Substitutes Assemble: Reinforcing Combat Power, a Date with the Grand Finals

On Shrek Academy's training grounds, the morning sun shone just right, its golden light spilling across the bluestone slabs and reflecting off the team members' upright figures. After the holiday ended, everyone had just returned from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and had not yet fully readjusted when Yu Xiaogang, holding a roster with a solemn expression, gathered them all in the center of the training grounds—even the senior students from the former Blue Tyrant Academy, who had only recently merged into Shrek, stood to one side of the formation.

"The Elite Competition schedule has been finalized. It consists of three stages: the Preliminary Match, the Promotion Match, and the Grand Finals." Yu Xiaogang's voice, amplified by Soul Power, spread across the grounds. His gaze swept over Shrek's Eight Monsters before settling on the four students behind them. "According to the competition rules, each team may register twelve members and field three substitutes. I gathered everyone today to introduce your substitute teammates—they will fight alongside you in the Elite Competition. Our goal is to preserve our core combat strength for the Grand Finals, so that all eight of you can stand shoulder to shoulder on the final stage."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yu Xiaogang stepped aside and revealed the four people behind him. The first youth to step forward was powerfully built, his entire body radiating brute strength. It was Tailong. "Tailong, martial soul Great Strength Gorilla, Assault System, Level 38 Battle Soul Master." Yu Xiaogang pointed at him, his tone carrying a measure of approval. "He is the grandson of Tai Tan, chieftain of the Strength Clan, and the top student of the former Blue Tyrant Academy's advanced class. His martial soul is renowned for its ultimate strength and Defense Power. His First Spirit Skill, Stone Defense, can withstand attacks at the Soul King level head-on."

Tailong stepped forward and cupped his fists toward the Eight Monsters. "Seniors, please guide me in the future! When we encounter defensive opponents, I can take Senior Mu Bai's place and use Explosive Great Strength to help everyone break their defenses." Dai Mubai looked at his sturdy frame, smiled, and patted him on the shoulder. "Good kid. You've got some brute strength. The tough nuts in the Preliminary Match will be yours from now on!"

The second to step forward was Huang Yuan, who had a nimble build and sharp eyes that carried a wolfish air. "Huang Yuan, martial soul Lone Wolf, Assault System, Level 35 Battle Soul Master." Yu Xiaogang introduced him. "He excels at single-target bursts. His Third Spirit Skill, Heavenly Wolf Transformation, can double his attack power. Though it consumes 30% of his Soul Power, his martial soul comes with a Berserk effect—when his health falls below 50%, his attack speed increases by 50%."

Huang Yuan nodded slightly, his tone steady. "I specialize in tying down opponents. Back at Blue Tyrant Academy, I often worked with my teammates to launch surprise attacks. If we need someone to keep an enemy occupied, I can buy Third Brother time to set up his tactics." Tang San nodded in approval. Recalling the battle against Thunder Academy that Master had mentioned before, he formed an initial judgment of Huang Yuan's ability to restrain opponents.

Jing Ling stepped forward next. His body was light and nimble, carrying the unique agility of the Agility Attack System. "Jing Ling, martial soul Skeleton, Agility Attack System, Level 35 Battle Soul Master." Yu Xiaogang emphasized his special abilities. "His martial soul possesses the passive skill Nether Dodge, which makes him immune to 30% of physical attacks. His Second Spirit Skill, Skeleton Phantom, can create three afterimages to confuse opponents while the real body circles behind them for a sneak attack."

A flicker of interest passed through Zhu Zhuqing's eyes. As an Agility Attack System Soul Master, she understood the importance of striking from behind. "Your Nether Dodge might work well with my Nether Shadow Clone. When we need to rotate sneak attackers in the future, you can take the field, and I'll support you." Jing Ling immediately agreed. "I'd be delighted! I've long wanted to learn from Senior Zhu's speed!"

The last to step forward was Jiang Zhu, holding a scepter. She had a gentle temperament, and the soft Soul Power unique to the Healing System surrounded her. "Jiang Zhu, martial soul Healing Scepter, Healing System, Level 35 Artifact Soul Master." Yu Xiaogang's tone became especially solemn. "She is the team's only dedicated healer. Her Third Spirit Skill, Holy Heal, can instantly restore 80% of a teammate's health, while Healing Aura continuously restores the health of allies within ten meters. She is the key to our endurance."

Oscar immediately moved closer. As a Food System support, he understood the importance of healing better than anyone. "Junior Jiang Zhu, I'll handle Soul Power recovery, and you'll handle health recovery. If we work together, everyone will have the confidence to keep fighting no matter how long the battle lasts!" Jiang Zhu smiled and nodded. "Senior Oscar's sausages are very effective. If we cooperate, we can definitely maximize the team's endurance."

After introducing the four substitutes, Yu Xiaogang walked to the front of the group, his tone becoming even more serious. "For the upcoming matches, my tactical arrangement is this—the Preliminary Match and Promotion Match will be fought by the substitutes alongside three or four main members. For example, Tailong will pair with Dai Mubai, Jing Ling with Zhu Zhuqing, Jiang Zhu will ensure our endurance throughout, and Huang Yuan will handle restraint. This will both secure our advancement and conceal the true strength of you eight, preventing Spirit Hall and other powerful teams from targeting you too early."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others as he said each word distinctly, "Only when we reach the Grand Finals and face the strongest opponents will all eight of you fight together. With your most complete combat power, you will make the name of Shrek known! Remember, the Elite Competition championship is our goal. Before that, every act of restraint and every strength we hold back is for the final victory."

Tang San stepped forward and spoke for the Eight Monsters. "Master, rest assured. We understand your tactics. During the Preliminary Match and Promotion Match, we will cooperate with our substitute teammates, lay the groundwork properly, and save our strongest power for the Grand Finals." Dai Mubai nodded as well. "That's right! When the time comes, all eight of us will take the field together and show the entire continent Shrek's true strength!"

Everyone's eyes on the training grounds became resolute. The substitute members, feeling the recognition of the main team, grew even more spirited; meanwhile, Shrek's Eight Monsters understood that with Tailong's immense strength, Huang Yuan's restraint, Jing Ling's sneak attacks, and Jiang Zhu's healing, the team had more tactical options and a greater chance of advancing to the Grand Finals.

The sun gradually climbed higher, and the Spirit Power Fluctuation across the training grounds began to grow active—Dai Mubai was already competing with Tailong in strength, Zhu Zhuqing was teaching Jing Ling dodging techniques, Oscar and Jiang Zhu were studying how to coordinate healing with Soul Power recovery, while Tang San discussed restraining tactics with Huang Yuan. Yu Xiaogang watched the lively yet orderly scene before him, and the corner of his mouth lifted into a faint, almost imperceptible smile—the complete Shrek team, made up of main members and substitutes, was finally ready to launch its charge toward the pinnacle of the All-Continent Elite Competition.