Zuzong's Strategy

After a round of discussion, the seven people selected to participate were: Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, Shi Mo, Shi Mo, Ye Lingling, Zuzong, and Xiao Wu.

Qin Ming looked around the group, smiling with satisfaction. With this lineup, the Emperor Team might be able to shock the entire continent during the Advanced Soul Master Tournament two years later.

Qin Ming asked, "Now that we've confirmed the lineup, does anyone have any further comments? Feel free to speak up."

Seeing that everyone remained silent, Zuzong's eyes flashed, and a smile crept onto his lips. He knew everything about the Shrek team.

"Teacher Qin, I've watched their matches before, so let me explain things."

Just as everyone fell into silence, Zuzong spoke up loudly, drawing everyone's attention to himself.

"Go ahead," Qin Ming gestured for him to continue.

Zuzong began, "Alright! I'll point out a few things everyone should keep in mind."

"First, Dugu Yan, while your poison is a major weapon in team battles, it's also the easiest to counter. Tang San, also known as 'Thousand Hands Shura' in the Shrek Seven, once joined me in hunting for his first spirit ring, so he knows that realgar wine can neutralize your snake venom. So..."

(Tang San, angrily: "You totally stole my idea!")

As Zuzong spoke, he leaned in close to whisper something in Dugu Yan's ear and handed her a small, light purple iron egg.

Hearing this, Dugu Yan's lips twitched. This guy was seriously devious. She accepted the iron egg and nodded, "Alright, I understand."

"Next is Tianheng. You should..." Zuzong motioned for Yu Tianheng to come closer.

Yu Tianheng followed suit and leaned in, listening carefully.

Then, Zuzong turned to Xiao Wu, mentioning her second spirit ability, "Charm," which was Tang San's weakness. He wondered if Tang San would be able to explain it to Meng Yiran later.

Zuzong also gave a few instructions to Ye Lingling, Shi Mo, and Shi Mo.

"Alright, I think I've covered everything. Oh, and make sure not to hurt Zhuqing. I'll handle her."

"Got it, got it," Xiao Wu pouted in dissatisfaction.

Qin Ming nodded in approval, feeling gratified, but internally, he was impressed by Zuzong's leadership qualities. "Alright, everyone, let's make sure we're in our best condition!"

If Zuzong knew what Qin Ming was thinking, he would have rolled his eyes. His strategy was based on his understanding of the original story and the current situation—nothing more than playing the cards as they came. Defeating Shrek was simple, but outwitting Yu Xiaogang and Tang San required more effort.

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Suotuo Great Spirit Arena: Central Main Arena

The central arena was only slightly larger than the other sub-arenas. It was surrounded by a series of private, enclosed boxes, with one-way crystal glass that allowed the occupants to see out, but prevented anyone outside from seeing in. 

Behind these windows were high-status VIPs, none of whom were interested in revealing their identities or cheering like common spectators. They preferred the sense of pride and superiority.

Under the dazzling gold soul-guided lights, the crystal glass shimmered, and the dueling platform appeared enormous. Without an outdoor audience, the platform spanned a full 70 meters in diameter, more than enough space for even a battle of 100 people on each side.

Led by the arena attendants, the seven members of the Emperor team, including Zuzong and Xiao Wu, stepped onto the stage, as did the Shrek Seven from the opposite side.

Zuzong glanced at the crystal windows, feeling annoyed. A bunch of useless people, he thought.

Suddenly, at the center of the stage, a two-meter circular platform rose from the ground, supported by a thick golden pillar. Leaning against it was a young woman.

The young woman appeared to be about 18 or 19 years old, dressed in a dignified white dress, with flowing brown hair styled in large waves. Her voluptuous figure and slender waist were captivating. She held a cone-shaped sound amplifier and wore a professional smile.

Zuzong thought to himself, "So that's 'Doudou.' She's even prettier than that rabbit now."

As Doudou recited her standard professional lines, Zuzong lost interest and turned his attention to the Shrek team. First, his eyes landed on his "little kitty" Zhu Zhuqing. Though she wore a mask, Zuzong recognized her immediately.

As for Tang San, Ma Hongjun, and the others, they were easily recognizable by their body shapes and hairstyles.

But what on earth was Dai Mubai wearing? If it weren't for his hair color and height, Zuzong would have barely recognized him.

Dai Mubai was clad in a tight-fitting black battle suit, the same style as the other six members of the Shrek team, but his suit had clearly been tailored to highlight his physique. If not for certain… missing parts, it might have formed a noticeable bulge.

What the heck! This is way too flashy! He even has a rose in his hair? Is he trying to imitate Chrysanthemum Douluo?

Hmm… Maybe that's why Chrysanthemum Douluo wanted to take him as a disciple in the original story.

After Doudou finished her introductions, the match began.

"Both teams, you now have one minute to summon your spirits. You may attack only after I announce the start. The battle will continue until one side concedes, falls unconscious, or is knocked off the stage."

As soon as the referee announced the start of the match, the atmosphere grew tense.

At the same time, both teams released their spirits. Beast Spirit Masters' bodies transformed, and Tool Spirit Masters summoned their tools, making the arena dazzling with the brilliance of their abilities.

"Begin!" As soon as the referee gave the signal, she activated her spirit and flew out of the arena.

As in the original story, Tang San immediately used his strategy of attaching six strands of Blue Silver Grass to his teammates to control the field.

Zuzong, who had anticipated this, used his "Body Flicker Technique" to teleport in front of Ning Rongrong and casually sliced through the Blue Silver Grass wrapped around her waist with a hand chop.

"Ah!" Ning Rongrong let out a startled cry.

Everyone was shocked. Even though the Emperor team had been briefed by Zuzong beforehand, they couldn't help but be astonished.

"Damn it," Tang San muttered. He hadn't expected Zuzong to have a teleportation ability. If Ning Rongrong was eliminated, their chances of winning would be slim.

Just as Tang San was about to pull out his Zhuge Crossbow from his storage tool to attack Zuzong, Zhu Zhuqing's voice rang in his ears, "Leave him to me."

At the same time, Zhu Zhuqing used her "Body Flicker Technique" and vanished from her position. In the next second, her spirit-possessed claws, imbued with the power of her Ghost Civet, slashed toward Zuzong, who easily dodged with a backflip.

Zhu Zhuqing didn't stop there. Using her agility and the soul power control techniques Zuzong had taught her, she attacked rapidly, her claws leaving afterimages.

Zuzong smiled, "Not bad at all, little kitty."

Under her mask, Zhu Zhuqing's lips curved slightly upward. Being praised by Zuzong made her happy. "Get ready, I won't hold back anymore!"

Seeing that Zhu Zhuqing had Zuzong tied up, Tang San and the others breathed a sigh of relief. Although they were curious about the teleportation skills Zuzong and Zhu Zhuqing had displayed for the first time, their priority was to fend off Yu Tianheng and the others.

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