Chapter 186 The shock brought by Xiao Wu
"Your Shrek Team has several Spirit Elders (39th rank). Could they all be like you too?"
After a moment of thought, Shui Binger asked, her face filled with shock.
The Tianshui Team naturally knew about the Shrek Team's intelligence. Besides Ning Rongrong, the Spirit Elders (39th rank) included Captain Ye Chen, and team members Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu.
Could it be that these three also hid their strength, just like Ning Rongrong?
If that were true, and adding Ma Hongjun and Oscar, who were already Four-Ring Spirit Ancestors, wouldn't that mean that six of the Shrek Team's main members had spirit power levels above fortieth rank?
"Guess?"
Ning Rongrong said playfully.
"The match will begin in one minute. Both teams, release your Spirits."
Seeing signs of delay from both teams, the referee immediately announced to everyone.
Hearing the referee's command, both teams immediately activated their Spirit Avatars.
Instantly, on the Douhun Stage, numerous yellow and purple spirit rings bloomed. And on the Shrek Team's side, among the many yellow hundred-year spirit rings and purple thousand-year spirit rings, there was also a black ten-thousand-year spirit ring.
"A Five-Ring Spirit King?!"
The fifth black ten-thousand-year spirit ring blooming from Xiao Wu immediately stunned the members of the Tianshui Team.
This was still with Xiao Wu's spirit rings disguised as yellow, yellow, purple, purple, and black. Otherwise, a six-ring all-black spirit ring configuration would have been even more shocking.
As soon as Xiao Wu's five spirit rings appeared, they immediately captured the attention of the Great Spirit Arena's audience.
"School Master Ning, is this a disciple secretly cultivated by your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?"
In the VIP section, Salas narrowed his eyes and asked Ning Fengzhi.
In Salas's opinion, the Shrek Academy was so close to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, with even Ning Fengzhi's own daughter Ning Rongrong enrolled there. Therefore, the Shrek Academy was definitely a subordinate force of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
And Xiao Wu, this Spirit King, was most likely a hidden trump card secretly cultivated by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School to deal with the Spirit Hall Team.
Fortunately, in this Soul Master Competition, his own Spirit Hall Team had three Five-Ring Spirit Kings, while Shrek only had one, so there was no need to worry too much.
"Hehe~"
Ning Fengzhi smiled but said nothing.
He and Spirit Hall were not on good terms, so there was naturally no need to tell Salas the truth. A misunderstanding was fine.
"School Master Ning, don't think that with one Five-Ring Spirit King, Shrek Academy will have the last laugh."
"Hehe~"
Ning Fengzhi still just smiled.
How could he not know the strength of the Spirit Hall Team? Wasn't it just relying on those three Spirit Kings?
Not to mention that the other members of the Shrek Team were not weak; Ye Chen alone was enough to crush those three Spirit Kings.
It could be said that Ning Fengzhi was confident that the Shrek Team would win the championship.
'Damn it!'
Looking at Ning Fengzhi's faint smile, Salas cursed inwardly, feeling increasingly that Ning Fengzhi was asking for a beating.
If he could, Salas really wanted to duel Ning Fengzhi.
Although he, Salas, was a support system Spirit Master, Ning Fengzhi was also the same. Moreover, he was an Eight-Ring Soul Douluo, compared to Ning Fengzhi, a Soul Sage (7 Rings), he clearly had the advantage.
However, what Salas didn't know was that Ning Fengzhi was already an Eight-Ring Soul Douluo. It was just that Ning Fengzhi had hidden it well, and had never made a move since his promotion, so Salas was unaware.
Two Eight-Ring support system Spirit Masters dueling, it was hard to say who would win or lose, but in all likelihood, Ning Fengzhi would probably have the last laugh.
Because Ning Fengzhi was rich and definitely had Spirit Bones, while Salas might not.
Furthermore, although Ning Fengzhi was not young, he was still much younger than the grandfather-like Salas, and his fists should be more powerful.
Emperor Xue Ye looked at Salas's darkened face and was very happy.
Spirit Hall was powerful. Salas, relying on his identity as the Platinum Bishop of the Heaven Dou Spirit Hall Temple, had always acted as he pleased in Heaven Dou City, looking as if Supreme Pontiff Bibi Dong was the boss and he was the second in command.
Now that Salas was unhappy, that was what made him happiest.
Although Xiao Wu was not a student of the Tian Dou Royal Academy, as long as she didn't join Spirit Hall and was a person of his Heaven Dou Empire, that was enough.
"One Five-Ring Spirit King, five Four-Ring Spirit Ancestors, one Three-Ring Spirit Elder… Sister, it seems we are no match!"
On the Douhun Stage, after recovering from her shock, Shui Yueer whispered to Shui Binger.
