Chapter 97: Teaming Up, Zhu Zhuqing vs. Tang San

Xiao Wu frowned and said, "Why should I team up with you? I'm already at level 39, and soon I'll reach level 40. Tang San, I don't mean to put you down, but teaming up with you would reduce my chances of winning. Even if we won, it would be much harder, and I don't want that."

Tang San had no response to Xiao Wu's blunt words. It was true—Xiao Wu was already at level 39, and in a short while, she'd reach level 40. Even with a qualitative leap after he absorbed his third spirit ring, he still wouldn't be close to level 40. Competing in matches would indeed be difficult.

Tang San calmed himself and said, "Xiao Wu, you're right. I didn't consider that."

Su Ming raised an eyebrow and said, "Tang San, are you trying to steal Xiao Wu from me?"

Xiao Wu's face immediately turned red, and her bunny ears twitched with embarrassment.

Su Ming stared directly at Tang San.

Feeling the pressure from Su Ming's gaze, Tang San shook his head and replied, "Su Ming, you're overthinking it. I just thought that since your opponents will likely be spirit masters close to level 50, Xiao Wu, being at level 39, might be at a disadvantage teaming up with you. Ning Rongrong, however, would be a better choice. With her support and your control, handling two opponents wouldn't be a problem."

Deep down, Tang San would never admit that he just didn't want Xiao Wu to team up with Su Ming. He couldn't explain why, but the thought made him uncomfortable, so he came up with a logical-sounding excuse.

Xiao Wu was furious, "Tang San, shut up!"

Tang San immediately fell silent.

Although Ning Rongrong didn't like Tang San's reasoning, thinking it was just a cover, she had to admit there was some truth to it—at least under normal circumstances. However, Xiao Wu's strength was anything but normal.

After hearing Tang San's explanation, Su Ming glanced at Ning Rongrong.

This made both Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong nervous.

Su Ming gave Ning Rongrong an apologetic look and said, "Sorry, Rongrong, I've decided to team up with Xiao Wu. While Tang San's reasoning makes some sense, I have confidence in Xiao Wu's abilities. With her spirit skills, she's more than capable of fighting opponents above her level."

Xiao Wu, hearing Su Ming's decision, let out a sigh of relief and excitedly clung to Su Ming's arm.

Ning Rongrong, though disappointed, wasn't surprised by Su Ming's choice. After all, Su Ming and Xiao Wu had known each other for six years, whereas she had only just met him. Even though she could tell Su Ming was interested in her, he probably still saw her as a spoiled, bratty little princess.

Afterward, Su Ming informed Dai Mubai of his decision to team up with Xiao Wu. Dai Mubai had no objections, as it would help them earn points faster.

Then, Dai Mubai turned his attention to Zhu Zhuqing and asked, "Zhuqing, how about we team up?"

Zhu Zhuqing shot Dai Mubai a cold, disdainful glance and ignored him.

Feeling a surge of anger, Dai Mubai managed to suppress it and reminded himself that he needed to be patient. After all, he had abandoned her first. The fact that she was here now meant there was still a chance, but it would depend on how well he handled things.

What Dai Mubai didn't realize was that Zhu Zhuqing wasn't bothered by him coming to the Heaven Dou Empire alone; she was more upset by the shattered expectations she had for him. She had naively believed he had come to the empire to improve himself. That illusion was shattered when she witnessed his behavior.

Coupled with the revelations from Su Ming's diary, Zhu Zhuqing had made up her mind. She would never forgive Dai Mubai, nor would she become a "licking cat" (a term used to describe someone who blindly follows and forgives someone undeserving).

At that moment, Ning Rongrong hugged Zhu Zhuqing and playfully suggested, "Zhuqing, why don't we team up instead? Don't bother with these stinky men!"

Zhu Zhuqing smiled faintly and nodded in agreement.

This made Dai Mubai's face darken further. He knew that Ning Rongrong didn't have any ulterior motives—she wasn't going to team up with anyone other than Su Ming. And since Zhu Zhuqing was her roommate and they had gotten along well so far, it made sense for them to pair up.

But to Dai Mubai, it felt like a slap in the face. First, Zhu Zhuqing rejected him, and then Ning Rongrong swooped in to take his place, and Zhu Zhuqing agreed. This only added to his frustration.

