Untitled (Two-in-One)

The cheers in the Great Soul Arena receded like a tide, and the seven members of the Shrek Team helped each other off the stage. Despite winning the match against the Canghui Academy, there was little joy on any of their faces. Instead, their faces were filled with exhaustion, lingering fear, and an indescribable heaviness.

The Medical Soul Master quickly stepped forward to examine everyone's injuries and restore their Soul Power. The Great Sausage and Recovery Sausage that Oscar had created were devoured, replenishing their depleted energy.

Tang San sat cross-legged on the ground, his face pale, his eyes closed as he regulated his breathing. Forcibly activating the nascent Divine Slaughter's Domain had placed a considerable burden on his spirit, and the violent killing intent in his mind still throbbed faintly. Xiao Wu stayed by his side, her small hand tightly holding his, her beautiful eyes filled with worry.

Dai Mubai was panting heavily, his Evil Eyes flashing. Recalling the scene of the family's utter defeat in the illusion he had just witnessed, his fists clenched unconsciously. He glanced at Tang San, who remained silent beside him, his feelings complicated.

He had always considered himself the strongest fighter in the team under normal circumstances, the undisputed core. But in today's battle, if Tang San hadn't unleashed that strange Domain Power at the crucial moment, they might have been defeated by the bizarre Seven Asura Illusory Realm of the Canghui Academy.

This feeling of having the outcome in one person's hands, yet being powerless to change it, was extremely distressing for the proud and arrogant man.

Ma Hongjun, Oscar, Li Qingshan, and Lu Ziqi were still shaken. They were the first to fall into the illusion and personally experienced the terror of having one's mind stolen and being at the mercy of others. Only now that they were out of danger did they truly realize their own inadequacy and the fragility of their teamwork.

"Cheer up, everyone!" Flender walked over, his face serious, but a hint of satisfaction hidden deep in his eyes. "A win is a win! Although the process was dangerous, it taught you a good lesson! There are no weak teams in major competitions. Any act of underestimating your opponent can lead to utter ruin! Canghui Academy can bring out Seven-in-One Fusion Skill, but what about the other academies? Do you really think that Shrek is invincible?"

Zhao Wuji also said gruffly, "The dean is right! Today's battle exposed many problems! Individual strength is not equal to team strength! If it weren't for Xiao San, we would all be heading back to Suotuo City today! Remember this lesson!"

The team members nodded silently. Flender's words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the slight arrogance they had felt due to their apparent strength on paper.

Indeed, Tang San's domain ability creates unpredictable surprises that cannot be replicated. In the upcoming matches, it's impossible to rely on him to turn the tide every time.

From that day on, the training atmosphere of the Shrek Team changed significantly. Without much prompting from Flender and Zhao Wuji, everyone put in 200% effort in training and teamwork. Dai Mubai put aside his captain's airs and began to genuinely discuss tactics with Tang San, listening to the advice of this Control System Soul Master.

Xiao Wu, Ma Hongjun, and others also paid more attention to their coordination and cover for each other in actual combat. The estrangement caused by the conflict between Dai Mubai and Tang San in the past seemed to have faded a lot after they went through a life-and-death crisis together, and a kind of friendship called "comrades-in-arms" was quietly growing. Although they had not yet reached the point of being completely in sync, they had at least been able to trust each other in battle and execute complex tactical orders.

In the following elimination matches, the Shrek Team was lucky, as the opponents they drew were generally not very strong. The most difficult team they faced had a player whose strongest member was only a level 48 Soul Ancestor.

Having learned their lesson from the Canghui Academy, the Shrek Academy team dared not be complacent again and took every match seriously. Under the leadership of Dai Mubai and Tang San, the team's coordination gradually improved. They either overwhelmed their opponents with strong attacks, controlled their opponent's strength, or launched surprise attacks to win. They played with discipline and made good use of their skills, winning all their matches with a significant advantage and successfully advancing to the next round.

However, the road to the Round Robin was not smooth sailing. In the final round of the knockout stage, they faced a real tough opponent, the last and perhaps the most difficult obstacle on their path to advancement— Elephant Armor Academy.

Elephant Armor Academy, located within the former territory of the Star Luo Empire, is a high-level Soul Master Academy jointly founded by the long-established Soul Master families, the Diamond Mammoth Huyan Family and the White Armored Earth Dragon Tuoba Family.

These two families once joined forces to try to gain fame by stepping on the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. The result was obvious: they failed, and failed miserably. However, at that time, the Spirit Hall and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were still in a state of mutual wariness. In order to counterbalance the Yu Family, some people in the Spirit Hall preserved a small number of remnants of both families.

