Despite the lively discussions in the audience, the atmosphere on stage was exceptionally tense. Both sides were waiting for the last possible moment, knowing that time was of the essence.
"Match, begin!" Doudou's voice suddenly rang out.
In an instant, Tang San took charge, forming a strategic formation. Strands of Blue Silver Grass extended outward, wrapping around the waists of Dai Mubai and the others like supportive tendrils.
However, an awkward moment followed—neither side made a move.
"So cautious?" Xiao Tianyang grabbed a handful of popcorn, set his Coke aside, and frowned. "But dragging it out like this will only put you at a disadvantage. Just go up and fight."
"Exactly. The Jade Phosphor Serpent's purple mist is highly toxic; it's best to strike first!" At Tang San's signal, several leather water pouches were thrown into the air.
Without needing further instruction, Dai Mubai unleashed his White Tiger Intense Light Wave, shattering the pouches and scattering alcohol into the sky.
"First Soul Skill: Phoenix Fire Wire!"
With a sharp whoosh, Ma Hongjun spewed out a fiery stream, igniting the airborne liquid. In an instant, the poisonous purple mist dispersed completely.
Seizing the moment, Dai Mubai bent his knees and charged directly at Yu Tianheng, the enemy's assault-type soul master.
"Leave Shi brothers to me. Xiao Wu, Zhu Qing, work together to take down Osler first. Ma Hongjun, handle Yu Feng!"
As soon as Tang San finished speaking, his first soul skill entwined around the Shi brothers, restricting their movements.
Yu Tianheng shuddered as Dai Mubai closed in—not out of fear, but because their carefully laid plan had been completely disrupted. The enemy had taken the initiative.
"But if I defeat you, I can turn the tables!" A determined glint flashed in Yu Tianheng's eyes as his right arm transformed into a dragon's claw.
"First Soul Skill: Thunder Dragon Claw!"
Purple lightning crackled as his dragon claw slashed forward. Dai Mubai, instead of dodging, grinned wickedly and threw a punch straight at him.
"Is he insane?!" Yu Tianheng was stunned. He had unleashed a powerful soul skill, but his opponent responded with a simple punch—no soul skill, no apparent effort.
Was he being underestimated? Or was Dai Mubai simply that confident?
With no time to hesitate, Yu Tianheng put all his strength into his attack.
The two forces clashed—fist against dragon claw. Electricity surged, making Dai Mubai's hair stand on end. But instead of retreating, he leaned directly into Yu Tianheng's chest.
"Boom!"
A muffled impact sent Yu Tianheng staggering two steps back, shock evident in his eyes.
"First Soul Skill: White Tiger Shield Body Barrier!"
"Third Soul Skill: White Tiger Vajra Transformation!"
A yellow and a purple soul ring lit up simultaneously. Dai Mubai's aura skyrocketed, his eyes gleaming with a fierce light.
In close combat, aside from Xiao Tianyang and Tang San, he had never feared anyone.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The battle raged fiercely. Though only at level 38, Dai Mubai overwhelmed Yu Tianheng. Every attempt to defend was blocked, leaving Yu Tianheng's chest exposed to relentless strikes.
The entire Emperor Team was stunned. No one knew what Yu Tianheng was feeling at that moment, but they all recognized the terrifying strength of Shrek Academy.
"First Soul Skill: Red Jaded Scale Poison!"
"Second Soul Skill: Blue Jaded Scale Poison!"
"Third Soul Skill: Jade Phosphor Violet Poison!"
Dugu Yan activated three soul rings at once, her voice cold as she issued orders: "Shi Mo, Shi Mo, hold off their agility-type soul masters. Yu Feng, assist me in dealing with that fat one. Osler, target the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda user!"
At this moment, the vice-captain's role became crucial. With their captain engaged in battle, Dugu Yan took command, rallying the team back into formation.
Ye Lingling, meanwhile, remained uninvolved. With the Nine-Heart Flowering Apple martial soul, her only role was healing.
Breaking free from the Blue Silver Grass, the Shi brothers, benefiting from Dugu Yan's poison, ignored the paralyzing effect and separated, each engaging Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing.
Yu Feng lunged toward Ma Hongjun.
Osler maneuvered around, biding his time to strike Ning Rongrong.
However, his heart pounded as he noticed Xiao Tianyang watching him with a smile.
For some reason, that smile sent shivers down his spine.
'He's not planning to suddenly attack me, right?' The thought chilled Osler to the core. The memory of the man who had once almost knocked him out with a single strike resurfaced.
On the battlefield, the Shi brothers activated their third soul skill, their tortoise shells shining as they blocked Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing's path.
Their plan was clear—eliminate Dai Mubai first, then deal with the others.
"The plan is solid, but execution is another story." Xiao Tianyang popped another piece of popcorn into his mouth. "First, these two brothers won't be able to stop Xiao Wu and Zhuqing. Second, you're underestimating Dai Mubai."
"And most importantly, the core of this team is Xiao San. If you can't defeat him, nothing else matters."
Dugu Yan's expression darkened at his words.
Tang San, too, felt frustrated. Was Xiao Tianyang on their side or the enemy's? They were already outnumbered six to seven, and yet he was giving their opponents tactical advice!
Nonetheless, as a capable strategist, Tang San adjusted his approach.
"Third Soul Skill: Spider Web Restraint!"
A massive web shot forward, ensnaring Shi Mo before he could react.
"Zhuqing, eliminate that control-type soul master. Xiao Wu, I'll create an opening for you!"
With that, Tang San dashed toward the immobilized target, his hands glowing with a jade hue, ready to shatter the deadlock.
"Well, if I don't put more pressure on them, they'll win too easily," Xiao Tianyang mused with a smirk.
Then, his gaze settled back on Osler, who was still hesitating.
"If you want to fight, fight. If not, leave. Why are you just staring at me?"
Osler's body tensed. That look... it reminded him of the man who had terrified him before—the one who had almost taken him out with a single strike.
His scalp tingled at the memory.
…
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