"Even if we are no match, we must go all out. We may lose the battle, but not our Spirit!"
Shui Binger made up her mind. Even if they lost, the Tianshui Team could not lose too badly.
One minute passed quickly, and the match officially began.
"Nine Treasure Turns Out Glazed Tile, first: Power, second: Speed, third: Spirit, fourth: Defense."
Instantly, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in Ning Rongrong's hand bloomed with four colorful rays of light, which merged into Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun, and Tai Long's bodies respectively, increasing their four attributes by 75%.
As for herself, Oscar, and Jiang Zhu, they were either support system or food system Spirit Masters and did not need to fight, so there was no need to apply buffs to them.
"Third Spirit Ability, Excitatory Pink Sausage."
"Fourth Spirit Ability, Flying Mushroom Sausage."
Oscar's movements were also swift. In a moment, he produced two Excitatory Pink Sausages and two Flying Mushroom Sausages, throwing them to Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing.
After eating the two Sausages, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing's all attributes were increased by another 10%, and with wings on their backs, they charged towards the Tianshui Team's formation according to their pre-planned tactics.
Ma Hongjun and Tai Long, on the other hand, stayed at the back to protect their three support system Spirit Masters.
The Shrek Team was well aware of the Tianshui Team's strength: three Spirit Ancestors and four Spirit Elders. With Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing's strength, they were more than enough to deal with them.
Meanwhile, at the start of the match, Xue Wu, located at the back of the Tianshui Team, began to perform a graceful dance.
Of course, this was not just dancing, but the prelude to activating their Spirit Fusion Skill.
The Tianshui Team's Spirit Fusion Skill: Ice and Snow Decendance, was not an instant-cast Spirit Fusion Skill; it required a certain amount of time to activate.
With her black hair flowing, Xue Wu danced gracefully, her four spirit rings alternately flashing, and circles of blue light spread out with her dance moves.
As the blue light spread, a dark cloud appeared above the Douhun Stage, completely enveloping the arena.
Following this, large raindrops began to fall from the sky, transforming into a large curtain of water.
"Soul Bone Skill: Netherworld Assault, Soul Bone Skill: Netherworld Piercing."
Zhu Zhuqing, charging towards the Tianshui Team's formation, activated two Soul Bone Skills, her already extremely fast speed doubling once again.
"Second Spirit Ability, Ice Ring Armor."
Shui Binger's second spirit ring instantly flashed five times, releasing a total of five ice rings, which enveloped Shui Yueer and the other five members.
Shui Yueer and the five others immediately gained a layer of crystalline blue armor.
Chapter 187 Xiao Wu's debut show
It could be said that just this one move, being able to instantly cast Spirit Abilities consecutively, proved Shui Binger was worthy of being the captain of the Tianshui Team.
Seeing Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing about to charge into the Tianshui Team's formation, Shui Binger immediately made her move.
"First Spirit Ability, Ice Seal!"
With her mental force locked onto Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, Shui Binger activated her First Spirit Ability.
Instantly, a thick layer of solid ice appeared on the rapidly charging Zhu Zhuqing, Imprisonment her in place and preventing her from moving.
As for Xiao Wu, due to her Moon Rabbit Spirit's divine force quality and the Moon Rabbit Spirit itself being an ice-attribute Spirit, Xiao Wu had high resistance to ice-attribute attacks. Her body only paused slightly before she immediately broke through the solid ice and continued to charge towards the Tianshui Team's formation.
"Third Spirit Ability, Repulsion Ice Ring."
Seeing that her control Spirit Ability had no effect on Xiao Wu, Shui Binger's pupils contracted slightly, and she activated her Third Spirit Ability again.
A ring of ice, filled with a chilling aura, rapidly expanded from Shui Binger as its center.
The powerful repulsive force of the Repulsion Ice Ring delayed Xiao Wu, who was about to charge the formation, and forced her back three steps before she could stabilize herself.
As for Shui Binger, she had already run towards Xue Wu, who was in the back, preparing to activate their Spirit Fusion Skill.
Shui Binger knew that the Shrek Team had Xiao Wu, a Five-Ring Soul King, plus five Spirit Ancestors. If they couldn't activate their Spirit Fusion Skill, their Tianshui Team would definitely lose. Only with their Spirit Fusion Skill was there a slight chance of victory.
While Shui Binger ran to Xue Wu in the back to activate their Spirit Fusion Skill, the other five members of the Tianshui Team all stood in front of Shui Binger and Xue Wu, preventing their Spirit Fusion Skill from being interrupted.
Xiao Wu was not worried about the Tianshui Team's Spirit Fusion Skill. To better demonstrate the Shrek Team's strength, Shrek's original plan was to give the Tianshui Team a chance to activate their Spirit Fusion Skill.