Both families' Martial Soul are known for their defense and strength. After the Federation was established, thanks to their connections with the Spirit Hall (the remnants of the two families who were rescued joined the Spirit Hall) and their powerful Martial Soul, they have been developing their strength for decades and are still a formidable force.

However, the reputation of the Elephant Armor Academy has not been good in recent years. Its management is almost entirely controlled by the Huyan and Tuoba families, and its enrollment and resource allocation are extremely biased towards family members, resulting in a closed-off atmosphere in the academy, making it difficult for outstanding students from outside to enter, and causing a decline in teaching quality.

A few years ago, the Spirit Hall, under the Federation Department of Education, warned it that if it did not rectify its "family-owned" school management model, it would consider revoking its qualification as a high-level Soul Master Academy. Under pressure, Elephant Armor Academy appeared to have restrained itself somewhat, but the family imprint in its bones remained deep.

However, they were clearly unaware that some Federation personnel who originated from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon already disliked them. However, due to the fact that the higher-ups in their sects mostly didn't care about the two families and were bound by Federation regulations, they hadn't targeted them much. But now that they had found a pretext, they naturally wouldn't be polite anymore and were preparing to secretly dig a pit for the two families.

In this competition, the team sent by the Elephant Armor Academy consisted entirely of direct descendants from both families. The captain, Huyan Li, was a level 52 Defense System Battle Soul King with the Martial Soul Diamond Mammoth. He was the grandson of the current head of the Huyan Family family and had an arrogant personality.

Vice-captain Tuoba Shan, a level 49 Assault Type Battle Soul Ancestor, Martial Soul White Armored Earth Dragon and is a direct descendant of the Tuoba Family. The other five team members are also outstanding disciples from their respective families, with Soul Power Level ranging from 43 to 46, all Soul Ancestor! Their average Soul Power is as high as 46, significantly higher than that of the Shrek Team!

More importantly, their Martial Soul, the Diamond Mammoth and the White Armored Earth Dragon, are both top-tier defensive and Power Attack System Beast Martial Soul. They are tough, strong, and incredibly powerful, making them like a mobile fortress in team battles.

When the draw results came out, Flender frowned. Elephant Armor Academy was no match for the unorthodox and unpredictable Canghui Academy; this was a real tough battle.

Moreover, he keenly sensed that Tang San's aura instantly turned icy cold upon hearing the words "Elephant Armor Academy" and "Huyan Family," and the killing intent that had just subsided showed signs of boiling up again.

The atmosphere inside the preparation room was heavy.

Tang San raised his head, his gaze sweeping over each of his teammates. His voice was deep, yet carried an undeniable resolve. "We must win this battle. And we must win it beautifully."

Dai Mubai frowned. "Third Brother, Elephant Armor Academy has extremely strong defenses. We won't gain any advantage through a direct attack. We need to plan carefully."

"No," Tang San shook his head, a cold glint in his eyes, "It's not a matter of tactics. This battle, for me, is about personal grudges."

"Personal grudge?" Everyone was taken aback.

Tang San took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind. He slowly and clearly told his teammates how his mother, Tang Miao, had been Huyan Lian, and the sordid affair between the Huyan Family and the Tuoba Family. He had kept these things buried deep in his heart and had never spoken of them to anyone. Speaking them now was both an act of honesty and a request.

"... Therefore, the Huyan Family is my sworn enemy. The Elephant Armor Academy has their henchmen. Today on this stage, I will not only win, but also shatter their arrogance! Everyone," Tang San looked at Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, Li Qingshan, and Lu Ziqi, his gaze sincere and resolute, "I need your strength for this battle. Please help me!"

The room was silent. No one had expected that this usually calm and almost indifferent young man would carry such a deep-seated hatred.

Dai Mubai thought of the pressure from his family. Although Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and the others were from commoner backgrounds, they had gotten along well with Tang San during this time and even shared some of his hatred.

Dai Mubai broke the silence first. He walked up to Tang San, patted him heavily on the shoulder, and a hint of sympathy flashed in his Evil Eyes: "I see, Little San, don't worry, the brothers will get revenge for you!"

"Yeah! Third Brother, let's fuck them!" Ma Hongjun waved his fist.

"Let them know what's what!" Xiao Wu said angrily.

Oscar, Li Qingshan, and Lu Ziqi all nodded, their eyes resolute. Sometimes, support between men doesn't need many words.

An atmosphere of shared hatred for the enemy permeated the preparation room. The pressure that was originally caused by the strength of the opponent has now transformed into an even stronger fighting spirit.

On match day, at the main arena in the center.

