmaster had predicted, the Shrek Seven Devils were scheduled to compete in the second-to-last team battle of the night.
Having fought two matches each, most of the group was feeling the strain despite Oscar's recovery sausages. While waiting for their turn, the seven sat in a quiet corner, meditating to restore as much soul power as possible.
Meanwhile, Yun Feng, having no matches to participate in, found himself bored and restless. This is getting dull… he thought as he lounged in the waiting room.
Chapter 163: Truly Admirable
In Yunfeng's eyes, these battles felt no different than playing games with children.
They were meaningless—exciting only to ordinary people without spirit power or Spirit Masters with lower ranks.
For high-ranking Spirit Masters, watching these battles brought no real thrill. Perspectives change depending on one's standing, after all.
Though Yunfeng hadn't participated in many spirit battles, he was already a Spirit King. By default, that made him a senior in the eyes of others.
As the crowd waited for the matches to begin, a towering man over two meters tall, with an extraordinarily muscular build, suddenly strode toward them.
This man, appearing to be in his thirties, was shirtless, exposing his exaggeratedly dark muscles. Clearly, he was a strength-type Spirit Master.
"Hey, little girl, nice figure. Why cover your face? Let your big brother have a look," he sneered.
His target was Zhu Zhuqing, the most curvaceous girl in the Shrek Academy team. Despite being the youngest, Zhu Zhuqing's development secretly made both Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu envious. With her face hidden by a mask, it was impossible to tell she was only twelve.
"Scram."
Zhu Zhuqing's reply was cold and straightforward, perfectly in line with her personality.
"Are you looking to die, little girl? Do you even know who I am?" the man barked, raising his large hand threateningly.
"She told you to scram. Didn't you hear her?"
Before the man could act, Yunfeng abruptly stood up and stepped in front of Zhu Zhuqing. Though smaller in stature compared to the man, Yunfeng's sudden outburst of aura stunned his opponent, causing his steps to falter.
Still, under the watchful eyes of so many, the man forced himself to suppress his fear and shouted, "You're courting death!" He swung his massive hand downward toward Yunfeng.
Yunfeng snorted coldly, launching his right fist upward to meet the strike.
Bang!
With a dull thud, the man's body was sent flying backward. Yunfeng remained unmoved, not even shifting his footing.
An invisible killing intent emanated from Yunfeng, silencing the crowd.
Even Dai Mubai and the others, seeing this side of Yunfeng for the first time, couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear.
Yunfeng himself didn't understand why he was so furious. Seeing Zhu Zhuqing being harassed had ignited something within him.
Though their relationship was only at the stage of mutual admiration, Yunfeng already regarded Zhu Zhuqing as his future woman.
The burly man, now pale with shock, was utterly dumbfounded.
Was this the team they were about to face in the competition?
This strength was terrifying!
With just one punch, he could no longer feel his arm—it was completely numb!
His confidence crumbled instantly.
Meanwhile, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong, unwilling to simply stand by, prepared to back Yunfeng. Tang San and the others hesitated briefly before standing as well. They trusted Yunfeng's strength enough to know he likely didn't need their help, but they couldn't remain passive.
The burly man, now trembling slightly, didn't dare rise. His arm was useless, and he had no intention of taking another beating. Just as he was about to offer an apology, a neutral voice interrupted.
"Stop."
A middle-aged man, appearing to be in his forties, strode forward. Though his movements seemed casual, he covered the distance between Yunfeng and the burly man in just two steps.
"Don't you know that fighting in the preparation area is prohibited? It's a rule of the Great Spirit Arena. If you want to fight, take it to the arena."
The man glanced at Yunfeng with a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "You're not part of the team battle lineup, are you?"
Yunfeng nodded indifferently.
The supervisor didn't say much but turned to the burly man, whose demeanor instantly shifted.
He had assumed Yunfeng was the team's teacher, not a participant.
Relieved, he grinned sheepishly. "Apologies, Supervisor Ao. I lost my temper for a moment."
The middle-aged man, addressed as Supervisor Ao, looked toward the Shrek Academy group.
"You're the newly registered team today, right? Fine. There's no need to argue here—settle your differences on the arena floor."
Turning back to the burly man, his expression darkened. "Kuang Xi, if I catch you causing trouble on my turf again, don't blame me for being ruthless. This is your final warning."
"Y-Yes, it won't happen again!" Kuang Xi stammered, his burly frame now a picture of submission.
But as he glanced at Yunfeng, his expression hardened. He pointed a finger at Yunfeng and sneered, "You must be their teacher. Let's see how things go later. If I don't teach your team a lesson they'll never forget, I'll stop calling myself Kuang Xi!"
With that, Kuang Xi turned and left.
The Shrek team watched him depart with a mix of disbelief and pity.
Who was Yunfeng?
An unparalleled genius, a prodigy among monsters.
He had defeated Zhao Wuji, hunted ten-thousand-year spirit beasts solo, and reached the rank of Spirit King at just fifty-two levels.
Even the academy's teachers struggled to gain the upper hand against Yunfeng. He was a figure most Spirit Masters could only dream of emulating.
And yet, someone dared to provoke him.
Admiration—truly admirable.
