Chapter 397: Zhu Zhuqing v/s Luo Ying [1]

...

The three-day intermission of the semifinals quickly passed, and the once silent competition venue was once again filled with passionate fighting spirit.

The format of the semifinals had some changes, consisting of one-on-one arena challenges and a seven-person team battle, which were held on two separate days.

The importance of the individual arena battles was on par with the team battles as they determined the final rankings.

In other words, the team that won the individual arena battle would earn a point. Even if they lost in the team battle, they would only have a tied score and could have another match against the losing team in another group.

Of course, for strong teams, the format and other factors were not essential as long as they secured victories in every match.

The first day of the semifinals consisted of the arena battles. Each team would send one person to fight, and the winner could continue to fight, while the loser would send the next member. This continued until the last member of the team competed.

This format was ideal for individuals with strong personal abilities but lacked teamwork.

However, the teams that made it this far mostly had no obvious weaknesses; otherwise, they wouldn't have reached this stage.

Except for the Aquila Team.

Compared to team battles, individual arena battles lacked some entertainment value. However, this format was more tense, exciting, and showcased the strength of individuals.

And the first match was between the Shrek Team and the Aquila Team.

As the Teacher of the Shrek Team, GrandGrandmaster Yu Xiaogang held a dossier and looked at his seven students with a serious expression. He said, "The Aquila Team is overall weaker than our Shrek Team. However, we cannot deny the fact that their fighter, Luo Ying, is incredibly powerful and extremely dangerous."

Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang's serious gaze swept over them, and he sighed, "I'm not trying to discourage you. You all are exceptionally talented spirit masters, but this Luo Ying is even stronger. In a one-on-one situation, none of you are her match, including you, San'er, without using hidden weapons."

Hearing these words from their master, the students felt somewhat dissatisfied. They had witnessed the Aquila Team's matches, and that girl was indeed formidable. Especially in the match against the Skywater Team, she single-handedly defeated a team that had previously defeated them.

However, she only achieved that by using forbidden techniques, which caused her power to increase dramatically.

They were all proud and high-spirited young people with exceptional talents as spirit masters. Although they admitted she was unmatched, it was still hard to accept such words, especially from their respected master.

Seeing the emotions on their faces, Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang sighed again and said in a grave tone, "I know you might not be fully convinced, but this is the reality. Although you are all freakishly talented, always remember that there will always be someone superior to you. You can have pride, but not arrogance. That's the only way to go further."

"We understand, Master!" they all replied in unison.

Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang nodded and continued, "I've thought about it, and I'm considering having you admit defeat. What do you think?"

This suggestion from Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang shocked the Shrek Seven Devils. They stared at him with widened eyes, full of confusion.

"No, Master, why should we admit defeat? Even if that person is stronger than us, the rest of the Aquila Team is just Spirit Elders. Even if she can defeat one of us, can she defeat all seven members of the Shrek Team?" Ma Hongjun asked in disbelief.

Others also disagreed with their master's suggestion. In their view, the Aquila Team was the weakest among the top four teams. If they admitted defeat against them, how could they aim for the championship?

"Teacher, could you please explain your reasoning?" Tang San, who remained comparatively calm, asked with curiosity.

"Stay calm and listen to me." Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang immediately explained, "You all know that apart from their captain, the Aquila Team's other members are not particularly threatening. However, because Luo Ying is so strong, I have to take her seriously. In individual battles, she might defeat one, two, or even three of you, but she would never be able to break through our entire team alone.

However, do not forget that we still have the team battles ahead.

From the previous matches, it appeared that Luo Ying seemed harmless and innocent, but once she started fighting, she displayed extreme viciousness, severely injuring her opponents multiple times. If any of you get injured, it will affect our subsequent matches.

I suggested admitting defeat to preserve our strength.

I've gathered some information about the Aquila Team because the other team members still haven't recovered from their previous injuries. In tomorrow's team battle, they won't stand a chance against us. Even if we lose, the overall score will be tied with the Aquila Team.

As for the other group, the Spirit Masters Battle Team is undoubtedly powerful. Whether it's an individual battle or a team battle, it's impossible for us to defeat them.

Because the victory in the team battle is what determines our advancement to the finals, no matter what, Shrek will make it to the finals. This is the safest plan."

The Shrek Team had already come this far and almost secured their spot in the finals. Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang didn't want anything unexpected to happen to his students at this moment. Therefore, he believed that this decision was the safest and most secure method.

"I disagree."

A cold opposing voice resounded, causing everyone to turn their heads and see Zhu Zhuqing staring confidently back at Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang.

"If we lack the courage to fight, then we have already lost!" Zhu Zhuqing looked at Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang, her jade-like hands gripping tightly around her knife handle.

She knew that Luo Ying seemed to have some connection with Zeng Yi, from their previous encounter. She had taken the initiative to challenge her, so no matter what, she would not avoid the fight.

Only through the battle would they know if they could win or lose.

"That's right, our goal is the championship. How can we possibly admit defeat?" Dai Mubai also supported her, and others responded one after another.

"Teacher, our goal is the championship. Even if she is strong, is she stronger than all of us combined? If we can't win against her, do we have the strength to seize the championship?" Tang San looked at Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang, his eyes filled with determination.

Seeing their unwavering determination, Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang sighed helplessly.

He had long anticipated this outcome; it was impossible to make these people give up.

But that's just who they were!

"Then give it your all in the fight!"

Soon, the individual arena battle between the Shrek Team and the Aquila Team began.

In the venue, amidst the fervent cheers of the audience, a girl from the Aquila Team stepped onto the Spirit Dueling Arena, awaiting her opponent.

Luo Ying's face was filled with a joyful smile as she raised her hands and waved, interacting with the spectators. There was no hint of nervousness on her face.

She took steps, spinning her body, and swept her gaze across the venue. Finally, her eyes landed in the direction of the members of the Shrek Team.

Looking at them, Luo Ying's smile grew broader. She slowly extended her hand toward the Shrek Team, giving them a thumbs-up sign.

Then, she rotated her wrist, turning her thumb downward.

The meaning of her gesture was clear - mockery and provocation.

All the members of the Shrek Team noticed her action, and instantly, their anger ignited.

They had never been so provocatively insulted before.

"Damn! How dare a little girl act so arrogantly! Let me go up and teach her a lesson, show her how to respect!" Ma Hongjun couldn't hold back anymore, rolled up his sleeves, and was about to step onto the Spirit Dueling Arena.

Their opponent had the Cherry Blossom martial spirit, while his martial spirit attribute was fire, which should have a certain restraining effect.

So, it would be most appropriate for him to go first. Even if he couldn't win, he could exhaust a significant amount of her spirit power, creating an advantage for his teammates.

However, a graceful figure stood in his way.

It was Zhu Zhuqing.

"I'll go first!"

Zhu Zhuqing said coldly, and before the others had time to react, she stepped forward lightly, landing on the Spirit Dueling Arena.