Encountering Shrek

The atmosphere at the Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena reached a new peak when the match roster for the Imperial Fighting Team versus Shrek Academy was announced.

The Audience Seats erupted with noise, the waves of discussion nearly lifting off the dome.

"They're here, they're here! Finally! Imperial Fighting versus Shrek!"

"It's Shrek Academy, led by that Dark Horse Tang San, who supposedly possesses the Clear Sky Hammer!"

"So what if he has the Clear Sky Hammer? Didn't you see what Zhang Bufan did to that mad axe wielder from Star Luo just now? One finger!"

"That's different! Shrek's tactics are bizarre and ever-changing. Tang San's control abilities are extremely strong, and they even have the Seven-in-One Fusion Skill!"

"Nine Cauldrons Douluo hasn't even truly used his Martial Soul yet. I'd say Shrek is still in trouble!"

All sorts of voices mingled together, filled with anticipation, doubt, and fervor. In many people's eyes, this match could even be called an early showdown for the championship.

Inside the Imperial Fighting Team's resting area.

Yu Tianheng looked toward Shrek Academy in the distance, his expression grave. "Shrek Academy cannot be underestimated. Their captain, Tang San, is a control-type soul master. His Martial Souls are Blue Silver Grass and... the Clear Sky Hammer. His tactical execution is extremely strong. Above all, we need to watch out for their Seven-in-One Fusion Skill."

Dugu Yan added, "Tang San's Hidden Weapons are troublesome too. They're impossible to guard against."

The other team members nodded one after another, and the atmosphere grew somewhat tense. Although Zhang Bufan's earlier performance had greatly boosted their morale, Shrek Academy's resilience and hidden trump cards throughout their journey were equally alarming.

Only Zhang Bufan still looked like he had not woken up. Leaning against the back of his chair with one leg crossed over the other, he had a blade of grass he knew not where he had found dangling from his mouth.

"Come on, relax, relax," he said indistinctly. "He's just a kid who plays with grass and swings a hammer. Look how nervous you all are."

Yu Tianheng gave him a helpless look. "Bufan, I know you're strong, but Shrek..."

"Relax, relax." Zhang Bufan waved a hand, cutting him off. "Captain, strategically, we despise the enemy. Tactically... well, we can just fight however we want. With me here, there won't be a problem."

His absurdly inflated confidence actually put Yu Tianheng and the others somewhat at ease. That was right. With this monster around, they truly did not seem to have much to worry about.

Just then, a calm yet sharp gaze came from Shrek Academy's side and landed precisely on Zhang Bufan.

Sensing it, Zhang Bufan looked up and met Tang San's gaze in midair.

Tang San's eyes were complicated, filled with gravity, scrutiny, wariness, and even a faint, nearly imperceptible fighting spirit. He had clearly heard about Zhang Bufan's earlier performances, which could only be described as inhuman.

Zhang Bufan grinned at him, revealing two rows of neat white teeth. He even lifted a hand in greeting, as casual as if he had run into an old friend.

Tang San's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly before his expression returned to its tranquil state. He gave Zhang Bufan a slight nod in response.

Tsk, this kid has a lot on his mind. Zhang Bufan inwardly complained. He looks like the calculating sort. Isn't living like that exhausting?

On the other side, in Shrek Academy's resting area.

Dai Mubai clenched his fists and said in a muffled voice, "That Zhang Bufan is too arrogant! Just look at him. He doesn't take us seriously at all!"

Ma Hongjun rubbed his hands together, excitement and nervousness both in his small eyes. "Boss Dai, he can send a Soul Ancestor flying without even using a Soul Skill. We need to be careful."

While making sausages, Oscar said anxiously, "I don't know whether my Mushroom Sausage can dodge his attacks... It doesn't seem likely."

Ning Rongrong softly said to Zhu Zhuqing, "Zhuqing, his speed..."