Though Supervisor Ao recognized Yunfeng from a prior encounter—Yunfeng had inquired about Spirit King-level battles—he still addressed the rest of the Shrek team.
"Don't be deceived by appearances. Kuang Xi is the captain of the Berserk Battle Team, and all its members are above level thirty-five. They've won seven consecutive Spirit Elder-level team matches within seven days. If they achieve ten wins, they'll advance to the Copper Spirit Badge tier."
He continued, his tone calm but foreboding. "Even in the Copper tier, they'd be among the best. If you're not confident, surrender as soon as the match begins. When the Berserk Team fights, injuries or worse are inevitable."
Chapter 164: You Know What I Mean
Supervisor Ao's voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for the entire Shrek team to hear. After speaking, he turned and left.
The other Spirit Masters around them, upon seeing Ao, also averted their gazes, not daring to look in their direction. Yunfeng, faced with this indirect show of goodwill, didn't say anything but made a mental note of it.
Although it wasn't particularly significant, Yunfeng could tell that Ao's words carried an additional layer of meaning.
The Berserk Battle Team's presence had caused the Great Spirit Arena some losses. This subtle reminder seemed to hint at their intentions.
Yunfeng approached Zhu Zhuqing, his tone calm as he asked, "Are you okay?"
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head, her serene eyes betraying no emotion. Beneath that calm exterior, however, a faint ripple of emotion stirred.
Her feelings toward Yunfeng were complicated, though not in a bad way. They were full of internal conflict. She hesitated to speak further but stopped herself upon noticing the concerned looks from Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong.
"I'm fine. Thank you for earlier," she said softly.
Yunfeng nodded slightly, then turned to Tang San and Xiao Wu, signaling with his eyes. The two immediately understood his meaning.
Xiao Wu clenched her fists, her excitement barely contained. She was eager to storm the arena and crush their opponents for insulting someone she cared about.
The others, however, were less sentimental, though they couldn't hide their irritation.
"First match on the team battle stage, and we're already up against a tough bone to chew? Injuries or death? Let's see who's left standing," one of them muttered, clearly provoked.
Being looked down upon here, after already enduring Yunfeng's provocations back at the academy, was pushing them to their limits.
"That Kuang Xi isn't simple," Oscar said thoughtfully.
"Dai Boss, remember what the supervisor said earlier? Don't be fooled by appearances. He was warning us," Oscar continued. "Kuang Xi isn't as crude as he looks. To be a team captain, leading his team to seven consecutive victories and intimidating their opponents, it takes more than just raw strength. He was likely testing us earlier."
Dai Mubai nodded in agreement.
"That's likely. If that's the case, we need to be cautious. Listen up, everyone: if the situation becomes unfavorable, don't push yourselves. Use Oscar's flying mushroom sausage to escape the arena. Your safety is the priority."
Tang San opened his mouth to speak, only to find that Dai Mubai had beaten him to it. A wave of frustration washed over him.
Another chance to earn favor missed…
Still, Tang San added, "Their strength lies in their higher levels. If Kuang Xi's spirit is a rhinoceros, as his name suggests, he's likely a defense-oriented strength-type Spirit Master. We should avoid direct confrontation with him and focus on taking down their weaker members first. I'll handle Kuang Xi and try to keep him under control."
The team battle arena in Area 13 hosted five matches in total, and the Shrek group had half an hour of rest before their turn.
Finally, it was time for them to enter the stage.
The Shrek Seven, along with the Berserk Battle Team, walked out from the Spirit Master preparation area. For the first time, the Shrek team saw all the members of the Berserk Battle Team.
Kuang Xi, with his towering and muscular frame, led the team. Following him were two middle-aged men who appeared to be brothers, their features similar, both of average build and carrying grim expressions.
Behind them was a seductive woman, the only female member of the Berserk Battle Team. She wore heavy makeup, making it hard to determine her age, though her mature and curvaceous figure suggested she was over twenty. Her revealing outfit—a strapless top and a translucent skirt—left little to the imagination.
The alluring woman winked at Dai Mubai, but he didn't even glance at her. Having seen countless beautiful women, he had no interest in her heavily made-up appearance.
Of course, that was Dai Mubai's excuse. The real reason was that his interest in women had all but vanished.
While Dai Mubai was indifferent, others were less so—particularly a certain chubby teammate who, despite lacking certain physical faculties, still harbored impure thoughts.
Oscar, too, couldn't help but stare, his eyes fixated as he swallowed nervously, his mind wandering to inappropriate fantasies.
Behind the seductive woman were two slim young men whose eyes darted around, constantly scanning their surroundings.
The last member of the Berserk Battle Team, an older man appearing over forty, walked at the rear. His plain clothing and unremarkable demeanor made it hard to associate him with the word "Spirit Master."
As the Shrek team observed their opponents, the Berserk team was also scrutinizing them. However, with the Shrek members' faces obscured by masks and their physiques mostly ordinary (except for the chubby teammate), there was little for their opponents to glean.
The team battle arena was much larger than the individual or duo stages, with a diameter of forty meters and an area exceeding a thousand square meters. Even with fourteen participants, it didn't feel crowded.
The surrounding audience seating was twice as large, now packed with spectators.