Only by demonstrating the Shrek Team's powerful strength could the odds of Shenfeng Academy winning be greatly increased when Shrek Academy faced Shenfeng Academy later.
If it weren't for this plan, Xiao Wu would have long since eliminated Shui Binger or Xue Wu with her Third Spirit Ability, Taiyin Movement, with lightning speed.
It should be known that Xiao Wu's Third Spirit Ability, Taiyin Movement, has a single Teleportation range that is equal to her spirit power level, and the number of Teleportation is equal to her spirit ring count.
Xiao Wu's spirit power level is currently a Level 63 Spirit Emperor, which means Xiao Wu can continuously Teleport six times within a 63-meter range.
This range was enough to cover the entire fighting stage.
Now that Shui Yueer and the other four were blocking the way, Xiao Wu was even more eager!
"Second Spirit Ability, Lunar Chill."
Xiao Wu's second spirit ring flashed slightly, and icy, bone-chilling cold air immediately spewed from her mouth, enveloping Shui Yueer, Shen Liuyu, and Gu Qingbo.
Don't be fooled by Xiao Wu's second spirit ring, which appears to be a yellow, hundred-year spirit ring. These are all disguises. The Second Spirit Ability, Lunar Chill, is essentially a ten-thousand-year Spirit Ability, and it is also a small-range Spirit Ability, combining both attack and control.
And Shui Yueer and the other two were only Three-Ring Spirit Elders, a full three major ranks lower, so they naturally couldn't resist and were directly frozen in place.
If Xiao Wu hadn't held back and restrained the power of her Spirit Ability, just this one blow would have rendered Shui Yueer and the other two unconscious.
"Third Spirit Ability, Nether Slash!"
Suddenly, a claw-shaped sharp blade filled with a nether aura struck Yu Hairou, who was still shocked by Xiao Wu's 'instant kill' of her three teammates.
"Pfft—"
Blood bloomed, and a long claw mark appeared on Yu Hairou's smooth back. She was then sent flying onto the stage, losing her combat ability.
Zhu Zhuqing's spirit power level was still a Level 48 Spirit Ancestor, quite a bit higher than Shui Binger's Level 43, and Shui Binger's First Spirit Ability, Ice Seal, was ultimately lacking in age, so it naturally couldn't restrict Zhu Zhuqing for long.
Facing Xiao Wu, a Five-Ring Soul King, the members of the Tianshui Team were naturally under immense pressure, and their attention was all drawn to Xiao Wu, which allowed Zhu Zhuqing to seize an opportunity.
Of course, even with concentrated attention, the Tianshui Team would not have been able to defend against Zhu Zhuqing's speed.
In just an instant, her own team lost four combatants, which left the only remaining intact Qiu Ruoshui somewhat at a loss.
"Miss, do you surrender?"
Xiao Wu asked Qiu Ruoshui with a playful expression.
Qiu Ruoshui: "..."
At this moment, Qiu Ruoshui was almost in tears. She was just a Level 37 Spirit Elder. How could she be an opponent against a Spirit King and a Spirit Ancestor?
Fortunately, just then, an dazzling blue-white pillar of light shot up from Shui Binger and Xue Wu's side, finally activating their Spirit Fusion Skill: Ice and Snow Decendance.
The moment Ice and Snow Decendance was activated, the rain in the sky changed, turning into countless snowflakes dancing in the air. Each snowflake, however, was as sharp as a blade, swirling down and forming an ice and snow vortex that swept towards Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing.
"Very good, the Spirit Fusion Skill has finally been activated."
Watching Shui Binger and Xue Wu finally activate their Spirit Fusion Skill, Xiao Wu nodded with satisfaction.
If the opponent didn't use some real skill, how could they prove their own strength?
"Zhuqing, leave the rest to me!"
Although the individual damage of the snowflakes falling from the sky was not strong, their continuous nature was their advantage.
Xiao Wu was fine; she could resist it just by relying on her protective spirit power, but Zhu Zhuqing couldn't, as her spirit power level was quite a bit lower after all.
"En."
Nodding, Zhu Zhuqing quickly retreated to the rear.
Shui Binger, who was controlling Ice and Snow Decendance, also didn't bother with Zhu Zhuqing. After all, if they could just defeat Xiao Wu, the Tianshui Team still had a chance to turn the tide, but if they couldn't defeat Xiao Wu, even if she defeated the other six members of the Shrek Team, it would be useless.
There are many types of Spirit Fusion Skills, such as the transformation and amplification type Spirit Fusion Skills like Hell White Tiger and Enchantress, auxiliary type Spirit Fusion Skills like Two Extremes Forbidden Domain, and direct attack type Spirit Fusion Skills like Golden Holy Dragon and Dragon Snake Fusion Strike.
