Chapter 6

"It was splendid! Student Long Chen is really a monster among monsters!" Wang Yan was busy complimenting on Long Chen's prowess to an older man, "6 skills! 6! from one essence! I believe he is the first to receive such a unique Tool spirit! Not to mention, I believe it was said that this student has reached spirit grandmaster."

"Ah? What was this student's name again? Long Chen? And you say his spirit is called...."

"He said it's called The Boundary Mirror of Reincarnation."

"Reincarnation? There is an old saying that there are six paths of reincarnation, this is probably why he has 6 skills. That tool spirit brings forth the 6 paths."

"I've heard of that belief. The realm of hell, realm of hungry ghosts, realm of beasts, realm of demons, realm of humans and finally realm of heaven. It's an endless cycle a person experiences when going through rebirth and death."

"For a mere 12 year old to tap into such heaven defying power will bring forth unwanted attention. The seed is newly planted and undeveloped. He should be safe within school grounds but might be best to keep an eye on this child."

"Yes!"

----Day 5----

Today, the remaining 4 teams will draw lots to decide the fighting arrangements for the semi-finals. Long Chen's team and Dai Yaoheng's team were among the four. All the teams were standing side to side with their captains up front. Long Chen look to his sides to check his potential opponents. His eyes widen at one of them, 'That's.....'

On the furthest left, a crimson haired girl stood there still and proud with a hint of playfulness. It was non other than one of the future captain of the Shrek 7 devils and dubbed Crazy Flame Demon, Ma Xiao Tao.

'She was the same age as Dai Yaoheng? I didn't know that since the book never mention their ages and background. This is unexpected. She might be trouble.' Although this is what his rationality is thinking, Long Chen's anticipation level rises when imagining a fight against her.

The headmaster made an appearance, holding the lottery box on one hand.

"Hello students, I am Shrek's 26th headmaster. I came here after hearing about the many monsters that has appeared this generation. I hope you all to continue striving in the future."

A lot of the surrounding students were gossiping and whispering to each other at the appearance of a big-shot like him.

"Class 1's Team Long Chen, please come up."

Long Chen went up as team captain. He showed no anxiety or nervousness which greatly surprised the headmaster. 'This student is calm and tranquil. The ability to maintain that calmness will be crucial in battle.'

Long Chen stuck his hand into the box and pulled up the number 1. He walks back to his team.

"As expected of Brother Long, to draw the number 1 so casually." Hao Lin exaggerates.

"It doesn't mean anything other than us fighting 2." Long Chen flicks his forehead.

"Ow!"

A few minutes later, all 4 teams have drew a number. Long Chen's team will be fighting against Dai Yaoheng's team in the semi-finals.

'This is perfect. Now I have the opportunity to battle against them both. I have doubt that just anyone can beat Ma Xiao Tao, who possesses the evil fire phoenix.'

The semi-finals has started. Both team took their place on the platform and introduced themselves. It was clear, even without announcing, Dai Yaoheng and Long Chen were the stronger ones within the two teams. Dai Yaoheng had broken through to a rank 32 Spirit Grandmaster with his third spirit ring.

In terms of cultivation between the two teams, it would seem like Yaoheng's team has the upper hand. However, it is already proved in previous matches that Long Chen's teammates has the ability to fight them despite the gap in rank.

"We're finally fighting. Too bad it's not the finals though." Yaoheng comments

"Did you wanted to set the scene like 'The two great childhood rivals going face to face in the final match of the Great Shrek tournament! Fighting to the end' type of setting?"

"Well not that dramatic but kind of."

"God seem to have something else in store for us then."

"Yeah, only one team can make it to the finals and win. I will make sure to be that team."

"May the best spirit master win."

"Match----Begin!"

In an instant, all six charged at each other and released their spirit essence. Shocking the crowd, the trio of Yaoheng's group directed their attention to Long Chen. Clearly, they wanted to take out Long Chen first while they are at full strength. They were wary of Long Chen's mental ability from the previous match.

Unfortunately, Long Chen had predicted this and prepared a counter-attack. Both Long Chen and Luo Han jumped while Hao Lin swing his spear sideway. Some people were probably thinking, 'is that even the right way to use a spear!! Swinging it around like an axe!'

[Wind spear 1st ring : Titanic Impact]

The skill added pressure onto the opponent and greatly increase the weight of the swing. The attack is aimed at the Yaoheng and his teammate, Yi Ling an agility type as well. Hao Lin has the weakest cultivation between the 2 teams so enduring the attack is easy for the two. They underestimated him and took the attack head on. This was all calculated by Long Chen. He activates his skill from behind.

[Boundary Mirror : The realm of hell]

Their third member noticed that and tries to attack Hao Lin but is intercepted by Luo Han with his defenses up. The two distracted by Hao Lin's spear, weren't able to dodge this skill in time. Yi Ling is taken out and fainted.

'Everything is going smoothly. Now Luo Han and Hao Lin can deal with the other member but....' Long Chen stares straight ahead, there was a still standing Yaoheng, 'As expected, my skill won't work on those who are as strong as me. As someone with a powerful beast spirit and high cultivation, there's no way he can be taken down that easily.'

"Too bad for you huh. That won't work on me!"

"Yeah, I figured."

Once again, Yaoheng charges at Long Chen with incredible speed.

[Boundary Mirror : The realm of demons]

Long Chen uses the skill to enhance his combat abilities and braces for impact. The two clash together, creating gusts of wind. Neither of the two were relenting in their attacks as they only went faster and stronger, however, in terms of strength Long Chen is weaker against the white tiger essence. It left more injuries on Long Chen's side. Long Chen couldn't afford to heal himself, else he'd be left defenseless.

"Is this really a fight between students?"

"No way we can pull this off!"

On the other side, Hao Lin and Luo Han were busy dealing with the other member. All three came to a halt when they felt the high pressure emitting from their side. They saw the their two captain preparing what appears to be a final attack. Yaoheng is the first one to pounce at Long Chen.

[Boundary Mirror : Realm of Demons] + [Boundary Mirror : Realm of Humans]

Long Chen unifies the two skills. The realm of humans is a skill that Long Chen almost never uses due to the taxing effect on both mind and body. It allows him to copy the essence of one of his opponent and utilize it. However, his body was not adapted to the essence and causes detrimental effect. It's a gamble to use this in a fight.

Additionally, Long Chen used realm of demons to enhance combat, so that he could match Yaoheng who knows how to use this essence. To overpower experience with heaven-defying talent. Sparks went flying as the two clash, smoke was generated covering the entire platform.

"Who won!" Everyone is naturally curious.

The smoke cleared up and both of them were still standing back to back.

"A tie?"

"No wait."

Not a moment later, the first one to fall was Dai Yaoheng. Long Chen won the exchange, despite the fact that they were practically evenly matched, The reason for this is because at the last second, he activated another skill. [Boundary Mirror : Realm of hungry Ghost]

That skill restricted Yaoheng's movements forcing him to expend more energy on breaking through and less time to defend himself against Long Chen's attack. This time Long Chen used not 2 but 3 different skills at once.

There on the platform, he stood panting heavily with beads of sweat flowing down from his face. Because of the exchange, the other three teammates were blasted away. Therefore.....

"The winner is Team Long Chen. They may proceed to the Finals!"

Cheers filled the air. However, the excitement did not last long. Right after stepping off of the platform, Long Chen coughs out a little bit of blood before collapsing. The judge had managed to catch him before he landed on the floor.

"Get him to the infirmary!"