Tang San stood in the back row of the team, so he didn't attract much attention. The mask he wore also hid the strange expression on his face.
He didn't know why, but his stomach hurt.
His first-ever Soul Arena match had also started with a stomach ache, which strangely gained him some popularity. It was the kind of popularity he definitely didn't want.
That time, it was because Xiaogang had tried to save money and bought expired food, which gave them all upset stomachs. Xiaogang felt terrible about it afterward. Since then, at least their food was no longer a problem.
Today was different, and Tang San really didn't want to lose face again.
"Could I just be too nervous?" Tang San muttered to himself.
He had never fought in a team battle in the Soul Arena. This was his first time. The Shrek Team also had an undefeated record to protect.
Just before coming out, Dean Flender told them that today's opponents were extremely strong.
Because of all this, he was very nervous. Tang San decided his stomach ache must be from his nerves.
He glanced toward the entrance, where Xiaogang was standing. This battle wasn't just to prove himself; it was also to prove his teacher. Tang San knew he had to take this chance.
At the entrance of the passage where the two Soul Arena teams appeared, their respective leaders stood. As the team members faced each other, the leaders also saw their counterparts.
On the Shrek Team's side, the leaders were usually just Flender and Zhao Wuji. But just a moment ago, Xiaogang had shamelessly insisted on joining them.
Flender was very reluctant, but since Tang San was actually starting today, he had to agree. He decided it would only be for today.
Tang San was only a Level 25 Spirit Grand Master. Flender thought he was quite weak. Even a strong Level 25 Spirit Grand Master would struggle in a match like this.
Flender guessed that after today's team battle, Xiaogang would finally see his disciple's true strength. He thought that even if Tang San was picked to start again, Xiaogang wouldn't have the face to stand here. Tang San probably wouldn't have the face for it, either.
They were standing in the corridor because they didn't have VIP access, so this was the only place they could watch from.
Across the arena, the leader of the Royal Fight Team was none other than Teacher Qin.
Flender spotted Qin Ming from a hundred meters away. His expression changed suddenly, but then he relaxed. His nervousness seemed to fade away.
"It looks like I don't need to worry anymore," Flender said. "Wuji, look who that is across from us."
Zhao Wuji also saw Qin Ming, and his eyes went wide. "How can it be him...?"
Xiaogang looked at them, completely puzzled. "You know their leader? What's going on?"
He, of course, didn't know Qin Ming.
Flender pouted, his face full of impatience. "It's nothing. We can talk about it after the match ends, if there's time."
His words clearly showed he didn't want to talk to Xiaogang.
Xiaogang's face darkened, and he stopped asking. He turned his gaze back to Tang San on the stage.
Because Xiaogang and Tang San had been away for a while, they were busy and didn't have time to learn about the Royal Fight Team. He only knew the opponent was strong.
So, Xiaogang still had high hopes for Tang San.
If Flender knew what Xiaogang was thinking, he would probably die laughing.
At that moment, on the central battle stage, all fourteen fighters released their spirit power at the same time.
Fourteen intense waves of fighting spirit shot into the sky. The surge of power startled Dou Dou, the White Pigeon Spirit Master, who was flying in the air. She quickly flew higher.
She had seen stronger team battles before, but it was rare to see both sides show such an intense fighting spirit right at the start.
In Dou Dou's eyes, the fourteen people below could only be described with one word: strong!
As the live host and commentator, she didn't know what words to use to describe this match. She just knew that a fierce "needle-against-wheat-spike" battle was about to begin.
A tiger's roar exploded from Dai Mubai's mouth. An intense, hot aura burst from his body.
With the crackling sound of popping beans, his muscles swelled instantly. Sharp claws grew from his tiger paws. Even though he wore a mask, his gaze was as sharp as a blade and filled with a wild aura.
Right after Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing also released their Spirits.
Tang San now stood next to Zhu Zhuqing, in the spot where Ma Hongjun usually was.
His face was clearly flustered. Since it was his first team match, Tang San didn't really understand what to do. He didn't even know what would happen next.
When he saw Dai Mubai release his Spirit, he quickly released his own. Deep green Blue Silver Grass grew from his palm.
Then, Oscar and Ning Rongrong, the two support system Spirit Masters in the second-to-last row, also released their Spirits.
Huo Feng still stood at the very back of the team.
Even facing an opponent like the Royal Fight Team, he didn't let his guard down. He also released his Spirit right away.
Swish—!
The blue Thunderclap Sword appeared instantly in Huo Feng's right hand. The electricity arcing along the blade was a heart-stopping sight.
However, based on his usual custom, he probably wouldn't make a move at the beginning.
Veteran spectators who often watched Huo Feng's matches knew that him releasing his Spirit at all was already giving the Royal Fight Team a lot of respect.
There was even one time against a weaker team when Huo Feng didn't make a single move from start to finish. He didn't even release his Spirit.
"Is the captain of this Shrek Team still planning to not move at the start, just like before?"
"That's way too arrogant. The Royal Fight Team isn't like those other trash teams."
Inside a luxurious private room, two middle-aged men sat facing each other.
Their clothes were extremely expensive. Clearly, they were not ordinary people.
At this moment, both men turned their heads to look. Through the private room's glass, their gazes landed right on Huo Feng, who was at the back of the Shrek Team.
The man who had just spoken was middle-aged and had a full beard. He held a cigar in his mouth, his face filled with disdain.
Although the Shrek Team was good, they had hired the Royal Fight Team at a great cost. Their goal was to place large bets and win money from the Soto Fighting Arena.
They were very clear about the Royal Fight Team's true strength. While the Shrek Team was also decent, they believed Shrek was still much weaker.
"Old Li, in my opinion, this Shrek Team is completely overhyped, especially their captain," the bearded man said. "I'm not as interested in him as I am in 'Shrek One'. After all, that one can at least put on a good show, right?"
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