And Shui Binger and Xue Wu's Ice and Snow Decendance, similar to Golden Holy Dragon and Dragon Snake Fusion Strike, belonged to the direct attack type.
When a Spirit Master activates this type of Spirit Fusion Skill, a massive pillar of spirit power light will appear, protecting the activator of the Spirit Fusion Skill within it. Without a certain level of strength, it is impossible to break through the light pillar and cause damage to the Spirit Master inside.
To deal with this type of Spirit Fusion Skill, one must either shatter the light pillar protecting the Spirit Master or shatter the mimetic product formed after the Spirit Fusion Skill, such as the golden dragon that appears from Golden Holy Dragon, or the poisonous dragon that appears from Dragon Snake Fusion Strike. Otherwise, the problem cannot be solved.
As long as the activator of the Spirit Fusion Skill still has spirit power in their body, the mimetic product formed by the Spirit Fusion Skill is immortal. After being damaged, it can continuously replenish the damage by consuming the activator's spirit power, unless it is instantly shattered.
"First Spirit Ability, Taiyin God Needle."
Xiao Wu's first spirit ring flashed slightly, and an ice needle filled with Lunar Chill power shot towards the light pillar protecting Shui Binger and Xue Wu.
Among Xiao Wu's six Spirit Abilities, only the First and Second Spirit Abilities possessed offensive capabilities. Her Third and Fourth Spirit Abilities were functional Spirit Abilities, her Fifth Spirit Ability was a control-type Spirit Ability, and her Sixth Spirit Ability was a percentage-amplification type Spirit Ability.
It was clear that Xiao Wu was relatively lacking in burst damage methods.
However, fortunately, Xiao Wu's First and Second Spirit Abilities were also ten-thousand-year Spirit Abilities, full of power, which compensated for this shortcoming.
Chapter 188 Taiyin Guardian vs. Ice Phoenix
The Taiyin God Needle, carrying intense cold, swiftly shot towards the blue-white light pillar where Shui Binger and Xue Wu were located.
"Bang--"
The moment the blue-white light pillar was struck by the Taiyin God Needle, it vibrated violently, almost exploding.
As the leader of the Spirit Fusion Skill: Ice and Snow Decendance, Shui Binger's expression changed.
She had originally thought that after they activated the Spirit Fusion Skill, they could turn the passive into active, and with the defensive light pillar produced by the Spirit Fusion Skill, they could withstand Xiao Wu's attack, allowing her to act without scruples.
But she never expected Xiao Wu's Spirit Ability to be so powerful.
Although the defensive light pillar wasn't shattered in one hit, it was not far from its maximum capacity; it could withstand this time, but the next time was uncertain.
Moreover, this was only Xiao Wu's first Spirit Ability; if it were her more powerful fifth Spirit Ability, it would definitely not be able to withstand it.
After all, the power of a hundred-year Spirit Ability is far inferior to that of a ten-thousand-year Spirit Ability.
Clearly, Shui Binger did not know that Xiao Wu's fifth Spirit Ability was not an offensive Spirit Ability; her first Spirit Ability, Taiyin God Needle, was Xiao Wu's strongest attack method.
Immediately, Shui Binger unleashed her strongest ultimate move.
A clear phoenix cry echoed from the sky-reaching blue-white light pillar, and on the field, the endless snowflakes that had been falling flew high into the air.
In mid-air, the snowflakes condensed, and a giant blue phoenix appeared out of thin air.
The dazzling blue phoenix descended from the sky, without a trace of smoke or fire, transforming into an ice-blue glow, gracefully floating down, appearing exceptionally noble.
Compared to the giant ice phoenix, Xiao Wu's slender and graceful figure looked so tiny; the dazzling blue light emitted by the ice phoenix completely illuminated the Douluo Arena.
"Be careful, I hope you can withstand this move!"
The materialized ice phoenix was subtly beyond Shui Binger's control, but with the arrow on the string, she had no choice but to release it, so Shui Binger could only warn Xiao Wu.
"Bring it on!"
Xiao Wu was not afraid at all; let alone a Spirit Fusion Skill formed by two Four-Ring Spirit Ancestors, even a Spirit Fusion Skill formed by two Titled Douluo, she could withstand for six seconds.
Because Xiao Wu's fourth Spirit Ability, Taiyin Guardian, could nullify all damage below the Divinity level, with its duration equal to the number of spirit rings.
Unless it was a top-tier Spirit Ability that ignored defense, like Bibi Dong's Soul Eating Spider Emperor's sixth Spirit Ability: Eternal Wound, otherwise, without a Divinity appearing, no one could do anything to Xiao Wu within the duration of the Taiyin Guardian's effect.
