Chapter 104: The Eve of the Challenge
At the Great Spirit Arena, Luo Ling sat in the stands watching another team battle of the Shrek Seven Devils.
Beside him were the members of the Emperor Team, all of whom had complicated expressions as they looked at Yu Tianheng on the platform.
For over a month, Yu Tianheng had been training with Shrek Academy. It was clear that he was seriously considering leaving Heaven Dou Imperial Academy to join Shrek permanently.
As his teammates, there wasn't much they could do to change his mind.
What surprised them even more was that their captain, Dugu Yan, didn't seem worried at all.
On stage, the announcer once again proclaimed the Shrek Seven Devils' victory. However, she didn't leave right away. Instead, she raised her voice and declared,
"Next, Dou Dou has an important announcement to make!"
"Do you all still remember the Warlock?"
Dou Dou's voice rang out loudly.
The noisy arena instantly quieted down at her words.
Seeing the entire arena fall silent, excitement surged in Dou Dou's heart. This was the power of the Warlock's name!
"It seems you all do remember! That's right—we've received news that the Warlock will return for another match! In three days, a 1v7 battle will take place—and his opponents will be none other than the Shrek Team below!"
Dou Dou didn't draw it out, announcing the news directly.
For several seconds, the arena was absolutely still—then erupted in thunderous cheers.
The Shrek team members still on stage looked at each other in disbelief. They had never imagined that the Warlock would choose them as his 1v7 opponents.
"What's going on? Why would he pick us?!" Ma Hongjun exclaimed, both shocked and thrilled.
The Warlock—a living legend—wanted to fight them? How could a mere Spirit Master like him deserve such attention?
The rest of the team wore equally confused expressions. The news had come completely out of nowhere.
Back in their rest room, they were met by Yu Xiaogang as soon as they arrived.
"You've all heard about your upcoming match with the Warlock, right?" Yu Xiaogang said calmly.
"Teacher, you knew about this already?" Tang San asked, confused.
"Yes," Yu Xiaogang replied. "The manager of Soto City's Great Spirit Arena came to see me this morning. The Warlock personally requested to battle your team."
"This just goes to show that your month of hard work has earned recognition."
A rare smile appeared on his face.
Earlier that morning, when Director Ao informed him of the request, Yu Xiaogang hadn't believed it at first.
After all, Tang San and the others had relatively low spirit power—two of them were still only Spirit Masters. But the fact remained: the Warlock had chosen Shrek as his opponent.
What did that mean? It clearly proved that his students were extraordinary—so much so that even the Warlock took notice.
It also showed that his teaching methods were effective.
And there was a tangible reward—the Great Spirit Arena had paid a ten-thousand-gold-coin appearance fee. Before Yu Xiaogang could even respond, Flender had already accepted with enthusiasm.
Ten thousand gold soul coins—Flender had never seen that much money in his life.
"So, use these next few days to rest well and prepare carefully for the match," Yu Xiaogang advised with a confident smile.
After he left, the Shrek members remained stunned.
Moments later, Ning Rongrong abruptly left the arena, her face troubled.
She knew Luo Ling was going to fight a 1v7 battle, but she hadn't known he had chosen Shrek.
Now that she was part of the team, she didn't want to stand on the opposite side of him.
Not long after stepping outside, she spotted Luo Ling standing with Dugu Yan and immediately pouted, running over.
"Brother Ling! What does this mean?!" she demanded, her cheeks puffed.
"Why would you pick Shrek for your fight? I'm part of Shrek too!" she said with a hurt look.
Luo Ling smiled. "Didn't you want Tang San's hidden weapons? I'll get them for you. Shouldn't you be happy?"
"What do hidden weapons have to do with this duel?" Ning Rongrong asked, puzzled.
"You'll understand after the fight in three days," Luo Ling replied mysteriously.
Ning Rongrong stared at him for a moment, then sighed in resignation. "Fine, but during the battle, you're not allowed to hit me!"
"What are you two talking about? What's a hidden weapon?" Dugu Yan asked curiously from the side, completely lost.
Ning Rongrong grinned slyly. "That's a secret between me and Brother Ling!"
Dugu Yan huffed softly but didn't press further.
…
News of the Warlock's upcoming 1v7 battle spread through Soto City like wildfire—and it quickly reached far beyond the city.
As the chosen opponents, all of Shrek's information was made public.
Speculation ran rampant.
Last time, the Warlock had fought a team of Soul Sects. This time, his opponents included a mere Rank 39 Soul Elder and even two Spirit Masters—an enormous gap in strength.
But the disparity only heightened anticipation.
Especially among Soto City's spectators.
Over the past month, the Shrek Team had built quite a reputation in the arena. Their battles were exciting and impressive.
Everyone eagerly awaited the duel.
…
At the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Fengzhi had also received the news.
As he read through the data on Shrek's team, his gaze stopped at Tang San's name.
"So this boy is the son of Tang Hao, the Clear Sky Douluo Luo Ling mentioned? Could the Spirit Hall be using this to lure Tang Hao out and strike him?" Ning Fengzhi murmured thoughtfully.
"Fengzhi! That kid Luo Ling is doing a 1v7 battle—should we go see it? It's been a while since we visited Rongrong anyway!" a voice called from outside.
Sword Douluo rushed in eagerly.
Ning Fengzhi considered for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"Let's go. Bring Bone Uncle along too," he said.
A sharp gleam flashed in his eyes. If the Spirit Hall really intended to act against Tang Hao, he could lend a secret hand to even the odds.
…
At the Spirit Hall's grand hall, Bibi Dong also received word of Luo Ling's challenge.
She had already learned many things from Ghost Douluo—about the transformed hundred-thousand-year soul beast, and about Tang San being Tang Hao's son.
"Elder Chrysanthemum, make the arrangements. We're going to Soto City," Bibi Dong said to Chrysanthemum Douluo nearby.
It had been far too long since she had seen her beloved Xiao Ling. She wanted to check on him herself—especially since that ungrateful child hadn't written to her once since leaving.
As she stared at the report in her hand, an expression of soft annoyance appeared on her face.
…
At the same time, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Dugu Bo, and even Qian Renxue—disguised as Xue Qinghe—all heard the news and began heading toward Soto City.
The battle three days later was bound to shake the entire continent.
But for the man who had caused it all, Luo Ling, things were far less simple.
He knew full well his duel would draw countless powerful figures—Titled Douluos and Contra-level experts alike.
That was fine. The real problem was the little rabbit, Xiao Wu.
She would be in serious danger once all those people arrived.
(END CHAPTER)
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