Zhu Zhuqing's cold eyes remained fixed on Zhang Bufan. Hearing that, she slowly shook her head. "I couldn't see it. When he moved just now, I couldn't catch his trajectory at all."

Xiao Wu held Tang San's arm, puffing out her cheeks. "Brother, teach that arrogant guy a good lesson later! Let's see whether he can still smile then!"

Tang San patted Xiao Wu's hand, his gaze never leaving Zhang Bufan. "He's very strong. Strong beyond comprehension. We must go all out and hold nothing back. His weakness... I can't see one for now."

He took a deep breath and said to the others, "Follow the original plan. At the start, I'll try to use control and Hidden Weapons to restrain him. Seize the chance to deal with the rest of the Imperial Fighting Team first. If that doesn't work... use that move immediately."

Everyone's expressions sharpened. They all knew what "that move" meant, and they nodded solemnly.

"Both teams, take the stage!" the referee called out.

In an instant, the entire arena's attention focused on the entrances to the two passages leading to the arena.

Led by Yu Tianheng, the Imperial Fighting Team strode out steadily. Zhang Bufan still walked at the very back, hands in his pockets and steps relaxed. He even waved to the surrounding audience, drawing a wave of screams.

Led by Tang San, the Shrek Seven Devils emerged in silence and with determination. Their steps were synchronized, their eyes sharp. An invisible aura gathered around them, forming a striking contrast with the Imperial Fighting Team's ease.

The two teams met at the center of the arena.

The air seemed to freeze at that moment.

Tang San looked at Zhang Bufan across from him and spoke first, his voice calm and level. "Shrek Academy, Tang San. Please advise."

Zhang Bufan picked at his ear and replied carelessly, "Sure, sure. Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Zhang Bufan. Go easy on me later. I'm afraid of pain."

As soon as he said that, anger appeared on the faces of several Shrek members. Dai Mubai even let out a cold snort, forcibly suppressing his fury.

Yu Tianheng felt somewhat awkward and added, "Imperial Fighting Team, Yu Tianheng. Please advise."

After the brief exchange of formalities, both sides retreated and took up their formations.

The Imperial Fighting Team retained its usual formation. Yu Tianheng and another Assault Department member stood at the front, Dugu Yan controlled the center, two Agile Attack Department members guarded the flanks, while Zhang Bufan and the Support Department soul master stood at the rear.

Shrek Academy's formation, meanwhile, appeared rather unusual. The seven stood in positions that seemed loose but actually contained hidden profundity, with Tang San faintly at the center.

The referee raised his hand high.

The entire audience held its breath.

In Blazing Fire Academy's viewing area, Huo Wu unconsciously clenched her fists. Her beautiful eyes did not blink as she stared at the arena, especially at that carefree figure. Though she knew that bastard was ridiculously strong, Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer and strange Hidden Weapons still made her unable to stop worrying.

Feng Xiaotian sat beside her. Seeing Huo Wu's focused expression, his eyes dimmed, and bitterness filled his heart.

"Match—begin!"

The referee's hand swung down sharply!

Almost the instant the referee's words fell, the Shrek team moved!

"Seven-in-One!" Tang San shouted.

The Shrek Seven Devils' formation instantly changed. Other than Tang San, the remaining six rapidly moved, their Soul Power erupting without reservation. Like six rushing streams, it surged madly toward Tang San at the center!

Dai Mubai's White Tiger Vajra Transformation, Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Fire Line, Zhu Zhuqing's Hell Stab, Xiao Wu's Waist Bow, Ning Rongrong's Soul Power amplification, Oscar's Recovery Great Sausage... At that moment, all of their Soul Power attributes were guided and fused through some mysterious method by Tang San's Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul!

"They're using that move again!" cries rose from the Audience Seats.

"They're using Seven-in-One right from the start? Just how wary of Zhang Bufan is Shrek?"

However, just as the Shrek Seven Devils' Soul Power fused and the terrifying phantom of the Clear Sky Hammer was about to form in Tang San's hands—

"Too slow."

