Silence.
Then, chaos.
"What?"
"Let Tang San start? And Fatty is the substitute?"
"What the hell is going on?"
After hearing Flender's words, the members of Shrek were all dumbfounded. How could the dean suddenly replace Ma Hongjun with Tang San? Everyone was completely bewildered. Who didn't know how useless Tang San was? He had only won a single match this entire time. He was utterly pathetic. Literally anyone on the team was stronger than him.
Dai Mubai, fiercely loyal to his friend, was the first to speak up. While Ma Hongjun was still processing the shock, Dai Mubai stepped forward and questioned Flender directly.
"Dean, why would you replace Fatty at such a critical moment?" he demanded. "I know he can be a bit unreliable sometimes, but no matter how bad he is, he's still stronger than Tang San, right?"
For the sake of his brother's interests, Dai Mubai spoke without hesitation.
His blunt words instantly snapped Tang San and Yu Xiaogang out of their own confusion. Yu Xiaogang's brows furrowed, and he immediately reprimanded Dai Mubai. "As students of Shrek Academy, you should be united and help each other. How can you say such things about a teammate?"
Although his words sounded like a general plea for unity, anyone could tell he was directly targeting Dai Mubai. Yu Xiaogang might privately admit that his disciple was inferior to the other students, but that was a thought reserved for him alone. It was completely unacceptable for anyone else to say it, let alone say it so openly in front of everyone. It was a direct insult to his teaching and his judgment.
Tang San himself was also stunned. He was well aware of his own limitations and had never held any hope of starting in a team battle. He only ever imagined he might get a chance as a substitute if someone got injured. But now, Dean Flender himself was asking him to replace Ma Hongjun. A feeling of smug satisfaction began to creep into his heart.
While Tang San was pleased, the person he was replacing was anything but. Ma Hongjun didn't dare to speak up, however. This was a decision made by Dean Flender, who was not only his dean but also his master. He had no choice but to obey, even though he was already cursing Tang San and Yu Xiaogang a thousand times over in his mind. He was certain this was their doing. On the surface, however, he kept his expression neutral.
Just then, Flender waved his hand to silence the chatter. "This tactical arrangement has its reasons," he said calmly. Then, his gaze swept towards Tang San. "You haven't participated in a team battle before. Go with your master and watch some of the other matches to gain some experience. Prepare yourself."
Yu Xiaogang immediately thought this was a very reasonable suggestion. He promptly pulled Tang San along to go watch the other fights. The Shrek Team was scheduled for the final match of the night in the Central Spirit Arena, so they still had plenty of time.
After Tang San and Yu Xiaogang had left, Flender turned back to the remaining students. "If Tang San starts and we win this match, our earnings will be a very considerable sum."
Everyone exchanged strange looks. So, putting Tang San in the match adds to the appearance fee? No wonder the dean had agreed to such a bizarre condition. Suddenly, it all made sense.
"I've already decided," Flender continued, "that after the match, seventy percent of the total reward will be distributed among you. The academy will keep the remaining thirty percent. Any objections?"
The seven students shook their heads in unison. None of them were desperately in need of money, but who would complain about having more? After a month of fighting, their winning streak had already earned them a decent profit. The prize money increased from one hundred gold coins per win after five consecutive victories to two hundred after ten.
"These matters can be discussed later," Flender said, tapping a data sheet spread out on the table. "For now, let's study your opponents. You may have a twenty-seven-game winning streak, but this battle will be the most difficult one you've ever faced."
The data was printed on a white cloth with a golden embroidered border, marked with the official seal of the Soto Fighting Arena. As the students looked down, even the proud Dai Mubai couldn't help but gasp. A chilling sensation washed over them.
According to the rules, a team could have between seven and ten members. The team detailed on the sheet, like them, had only seven. The data was as follows:
Royal Fight Team - All seven members are Silver Spirit badge holders.
Captain: Yu Tianheng. Spirit: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Level 39 Attack-System Battle Spirit Master. Spirit Rings: Two Yellow, One Purple.
Vice-Captain: Dugu Yan. Spirit: Jade Phosphor Serpent. Level 38 Control-System Battle Spirit Master. Spirit Rings: Two Yellow, One Purple.
Member: Shi Mo. Spirit: Black Tortoise. Level 38 Defense-System Battle Spirit Master. Spirit Rings: Two Yellow, One Purple.
Member: Shi Mò. Spirit: Black Tortoise. Level 37 Defense-System Battle Spirit Master. Spirit Rings: Two Yellow, One Purple.
Member: Yu Feng. Spirit: Wind Chime Bird. Level 36 Agility-Attack System Battle Spirit Master. Spirit Rings: Two Yellow, One Purple.
Member: Oslo. Spirit: Ghost Leopard. Level 36 Agility-Attack System Battle Spirit Master. Spirit Rings: Two Yellow, One Purple.
Member: Ye Lingling. Spirit: Nine Heart Begonia. Level 35 Support-System Battle Spirit Master. Spirit Rings: Two Yellow, One Purple.
The data sheet did not list any of their specific spirit abilities. Flender understood why. The arena couldn't be certain that the team hadn't been holding back in their previous matches. Providing incorrect information on their abilities could lead to a disastrous defeat for Shrek. They would have to figure it out for themselves.
After reading the information, the seven students looked up at each other, seeing the same shock reflected in everyone's eyes. They had expected their opponents to be strong, but they had never imagined they would be this strong. Some even felt a flicker of doubt, a desire to retreat. Based on their strength on paper, only Huo Feng and Dai Mubai could even hope to compete. The others felt they wouldn't stand a chance.
Huo Feng's heart, however, remained calm. The moment his eyes fell on the name "Dugu Yan," the system's voice suddenly echoed in his mind.
[Ding!]
[Hidden mission triggered: Defeat the Royal Fight Team. Sacrifice Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan!]
------------------------
Christmas & New Year Special 🎄
To celebrate the holidays, I've added a limited-time discount on all membership tiers.
Join now to unlock advance chapters and support faster, regular updates.
Thank you for reading and supporting the story.
For Advance chapters visit : patreon.com/Mythic_Muse