Moreover, according to Ye Chen's guess, if the age of Xiao Wu's fourth spirit ring could exceed that of Bibi Dong's Soul Eating Spider Emperor's sixth spirit ring, she might even be able to withstand it without injury.
After all, one is an invincible defensive ability, and the other is an absolute defense-breaking ability; the effects of the two Spirit Abilities conflict, and the one with the higher age would surely take effect.
Feeling the ice phoenix radiating strong spirit power fluctuations in the air, all the Shrek members' expressions changed drastically, knowing that they would definitely not be able to withstand it, and one by one, they immediately jumped off the arena.
And Qiu Ruoshui of the Tianshui Team also knew the power of this move and quickly brought her teammates who had lost their combat ability off the arena.
In a short while, on the Douluo Arena, only Xiao Wu, who was prepared to take the hit, and Shui Binger and Xue Wu, who had unleashed their ultimate move, remained.
At this moment, Shui Binger, the leader, could no longer control the materialized ice phoenix; as the giant ice phoenix descended from the sky, a massive amount of energy poured down.
The Spirit Fusion Skill, Ice and Snow Decendance, was extremely powerful; once cast, it would immediately lock onto the opponent, and with the surging cold currents, Xiao Wu was already completely locked on.
But at this very moment, a moon-white glow suddenly appeared on Xiao Wu's body.
"Fourth Spirit Ability, Taiyin Guardian!"
The rising moon-white glow enveloped Xiao Wu; at this moment, Xiao Wu was like a fairy from the moon.
The next moment, the ice phoenix descended, and a massive amount of ice-attribute spirit power erupted, freezing the entire arena, instantly covering it with an ice-blue radiance.
Then, accompanied by a thunderous roar, the entire Douluo Arena completely collapsed.
This could be said to be the most destructive scene since the start of the qualifiers, and also the most spectacular; even the Douluo Arena was crushed, showing its power.
Unfortunately, its target at this moment was completely unharmed.
In the ruins of the arena, Shui Binger, who could no longer maintain the Spirit Fusion Skill, stood precariously with Xue Wu's support, looking at the unharmed Xiao Wu, her eyes momentarily lost in thought.
She didn't understand why such a scene would occur.
Why couldn't her and Xue Wu's Spirit Fusion Skill, plus the power of her own Spirit's origin, defeat Xiao Wu, a Five-Ring Soul King?
One must know that when they were at Tianshui Academy, they had practiced this move before, but the many Five-Ring Soul King level teachers at Tianshui Academy simply couldn't withstand it, and even the best among the Six-Ring Spirit Emperors couldn't easily resist it.
Yet, the Xiao Wu in front of her stood there completely unharmed, which Shui Binger couldn't comprehend at all.
At this moment, on the arena, the only two remaining members of the Tianshui Team were suffering from spirit power exhaustion; let alone activating the Spirit Fusion Skill again, whether they could even continue fighting was a question, while Xiao Wu's combat power remained at its peak.
It could be said that the outcome of this match between Shrek Academy and Tianshui Academy was decided.
"Can you tell me why?"
Shui Binger asked Xiao Wu with a hint of bitterness.
All along, Shui Binger, possessing the top-tier Beast Spirit Ice Phoenix and innate spirit power reaching rank 9, had considered herself a favored child of heaven, but this match made Shui Binger realize that there were many who were far superior to her, which dealt a heavy blow to her.
And she also couldn't understand how Xiao Wu managed to remain unharmed under her powerful Spirit Fusion Skill.
"My fourth Spirit Ability's effect is immunity to any damage."
Xiao Wu directly told Shui Binger the effect of her fourth Spirit Ability, Taiyin Guardian.
Any expert with good eyesight present could see this point, and those whose eyesight wasn't as strong, even if they knew, it wouldn't have much impact on her in the future, so Xiao Wu had no intention of hiding it.
"So that's how it is~"
Shui Binger understood; she had wondered how an ordinary ten-thousand-year defensive Spirit Ability used by a Five-Ring Soul King could possibly withstand her Spirit Fusion Skill? It turned out to be an invincible Spirit Ability!
Although Shui Binger had never seen an invincible Spirit Ability, the world is vast and full of wonders, and there are always some lucky ones who can obtain such a top-tier Spirit Ability, which made Shui Binger feel a little better.
It wasn't that our forces were weak, but that the enemy was too strong!
"We surrender!"
Shui Binger uttered these words with difficulty.
The Tianshui Team was not one to be unable to accept defeat; since Xiao Wu had defeated them fair and square, with the facts laid bare, there was nothing they couldn't accept.
Chapter 189: Fairy Hanyue
Actually, Shui Binger's loss wasn't unfair; Xiao Wu's true strength hadn't been fully displayed yet!