Bloodstains on the stage testified to the intensity of previous team battles.
When the Berserk Battle Team appeared, the crowd erupted into wild cheers, their fervent cries echoing throughout the arena:
"Tear them apart! Kill them!"
The pressure was palpable, but it also ignited a fighting spirit.
Standing in the center of the stage was Supervisor Ao, now serving as the match host. He raised his voice to introduce the teams.
"The fourth match: a team battle between the Berserk Battle Team and the Shrek Seven. I hardly need to introduce the Berserk Battle Team, with their impressive seven-match winning streak. If they maintain this momentum, they could break the record for the fastest promotion to Copper Spirit Badge in the history of the Suotuo Great Spirit Arena."
"Now, let's turn to their mysterious opponents, the Shrek Seven. This team registered today, and this is their debut match. Unfortunately, their first opponents are the Berserk Battle Team. These masked Spirit Masters call themselves the Shrek Seven."
Whether due to the Berserk team's strong fanbase or the Shrek team's masked appearance, the crowd responded to the announcement with boos.
The forty-meter-wide circular arena was large enough to comfortably accommodate the fourteen participants, ensuring the battle wouldn't feel cramped.
Chapter 165: Shameless
With Supervisor Ao's announcement, both the Shrek Seven and the Berserk Battle Team arranged themselves into formations.
On the Berserk Team's side, Captain Kuang Xi stood at the forefront, flanked by the two grim-faced middle-aged men in a triangular formation. The seductive woman stood at the center, still wearing her coquettish smile. The two wiry youths were positioned on either flank, while the ordinary-looking older man brought up the rear, forming a spearhead formation.
The Shrek Seven adopted a different strategy, arranging themselves in a 3-1-1-2 formation, dividing into four rows.
In the front were Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing.
Behind them stood Tang San.
The third row consisted of Ma Hongjun.
In the rear were Oscar and Ning Rongrong.
Oscar stood close to Ning Rongrong, his task already completed as he had distributed three sausages to everyone before the match began. Even if they needed more, he could quickly prepare them.
"Why are you standing so close to me?" Ning Rongrong asked quietly.
Oscar grinned sheepishly.
"In case someone attacks you, I can be your human shield."
"Scram!"
Oscar flinched but quickly replied, "Got it!"
Seeing Oscar's shameless behavior, the others couldn't help but look at him with disdain.
What a shameless suck-up!
But the reality was sobering. While having two support-type Spirit Masters was an advantage, it also meant the Shrek Seven had only five combatants. Meanwhile, they faced a team where every member was over level 35. The pressure was palpable.
Ning Rongrong, with her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Spirit, was naturally a prime target. Her presence alone could boost her team's overall strength by 30%.
The host checked with both team captains. Dai Mubai and Kuang Xi confirmed their readiness.
"Countdown begins: five, four, three, two, one… Team Battle, Round Four, start!"
Unlike one-on-one or two-on-two battles, the countdown gave both sides time to release their spirits, preventing any disadvantage due to slower activation. This also made the match more visually appealing to spectators.
"Release your spirits!"
Dai Mubai roared, his muscles bulging as his arms extended outward. His White Tiger Spirit burst forth, transforming his body.
Simultaneously, all participants released their spirits. The arena became a dazzling spectacle as beast-type Spirit Masters transformed and tool-type Spirit Masters summoned their weapons.
Yunfeng now understood why team battles were so popular.
The sight of fourteen Spirit Masters releasing their spirits simultaneously, with their vibrant spirit rings glowing, was nothing short of breathtaking—a scene far more thrilling than other battle formats.
Among the Shrek Seven, the four Spirit Elders—Dai Mubai, Oscar, Tang San, and Xiao Wu—each displayed two yellow and one purple rings: a perfect configuration of two hundred-year and one thousand-year rings.
The other three had two yellow rings each, denoting two hundred-year spirit rings.
In stark contrast, the Berserk Battle Team's spirit rings were unevenly distributed.
Kuang Xi bore one white, one yellow, and one purple ring, a standard configuration of ten-year, hundred-year, and thousand-year rings. The two grim middle-aged men had one white and two yellow rings, clearly inferior in quality.
Surprisingly, the seductive woman had the best spirit ring configuration on their side, matching the Shrek Spirit Elders with two yellow and one purple ring.
The remaining three team members, all above level 30, were less impressive. Only the unassuming older man at the rear had a thousand-year ring; the others bore one white and two yellow rings.
The contrast between the Shrek Seven's uniform quality and the Berserk Battle Team's uneven distribution was striking.
Even though Kuang Xi had probed Dai Mubai's strength earlier, seeing four Spirit Elders with top-tier configurations left him inwardly shaken.
Good thing they still have three Spirit Grandmasters; otherwise, surrender might have crossed my mind.
High-level spirit rings were exceedingly rare. Obtaining them required not only strength but often external assistance to safely hunt powerful spirit beasts.
The audience, initially rowdy, fell silent at the sight of the four purple rings. The visual impact was overwhelming.
The absence of even a single white ring among the Shrek Seven hinted at their extraordinary background, further deepening the crowd's awe.
