The match should have been over in an instant. Instead, the team made a series of baffling decisions that nearly cost them everything. They were almost overwhelmed and defeated by their opponents, leaving Tang San bruised and battered. Even though he was hurting, he stubbornly insisted he was fine, which only served to lower the Blue Tyrant Academy Team's opinion of him.
Watching from the stands, Yu Xiaogang could hardly contain his frustration. He wanted to scold Tang San right then and there. While Tang San's control over the battlefield was usually excellent, his choices late in the game were clearly problematic. Fortunately, the raw power of the other members carried them to victory. However, as the competition moved forward, the teams would only get stronger. If they made mistakes like this again, they would certainly lose.
As soon as the Lanba Battle Team exited the arena, Yu Xiaogang gathered them to summarize the performance. He looked at them sternly and said, "Most of you performed well today, but I am disappointed in Tang San's performance as captain. What happened today must never happen again. By going all out, we have exposed our true strength, and future teams will surely create tactics specifically to stop us."
Tang San simply gave a dismissive smile. "In the face of absolute strength, even the best tactics won't be enough to stop us," he replied. This confident statement seemed to satisfy Yu Xiaogang. After all, if they won every match, the final championship would naturally be theirs.
The first day only had one match, and on the second day, it was finally time for the Shrek Team to compete. Before the match started, the opposing team wouldn't stop mocking them because of their bright green uniforms. They called them names and laughed, but their laughter didn't last long. The match was over in less than a minute, leaving the opponents completely stunned and speechless.
After the victory, the Shrek Group walked out with their heads held high. Ma Hongjun and Oscar were especially proud, looking like they wanted to rub the victory in their opponents' faces. Oscar tugged at his green uniform and said, "Who cares if it's green? As long as we win, I don't care what color we're wearing. Let's get out of here before we get mobbed by fans."
Dai Mubai nodded and called out to the rest of the group. "Let's head back to the Academy first. Follow me." The members of Shrek Academy quickly entered the contestant's passage and quietly left the venue. To avoid being the center of attention, they immediately changed out of their uniforms and put on their normal clothes before leaving the Great Spirit Arena.
Because they moved so quickly, the audience was only just beginning to leave when they reached the exit. They had only won one match so far, but the real challenge of the qualifying competition was just beginning. The round-robin matches of the Spirit Master Grand Competition would now last for an entire month.
By this point, the Shrek Group truly understood why Flender had put them through such intense special training. Having spent a month fighting in the Soto Fighting Arena, these upcoming matches actually felt a bit easier than their previous experiences.
"Rongrong!"
The group was about to head back to the Academy when a familiar voice stopped them. Standing in a corner near the entrance was Ning Fengzhi. He was dressed in ordinary clothes to avoid drawing attention and was waving at them.
"Father!" Ning Rongrong cried out happily. She ran over and threw herself into his arms for a hug. The rest of the Shrek Group felt a bit awkward and nervous. After all, this was the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, a man of incredible status.
Ning Fengzhi took his daughter's hand and walked toward the group with a kind smile. "Hello, everyone from Shrek Academy," he said warmly. Even though they were a distance away, everyone recognized him instantly and bowed politely.
"There's no need to be so formal," Ning Fengzhi said, waving off their bows. "Right now, I'm just here as Rongrong's father. Don't think of me as a Sect Master; I'm just an elder to you all." His friendly and approachable attitude immediately made the students feel more comfortable.
Ning Fengzhi then turned his gaze toward Huo Feng and smiled. "Congratulations, Huo Feng. I didn't expect you to already have a ten-thousand-year Spirit Ring. You've grown quite strong."
Huo Feng shook his head modestly. "Uncle Ning is too kind. Rongrong has also obtained her fourth Spirit Ring. I just didn't let her play today because we wanted to keep our full strength a secret for now."
Huo Feng's spirit power had actually reached Level 50, making him a Spirit King. During the match, he had shown his black ten-thousand-year Spirit Ring, but he hadn't even needed to use his fourth Spirit Ability to win. He kept his fifth Spirit Ring hidden entirely. If he had shown it, all of Heaven Dou City would have been in an uproar. This was the Shrek Team's ultimate trump card. Aside from the original six members, Flender, and Zhao Wuji, no one else knew his true level—not even the substitutes.
Ning Fengzhi nodded in approval. "I have high hopes for all of you. You might not encounter a real challenge until the grand finals. However, even with your strength, you must be careful not to become arrogant. I understand why you were aggressive today, but try to avoid injuring your opponents so badly in the future. Shrek Academy is a top-tier school now, and it's never good to make too many enemies."
He patted Rongrong on the head and released her hand. "Go back to the Academy with your friends now. You are part of a team, and since I am on the competition organizing committee, I can't stay with you for long. People might think I'm playing favorites if they see us together too much."
Ning Rongrong pouted, looking a bit annoyed. "Let them say whatever they want! We win because we're the strongest, not because of favorites."
Ning Fengzhi laughed softly at her spirit. "You're fourteen now, a big girl. You shouldn't be so mischievous anymore. Oh, before you go, aren't you going to introduce me to your friends properly?"
As Ning Fengzhi looked at them with interest, the members of Shrek felt a surge of excitement. This was one of the Sect Masters of the Upper Three Schools! The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was a place every Spirit Master dreamed of joining. It wasn't just about their fame and power; they were known as the wealthiest sect in the world. If a Spirit Master joined them, they would be set for life.
Ning Rongrong looked over her companions one by one. When her eyes finally met Huo Feng's, she felt a sudden wave of panic. She tried her best to look calm and composed, but she could feel her heart pounding hard against her chest.
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