Chapter 165

The referee stepped into the center of the Arena and beckoned to both sides.

The seven members of Tianling Academy walked over from one corner of the Arena, while Shrek's seven approached from the opposite corner.

The two teams stopped before the referee, less than five meters apart.

The Tianling Academy captain's face was pale. His mouth opened as if he wanted to throw out some harsh words to bolster morale, but the moment his gaze met the black-haired youth's eyes across from him, the words lodged in his throat and would not come out.

The referee's voice was not loud, yet the entire venue heard him clearly. "First round of the Elimination Tournament, Team Battle. Most Soul Tools are permitted, except Fixed-Type Soul Tools. If one side admits defeat, the other side must stop attacking. Is that understood?"

"Understood," Shrek answered crisply.

Tianling Academy answered as well, but their voices were scattered and weak, as though they had not eaten enough.

Their seven pairs of eyes swept repeatedly over the faces of the children opposite them, searching for the slightest trace of nervousness or weakness.

Unfortunately, there was none.

Those faces were so calm that they made people's scalps tingle. The one at the front was even looking down at his own fingers, as though the referee's words had nothing to do with him, as though this were merely an ordinary training session.

The referee nodded. "Both sides, retreat to the edges of the Arena. Wait for my command before beginning. Anyone who releases their Martial Soul early will forfeit."

The two teams turned and headed toward opposite ends of the Arena.

As Tianling Academy walked, their captain patted his teammates on the shoulders, his lips moving rapidly as he made the final arrangements.

No one on Shrek's side