Supervisor Ao, momentarily stunned by the Shrek Seven's spirit rings, quickly regained his composure. With a sharp command, he leapt back from the stage, revealing his own exceptional agility and strength as a Spirit Master.
Contrary to expectations, the first to act weren't the front-line battle Spirit Masters but the support Spirit Masters at the rear.
The older man on the Berserk Team summoned a silver disc with a flash of light. His white and yellow rings glowed as he chanted:
"Disc of Fortune, Shield of Light—activate!
Disc of Fortune, Ring of Power—activate!"
Two glowing rings, matching the colors of his spirit rings, spread out and enveloped his six teammates, imbuing them with white and yellow auras.
On the Shrek side, Ning Rongrong's dazzling Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda appeared in her hand. The radiant pagoda exuded a noble aura, and Ning Rongrong's smile gave her an ethereal presence.
Her clear, crisp voice rang out as she chanted her spirit incantation:
"The first of the Seven Treasures: Strength!
The second of the Seven Treasures: Speed!"
Her two spirit rings spiraled upward, releasing fourteen beams of multicolored light. Each beam landed on herself and her six teammates, granting a 30% boost in strength and agility.
The Berserk Team's expressions turned grim at the sight of Ning Rongrong's spirit. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was renowned among Spirit Masters for its unparalleled support abilities, as well as its connection to the prestigious Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—a clan few dared to offend.
"Attack!"
The battle began in earnest as Kuang Xi, weighing his options, decided to put aside his earlier provocations and focus on the fight. Victory was paramount. Losing to this team, especially one with ties to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, would have serious consequences.
His only hope was to win cleanly without inflicting unnecessary injuries—a rare concession for someone of his temperament.
Chapter 166: Count Me In!
On the viewing platform, Yunfeng noticed Flender sneaking off suspiciously and asked casually, "Headmaster, what are you up to?"
Flender, realizing it was Yunfeng, grinned.
"Placing a bet. Want to join me?"
Yunfeng's eyes lit up.
"Money's always good! Count me in!"
Flender chuckled and left the arena with Yunfeng, heading toward the betting counters.
Back on the stage, Kuang Xi's spirit revealed itself as a rhinoceros. Upon activation, his body swelled, his skin gained a thick, armor-like layer, and a half-foot-long horn on his head gleamed with a brownish-yellow light.
With a loud roar, Kuang Xi activated his ten-year spirit ring, charging straight toward Dai Mubai with unstoppable momentum.
The two beast Spirit Masters flanking him, who also belonged to the power-attack category, unleashed their goat spirits. Their bodies grew larger, their heads sprouted horns, and white fur covered their skin. Together, the three launched a coordinated assault.
Teamwork was critical, and the Berserk Team's support Spirit Master enhanced their defense by 5% and attack by 10%.
However, compared to the buffs from Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, the disparity was glaringly obvious.
No wonder the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda is called the best auxiliary spirit.
Behind Kuang Xi, the two agility-attack Spirit Masters with monkey spirits moved swiftly, their yellow fur-covered bodies darting around to flank Dai Mubai's group and target Ning Rongrong in the rear.
Meanwhile, the seductive woman, a beast Spirit Master specializing in control, stepped forward. Her spider spirit, resembling Tang San's control type, caught his attention immediately.
Upon activation, her entire body radiated a pink light. Eight long, ribbon-like spider legs extended from her body, and a spiderweb-shaped mark appeared on her forehead. Her eyes turned a vivid pink.
Activating her first spirit ring, she raised her hands, shooting webs into the air, which quickly began to weave into a net.
Tang San, observing the situation, commanded sharply, "Fatty, target the sky! Phoenix Fireline, now!"
Ma Hongjun, already prepared, unleashed a stream of purple-red flames toward the forming web.
At the same time, Tang San acted. Dozens of Blue Silver Grass tendrils shot out from beneath him, not toward the front but to the sides, intercepting the two agility-attack Spirit Masters.
Control counters agility—a fundamental principle among Spirit Masters.
The two monkey Spirit Masters faltered as the Blue Silver Grass swarmed toward them, forcing them to pause.
Without even glancing, Tang San flicked his wrist, launching a green light from his palm with a sleight-of-hand motion, aiming it at Kuang Xi.
Kuang Xi noticed the green light and, understanding it was likely a control attack, immediately activated his second spirit ring.
With a roar, he charged forward, swinging both fists as black energy surged from them. The black light clashed with the green light mid-air, creating a massive black shockwave aimed at both the green light and Dai Mubai behind it.
Kuang Xi's combat experience was evident; his attack was calculated to neutralize Tang San's control and follow up against Dai Mubai.
But he overlooked one crucial detail—the green light emanated from Tang San's third, thousand-year, purple spirit ring.
The black light didn't destroy the green light. Instead, it swayed under the impact. At that moment, a tendril of Blue Silver Grass subtly nudged the green light from behind, redirecting it upward before letting it fall back down.
"Kuang Xi, watch out!" the seductive woman shouted, her expression changing as the net she was weaving was incinerated by Ma Hongjun's flames.
The green light unfolded into a large web mid-air and descended rapidly, enveloping Kuang Xi's massive body entirely.
The web constricted tightly, binding Kuang Xi completely. With its poison and paralysis effects, the web corroded the thick keratin layer protecting his body.