If she went all out, the seven members of the Tianshui Team wouldn't last half a minute against Xiao Wu.
Relying on her third Spirit Ability, Taiyin Movement's six consecutive Teleportations, Xiao Wu could definitely eliminate the Tianshui Team before Shui Binger even had a chance to unleash her Spirit Fusion Skill.
"Preliminary Round, Twenty-fifth Match, Shrek Academy versus Tianshui Academy, Shrek Academy wins!"
After Shui Binger admitted defeat, the referee outside the arena immediately announced the match results.
At this moment, the referee was also trembling with fear. His spirit power level was only that of a Five-Ring Soul King, and the move unleashed by Shui Binger and Xue Wu earlier had given him quite a fright.
Fortunately, the target of that Ice Phoenix was Xiao Wu, not him. And after the match began, he had already left the Great Spirit Arena. Otherwise, this Soul Master Competition would have seen its first referee killed due to being caught in the crossfire of the contestants' fight.
"Shrek!"
"Shrek!"
"Shrek!"
As soon as the match results were announced, the audience immediately erupted, all cheering for Xiao Wu.
There was no helping it; Xiao Wu was not only powerful but also incredibly beautiful, so she naturally received a warm welcome from the audience.
"Xiao Wu, that was amazing!"
Seeing Xiao Wu descend from the stage, Ning Rongrong immediately rushed over and hugged her.
"Of course! I'm your Sister Xiao Wu! If I'm not amazing, who is?"
Listening to her little sister's praise, Xiao Wu proudly puffed out her chest. Modesty? It didn't exist! Sister Xiao Wu wasn't about that!
"Brother, was I amazing?"
After her moment of pride, Xiao Wu asked Ye Chen.
"Mm-hmm, my Xiao Wu is the most amazing!"
Ye Chen naturally nodded in agreement.
Afterward, Ye Chen went to the Great Spirit Arena's betting counter to collect his winnings.
As expected, the odds for Shrek Academy winning against Tianshui Academy were very low, only 1 to 1.21.
This was because during their match against Blazing Fire Academy, although the Tianshui Team used their Spirit Fusion Skill, Ice and Snow Decendance merely caused snowflakes to drift, and no Ice Phoenix appeared. The Tianshui Team held back, so most people were more optimistic about the Shrek Team, who had defeated the Thunder Team.
However, even with odds of only 1 to 1.21, it was still quite good. Having bet a small sum, Ye Chen still earned nearly fifteen million gold coins.
Including the previous match between Shenfeng Academy and Blazing Fire Academy, the gold coin cards and gold coins available to Ye Chen exceeded 580 million.
Moreover, in the next two days, Shrek would face Shenfeng Academy. At that time, Ye Chen, who planned to throw the match, could still make a large sum, and it should be the single most profitable match.
Of course, that match would also be the only one where Ye Chen could make money.
The subsequent promotion rounds and the finals would not be held at the Tiandou Great Spirit Arena, so Ye Chen would not have the chance to continue making money.
...
The next day, in the twenty-sixth round of the preliminary competition, Shrek Academy's opponent was not Shenfeng Academy, but a minor academy: Yuesi Academy.
Clearly, the competition organizing committee intended to save the suspense for last.
After all, both Shrek Academy and Shenfeng Academy had twenty-six wins in twenty-six matches, and the subsequent battle for the first place in the preliminary competition would certainly attract a very high level of attention.
Although the opponent was just a minor academy with mediocre strength, Xiao Wu still participated.
Yuesi Academy, however, was quite unyielding and did not surrender without a fight.
Thus, in this match, Xiao Wu displayed her formidable strength, delivering a shock to the audience that was not far off from her previous performance against the Tianshui Team.
At the very beginning, Ning Rongrong hadn't even had time to apply buffs to her companions, and Oscar hadn't had time to create Sausages, when Xiao Wu began her performance.
After unleashing her fourth Spirit Ability, Taiyin Guardian, which granted her an invincible state and doubled her attack power for its duration, Xiao Wu used her third Spirit Ability, Taiyin Movement, to instantly rush into the opponent's formation.
Her long legs, adorned with crystal high heels, took out one opponent with each kick. With just ordinary basic attacks and six consecutive Teleportations, she eliminated six opponents. The last remaining opponent, of course, needed no further explanation. The entire match ended in less than ten seconds.
This stunned the tens of thousands of spectators present. Although they could anticipate the outcome of the match, they never expected it to end so quickly.
However, despite the short duration of the match, the excitement level was high. As a result, Sister Xiao Wu successfully garnered a large number of fans, who affectionately called her 'Hanyue Fairy'.
