Yu Xiaogang quickly completed the registration process, and the staff at the Silvis Great Spirit Arena immediately began promoting the event.
The team battle hadn't started yet. As the last event of the day, it was scheduled to begin in a little over an hour.
The Spirit Arena staff knew how to make the most of this time—attracting high-profile spectators and setting up betting pools were crucial to maximizing profits. They wouldn't miss any opportunity to make money.
To show their respect for Shrek's team, the Spirit Arena provided them with a private quiet room to rest while awaiting the match.
Upon entering, the experienced Shrek members immediately prepared to meditate to keep their spirit power at its peak.
But Yu Xiaogang stopped them.
"No need to meditate. I have something to tell you," he said.
The Shrek team members looked at him in confusion, even Tang San.
Yu Xiaogang spoke calmly,
"Are you wondering why the dean and I made such a decision, asking you to participate in such a dangerous battle?"
The Shrek members exchanged glances and nodded.
Feigning a mysterious demeanor, Yu Xiaogang continued,
"Based on your current abilities, you may not be able to defeat opponents at the fortieth level."
"The reason I made this decision is twofold: first, to fulfill Flender's expectations, and second, to test the weapons Tang San has been carrying."
"In this team battle, Tang San, distribute your weapons to everyone. I trust you have plenty in reserve."
Tang San froze upon hearing this.
Those are my life-saving tools!
Yu Xiaogang was asking him to give them away?
Tang San's eyes darkened, but his face betrayed nothing.
"Teacher, why?" he asked.
Yu Xiaogang smiled,
"No reason. Just trust me, Tang San. Would your teacher ever harm you?"
Tang San sneered internally. Not harm me? What about all the illnesses and injuries I've sustained because of you?
The fact that Yu Xiaogang made such decisions without consulting him annoyed Tang San greatly.
But knowing it wasn't yet time to confront him, Tang San nodded and reluctantly handed over some of his hidden weapons, explaining their use to the others.
Yu Xiaogang's explanation dispelled the doubts in the hearts of the Shrek team members.
Though their individual strengths might not match the enemy, Tang San's hidden weapons had already proven their worth—especially the overpowering Zhuge Divine Crossbow.
Oscar hesitated for a moment.
"But, Master, isn't this..."
Yu Xiaogang cut him off,
"I deliberately chose a ruthless team. You need not hold back."
"Remember, your opponents are stronger than you. To defeat them, you must strike first and give them no chance to recover."
"Tang San, do you understand?"
Tang San, though unhappy, could only nod and respond in a muffled tone,
"Yes, Teacher, I understand."
Satisfied, Yu Xiaogang continued,
"Good. Now, plan your battle strategy."
---
Meng Li, captain of the Fierce God Team, had been in a bad mood lately.
The team hadn't participated in a team battle for over half a month.
The reason was simple: they were boycotted by all the other Level 40 Silver Spirit Teams.
Since its inception, the Fierce God Team had adopted a "mad dog" strategy. Meng Li believed in two principles: the strong fear the ruthless, and the ruthless fear those with no regard for their lives.
In previous battles, no matter their opponents, the Fierce God Team would launch frenzied, life-threatening attacks. Even in defeat, they often left their enemies injured or even dead.
Over time, this reputation for brutality meant that any team facing them would be demoralized before the match even began. Even those stronger than them found it hard to win.
Recently, however, the Fierce God Team faced difficulties. Their excessively savage tactics led all Level 40 Silver Spirit Teams to refuse matches with them.
Cultivating a Spirit Master is no easy task. Who would want their teammates to die in the Spirit Arena?
Accidental deaths might be forgivable, but with the Fierce God Team, death wasn't an accident—it was inevitable.
Under these circumstances, boycotting the Fierce God Team became a consensus among the Level 40 teams.
---
Meng Li had been contemplating leaving Silvis City to find another Spirit Arena.
Without battles, there were no earnings. Both he and his team relied on Spirit Arena prizes to maintain their lavish lifestyle.
They had avoided joining any major power, preferring their freedom.
Half an hour ago, however, Meng Li received unexpected news: a team had issued a challenge to them—an across-level challenge, no less.
The news thrilled Meng Li.
Even the most cautious Spirit Masters wouldn't believe a Level 30 team could defeat a Level 40 team.
If Spirit Masters were allowed to bet on themselves, Meng Li would have placed a heavy wager on his team.
Gathering his team, Meng Li rushed to the Spirit Arena, eager for their first income in weeks.
For Meng Li and his "mad dog" teammates, killing Spirit Masters was a form of catharsis and enjoyment.
If not for the protection afforded by residing within the Spirit Arena's jurisdiction, they would likely have been killed by stronger Spirit Masters many times over.
Meng Li lived by the motto: Grow through slaughter.
At thirty years old, he had already decided on his future title: Fierce God.
Of course, he was self-aware enough to know that becoming a Titled Douluo was nearly impossible—unless he stumbled upon exceptional opportunities, such as powerful spirit bones or a transformative ten-thousand-year spirit ring.
---
Silvis Great Spirit Arena, Main Battle Zone
The venue was bustling with activity. Though the announcement had only been made an hour earlier, an across-level challenge was a rare spectacle that had drawn a large crowd.
The fact that the challenge was issued against the notorious Fierce God Team only added to the intrigue.
Betting booths were open, and the odds reflected the mismatch in power.
The Fierce God Team had odds of 1:1, while the Shrek Team wa
s given a staggering 1:10.
Of course, the Spirit Arena would take a cut of any winnings—10% of the total payout.
(End of Chapter)