Battle

Hu Liena lightly tapped the back of Qian Yun's hand, her small face unable to hide her excitement. "Qian Yun, there's a beauty over there."

Qian Yun chuckled and nodded, saying, "Indeed, that is true."

Xiao Wu shrank behind Ning Rongrong, playing the ostrich. She didn't dare to meet Qian Yun's gaze at all.

Ning Rongrong, on the other hand, remained her usual poised and gentle self. Seeing Hu Liena wave at her, she smiled and waved back in response.

The chubby boy with a stout figure and short, fiery red hair finally caught up, having put his all into running.

"Hoo—hoo—"

Ma Hongjun's round belly heaved up and down. Steam rose from his entire body, and sweat poured down his face like rain; running such a long distance in a short time was still a bit too difficult for him.

Seeing this, Ning Rongrong quickly pulled Xiao Wu away to avoid getting splashed by the sweat Ma Hongjun was flinging about.

After resting for a moment, he finally felt a bit better. He looked around and asked Tang San, who was standing beside him, "Tang San, what's going on? Why is everyone here?"

Tang San shook his head. He didn't know the reason either; Oscar had just told him the Dean was looking for him, so he had come.

It was just...

His calm eyes turned toward the two unfamiliar youths opposite them. Hu Liena was hot and alluring, very eye-catching, but of course, the one he cared about most was Qian Yun beside her.

For some reason, even though they looked to be about the same age, Tang San felt an inexplicable pressure from Qian Yun. This level of intensity was even more obvious than the feeling Dai Mobai had given him earlier.

This is someone not to be trifled with! Tang San made a preliminary judgment on his first impression of Qian Yun.

But why would two people like this come to Shrek Academy? Could they be here to enroll? Tang San couldn't figure it out.

Qian Yun's golden eyes scrutinized Tang San without reservation. He looked ordinary, and at first glance, there was nothing particularly striking about him.

However, relying on his own outstanding spiritual power, he noticed that Tang San's eyes were exceptionally bright. It was likely due to the cultivation of the Purple Demon Eye, and it had already reached the realm of microscopic perception.

Remaining calm on the surface, he looked at Tang San, smiled, and nodded in acknowledgment.

Tang San was stunned for a moment. Facing the goodwill transmitted by Qian Yun, he also chose to smile and nod back.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Flender gave a light cough to shift everyone's attention to himself. "Students, let me introduce you first. This is Qian Yun, and the other is Hu Liena. First of all, they have come from afar, so let us applaud to welcome them."

After speaking, he took the lead in clapping, and the others followed with scattered applause.

Qian Yun looked at the beaming Flender and felt speechless. It seemed that deans from every place liked to share their thoughts in front of students.

"Furthermore, they have come thousands of miles from Martial Soul Academy to find us at Shrek Academy, based on the noble concept of mutual exchange and common progress. Therefore, Qian Yun and I have both decided to hold a Spirit Fighting Friendly Match right here."

Martial Soul Academy? Friendly exchange? The Shrek students looked at each other in confusion.

Tang San frowned and asked the more experienced Dai Mobai, "Big Brother Dai, what is a Spirit Fighting Tournament?"

Dai Mobai replied, "To put it simply, it's a competition between Spirit Masters, and the formats are diverse. It's hard to explain in a word or two right now, but for the moment, it should only involve 1v1 and 2v2."

Tang San nodded thoughtfully. "Oh, are we going to fight them?"

His gaze drifted toward Qian Yun involuntarily.

"1v1?" Ning Rongrong laughed. "Are you sure this is a duel and not a group brawl? We have six people here; even if they only hit each of us once, they wouldn't be able to beat us, right?"

Dai Mobai shook his head. Having had experience in Spirit Fighting, he knew that a tournament wasn't as simple as one might assume.

Although they looked like they had many people now, the only ones qualified for a 1v1 were himself, the fatty, Tang San, and Xiao Wu.

Tang San wanted to ask more, but Flender spoke again. He looked at Qian Yun and said, "Qian Yun, student Hu Liena, since you are the guests, you may choose the format of the Spirit Fight."

He hadn't expected this turn of events. It seemed Flender was full of confidence in Tang San and the others.

Qian Yun nodded at Hu Liena, and Hu Liena immediately understood, stepping forward to say, "We choose 1v1!"

Ning Rongrong was slightly surprised that the other party had really chosen a group brawl—oh no, she meant a duel.

"Good." Flender clapped his hands, praising the courage of the two. This was exactly what he had hoped for.

Although Qian Yun and his companion were not lacking in strength, Shrek had Dai Mobai, whose spirit power had already reached level 37, and Ma Hongjun, who possessed a top-tier beast martial soul.

Their strength on paper alone was enough to crush Qian Yun's side, not to mention Tang San, who had performed brilliantly during the battle against Zhao Wuji earlier.

How could they lose?!

Zhao Wuji was equally excited and rubbing his hands together. Just as he lifted his leg, he was pulled back, and Flender whispered a few words into his ear sneakily.