A lazy voice suddenly rang out beside Tang San's ear.

Tang San's pupils contracted sharply!

Zhang Bufan, who had been standing at the very back of the Imperial Fighting Team, had somehow appeared less than a meter in front of him like a ghost!

There was no fluctuation of Soul Power, no Martial Soul manifestation. No one had even seen how he got there!

He simply stood there casually, a teasing smile on his face as he watched Tang San and the others struggle to fuse their Soul Power.

"Interrupt them!" Yu Tianheng immediately roared, preparing to lead the team forward.

"Don't rush, don't rush." Zhang Bufan turned and waved at them. "Let them finish their move. It would be rude otherwise."

Yu Tianheng and the others forcibly stopped in their tracks, utterly bewildered.

The entire audience was bewildered as well.

What kind of move was this? Was he really going to watch his opponent unleash their ultimate attack?

The Shrek Seven Devils were stunned for a moment too, but their Soul Power fusion had reached a critical point. They had no way to back out and could only continue!

A trace of resolve flashed through Tang San's eyes. He forcibly steadied himself and poured in the immense fused Soul Power with all his might!

"Clear—Sky—Hammer!"

An enormous phantom of a black hammer, wrapped in Dark Red patterns and radiating terrifying pressure, finally condensed in Tang San's hands! Though it was only a phantom, its might, which seemed capable of suppressing everything, made the entire Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena tremble!

"It appeared! The Clear Sky Hammer!"

"What terrifying pressure! It's stronger than ever before!"

"Zhang Bufan was too overconfident! He should have interrupted them earlier!"

Cries of shock rang out one after another.

Huo Wu's heart leaped into her throat.

"Oh? So this is the number-one Tool Martial Soul under heaven?" Zhang Bufan rubbed his chin with interest as he looked at the enormous phantom of the Clear Sky Hammer. "It certainly looks impressive, but unfortunately..."

He shook his head, his tone carrying a trace of regret.

"It's all show and no substance."

As his words fell, just before Tang San raised the Clear Sky Hammer phantom high and prepared to smash it down with all his strength—

Zhang Bufan finally moved.

He still did not release his Martial Soul.

He merely slowly raised his right hand.

Then, under everyone's disbelieving gazes, he extended the finger that had once sent the Bloodthirsty Mad Axe flying...

His index finger.

Toward the Clear Sky Hammer phantom, powerful enough to make even Soul Emperors and Soul Sages tremble with fear.

Lightly.

He flicked it.

"Pop~"

A sound so faint it was nearly inaudible rang out.

As though he had merely burst a soap bubble.

Time seemed to freeze at that moment.

The Clear Sky Hammer phantom, overwhelming in might and condensed from the entire Shrek Seven Devils' Soul Power, did not even last one-tenth of a second against Zhang Bufan's fingertip.

"Crack... crackle..."

Like exquisite glass struck by an impact it could not withstand, countless cracks spread from the point touched by Zhang Bufan's fingertip, instantly covering the entire hammer!

Then, before Tang San's vacant stare, Shrek's despair, and the entire audience's horrified eyes.

"Boom!!!"

The enormous Clear Sky Hammer phantom exploded with a deafening blast!

It turned into countless black specks of light that danced through the air before rapidly fading away.

"Puh—"

"Argh!"

Their Soul Skill had been forcibly shattered, and the backlash of Soul Power struck them!

The Shrek Seven Devils, Tang San included, spat out blood at the same time. Their faces instantly turned as pale as paper, and their bodies flew backward like kites with cut strings. They crashed heavily at the edge of the arena, struggling but unable to rise again.

Seven-in-One. The Clear Sky Hammer appeared.

Shattered by one finger.

The entire arena fell silent.

A pin drop could be heard.

Only Zhang Bufan slowly withdrew that finger, which seemed to contain endless power, and gently blew away dust that did not exist.

He looked at the equally dumbfounded referee and gave an innocent smile.

"Referee, can you announce the result now? I'm a little hungry."