Chapter 93: The Formation of the Shrek Team

Time flows like sand slipping through one's fingers—before you realize it, it's gone.

The scene shifts, and a year has passed.

"There's only six months left until the opening ceremony of this year's Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament."

"I don't have high expectations for you. Just make sure to bring back the championship!"

Flender said this with a calm expression, as if winning the championship was a foregone conclusion for Dai Mubai and the others.

"Teacher, it's easy for you to say that when you're not the one doing it!"

Ma Hongjun muttered with a resentful look, his small eyes gleaming with frustration.

He had spent considerable time in the Spirit Arena recently and was well aware of the competition. This year's tournament had teams from nearly all the top advanced academies, many of which were fielding exceptionally strong lineups.

Without Dai Mubai, Shrek Academy might not even make it past the qualifiers!

What Ma Hongjun, Tang San, and the others didn't know was how much Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong had progressed in their soul power. If they did, their confidence might have been a bit higher.

"Hongjun, I've treated you quite well, haven't I?"

Flender adjusted his glasses, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

Ma Hongjun stiffened at Flender's expression.

"Go find Old Zhao and train with him for two days."

Sure enough, Flender's words made Ma Hongjun's face drop instantly. Training with Zhao Wuji for two days? That was like giving up half his life!

"Teacher? I was wrong! How about you punish me by making me run laps instead?"

Ma Hongjun pleaded weakly.

"Good, Hongjun, your self-awareness is admirable. Alright, let Old Zhao accompany you to run laps—for three days."

Flender's tone was calm, as if he were discussing something trivial.

Ever since Dai Mubai suggested that training under gravity was more "scientific," Shrek Academy had adjusted its training regimen. Zhao Wuji had become the de facto "gravity enforcer."

After his Martial Soul evolved, Zhao Wuji's control over gravity had grown even stronger. Even Dai Mubai felt a slight pressure from it, which spoke volumes about Zhao Wuji's terrifying power.

"Hiss~"

Ma Hongjun took a deep breath and instinctively stepped back. Is Flender trying to get a new personal disciple or something?!

Dai Mubai patted Ma Hongjun's shoulder with a smile.

"Fatty, having Old Zhao run with you is something most students can only dream of."

"This isn't the kind of happiness I want!"

Ma Hongjun looked as if he were about to cry. He knew Flender could be petty, but he hadn't expected him to be this petty!

"Sigh~"

"If I'd known, I wouldn't have called Teacher out like that…"

Tang San observed the scene from the side, his expression indifferent.

Since returning to Shrek Academy, he had kept a low profile, dedicating himself entirely to cultivation. He rarely cared about anything else.

A year of focused training had indeed brought rapid results, further solidifying his belief in Yu Xiaogang's teachings.

"Beauty is like a wolf or tiger, eroding one's will. You shouldn't even think about it, let alone touch it!"

Tang San silently reminded himself, casting a sidelong glance at Dai Mubai. A hint of disdain flashed in his eyes.

"Dai Mubai, Boss Dai, you're just a few years older than me. If it weren't for that, my soul power level would definitely surpass yours by now!"

Tang San's face showed a trace of pride. He had every reason to be proud—his current soul power had already reached level 37, and he was on the verge of breaking through to level 38.

By the time the tournament began, Tang San was confident he could reach the Soul Ancestor rank. At that point, he would still be only fourteen years old, a full year younger than Dai Mubai had been when he became a Soul Ancestor!

"Alright, Hongjun's matter is settled!"

"Now, let's discuss the Shrek Team."

"Dai Mubai, you'll be the captain for this year's Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament."

After Flender made this announcement, no one raised any objections.

Those who knew Dai Mubai's strength, like Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong, had no reason to object. Even if he weren't the strongest, his relationships with the three girls would have ensured their support.

Oscar and Ma Hongjun also had no complaints—Dai Mubai was undoubtedly the strongest among them.

Tang San, however, felt a twinge of disappointment. Wasn't the control-system soul master supposed to be the core of the team? The captaincy should have been his by rights. Even if he didn't need the title, shouldn't Flender have at least offered it to him first?

"Forget it. For now, Dai Mubai does have the highest soul power level, so let him take it."

"And as for the vice-captain…"

"The vice-captain will be Zhuqing," Flender declared.

At this, Tang San's face darkened, and his eyelid twitched violently.

He could tolerate not being the captain, but even the vice-captain wasn't his?

Tang San prided himself on his talent. He could grudgingly accept that Dai Mubai was a few years older and temporarily stronger. But Zhu Zhuqing? Why her?

Oscar and Ma Hongjun scratched their heads thoughtfully but wisely kept silent. Opposing Flender's decision would mean offending Dai Mubai. Did they look like fools?

"Teacher's decision is perfect! Sister Zhuqing as vice-captain—I fully support it!"

"I, Oscar, second that!"

"I, Tang San—"

Before Tang San could finish, Flender cut him off with a nod and a dismissive wave.

"Good, then it's settled!"

Tang San: "???"

He was going to object! Did they not even give him a chance to voice his opinion?

"You three, come over here."

Flender gestured to a group of three individuals standing nearby. A team couldn't rely solely on main members; substitutes were essential.

These three had been handpicked by Liu Erlong from the former Blue Tyrant Academy's main team.

All three were level 35 soul masters: one strong attack, one agility attack, and one support.

"They'll be the substitutes for the Shrek Team. Get to know each other."

With that, Flender turned and left, leaving the young people to bond. An old man like him didn't need to meddle in their interactions.

"I'm Jing Ling…"

"Huang Yuan…"

"Jiang Zhu…"

Jing Ling and Huang Yuan, both men, introduced themselves simply. Jiang Zhu, however, caught Dai Mubai's attention.

At nineteen years old, Jiang Zhu wasn't exceptionally beautiful but exuded a gentle aura. Her Martial Soul was a Healing Staff, a top-tier support-type soul tool, second only to the Nine Hearts Begonia in effectiveness.

After brief introductions, the Shrek Team was officially formed!

"Captain, how should we arrange things for the coming months? Focus on soul power cultivation, or team coordination?"

"For the first three months, focus on individual cultivation. As for the last three months… we'll decide when the time comes!"

(End of Chapter)