Despite his irritation, he forced himself to suppress his anger and turned to Su Ming. "Su Ming, why don't you take them over to register for the two-on-two matches? The one-on-one matches should still be a while."

Su Ming nodded, and with Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing, they headed to the two-on-two registration area.

"The registration fee is 10 gold spirit coins. Winning a match will earn you 10 gold spirit coins, but if you lose, you'll need to re-register. Now, what will your team name be?" the attendant asked.

Su Ming and Xiao Wu exchanged glances, and the attendant explained that team names were necessary for better announcements during matches.

After thinking for a moment, Su Ming said, "Let's go with 'Thousand Hands Enchanting Rabbit.'"

The name reflected their spirit abilities, combining Su Ming's "Thousand Hands" and Xiao Wu's "Enchanting Rabbit." It was just a name, after all, and once they earned their Silver Spirit Badge, they wouldn't need to participate anymore.

"Alright, the 'Thousand Hands Enchanting Rabbit' team is registered," the attendant confirmed.

Su Ming then turned to Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing. "What will your team be called?"

Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing shared a look before smiling and saying, "We'll be the 'Seven Treasures Spirit Cat' team. Sounds nice, right?"

Xiao Wu smiled and nodded in approval.

After registering, Su Ming turned to Xiao Wu and spoke with a serious tone, "Xiao Wu, I just thought of something important."

Seeing Su Ming so serious, Xiao Wu asked, "What is it, brother?"

Su Ming explained, "Xiao Wu, time is tight. Use your third spirit skill to teleport to the nearest shop and buy eight masks. We're all still young, and with our current strength, it's better to be cautious."

The others quickly realized the importance of Su Ming's suggestion. They were only twelve years old but already possessed such impressive strength, which could easily attract trouble. It was wise to take precautions.

Xiao Wu nodded heavily, then used her teleportation ability to quietly leave. She needed to act quickly, as their first one-on-one matches were about to begin.

A few minutes later, Dai Mubai's voice called out, "Zhuqing, your first match is about to start!"

Just as Dai Mubai made the announcement, Xiao Wu returned, handing out the masks to everyone.

The group headed to the one-on-one preparation room, where they checked the match listings on the screen. To their surprise, Zhu Zhuqing's first opponent was Tang San!

This wasn't too surprising, though, since they were both at the same spirit rank and had registered simultaneously.

Zhu Zhuqing coldly looked at Tang San and said, "I hope you fight with all your strength. I want to see the gap between us."

Zhu Zhuqing was referring to Tang San using his hidden weapons. Without them, she believed she wouldn't lose, given that she was five levels higher than Tang San.

Tang San nodded solemnly. "I understand."

Zhu Zhuqing was confident in her speed, even if Tang San's evasion techniques were impressive.

Since it was Zhu Zhuqing and Tang San competing first, Su Ming and the others decided to watch the match.

Following the staff's lead, they made their way to the spectator area, just below the stage, with a perfect view of the arena.

On the stage, a middle-aged man in a tailcoat stood in the center, clearing his throat before announcing, "Next, we have our first one-on-one match in the 14th Spirit Arena! Introducing two Spirit Elders: on one side, we have a plant-based spirit master with the Blue Silver Grass spirit, codenamed 'Thousand Hands Shura,' versus the beast spirit master with the Netherworld Spirit Cat spirit, codenamed 'Netherworld Spirit Cat!'"

"Both are new to our Great Spirit Arena. Let's all look forward to an exciting battle! Now, let's welcome our two Spirit Elders!"

Soon, Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing took their places on opposite sides of the stage. Since they were both wearing masks, the audience couldn't see their faces or know their real names.

These codenames were something Su Ming had come up with on the spot.

Although the audience couldn't see their faces, they could tell that both Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing were quite young, and many were amazed that they had reached the level of Spirit Elders at such a young age. Some speculated that they must be nobles.

However, most of the audience's attention was drawn to Zhu Zhuqing. Despite her face being covered, her curvaceous figure, tight-fitting leather outfit, and her... well-endowed chest had some of the more lecherous audience members practically drooling.