Although the fans didn't know which type of rabbit Spirit Xiao Wu possessed, it was undoubtedly a Moon Rabbit Spirit, a type of ice-attributed rabbit Spirit.
Coupled with the moonlight radiance that accompanied Xiao Wu whenever she used her Spirit Ability, and her stunning beauty, the title 'Hanyue Fairy' was quite fitting.
...
On the twenty-seventh round of the preliminary competition, which was also the last day of the preliminary competition, as soon as Ye Chen arrived at the Great Spirit Arena, he immediately went to the betting counter.
Because Xiao Wu was the only participant in the Tian Dou Competition Zone who had openly reached the Five-Ring Soul King level, and her powerful strength had been proven through the two matches the day before yesterday and yesterday, the betting volume for this match was considerable, and the odds for Shenfeng Academy were very high.
After a moment of thought, Ye Chen directly took out two small sums of money and had Ning Yu bet on Shenfeng Academy to win.
"Betting on Shenfeng Academy? You little rascal, are you trying to throw the match?"
Ye Chen asking him to bet on Shenfeng Academy to win made Ning Yu a little confused, but he immediately figured out Ye Chen's little scheme.
"Hehe, making money ~ it's not shameful!"
"I seriously suspect that you'll get beaten to death by someone when you go out in the future!"
Ning Yu complained to Ye Chen. Good heavens, to make money, he dared to throw a match. Wasn't he afraid of being ambushed?
Ye Chen: "..."
However, Ning Yu didn't say anything about Ye Chen wanting to throw the match. Although the title of first place in the preliminary competition was indeed quite prestigious, it was clearly a bit lacking compared to the glittering little darlings (gold coins).
With two small sums of gold coins thrown in, the odds for Shenfeng Academy immediately plummeted, becoming 1 to 1.6.
Actually, Ye Chen still had many gold coin cards in his pocket. If he went all-in, he could earn even more, but after some thought, Ye Chen still dismissed this idea.
There was no end to making gold coins. If he bet too much, others who bet on Shenfeng Academy would earn less.
And now that Shrek had such a clear advantage, those who still chose to bet on Shenfeng Academy to win, besides Ye Chen, were basically people from Shrek Academy and Shenfeng Academy.
There was no need to mention the Shrek members; Flender and Ma Hongjun had already sold off their family assets and put all their wealth on the line. And Feng Xiaotian from Shenfeng Academy had also persuaded his companions, preparing to make a good fortune.
Chapter 190 No Green Face!
"The last round, the final group match of this Soul Master Competition preliminary round, is about to begin!
Let us turn our attention to the main central arena, which will also be the most exciting match of today: Shrek Academy, with twenty-six consecutive wins in the preliminary round, versus Shenfeng Academy.
As the biggest dark horse in this Soul Master Competition, can Shrek Academy achieve a perfect record in the preliminary round? Let us wait and see!"
The host, located in the VIP section, spoke with great passion, igniting the audience's atmosphere.
As the spirit guide lights flickered, the Shrek Team and the Shenfeng Team entered the main central Spirit fighting arena.
For the last match of the preliminary round, Ye Chen arranged for Tai Long, Jiang Zhu, Jing Ling, Huang Yuan, Ma Hongjun, Oscar, and Ning Rongrong to participate.
The competition still had to go on; if they forfeited directly, they wouldn't earn any gold coins.
Moreover, although Shrek was supposed to throw the match against the Shenfeng Team, Ye Chen felt that since they were on the field, they shouldn't fake it; at the very least, they should play to their level.
From this, it can be seen that Ye Chen was very hypocritical and shameless!
This match would determine which team would win first place in the Tian Dou Competition Zone preliminary round, so even though five matches were happening simultaneously, the audience's attention was focused on the central arena.
"Damn it~, what's going on with Shrek? Where's Hanyue Fairy?"
"Exactly, not only did Hanyue Fairy not play, but my queen didn't either." (This 'my queen' naturally refers to Zhu Zhuqing.)
"Protest! Strong protest! Shrek is throwing the match!!!"
Watching Shrek Academy's lineup, the audience immediately erupted; this was absolutely a blatant fixed match.
"School Master Ning, it seems your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School doesn't have the organizing committee in its eyes!"
In the VIP section, Salas said to Ning Fengzhi with a sneer.
In Salas's opinion, Shrek Academy was a subordinate force of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and throwing the match so blatantly was simply disregarding the Soul Master Competition's organizing committee.
Originally, Salas thought Ning Fengzhi was a man who valued his reputation and cherished his feathers, but he never expected his heart to be so dark! To throw a match for certain benefits.
"I'm not, I didn't, don't talk nonsense!"
Ning Fengzhi immediately denied it.
At this moment, Ning Fengzhi was also a bit confused; he hadn't instructed anyone to throw the match, he didn't know anything about it, okay?