"Well done, Tang San!" Xiao Wu cheered.
Seeing Kuang Xi incapacitated, Dai Mubai's morale soared. He stomped the ground and shot toward one of the goat Spirit Masters, refusing to dodge the incoming charge.
The tiger preys on the goat.
With his natural advantage as a White Tiger Spirit Master, Dai Mubai's aura alone caused his opponent to falter.
Xiao Wu moved quickly to engage the second goat Spirit Master, while Zhu Zhuqing accelerated, bypassing the control Spirit Master and heading straight for the support Spirit Master in the rear.
The battle fully erupted. In this first clash, the Berserk Team suffered a major setback, as their strongest member, Kuang Xi, was immobilized by Tang San's spider web.
However, the Berserk Team's seven-match winning streak wasn't just for show. In any team, the control Spirit Master served as the tactical core.
The seductive woman, seeing Kuang Xi trapped, didn't panic. Instead, she darted forward, shouting:
"Double Monkeys, retreat and protect the Disc! Double Goats, hold the front!"
Chapter 167: Prolonged Battle
The two monkey Spirit Masters, having been obstructed earlier by Tang San's Blue Silver Grass, retreated to their team's side. Upon hearing the seductive woman's command, they instantly pivoted and charged toward Zhu Zhuqing.
Meanwhile, Kuang Xi, tangled in Tang San's spider web, had rolled onto the ground in his struggle to break free. The web's corrosive venom was rapidly eating away at the keratin layer protecting his body. Though his defense was formidable, it couldn't completely negate the poison. The harder he struggled, the tighter the web constricted, entangling him further.
The seductive woman was shocked the moment Tang San's web was unleashed. Though the web was composed of Blue Silver Grass, she recognized that his third spirit ring had to originate from a spider-type spirit beast. As a spider Spirit Master herself, she understood her disadvantage against someone with a similar yet potentially superior power source.
Her immediate objective was clear: free Kuang Xi from the web.
"Your opponent is me," Tang San said, his voice cold and resolute.
Blue Silver Grass surged toward the seductive woman, aiming to bind her before she could act. Tang San was determined not to give Kuang Xi a chance to rejoin the fight.
On the other side, Dai Mubai had already gained the upper hand against one of the goat Spirit Masters. Despite their similar spirit power levels, his martial spirit's natural advantage as a White Tiger left his opponent retreating under a relentless barrage of attacks. Neither side, however, had yet resorted to using their third spirit ring abilities, saving those as trump cards.
Unlike Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu was struggling against her opponent. The second goat Spirit Master, in addition to having a charge skill, possessed a rare second spirit ability: Stomp. Though its range was small, every time Xiao Wu attempted to close the distance, he activated it, forcing her to retreat.
The shockwaves from Stomp, though brief, left Xiao Wu momentarily stunned, giving the goat Spirit Master opportunities to counter with his charge. Several times, Xiao Wu narrowly avoided injury. For now, she could only engage in a stalemate, unable to close the gap effectively.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing, with her exceptional speed bolstered by Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, reached the enemy support Spirit Master in mere moments. Her first spirit ability, Ghost Shadow Stab, further amplified her speed. With her claws extended, she aimed directly for his throat, intent on neutralizing him and disrupting their team's support capabilities.
The battlefield was chaotic, with Blue Silver Grass swarming toward the seductive woman. As the opposing control Spirit Masters collided, the air crackled with tension.
The seductive woman activated her second spirit ring. This time, instead of emitting spider silk from her hands, her entire body began releasing webs, creating a dense barrier that blocked Tang San's Blue Silver Grass.
The webbing and grass clashed in mid-air, producing sharp, sizzling sounds as their respective toxins battled for dominance. The seductive woman's webbing, imbued with spider venom, was resilient and filled with poison.
However, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass, enhanced by the Abyssal Demon Spider's toxins, had an edge. Its corrosive properties steadily eroded the webbing, forcing the seductive woman onto the defensive.
Despite her shock, she remained focused. Her priority was to buy enough time to free Kuang Xi.
Just as she was concentrating, a purple-red flame shot through the gap in the webbing.
The flame struck her barrier, tearing open a hole while spreading rapidly along the webbing.
It was Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Fireline.
Tang San silently praised the support, taking advantage of the opening to hurl another green light toward the seductive woman. If he could restrain her, victory would be all but assured.
The seductive woman barely dodged the fireline, narrowly avoiding injury. The flame's intense heat and destructive force, enhanced by Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Awakening, made it a terrifying attack.
The green light, however, expanded into a massive web mid-air, aiming to envelop her completely. The web had a five-meter diameter, leaving little room for escape.
At that moment, her third spirit ring lit up.
The eight spider leg-like extensions on her head elongated into two-meter-long whips, glowing pink under her spirit's energy. With a swing, the whips struck the web, momentarily halting its descent. Unaffected by the web's adhesive properties, the whips created enough force for her to roll out of its range just in time.
Bang!
On the other side of the battlefield, Zhu Zhuqing's claws struck the support Spirit Master's neck with precision. Having undergone Yunfeng's rigorous training, her skills were impeccable. The support Spirit Master fell unconscious without even a groan.
