As "Shrek No. 8," Tang San's popularity in the Soto Grand Spirit Arena was second only to Huo Feng's. Yet, he had never once participated in a team battle, which had left many spectators feeling disappointed. People were eager to see what it would be like when "Shrek No. 1" and "Shrek No. 8" finally fought on the same stage for the Shrek Team.
Just an hour ago, they got their wish. The Soto Grand Spirit Arena suddenly announced that "Shrek No. 8" would be in the starting lineup, appearing alongside "Shrek No. 1." What's more, their opponents were the Imperial Fighting Team, a group that had been making waves in the arena for the past two days. Most importantly, the noble families who sponsored the Imperial Fighting Team were also present in the VIP boxes.
As soon as the news broke, influential people from all over rushed to attend. Within moments, eighty percent of the tickets were booked, and the remaining twenty percent were sold out shortly after. The central main arena had twelve high-level VIP rooms and three hundred twenty ordinary ones, and tonight, not a single one was empty.
Suddenly, the already bright golden lights in the arena intensified. All the light stopped scattering and instead focused down onto the battle stage, forming a giant, golden spotlight that perfectly illuminated the entire area. Just from this advanced light-type spirit tool, it was clear how wealthy the Grand Spirit Arena was.
From the center of the stage, a circular platform with a two-meter diameter began to rise from the ground. As it slowly ascended, a thick golden pillar was revealed beneath it. Leaning against that pillar was a young woman. She looked to be only eighteen or nineteen, dressed in an elegant white gown. Her wavy brown hair, full chest, and captivatingly slender waist gave her a stunning beauty.
The woman held a cone-shaped amplification spirit tool, and her pretty face wore a professional smile. "It's an honor to see all of you distinguished guests again!"
Once the platform was fully raised, the woman in white walked off it, did a graceful spin, and waved to the surrounding private boxes. The platform that had brought her up then quietly descended back into the stage, leaving no trace.
"It is my honor to once again host the team battle competition for all of you," she said, her voice echoing through the arena. "My name is Dou Dou, and I hope all of you have a wonderful evening. Tonight will be a highlight, as we have scheduled only this one battle. Although both teams are only at the Spirit Elder level, they have both already earned the honor of a Silver Spirit badge. If I had to describe them, I think the word 'genius' would be very fitting. I will be providing live commentary for all of you throughout the match. And now, I will introduce the two opposing teams!"
"First, from the Imperial Fighting Team, their captain: Yu Tianheng! And from the Shrek Seven Devils Team, their captain: 'Shrek No. 1'!"
Dou Dou, the host, introduced the captains before skillfully giving more details about each team. Her goal was simple: to build as much anticipation as possible for the distinguished guests in the audience.
"Alright, I won't waste any more of your time with words. Now, please welcome the members of both teams to the stage!" she announced. "I'm also a Spirit Elder-level Spirit Master, so I'm very excited to see what kind of amazing performance these Spirit Masters, who are at the same level as me, will deliver!"
As she spoke, a brilliant white light erupted from her body. A single strand of white appeared in her wavy brown hair, and a pair of pure white wings unfolded from her back. Three yellow spirit rings materialized around her. The third spirit ring lit up, and with a gentle flap of her wings, she took flight while still holding her amplification tool.
Just as she had said, Dou Dou was indeed a Spirit Elder. Although her third spirit ring wasn't the optimal thousand-year level, it clearly granted her the ability to fly. For a Spirit Master with a flying-type Spirit, this was an extremely important skill. Her Spirit was a gentle and cute animal that symbolized peace—a white dove.
On opposite sides of the battle stage, two doors silently opened. The members of both teams walked out at the same time, heading toward the center of the stage.
On the left was the Imperial Fighting Team. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit Master, Yu Tianheng, walked at the front, with Dugu Yan by his side as usual. Following them were the Shi Brothers, then Osler the Ghost Leopard, and Yu Feng the Wind Chime Bird. Walking at the very back was the mysterious Nine Heart Begonia Spirit Master, Ye Lingling.
Compared to the varied outfits of the Imperial Fighting Team, the Shrek Team looked much more uniform. They all wore the same black, tight-fitting clothes and the same green masks. Though they were different heights, they clearly looked like a well-organized unit. These outfits had been specially made for them by Dean Flender, and they only wore them for their arena battles. This was partly to hide their identities and partly to give them a stronger sense of teamwork.
Clothes could hide their bodies and masks could hide their faces, but their eyes could not be concealed.
As soon as the teams stepped onto the stage, the gazes of Huo Feng, who led the Shrek Team, and Yu Tianheng, the captain of the Imperial Fighting Team, collided in mid-air. Both of their eyes seemed to freeze for a moment, and the entire arena seemed to echo with the faint roars of a dragon and a tiger.
A heavy feeling settled in Yu Tianheng's heart. Huo Feng's gaze was calm, but the moment it met his, he felt an immense pressure bearing down on him. He knew instantly that the captain of the Shrek Team was no one to be trifled with. The other team members also stared each other down, their eyes flashing with competitive fire. The battle had not even begun, but the auras of both sides were already clashing fiercely.
Floating in the air, Dou Dou flapped her snow-white wings and spoke into her amplification tool. "Spirit Masters participating in the team battle, please note, you now have one minute to summon your Spirits. You may only begin your attack when I announce the start of the match. The battle will continue until one side surrenders, is completely knocked out, or is forced off the battle stage."
Her soft, captivating voice was a pleasure for the guests to listen to, but for the members of the Shrek Seven Devils and the Imperial Fighting Team, it was the signal that the fight was about to begin. The members of both teams were filled with fighting spirit.
However, there was one person whose expression was slightly off. It was Tang San, who was standing at the very back of the Shrek Team. For some unknown reason, at this exact moment, his stomach began to hurt.
A terrible feeling washed over him. Not again! It can't be happening now!
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