The preliminaries did not stall because of Tang San's injury-induced absence. Shrek Academy faced their thirteenth-round opponent—the Elephant Armored Sect.
One of the Lower Four Sects, the Elephant Armored Sect was famed throughout the world for its unmatched defense. Every member was broad and powerfully built, their martial souls mostly top-tier defensive beast martial souls such as Diamond Mammoths and Plate Armored Giant Rhinos, like moving fortresses. Their captain, Hu Yan Li, possessed the Diamond Mammoth martial soul and was a forty-second-level defensive battle Soul Ancestor. His defense was terrifying even among his peers.
Having lost the control of their absolute core, Tang San, Shrek faced an iron-walled team renowned for its defense. The outside world generally believed Shrek's undefeated streak was about to end. The atmosphere in the stands also grew subtle, with more doubtful and watchful gazes appearing once again.
The atmosphere in the waiting area was solemn, but there was no panic.
Dai Mubai stood before everyone, blazing battle intent burning in his evil eyes. His voice was steady and forceful. "Brothers, Xiao San isn't here, but we are! Shrek's bones aren't so easily broken! Today, we'll show everyone that even without Xiao San, we can still smash this Elephant Armored Sect's turtle shell!"
"That's right! Crush them!" Ma Hongjun waved his fist, his chubby face full of ferocity.
Xiao Wu put her hands on her hips and snorted. "They're just a little thick-skinned. Watch Sister Xiao Wu kick them apart!"
Zhu Zhuqing said nothing. She merely wiped her cat-claw daggers in silence, her cool eyes filled with resolve.
Ning Rongrong took a deep breath, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda shining brilliantly in her palm. "I'll do everything I can to support everyone."
Oscar rubbed his hands together and grinned. "Don't worry, there'll be plenty of