72 Antics of Shrek

Ling Hongchen led the two to the stadium waiting area, explained to the staff, and then departed. As the dean of Sun Moon academy, he had numerous matters to attend to.

The constant noise from outside indicated a substantial audience for the competition, underscoring Sun Moon Academy's emphasis on the event.

Gu Yuena couldn't help but sigh, "It seems the academy truly places great importance on this competition."

"Indeed, considering the opponent is a Shrek Academy student, it's expected." Anping nodded in agreement.

Reflecting on something, Gu Yuena smiled and asked, "Anping, if Xu Xiaoyan and the others are as you described, how do you think they'll react upon realizing we're their opponents? Will they concede defeat easily?"

Anping gently shook his head, stating firmly, "I can't predict their reactions. Directly admitting defeat is certainly out of the question. Don't underestimate them just because they're acquaintances. Shrek academy students are known for taking their Academy's reputation very seriously, and no one knows how far they're willing to go for that so-called reputation."

Hearing this, Gu Yuena questioned, "Reputation? Proactively provoking other Academies like this, doesn't it harm the academy's reputation?"

Anping clarified, "In their Academy, there's a saying that those who shy away from trouble are mediocre. Perhaps in their perspective, such provocations, as long as they secure victory, bring glory to the college."

"Strange philosophy." Gu Yuena shook her head in confusion.

Anping explained, "Although we have a federation now, Douluo Continent remains a world where strength is revered. So, it's not particularly peculiar. In any case, don't let your guard down just because they lack strength."

"I get it, you're so verbose." Gu Yuena muttered under her breath.

Ten minutes later, the staff received a call and respectfully informed them, "You may enter."

Given that the dean of Sun Moon academy had brought them personally, the young-looking staff member understood that representing Sun Moon academy against Shrek academy was not an opportunity to be taken lightly.

The staff pressed a button on the remote control, and the door to the waiting area slowly opened. Anping and Gu Yuena entered. This wasn't their first visit here; over the past few years, Gu Yuena had brought Anping for various discussions.

As they walked to the stadium's center, cheers erupted from the audience. It was clear that many had witnessed their previous battles.

The elderly man in the middle of the rostrum glanced at Ling Hongchen and inquired, "Dean Hongchen, this competition has gained considerable attention. Are you confident the two of them can handle the five from Shrek Academy?"

Ling Hongchen smiled, "Don't worry. Sometimes, the more opponents, the better. If these two can't win, adding a few more wouldn't make a difference."

"Since Dean Hongchen is so confident, I'll wait and see," the old man nodded slightly.

Observing the two individuals in the field, Ling Hongchen turned to the staff behind him and commanded, "Let the students from Shrek Academy enter."

"Yes." The staff relayed Ling Hongchen's instruction to the opposing side using the walkie-talkie.

Soon, the door on the other side of the stadium opened, and five individuals stepped out. Although they hadn't seen each other for several years, Gu Yuena immediately recognized Tang Wulin, Xu Xiaoyan, and Xie Xie. As for Xu Lizhi and Ye Xinglan, they had only encountered them once or twice during the Skysea Alliance competition, leaving a less distinct impression.

Gu Yuena whispered through the spiritual link, "You were right; it's indeed them."

Anping teased, "Confident, are you?"

Gu Yuena retorted, "What's there to worry about? But I'll leave Xu Xiaoyan to you; otherwise, she might complain I'm bullying her."

"Alright, I'll play the antagonist." Anping was slightly puzzled, then added after some thought, "If she starts ignoring you in the future for the sake of Shrek Academy's honor, don't blame me."

"It shouldn't be that serious." Gu Yuena, hearing Anping emphasize Shrek Academy's commitment to honor, felt a bit uncertain. She sighed softly and said, "I should've invited her to Sun Moon Academy if I had known."

Anping was about to respond when he heard Gu Yuena's cold snort through the spiritual link, prompting him to ask, "What's wrong?"

Observing Tang Wulin's golden soul ring, Anping instantly grasped the situation.

Recovering her composure, Gu Yuena replied, "It's fine. Apart from Xu Xiaoyan, the others are my responsibility."

While the two conversed, the five individuals on the opposing side, led by Tang Wulin, approached Anping and Gu Yuena. As they got a clear view of their faces, Tang Wulin, Xu Xiaoyan, and Xie Xie momentarily halted. Even after almost four years, the trio recognized Anping and Gu Yuena.

Tang Wulin, Xu Xiaoyan, and Xie Xie exchanged glances, confirming their suspicions before resuming their advance. Although Xu Lizhi and Ye Xinglan were curious about their teammates' reactions, the noisy environment prevented them from asking.

Observing Anping and Gu Yuena across from him, Tang Wulin couldn't help but clench his fists. He likely deduced the reason Wu Zhangkong had them challenge Sun Moon Academy. The memory of Anping and Gu Yuena facing Shrek during the Skysea Alliance competition left a profound impression on him. However, contemplating their recent breakthroughs, unlocking two seals, and the significant increase in strength, he couldn't help but feel confident.

Unaware of Tang Wulin's thoughts, Xie Xie considered challenging Sun Moon academy an unwise choice. Losing, as warned by Wu Zhangkong, would be a failure, even if it didn't lead to expulsion. Life, he believed, was taking a turn for the worse.

Xu Xiaoyan's perspective was relatively straightforward. Seeing Anping and Gu Yuena, she knew the odds were slim. Her desire was to conclude the match swiftly and engage in a pleasant conversation with Gu Yuena.

With diverse thoughts, the group eventually reached the center of the ring, standing there, awaiting the commencement of the game.

The hovering referee saw both teams assembled and announced, "The rules of the game will be explained below."

"What?" Tang Wulin signaled, making an inaudible gesture.

"I'm about to announce the rules!" The referee's words carried a hint of soul power.

"What did you say? I can't hear clearly! It's too noisy here," Tang Wulin innocently inquired.

The referee's expression darkened as he retorted coldly, "Are you here to compete?"

"I can't hear clearly. What are you saying? There are too many flies here..."

"Fight or forfeit. Make a decision," Gu Yuena, unable to comprehend Tang Wulin's antics, interrupted with a slight frown.

Not understanding Tang Wulin's intentions and seeing Gu Yuena getting irritated, Anping, enjoying the spectacle, patted her shoulder and consoled, "Let's just watch his antics. They are the ones who will be embarrassed, anyway."

Gu Yuena rolled her eyes at Anping and voiced her annoyance, "I can't bear it."

"Alright, alright, whatever works," Anping conceded.

On the opposite side, Gu Yuena's voice, laced with a hint of spiritual power, exerted considerable pressure on Tang Wulin. His aura weakened slightly, and he requested, "Can you open the protective shield first?"

"Okay," the referee replied, instructing the staff to raise the protective cover.

As the protective shield ascended, the arena fell silent. Tang Wulin tilted his head, extracted a paper ball from each ear, and tossed them to the ground. Addressing the referee, he said, "The world is finally quiet; you can proceed."