When both teams took to the field, the atmosphere in the stands became noticeably more enthusiastic. On one side was the Shrek Academy's rising star, a genius with Ten Thousand Year Fourth Ring, while on the other was the Elephant Armor Academy, a long-established and powerful clan. This match was highly anticipated.

The seven members of the Elephant Armor Academy were generally tall and muscular, especially their captain, Huyan Li, who was over two meters tall. His skin had a diamond-like, crystalline texture, giving him an aura of invincibility. He arrogantly swept his gaze over the Shrek Academy members, finally settling on Tang San, a smirk of undisguised mockery and malice playing on his lips.

"Oh, who do we have here? It's you, you bastard." Huyan Li's voice was loud and clear, filled with deliberate insult. "What, you managed to sneak into the competition with some skills you stole from who-knows-where? Too bad, trash is trash after all. Today you've met our Elephant Armor Academy, your good luck has run out."

He lowered his voice, so that only the people on the arena could hear him, "Huyan Lian is my aunt. I've heard about your mother's affair. Don't worry, once we're on the arena, I'll take good care of you and make sure you end up like your dead mother, lying on your deathbed!"

The vicious words, like poisoned daggers, stabbed Tang San. Tang San's body tensed instantly, his eyes flashing with alternating purple light and a hint of blood red, his killing intent almost uncontrollable. Xiao Wu gripped his arm tightly, and Dai Mubai stepped forward, blocking Tang San's path, coldly glaring at Huyan Li: "Huyan Li, watch your mouth! Who'll be lying down later is still uncertain!"

Huyan Li, his face full of contempt. "Dai Mubai? A stray dog kicked out of his family, dares to be arrogant in front of me? You Shrek are nothing but a rabble! The match begins, and I will show you what despair is!"

The atmosphere instantly became tense, forcing the referee to intervene and signal both sides to prepare.

"The match begins!"

Before the referee could finish speaking, the seven members of the Elephant Armor Academy roared simultaneously, Martial Soul Possession! In an instant, seven Humanoid Mammoth and earth dragons seemed to appear on the arena! Thick, earth-yellow light merged into one, forming a solid wall that steadily advanced towards the Shrek Team with an overwhelming momentum! A standard positional advance tactic, relying on ultimate defense and strength to crush their opponents!

Faced with this overwhelming onslaught, the Shrek Team did not choose to confront it head-on.

"Proceed according to plan!" Tang San's icy voice rang out, his Purple Demon Eye already activated, calmly observing the enemy's formation.

"White Tiger Vajra Transformation!" Dai Mubai roared, but instead of charging forward, he joined Li Qingshan and Lu Ziqi, who had activated their Black Tortoise Turtle Martial Soul, to stand at the forefront, forming a triangular defensive formation that withstood the first wave of attack from the Elephant Armor Academy!

Boom! With a loud bang, Dai Mubai and the other two were forced back several steps, their Blood Essence surging, but their formation remained intact!

"Now!" Tang San's eyes flashed. "Xiao Wu, left flank! Fatty, aerial harassment! Oscar, Flying Mushroom Sausage! Qingshan, Ziqi, change formation, infiltrate!"

The instructions were concise and clear! The Shrek team, who had already rehearsed countless times, sprang into action instantly!

Xiao Wu moved like Gui Mei, her Waist Bow as she instantly circled around to the left side of the Elephant Armor Academy's formation, her target a weaker white- Soul Power White Armored Earth Dragon Soul Master on the flank!

Ma Hongjun spread his phoenix wings and soared into the sky, activating his Third Soul Skill, Phoenix Wings Soaring. Countless fiery feathers shot towards the back row of the Elephant Armor Academy like a rain of arrows, interfering with their vision and Soul Power concentration!

Oscar's Flying Mushroom Sausage was accurately thrown at Xiao Wu and Ma Hongjun!

At the same time, Li Qingshan and Lu Ziqi, who were at the front, suddenly spread out to the sides, revealing Tang San, who had been waiting behind them!

"Third Soul Skill, Spider God Transformation; First Soul Skill, Tough Spider Web!" Tang San made his move! With the enhancement of Spider God Transformation, it was no longer a single spider web, but three Tough Spider Web covered with a purplish-black aura were simultaneously sprayed out, covering Huyan Li, Tuoba Shan, and another core team member respectively!

"A mere trick!" Huyan Li disdainfully, his Diamond Mammoth trunk whipping out with terrifying power, striking the spider web. Tuoba Shan also swung his Dragon Claw, tearing through it. With their strength, they could have easily broken through the spider web.