"Go, Netherworld Spirit Cat! You can do it!"

Many of the spectators, mesmerized by Zhu Zhuqing's appearance, began cheering for her.

Su Ming chuckled from the side. "Looks like Zhuqing's quite the popular one, huh? Just look at how excited those fans are."

Ning Rongrong pouted and muttered, "It's just a bunch of perverts!"

She glanced down at her own... less ample assets and sighed in frustration.

Su Ming teased her, "Don't worry, Rongrong. Your figure will be perfect when you grow up!"

Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Su Ming nodded seriously. "Of course! You're only twelve now, still growing. Zhuqing's just ahead because of her great genes. You'll get there!"

Ning Rongrong, though still a bit disappointed, felt reassured by Su Ming's words. Hopefully, he's right.

Back in the arena, the host shouted for the match to begin, and Tang San and Zhu Zhuqing revealed their spirits and spirit rings.

The big screen displayed their information:

Thousand Hands Shura, level 30 control-type spirit master, spirit: Blue Silver Grass.

Netherworld Spirit Cat, level 35 agility-type battle spirit master, spirit: Netherworld Spirit Cat.

The crowd gasped at the sight of their levels. They were really Spirit Elders?

"Hey, look at that Thousand Hands Shura guy—why does he only have two spirit rings?"

"And his spirit is actually Blue Silver Grass, the so-called trash spirit! How can he be so strong with that?"

Some spectators voiced their confusion.

"You idiot, he's probably just reached level 30 and hasn't had time to get his third spirit ring yet!"

"As for how he's gotten this far with Blue Silver Grass... I have no idea."

The audience buzzed with excitement, placing bets on who would win. Most believed that Zhu Zhuqing, with her higher level and agility, would win.

Tang San smiled at Zhu Zhuqing. "Shall we begin?"

"First Spirit Ability: Blue Silver Entanglement!" Tang San summoned thick vines of Blue Silver Grass, which shot towards Zhu Zhuqing.

Zhu Zhuqing, relying on her speed, swiftly dodged the attack, looking for an opening in Tang San's defenses.

"First Spirit Ability: Netherworld Thrust!" Zhu Zhuqing found a gap in the vines and charged at Tang San, but he quickly activated Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, evading her strike.

Watching from the stands, Xiao Wu anxiously asked, "Brother, do you think Zhuqing can win?"

Su Ming frowned and shook his head. "Zhuqing's fast, but Tang San's Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track is perfect for dodging. Her linear attacks won't hit him easily."

"The longer this battle drags on, the worse it'll be for Zhuqing. The arena isn't that large, and once it's filled with Blue Silver Grass, she'll be in trouble."

"Unless she can unleash a burst of speed that even Tang San can't react to, it'll be hard for her to win."

Zhu Zhuqing, realizing her first strike had missed, frowned. Her first spirit ability allowed her to enhance her speed, but she still couldn't hit Tang San.

Then she remembered the reward she had received the previous day. Since Tang San was so good at dodging, she needed to overwhelm him with continuous attacks. If she could force him into close combat, her chances of winning would increase.

She activated her third spirit ability, Netherworld Slash, and combined it with the speed boost from her first spirit ability. She charged at Tang San with a series of rapid strikes, knowing the cost of such aggressive tactics was high. She had to finish the battle quickly.

Tang San was surprised by Zhu Zhuqing's strategy. Agility-type spirit masters usually waited for the right moment to strike, but Zhu Zhuqing was engaging in close combat, which was more typical of power-type spirit masters. Agility-types usually didn't have the raw strength for such tactics.

Still, Tang San believed in his own close-combat skills. His Tang Sect techniques were formidable!

He activated Mysterious Jade Hands and Purple Demon Eye.

Zhu Zhuqing, now in close range, coldly said, "Tang San, do you dare face me head-on?"

Zhu Zhuqing knew how difficult it was to land a hit on Tang San, so she tried to provoke him.

Smiling confidently, Tang San decided to accept her challenge. He raised his Mysterious Jade Hands to catch her attack barehanded.

Zhu Zhuqing smiled slightly. He's fallen for it. She had anticipated that Tang San's confidence in his Tang Sect techniques would lead him to take the bait.