Chapter 149: "Kill This Cat—Can You Do It?" N

"Don't worry. Although Tom has no combat power, with me and Tianheng—both Soul Ancestors—defeating Shrek Academy won't be a problem at all."

Gao Hao forced a bitter smile. "Shrek Academy's team has gained immense popularity as a rising force, and your Imperial Battle Team was personally invited by our Great Spirit Arena. This match has drawn significant attention."

"Many nobles have placed heavy bets on you. Please take this seriously, Miss Dugu."

Yu Tianheng replied firmly, "Rest assured. The Imperial Battle Team does not lose." As he spoke, he deliberately avoided mentioning Shen An—that cheat didn't count.

"But with this... cat participating, which member of your team will you replace?"

Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng exchanged glances. They had forgotten about that. Who could they swap out? Their teammates had been eager to fight Shrek Academy, practically itching for the chance.

Now, telling them they'd be replaced—no, replaced by a cat—wouldn't sit well.

"Let's swap out Lingling. She's easygoing, and there might not even be a need for her abilities. I'll talk to her," Dugu Yan suggested.

Shen An smiled. "Then I'll trouble you, Miss Dugu."

"It's nothing. After all, you helped me and my grandfather. No amount of thanks would be enough." Dugu Yan's tone was unusually gentle as she spoke.

Yu Tianheng, standing nearby, couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy hearing his girlfriend speak so warmly to Shen An.

And what did she mean by helping her grandfather? The Poison Douluo, needing help?

Of course, Yu Tianheng didn't know about Tom curing Dugu Bo's poison. The idea that the infamous Poison Douluo had been suffering from a lethal toxin was beyond belief.

Moreover, Dugu Bo had sternly warned his granddaughter: "Keep it to yourself. If word gets out, it'll only bring Shen An unnecessary trouble."

"Alright, let's head back first and inform Lingling and the others," Yu Tianheng interjected, eager to move on.

"Then Zhuqing and I will go register for the matches. We'll bring Tom over later. I'm quite curious to see what Shrek Academy looks like now," Shen An mused.

The last time Tang San had taken his sword strike, even with Tang Hao's intervention, his Mysterious Jade Hands had been shattered. Shen An wondered—had the so-called protagonist recovered? Had he grown even stronger?

---

Shen An took his two feline companions to register for solo and duo battles. Signing up Zhuqing went smoothly, but when it came to himself—

"What do you mean no one's willing to fight me? Then let me challenge higher ranks!"

"Even that won't work. Does your Great Soul Fighting Arena have a grudge against me?"

"Apologies, Mr. Shen. Before, when your strength was unknown, many Soul Ancestors were willing to fight you, hoping for easy points. But you've never lost."

"Now, everyone knows you're a tough opponent. And with rumors spreading in Heaven Dou City about you defeating the top disciples of the Five Great Academies... no Soul Ancestor wants to face you."

The registration staff clearly recognized Shen An—he had frequented the arena before.

"What about Soul Kings? Surely I can fight them?" Shen An pressed.

The staff sighed. "Mr. Shen, Soul Kings rarely participate in arena battles. And for a Soul Elder like you to challenge them? Even if you win, they gain nothing. If they lose, it's humiliating. No one will agree."

Shen An exhaled sharply. Fine. Today would just be about accompanying Zhuqing and watching Tom humiliate Shrek Academy.

---

Meanwhile, in another lounge of the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena...

Qin Ming walked in with a peculiar expression, holding a document.

"Just received updated intel. The Imperial Battle Team made a last-minute substitution—replacing Lingling with a cat named Tom."

The Shrek team, who had been meditating, snapped their eyes open—including the master, Yu Xiaogang.

"Tom? That cat of Shen An's?" Dai Mubai was the first to react. As the number one anti-Shen-An advocate, he was always quick to speak (and equally quick to get beaten).

Qin Ming nodded. "Most likely. But why replace Lingling? Her support abilities are unparalleled. And since when can a cat participate in soul battles?"

"Still, this is good news. That cat's strength is below a hundred-year soul beast. Your chances of winning just increased—though still below 30%."

Xiao Wu sneered. "With San Ge here, we won't lose. We've defeated stronger opponents before."

"Exactly! San Ge's soul power is already at level 42, and with his top-tier Blue Silver Emperor... how could we lose?" Ma Hongjun chimed in.

Lately, Tang San had led their team—all in their thirties—to dominate Soul Ancestor teams in the arena. Ma Hongjun's admiration had reached new heights.

Qin Ming sighed. "Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan are both Soul Ancestors now. With their martial souls, they're far from ordinary."

"Tianheng was within my expectations, but Dugu Yan... level 43, surpassing even Tianheng? Her poison is extremely troublesome."

"Just look at this." He placed the intel on the table.

The Shrek team's eyes locked onto three names:

Captain: Yu Tianheng

- Martial Soul: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon

- Level 41, Power Attack System

- Soul Rings: 2 Yellow, 2 Purple

Vice-Captain: Dugu Yan

- Martial Soul: Jade Phosphor Serpent

- Level 43, Control System

- Soul Rings: 2 Yellow, 2 Purple

Member: Tom

- Martial Soul: Cat

- Strength: Below 100-year

Tang San—now strikingly handsome—let out a quiet breath of relief. At least Shen An isn't here.

That single sword strike from Shen An had left too deep a scar.

Even as a Soul Ancestor with an 8,000-year fourth soul ring, Tang San still lacked the confidence to face Shen An. He had been broken.

He needed far stronger hidden weapons before a rematch. The current ones—like the Godly Crossbow—were not enough.

But without Shen An? That was a different story.

"Teacher Qin, don't worry. We've beaten full Soul Ancestor teams before with our teamwork. This time won't be any different. Besides... I know a thing or two about poison. Her toxins won't be an issue."

While the others talked, Yu Xiaogang's gaze remained fixed on Tom's name, his eyes simmering with hatred.

He spoke slowly, voice icy.

"The arena's rules forbid killing people... but they say nothing about killing cats."

"Xiao San, for this match, I permit you to use all the hidden weapons you've crafted. And my demand is simple—"

"Kill this cat. Can you do it?"

Tang San's expression brightened instantly. He had never forgotten how Shen An shattered his Mysterious Jade Hands—nor how he had dared to harm Xiao Wu.

If his teacher was allowing him to use hidden weapons in the arena... then taking this cat's life would be the first installment of his revenge.

A cruel smile curled on Tang San's lips.

"Don't worry, Teacher. This task... I guarantee its completion."