But just as the spider web was about to be hit, Tang San's Second Soul Ring lit up, "Second Soul Skill, Silk Differentiation!" The three spider webs suddenly exploded, turning into countless thin but extremely tough spider silks. Not only were they not dispersed, but they also Entanglement around him like a bone-deep ailment, instantly restricting the movements of Huyan Li and the other two! Although they could not completely imprison them, it was enough to slow their movements for a moment!

That instant is the moment of opportunity!

"Mubai! Qingshan! Ziqi! Triangular assault, target Tuoba Shan!" Tang San shouted.

Dai Mubai, Li Qingshan, and Lu Ziqi, who had Accumulate Power attack, charged towards Tuoba Shan, who was momentarily stunned by the spider silk, in Triangular Formation like tigers Entanglement from their cages! Dai Mubai's White Tiger Blazing Light Wave, Li Qingshan's Dragon Patterned Stick Smash, and Lu Ziqi's Star Luo Chess Control Technique surrounded him from three sides!

"Not good! Protect the vice-captain!" Huyan Li, trying to rescue him, but he was tightly entangled by more spider silk and Ma Hongjun's flames.

On the other side, Xiao Wu, who had taken the Flying Mushroom Sausage, was like a pink lightning bolt, instantly cutting into the opponent's left flank. Her Waist Bow, Soft Skill, and Explosive Kill Eight-Stage Throw were all executed in one go. The White Armored Earth Dragon Soul Master was caught off guard and screamed as he was thrown off the stage!

Shrek's tactics were crystal clear: avoid the enemy's strengths and attack their weaknesses, utilize their speed advantage and Tang San's control abilities to divide the battlefield, concentrate superior forces, and first eliminate the enemy's secondary core and weak points!

Despite their formidable defense and strength, Elephant Armor Academy's fatal weakness was their speed! Shrek's swift and coordinated attacks shattered their formation instantly! The front-line Huyan Li, including Hu Yanli, was held back by Tang San's spider web and Ma Hongjun's aerial strikes, exposing the support and control Soul Master in the back!

"Oscar, Excited Pink Sausage! Mubai, go all out!" Tang San continued to command.

Oscar's sausage arrived just in time, Dai Mubai's momentum surged again. Together with Li Qingshan and Lu Ziqi, they launched a fierce attack on Tuoba Shan. Although Tuoba Shan was strong, he couldn't withstand the three-on-one attack and was quickly injured.

After dealing with the left flank, Xiao Wu didn't linger and went straight for the enemy's support Soul Master in the back row!

The battlefield descended into complete chaos! Elephant Armor Academy's proud defensive formation was utterly shattered, turning them into a passive situation of fighting individually. Although their individual strength was formidable, they were steadily pushed back by Shrek's precise point-to-point and area-based tactics of outnumbering their opponents.

Huyan Li roared repeatedly, trying to break through Tang San's blockade with absolute power, but Tang San's Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track were extremely exquisite, always managing to evade his fierce attacks at the last second. At the same time, spider webs, spider silk, and various Hidden Weapon constantly harassed him, leaving him with power but nowhere to vent it, making him extremely frustrated.

"Damn it! If you've got the Huyan Li were bloodshot with rage.

Tang San glanced at him coldly, then flashed to appear behind a member of the Elephant Armor who was being attacked by Xiao Wu and Ma Hongjun. His Eight Spider Lances shot out like lightning, instantly breaking through the enemy's defenses and sending him flying!

"Ah!" Another one is out!

The defeat was swift and devastating! In less than five minutes, three of the seven members of the Elephant Armor Academy had been defeated and forced to leave the battlefield. Tuoba Shan was seriously injured and collapsed, unable to fight. Only Huyan Li and two other team members were left struggling to hold on, and the defeat was inevitable.

"We... surrender!" The coach leading the Elephant Armor Academy was ashen-faced as he helplessly shouted out their surrender. Continuing to fight would only make them look more humiliated.

The referee immediately stopped the match.

Shrek Academy wins!

On the arena, Huyan Li on one knee, panting heavily, his body covered in wounds. Looking at his fallen teammates and the Shrek Seven on the opposing side, who were also panting but still intact, his eyes were filled with resentment, bitterness, and disbelief. He couldn't accept that the Elephant Armor Academy, which had the advantage in strength, had been defeated in such a way!

The Shrek Seven exchanged glances, all seeing the excitement and exhaustion in each other's eyes. This battle was a resounding victory! A satisfying win!

Tang San walked up to Huyan Li, looking down at him with an icy voice. "Tell Huyan Lian, this is just the beginning. I will collect every debt owed."

