First Team Soul Battle

"Wow, I didn't expect Teacher Qin Ming to also be a graduate of that run-down school... I mean, Shrek Academy!" The group exclaimed in surprise. After all, Qin Ming was publicly known as the "second youngest Soul Emperor," so hearing that his alma mater was Shrek Academy left them a bit shocked.

Especially Xiao Wu, who had personally experienced Shrek's teaching environment. Compared to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, or even the more modest Nuoding Academy, Shrek seemed far inferior.

Qin Ming nodded, his expression showing signs of nostalgia, recalling his days at Shrek Academy. More than a decade had passed since he had enrolled.

"Although Shrek Academy is a bit shabby, the teaching staff is incredibly strong. The headmaster, Flender, is a Soul Sage. Additionally, all of its students are exceptionally talented. I believe you all know Zhu Zhuqing, Zong's little girlfriend. She's a Shrek student, and at only twelve years old, she's already reached level 27."

Everyone realized then not to underestimate Shrek Academy. Even the usually proud Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng became more serious. A twelve-year-old who was nearly at Soul Elder level was indeed rare. Not everyone could be like Zong or Xiao Wu, who were already Soul Elders at that age.

Seeing the group's reactions, Qin Ming was satisfied. This was exactly the effect he wanted—pressure to create motivation.

Clearing his throat, Qin Ming continued seriously, "Today, your opponents for the Team Soul Battle have been decided. Take a look at their profiles."

As he spoke, he handed out the documents to the group.

Zong glanced at the papers in his hand, murmuring, "So, it's the Mad Battle Team, huh? This should be interesting."

The Mad Battle Team was fairly strong among regular Soul Elders, and in the original story, it took a considerable effort for Tang San and his friends to defeat them. However, against the Emperor Team, where all members except Xiao Wu were over level 35 with standard spirit ring configurations, they weren't much of a challenge.

Qin Ming continued, "Zong and Xiao Wu have been observing long enough. For this seven-person team battle, I plan to have them replace Yu Feng and Osler. It's time for them to get hands-on experience. After all, practical combat is the only true test of knowledge."

He looked around at the group and asked, "Any objections?"

"I don't mind," said the carefree Yu Feng, indifferent as usual. He didn't care if he fought more or less.

"Same here," Osler added, equally unfazed.

Zong said, "I'm fine with it."

Xiao Wu, on the other hand, excitedly jumped up. "Finally! My turn to show what I can do! Yay!"

Qin Ming nodded with a smile. He had been quietly observing Zong's spirit battles over the past few days. Ordinary Soul Elders couldn't last even one round against him. It was only yesterday that a soul master had forced Zong to use his second spirit ability, which had genuinely impressed him. 

He could hardly believe that a second spirit ability could be so powerful. Had it not been for Zong's spirit ring color, Qin Ming would've thought Zong had absorbed a spirit ring beyond his level.

"Alright then, get ready. I'll go coordinate the match details with Director Ao of the spirit arena."

Before long, it was time for the match.

In the Tenth Zone's Team Soul Battle, there were five matches scheduled. The Emperor Team had a half-hour rest before it was their turn to fight.

Zong's Emperor Team and the Mad Battle Team entered the arena from their respective preparation areas. At that moment, they finally saw the Mad Battle Team in full.

Unlike the Emperor Team, the Mad Battle Team members had code names. Zong and Xiao Wu used the code names "Uchiha Zong" and "Soft Boned Demon Rabbit," just like in the original story. They also wore the fox and rabbit masks Zong had previously bought.

Notably, Ye Lingling had removed her black veil and donned a mask as well. It was a crystal mask, chosen by Zong himself. Paired with her cold and elegant demeanour, it stunned quite a few onlookers.

Leading the Mad Battle Team was their captain, Mad Xi, a large and imposing figure. Behind him were two middle-aged men who looked quite similar, likely brothers. Their expressions were stern and serious.

Following them was a flamboyant woman, the only female member of the Mad Battle Team. Heavily made up, it was hard to tell her age, but judging by her figure, she seemed over twenty. She wore a revealing outfit—a strapless top and a thin, translucent skirt that barely concealed her body.

Zong cursed internally, "Damn, what a show-off."

Behind her were two skinny youths, their eyes darting around shiftily.

At the back of the Mad Battle Team was an older man, likely over forty. He looked plain and dressed simply, giving no indication that he was a spirit master.

As the Emperor Team observed their opponents, they were also being observed. Yu Tianheng and the others, being around seventeen or eighteen, didn't raise any eyebrows. But Zong, Xiao Wu, and Ye Lingling, with their masked faces, were harder to gauge.

The team battle arena was much larger than the individual or two-on-two arenas, with a diameter of forty meters. The spectator area was also twice as large, and now packed with people. Bloodstains from earlier battles were still visible on the floor.

As the Mad Battle Team entered, the audience erupted into a frenzy of cheers and shouts.

"Tear them apart! Kill them!" Calls like these didn't just create pressure; they also fueled the excitement. These were all Mad Battle Team supporters.

Of course, the Emperor Team had its own supporters, too. The team had won all their matches so far, and their fanbase was growing. Although Mad Battle Team's supporters were louder, it was mainly because they were the type who loved violence and gore.

The host, Director Ao, stood in the center of the arena and began announcing. "For the ninth match, we have the Mad Battle Team versus the Emperor Team! I hardly need to introduce the Mad Battle Team. They've won five consecutive matches and are on the verge of breaking the spirit arena's record for fastest advancement to Bronze Spirit Fighter. Now let's look at the Emperor Team! They've also won four consecutive matches, and though they have two new members today, they are formidable. This will be their fourth Team Soul Battle. So, will the ruthless Mad Battle Team prevail, or will the resilient Emperor Team come out on top?"

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