This is precisely why Great Spirit Arenas frequently organize exciting matches—higher stakes mean higher profits from their cut. In fact, this has long been the primary source of income for any Spirit Arena on the continent, often surpassing ticket sales.
Soon, the odds shifted again. The overwhelming bets on the Fierce God Team caused their odds to drop further, while Shrek Academy's odds climbed to an astonishing 1:17, continuing to rise.
The betting counters for the two teams painted a stark contrast. The line at the Fierce God Team's counter stretched long, with bettors eager to place their wagers before the match began.
Meanwhile, the counter for Shrek Academy was nearly deserted, save for a few speculative gamblers.
Just then, a sudden voice broke the monotony at the Shrek betting counter, startling the dozing staff member.
"I'll wager 30,000 gold spirit coins on Shrek Academy."
"What did you say? How much?" The staff member blinked in surprise and asked again.
Flender frowned. "I said I'm betting 30,000 gold spirit coins on Shrek Academy to win. Is there a problem?"
Though Flender was annoyed, he trusted Yu Xiaogang's plan and saw potential in Shrek Academy's odds. Missing out on such an easy profit wasn't an option.
As Flender processed his wager, Yunfeng appeared at the counter. Under the watchful eyes of the staff and Flender, Yunfeng handed over his card and calmly said,
"I'll bet 100,000 as well, just for fun."
Yunfeng wasn't greedy for money; he simply wanted to irritate Flender.
With Yunfeng's massive wager, the odds would drop immediately.
Sure enough, Flender's face darkened upon hearing Yunfeng's bet.
The staff member, now swallowing nervously, was taken aback by the combined stakes. Although the Silvis Great Spirit Arena was the largest in the kingdom, bets as large as 30,000 or 100,000 gold spirit coins were still rare.
Flender's wager wasn't all his own money—it included contributions from Yu Xiaogang and other teachers.
Meanwhile, spectators betting on the Fierce God Team began laughing at Flender, their looks full of ridicule.
"Are you certain about this?" the staff member asked again.
Yunfeng nodded confidently, while Flender, though irritated, begrudgingly handed over several gold coin storage cards to complete his bet.
Now, Flender just hoped to wrap things up quickly before his wager encouraged others to follow suit and lower the odds further.
But his concerns were unnecessary—except for Yunfeng, no one believed in Shrek Academy.
The Spirit Arena was known for its fairness and transparency, which kept audiences loyal.
Given the significant power gap, Shrek's team of mostly sub-thirty-level Spirit Masters, with only one at thirty-eight, seemed doomed against a team of forty-plus-level Silver Spirit Masters.
The Fierce God Team, though averaging a modest forty-three levels, boasted overwhelming advantages in spirit rings, power, and their infamous fighting style.
---
As Flender turned to leave, a portly merchant hurriedly approached the counter, as if afraid of missing out. Gasping, he handed over a gold spirit coin card.
"Here, put me down for 10,000 on Shrek Academy."
The staff member was incredulous. Was this the year of oddities? Despite the clear mismatch, people kept betting on the underdogs.
Learning from Flender and Yunfeng's examples, the staff member completed the transaction without further questions.
Curious, Yunfeng asked the merchant,
"Brother, are you sure about this? Shrek Academy is significantly weaker in spirit power and rings. Why bet on them?"
The merchant chuckled and lowered his voice,
"You don't know this, but I'm a businessman who frequently travels between Barak Kingdom and Silvis Kingdom.
"Not long ago, I watched an incredible team battle in Soto City. One of the main participants was… well, you. Do you think I'd bet against that?"
"So, I'm confident in my choice!"
Hearing this, Yunfeng smiled. During his time at Soto's Great Spirit Arena, he had removed his mask.
Who would've thought he'd gain a supporter even in Silvis?
Though the merchant's faith seemed blind, Yunfeng found it endearing.
---
With these new wagers—totaling 140,000 gold spirit coins—Shrek's odds dropped from 1:17 to 1:15.
Meanwhile, the odds for the Fierce God Team winning were adjusted to 1:0.6 to balance the scales. Even so, bets on the Fierce God Team continued to flood in.
Leaving Flender and the merchant, Yunfeng returned confidently to the waiting area, where the Shrek team had already prepared for the battle. Outside, the betting counters closed as the match neared.
---
Silvis Great Spirit Arena buzzed with anticipation for the day's final event: a team battle and an across-level challenge.
At the staging area near the main battle zone, Yu Xiaogang gave his usual advice,
"Remember, your opponents are ruthless. Do not hold back—end the fight as quickly as possible.
"If unforeseen circumstances arise, jump off the platform. Surrender is better than injury."
Noticing that no one responded, Yu Xiaogang's face darkened. Finally, he turned to Tang San, who nodded reluctantly and said,
"Teacher, don't worry. We won't lose."
Under the guidance of Spirit Arena staff, the seven members of Shrek's team strode boldly toward the main battle platform.
Unlike the Soto Spirit Arena, this match was not officially invited. Yu Xiaogang couldn't accompany them and had to leave for the spectator stands to join Flender and the others.
(End of Chapter)