Huyan Li up and met Tang San's emotionless eyes, a chill creeping into his heart.

The stands Lei Dong applause. Shrek Team, with a brilliant tactical victory, once again proved their dark horse status, successfully advancing to the Round Robin!

However, entering the Round Robin means they will soon face true powerhouses from the most elite academies across the entire continent.

After the draw for the Round Robin, the Shrek Team was placed in Group B. When they received the list of opponents in their group and watched the recordings of the key matches from other groups, everyone, including Tang San, was stunned into silence.

Tianxing Academy Team One, Captain Yu Tianquan, sixteen years old, a level 72 Power Attack System Battle Soul Sage! Soul Ring Configuration: Black, Black, Black, Black, Black, Black, Red! Six Black One Red! A legendary Spirit-level Soul Ring Configuration! His Silver Dragon Martial Soul controls all laws, and it is said that he also cultivates Elemental Magic. His strength is unfathomable, and he is hailed as the biggest favorite to win this competition.

The Martial Soul Academy Team One is led by Captain Qian Renxue, 22 years old, a level 89 Power Attack System Soul Douluo! Her Soul Ring Configuration is: Black, Black, Black, Black, Black, Black, Red, Red! She possesses Six-winged Angel Martial Soul, holy and magnificent. It is said that she condensed her Soul Core during her Soul Sage period, possessing the terrifying combat power to challenge Super Douluo beyond her level!

The Federal Soul Tool Master Academy Team One is led by Captain Xu Tianyi, who is 20 years old, a level 65 Power Attack System Soul Emperor, and possesses the Martial Soul Purple Brilliant Heaven Destroying Dragon. He is equipped with top-notch Soul Tool and has formidable combat power.

The seed teams of the Five Elements Academy (Tianshui, Chihuo, Godwind, Thunder, Rock Academy) also have two Soul Emperor level experts: Yu Tianxin (level 63 Soul Emperor) from the Thunder Academy and Feng Xiaotian (level 63 Soul Emperor) from the Godwind Academy.

These geniuses, each with Soul Power Level, Martial Soul quality, and combat experience, far surpass the current Shrek Team. Dai Mubai's strength as a level 51 Soul King seems so ordinary in front of these monsters.

Tang San's Ten Thousand Year Fourth Ring, though amazing, is no longer unique among the group of geniuses who possess at least the best Soul Ring configuration, or even Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring.

What put even more pressure on the Shrek students were Qian Renxue and Yu Tianquan. During an opening ceremony attended by all participating academies, they had the privilege of meeting these two figures who stood at the pinnacle of the younger generation.

Qian Renxue, dressed in Golden Palace Attire, possessed an exquisite beauty and a noble, pure aura, like a goddess descended to earth. Her eyes were calm, yet carried a detached confidence that looked down upon all living beings, as if she had everything under control.

Yu Tianquan, dressed in a Silver Combat Attire, with silver hair and purple eyes, stood tall and straight. Although he was the youngest, his aura was as deep as the sea, and his every move exuded an unparalleled air of creating an era and leading Yongzhen. When his gaze swept over the crowd, it was calm and undisturbed, only when he saw Qian Renxue did a scorching light flash across his eyes, as if he had seen a worthy opponent.

Qian Renxue's gaze mostly lingered on Yu Tianquan. There was an unspoken understanding between the two, as if the other was the only one worthy of being their opponent in the entire competition.

That natural confidence and composure, stemming from absolute strength, was not arrogant, yet it left everyone who sensed it feeling neither dissatisfaction at being looked down upon, nor a sense of powerlessness as if looking up at a towering mountain.

"Is this... the world's top genius?" Oscar murmured, forgetting to eat the sausage in his hand.

Ma Hongjun opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing.

Dai Mubai clenched his fists tightly, his Evil Eyes burning with resentment, but even more so with the heaviness of recognizing reality.

Xiao Wu quietly tightened her grip on Tang San Tang San's hand; she could feel the stiffness in his body.

Tang San silently watched the figures of those prodigies on the light screen, especially Qian Renxue and Yu Tianquan. He had always been proud of his talent and memories of two lifetimes, believing that given time, he would surely reach the pinnacle.

But at this moment, he truly saw the chasm-like gap between himself and the truly top-tier prodigies. A sixteen-year-old Soul Sage with Six Black One Red Soul Rings; a twenty-two-year-old Soul Douluo with combat power comparable to Super Douluo... This was beyond the realm of common sense.

The Round Robin will be a fierce battle. Can Shrek, the dark horse, continue its advance against these true giants? Unprecedented pressure weighs on the hearts of every Shrek member.