Besides, what did Shrek throwing the match have to do with his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?
'Money grubber!'
Ning Fengzhi cursed inwardly; he was a smart man and immediately thought of the benefits involved. Without a doubt, this was definitely the handiwork of that money grubber, Ye Chen.
On the Spirit fighting arena, Feng Xiaotian looked at the Shrek Team's lineup and was overjoyed.
After all, Huo Wu had said that if he won against the Shrek Team, she would start dating him. Now, the simp's dream was about to come true, so how could he not be happy?
"Boss, it's really just like you said~"
A subordinate next to Feng Xiaotian said excitedly.
Earlier, Feng Xiaotian had 'convinced' them that they would definitely win against Shrek Academy and told them to bet on it to make a fortune. He didn't expect it to be true.
After all, as long as Xiao Wu, a Five-Ring Soul King, and Zhu Zhuqing, with her super speed and explosive attack power, didn't play, their Shenfeng Team would still win, right?
"I lost out, I lost out! I should have bet all my assets!"
Another subordinate said regretfully.
Feng Xiaotian: "..."
The outcome of this match, needless to say, was a win for Shenfeng Academy.
However, even with Ye Chen, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing not participating for Shrek, Shenfeng Academy didn't win easily.
With Oscar's 10% all-attribute boost from his Excitement Pink Sausage and Ning Rongrong's 75% four-attribute boost, Ma Hongjun, who was already good at bursting, was not so easy to deal with.
Additionally, Tai Long, a Level 38 Spirit Elder, with the buffs, reached the combat power level of an ordinary Four-Ring Spirit Ancestor. Compared to a true Four-Ring Spirit Ancestor, he only lacked a fourth Spirit Ability.
And Jing Ling and Huang Yuan, even if their foundations were a bit weaker, did not fall behind against Shenfeng Academy's Spirit Ancestors for a short period.
Fortunately, Feng Xiaotian's strength was good. Seeing the situation subtly threatening to get out of control, he immediately used his trump card — his self-created Spirit Ability: Storm Devil Wolf Thirty-Six Consecutive Slashes, powerfully defeating Ma Hongjun, and then defeating them one by one. Only then did they win against Shrek Academy.
...
The preliminary rounds of the Tian Dou Competition Zone had all concluded. According to the process, an awards ceremony would soon be held to present the qualification certificates for the promotion rounds to the top five academy teams from the preliminary rounds.
The ceremony process was not complicated. Under the announcement of the host, the captains and vice-captains of the top five academy teams walked onto the main stage of the VIP section.
Although Shrek Academy and Shenfeng Academy had the same record, both with twenty-six wins and one loss.
However, because Shenfeng Academy won against Shrek Academy, determined by the head-to-head record, Shenfeng Academy ranked first, Shrek Academy second, Thunderclap Academy third, Tianshui Academy fourth, and Blazing Academy fifth.
Elephant Armor Academy, the perennial fifth-place team, was not qualified to participate in the promotion rounds and finals this year.
Of course, Elephant Armor Academy was just a minor participant in the finals anyway; whether it was there or not didn't make much difference.
Representing Shrek Academy on the main stage were Ye Chen and Ning Rongrong. When Ye Chen walked onto the main stage, he immediately felt many resentful gazes.
Nothing else, many of the VIPs in the VIP section were wealthy people, and naturally, quite a few of them had placed bets with the bookmakers.
And the match between Shrek Academy and Shenfeng Academy, contending for first place in the preliminary round, naturally received widespread attention.
Coupled with the Shrek Team having Xiao Wu, whose spirit power level reached Five-Ring, and five Four-Ring Spirit Ancestors, their advantage was very obvious compared to the Shenfeng Team.
Unfortunately, they never expected Shrek to throw the match. Those who bet on Shrek Academy winning all lost their shirts, with only a very small number of people buying Shenfeng Academy to win.
Fortunately, they were not like Ye Chen, who would directly go all-in with all his assets. Although they lost a lot, it wasn't to the point of being crippling.
Moreover, anyone with a discerning eye could see the relationship between Shrek Academy and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, so naturally, they wouldn't dare to harbor thoughts of retaliation afterward.
"Next, His Majesty, School Master Ning of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, and Bishop Salas of the Heaven Dou Spirit Hall, will personally present the promotion qualification certificates and prize money to the five teams that have qualified for the promotion rounds."
The promotion qualification certificate was actually just a handwritten note, and it didn't have much important significance.
Spirit Hall and the Heaven Dou Empire were very clear about which academies had qualified; having it or not was the same, it was just a souvenir.
And the prize money awarded to the top five academy teams was the same, so Ye Chen received a prize of ten thousand gold coins.