However, in his final moment, he managed to activate his third spirit ability.
The silver disk he wielded emitted a strange wave of energy that split into six beams, which shot into the bodies of the remaining Berserk Team members.
At the same time, the seductive woman finally escaped Tang San's trap.
The silver light spread through the Berserk Team's bodies, causing them to shudder. In the next instant, their eyes turned blood-red, and their bodies swelled visibly.
The atmosphere grew even tenser as the Berserk Team members roared, their enhanced forms radiating raw power.
Chapter 168: Only Fools Don't Use Hacks
Even Kuang Xi, entangled on the ground, used his immense strength to leap back to his feet despite being constrained by Tang San's spider web.
Dai Mubai, who had been dominating his opponent, was suddenly forced back. After the infusion of the silver light, the goat Spirit Master became frenzied, his spirit power surged, and his blood-red eyes burned with madness as he charged forward recklessly.
Xiao Wu's situation was even worse.
Not only did the silver light empower the goat Spirit Master she faced, but his skills became more dangerous. The Stomp skill's range expanded significantly, creating intense shockwaves that left Xiao Wu immobilized.
As the goat Spirit Master charged toward her, Xiao Wu couldn't dodge in time.
At the critical moment, a tendril of Blue Silver Grass shot toward her, yanking her out of harm's way just as the attack landed.
The two monkey Spirit Masters, now faster than ever, quickly closed the gap between them and Zhu Zhuqing, forcing her into a defensive position.
Meanwhile, the seductive woman's pink spider-leg whips extended further, four of them latching onto Kuang Xi's web to tear it apart. Combined with Kuang Xi's own immense strength, the web started to unravel, leaving deep wounds in its wake.
Once Kuang Xi was free, his return to the fight would shift the tide in the Berserk Team's favor.
The other four whips targeted Tang San, swinging toward him in a coordinated attack.
Tang San, already drained after using his spider web skill twice, felt his spirit power dwindling. Left with no choice, he relied on Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to evade, retreating under Ma Hongjun's cover fire.
The situation on the battlefield had shifted dramatically. Only the unconscious support Spirit Master remained out of the fight, while the others had entered a frenzied state. Among them, the seductive spider Spirit Master was the only one maintaining full clarity.
Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Fireline was effective against her webs but couldn't inflict serious damage on Kuang Xi, who served as her shield. Kuang Xi's roars echoed across the arena, his injuries from the flames not enough to stop him.
The spider web that had previously restrained Kuang Xi was finally torn apart.
The advantage Shrek Academy had built was completely overturned by a single skill from the enemy support Spirit Master.
Unbeknownst to the Shrek Seven, the Berserk Team's name stemmed directly from this tactic.
The third spirit ability of their support Spirit Master, derived from a Frenzied Lizard soul beast, allowed his team to enter a berserk state for three minutes.
During this time, pain was nullified, and weaker minds succumbed to madness. In return, all attributes were increased by 15%, and auxiliary enhancements became locked for one minute, maintaining their effects even if the user was incapacitated.
The drawback? Once the berserk state ended, those affected would lose the ability to use spirit power for an hour.
It was a double-edged sword, but its power to turn the tide of battle was undeniable.
Returning from the betting counter, Yunfeng was speechless at what he saw.
Seriously? A team of prodigies struggling against a no-name team?
Though their opponents were in the Spirit Elder range, many of them relied on ten-year spirit rings. The Shrek Seven shouldn't be having this much trouble.
Yunfeng sighed and decided not to wait any longer.
"Ah Yin, are there any Spirit Masters above the Spirit Saint level in the arena?" Yunfeng asked.
Ah Yin, though puzzled by the question, extended her spiritual sense to scan the area. After a moment, she replied, "Aside from Flender and Zhao Wuji, no."
A faint smile appeared on Yunfeng's face. Turning to Flender and Zhao Wuji, he whispered, "Headmaster, Teacher Zhao, I have an idea."
On the stage, the seductive spider Spirit Master spoke with a mixture of exasperation and determination.
"Concede now, or I can't guarantee the damage you'll suffer in the next moments."
Her sweet voice carried a sinister undertone, while the intense spirit power radiating from the Berserk Team created an oppressive atmosphere.
Dai Mubai sneered.
"Concede? Dream on. If you've got the skill, take us down first!"
The seductive Spirit Master smirked mockingly.
"If it weren't for that Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, you wouldn't even be worth my time."
Her tone hardened.
"In that case, I'll just apologize in advance for what's about to happen."
With a sharp cry, she rallied her team for another assault. The three-minute berserk state was fleeting; there was no time to waste.
The Berserk Team's strength lay in this skill, which had led them to numerous victories, often leaving their opponents severely injured—or worse.
But at that very moment, the unexpected occurred.
From the shadows, Yunfeng unleashed his fifth spirit ring: Demon Eye Devourer Domain.
A shimmering azure light enveloped the entire arena, settling over the Shrek Seven.
The Shrek Seven immediately felt the surge in power.
"What is this…?" Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong exchanged glances, their eyes instinctively searching for Yunfeng.
But he was nowhere to be seen.
They instantly understood who was behind it.
Without Yunfeng, we'd have lost our first team battle for sure!
Though it felt like a hollow victory, none of them complained.
Who cares about winning on our own? Only fools don't use every advantage they have.
Embracing the sudden surge in power, the Shrek Seven prepared to turn the tables.
Chapter 169: Am I That Kind of Person?
At that moment, Tang San and the others realized who was helping them.
Without hesitation, they accepted the power Yunfeng provided, understanding the stakes. None of them were overly stubborn about pride in battle—they knew when to seize an opportunity.
Dai Mubai roared, "Now, counterattack!"
Their opponents' berserk enhancement would only last three minutes, with nearly twenty seconds already gone. If the Shrek Seven could hold out for just over two minutes, victory would be theirs.
Without hesitation, all seven of them consumed Oscar's third spirit ability, the Mushroom Sausage. Their speed surged, allowing them to weave across the battlefield with unmatched agility, leaving the Berserk Team floundering.
The sudden increase in speed confused the Berserk Team, as they struggled to lock onto their targets. The seductive spider Spirit Master, the only one still fully conscious, was shocked.
She couldn't fathom how her opponents all had this kind of explosive capability.
As the first minute passed, she calmed herself. As a seasoned control Spirit Master, she quickly deduced that such a synchronized burst of power had to be the result of a spirit ability.
The Shrek Seven were gambling on their enhancement lasting longer than the Berserk Team's berserk state.
Observing from the stands, Yunfeng sighed.
They're using my Demon Eye Devourer Domain like this?
He couldn't help but feel exasperated.
Why are you being so cautious? I'm a Spirit King with a ten-thousand-year spirit ability. Do you think a mere thousand-year enhancement can compare?
If time allowed, Yunfeng would've taken over and controlled them himself to end the match swiftly. Still, he understood their conservatism—they didn't fully grasp the power of his spirit ability, so they played it safe.
That said, Yunfeng felt slightly annoyed. His powerful ability seemed wasted in such a drawn-out battle.
About half a minute later, the Shrek Seven finally began to understand the overwhelming strength Yunfeng's ability granted them.
Realizing they didn't need to hold back anymore, they stopped retreating.
Dai Mubai, emboldened, shouted to the charging Kuang Xi, "Come on! Let's fight!"
Just as he called out, the Berserk Team's berserk state began to falter. Their bodies trembled, and their previously overwhelming momentum weakened. The fluctuations in their spirit power became erratic, signaling the end of their enhancement.
The Shrek Seven seized the opportunity, launching a coordinated attack.
Before the Berserk Team could react, the barrage overwhelmed them. The five frenzied members were struck down one by one.
The seductive spider Spirit Master, though less affected by the berserk state, also showed signs of exhaustion. Her spirit power had significantly diminished, leaving her visibly weakened.
Seeing her teammates defeated and falling around her, her expression turned bitter.
Unable to understand how the Shrek Seven had sustained their strength for so long, she clenched her fists in frustration. Finally, with a resigned expression, she raised her hand and signaled to the referee.
"The Berserk Team concedes!"
As her voice echoed across the arena, Yunfeng retracted his spirit ability. Casually strolling back to the viewing platform, he smirked at Flender and said, "Don't forget, we agreed you'd split half with me!"
Flender, initially elated over his winnings, felt his joy diminish by half. After a moment of hesitation, he sighed and said, "Yunfeng, you already have so much money. Why do you care about this small amount?"
His words were an attempt to guilt Yunfeng into forfeiting his share, but Yunfeng wasn't playing along.
"Who doesn't want more money? And besides, Headmaster, you're not someone who'd break a promise, are you?"
Flender's lips twitched. Forced to maintain his dignity, he begrudgingly replied, "Am I that kind of person?"
Meanwhile, Supervisor Ao announced the result with a stunned expression.
"Shrek Seven Monsters, victory!"
Looking at the masked Spirit Masters, he felt certain that this mysterious team would soon become the stars of the Suotuo Great Spirit Arena.
As the Shrek Seven left the stage, they instinctively glanced toward Yunfeng's seat, only to see him chatting leisurely with Flender.
Sharing a knowing look, Xiao Wu and the others smiled and quickly headed toward Yunfeng.
Yunfeng and his companions left the viewing platform to meet the team.
The moment Yunfeng stepped down, he was immediately tackled by Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong.
"Yunfeng, you're amazing!"
"You're the best!"
Xiao Wu, her slim figure nimble like her martial spirit, wrapped herself around Yunfeng like an octopus. Her legs circled his waist, and her arms clung to his neck, her flushed face brimming with excitement.
Ning Rongrong, not to be outdone, embraced him with a mischievous twist, deliberately wriggling to tease him.
This little troublemaker! Yunfeng thought, feeling both exasperated and amused.
Though slightly embarrassed under everyone's gaze, Yunfeng tried to calm them.
"Xiao Wu, Rongrong, let go."
Reluctantly, the two girls released him, grinning playfully.
The others took turns thanking Yunfeng.
Yunfeng laughed. "We won big today. Let's celebrate! Drinks are on me!"
The group cheered and, after registering their points and collecting their rewards, left the Suotuo Great Spirit Arena in high spirits.
Chapter 170: Are You Putting Me in a Tough Spot?
As the audience from the 13th district of the Great Spirit Arena gradually dispersed, many cast curious glances at the Shrek Seven as they left.
No one could fathom how such an obscure team could be so formidable.
However, the Shrek team paid little attention to the murmurs. They quickly exited the crowd, regrouping with Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and Zhao Wuji outside the arena before heading back to their inn.
Once out of the public eye, the group removed their masks and exchanged knowing smiles.
The experience of fighting together in a real battle was vastly different from their usual training. Moments like Tang San's Blue Silver Grass pulling Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and Xiao Wu out of danger made them truly understand the value of teamwork.
Yu Xiaogang's teachings on collaboration now resonated with them deeply, especially with the addition of Yunfeng's crucial spirit skill.
Who said an eighth member isn't part of the team?
Back at the inn, Yu Xiaogang gathered everyone in Tang San's room, including Flender and Zhao Wuji.
Seeing the mix of fatigue and excitement in his students, Yu Xiaogang asked calmly, "Tell me, during today's match, what did you feel?"
Dai Mubai, as the captain, responded first.
"In individual matches, it wasn't too bad, but during the team battle, our coordination was lacking."
"After all, it was our first time facing such immense pressure."
Oscar, on the other hand, looked a bit bitter.
"I was the team's burden during the match. Without me contributing to combat, it felt like we were at a disadvantage against such a strong opponent."
Several others seemed ready to chime in, and even Yu Xiaogang had prepared to give a few constructive criticisms.
But Yunfeng interjected, his smile widening as he said loudly:
"None of you are right. From my perspective, you all did great. Sure, your coordination wasn't perfect, but this was your first team battle!"
"Your opponents were no pushovers—a team of Spirit Masters all above level 35, with a seven-match winning streak and a well-balanced lineup."
"The spider Spirit Master's control, Kuang Xi's defense, and the support Spirit Master's contribution were all exceptional for their level."
"And yet, you still won. I think that's worth celebrating. Don't you agree, Master?"
Yu Xiaogang was momentarily speechless.
Criticize them now? Wouldn't that make me the bad guy?
However, recalling Yunfeng's timely intervention, Yu Xiaogang still felt compelled to add, "Yunfeng is right, but let's not forget that your victory ultimately depended on him."
"In future battles, you can't rely on him. Yunfeng won't always be there to save you."
Before Yu Xiaogang could continue, Yunfeng interrupted again.
"Master, let's leave it at that for now. Oscar, don't undervalue yourself. Sure, you weren't on the front lines, but you never stopped contributing to the team."
"In fact, you were the only one among the seven who completely exhausted your spirit power. Without your Mushroom Sausage, the others wouldn't have made it through those critical moments."
"Tang San's control was crucial, but your support made the victory possible. Every single one of you played an essential role in this team effort."
"As a support-type Spirit Master, your true value isn't limited to the arena. In real battle, your ability to sustain the team's fighting power would far surpass what the Berserk Team could achieve."
"So stop doubting yourself!"
Yunfeng's calm yet encouraging tone felt like that of an older brother, soothing Oscar's insecurities.
Yu Xiaogang sighed, realizing the atmosphere wasn't right for further lecturing. Reluctantly, he turned and left with Flender and Zhao Wuji.
Once outside, Flender remarked, "Xiaogang, these kids never cease to amaze me. It was a good idea to entrust their training to you."
Yu Xiaogang, with a touch of pride, raised his chin slightly and said, "It's their talent that truly shines. To defeat opponents with an average level five higher and three more spirit rings is a testament to their teamwork and spirit ring quality."
"Even without Yunfeng's help, they fought admirably!"
Flender sighed.
"But I still lost. Compared to Tang San, Ma Hongjun has a long way to go. After all my years of teaching, I still fall short of you."
Yu Xiaogang smiled faintly.
"That much is obvious. But at least you're willing to admit it."
Flender shot back, "Do you think I'd deny a loss?"
Zhao Wuji, unable to resist, chimed in, "Didn't you refuse to pay me the ten gold coins you lost in a bet last time?"
Flender glared at him. "You…"
Yu Xiaogang laughed heartily. "Flender, I feel like drinking. Since you admit your loss, why not treat us?"
"Fine, but don't expect me to hold back. I'll drink you under the table!" Flender grumbled, though the glint of joy in his eyes betrayed his true feelings.
Meanwhile, back at the inn, Yunfeng fulfilled his promise to treat everyone.
He ordered a lavish meal in the hotel's restaurant, complete with two barrels of fine ale.
"Yunfeng, here's to you. Thank you for your timely help!" Dai Mubai raised his mug in a toast.
Yunfeng smiled, clinking his mug with Dai Mubai's, and they both downed their drinks in one go.
"Yunfeng, I'll toast you too! But I bet you can't outdrink me!" Oscar said with a mischievous grin, lifting his mug.
Before Yunfeng could reply, Xiao Wu stepped in.
"Oscar, are you trying to get him drunk? I'll drink with you instead!"
Without hesitation, Xiao Wu downed her mug in one gulp, showcasing her bold personality.
Her playful yet protective gesture left everyone laughing, the camaraderie among the group stronger than ever as they celebrated their hard-earned victory.
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