The more Zhao Wuji heard, the more surprised he became. The expression on his face changed unpredictably, and by the end, it was clear. He patted Flender on the shoulder and smirked, "Heh heh, to think of this. I, Zhao, really didn't misjudge you. Old Flender, you really are full of wicked tricks!"

Flender's smug expression gradually faded, and he raised his foot to kick Zhao Wuji's butt. "Less talk, get going! I'm warning you, no one is allowed to get hurt in the upcoming match."

Zhao Wuji immediately slapped his chest with a loud thud. "Don't worry, with me here, there won't be any problems!"

He strode to the center of the two sides with a serious expression and said in a deep voice, "Who's going first?"

Tang San and the others looked at each other, all feeling a bit moved. Finally, Dai Mobai stepped forward. "I'll go first. I'll go and test the waters for you all. Otherwise, it won't look good if we actually lose."

That was the only way. Dai Mobai was the oldest and had experience in Spirit Fighting, so it was safest for him to go first.

Oscar leaned in and nudged Dai Mobai. "Heh heh, go for it, Boss Dai! Let them know the power of our Shrek Academy."

As the possessor of the Sausage Martial Soul, he could only cheer from the sidelines in such a duel.

"Go for it!" Ning Rongrong also waved her fists prettily at Dai Mobai.

With so many junior brothers and sisters cheering him on, Dai Mobai smiled back. "Don't worry, I'll definitely win this first round for you all!"

He walked forward confidently, nodded to Zhao Wuji, and then stood with his hands behind his back.

Hu Liena tilted her head to look at Qian Yun and asked, "Are you going, or am I?"

This wasn't because she was afraid of Dai Mubai, but because the outcome of this first match was crucial and could very well influence the flow of subsequent battles. Therefore, she also wanted to ensure a victory.

"I'll go," Qian Yun said as he walked forward to stand opposite Dai Mubai.

Looking at Qian Yun approaching, Dai Mubai laughed, "Haha, brother Qian Yun, I didn't expect us to have a match so soon after meeting. Please go easy on me later."

Qian Yun also smiled, "You are too polite, senior. Please go easy on me as well."

"Alright, both sides take your positions. State your age, Martial Soul, and Soul Power Level!" Zhao Wuji shouted with a stern expression.

Although he was a teacher at Shrek Academy, he was currently the referee for the Soul Fighting Tournament, and he needed to be impartial.

Qian Yun was stunned for a moment upon hearing this. He understood the rule that both sides had to announce their Martial Soul and Soul Power Level before a formal match, but what the hell was this about announcing age?

Regardless of his inner thoughts, Dai Mubai straightened his back and said, "Dai Mubai, Martial Soul White Tiger, Level 37 Battle Soul Elder, age fifteen!"

A look of pride appeared involuntarily in Dai Mubai's eyes. To have reached Level 37 Soul Power at only fifteen years old—such talent could truly be described as monstrous.

Qian Yun glanced at the sanctimonious Flender, having already guessed what he was thinking.

Fine, so you want to probe my background? Then you'd better watch closely!

"Qian Yun, Martial Soul Crown, Level 33 Tool Soul Elder, age... twelve!" Qian Yun stood proudly, though he still stated an age slightly older than his actual one. Even so, it was enough to drop everyone's jaws.

"What?" Ning Rongrong covered her mouth, her eyes filled with shock.

Tang San widened his eyes. Since Flender was watching Qian Yun, he couldn't be lying. That meant he was the same age as him but was a full four levels ahead in Soul Power!

How is that possible?

He had to remember that he possessed the Mysterious Heaven Skill, a top-tier cultivation technique, along with the unique advantage of Twin Martial Souls, and it was only through his own diligent cultivation that he had barely reached Level 29.

He had considered his own talent to be ahead of his peers, but he hadn't expected... this Qian Yun to be even more astonishing. Reaching Level 33 at twelve years old—such talent could no longer be described as a monster; this was defying the heavens!

The pride in Dai Mubai's eyes faded, leaving only a blank expression. Twelve years old... Level 33?!

Am I dreaming?

He couldn't help but recall his own state at twelve years old, and the more he thought about it, the more terrifying it felt.

Zhao Wuji was also surprised; he was shocked that Qian Yun was so young. He looked back at Flender.

Flender frowned and pondered for a moment, then nodded!

Zhao Wuji turned back and grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth.

Heh, things are getting more and more interesting.

"Alright, introductions are complete. The match begins!" With a loud shout, Zhao Wuji jumped away first.

Although Dai Mubai was shocked by the talent Qian Yun displayed, he didn't retreat; instead, his fighting spirit was ignited by Qian Yun. After all, he possessed the top-tier assault-type White Tiger Martial Soul.

"Your talent is good, but your Soul Power is still behind mine. Martial Soul Possession!" Dai Mubai barked, his muscles beginning to swell, and his height suddenly increased by several inches.

Every muscle on his arms rippled, and sharp claws, as keen as short daggers, popped out from his fur-covered fingertips, flashing with a cold, eerie light.

His blonde hair turned black and white in an instant, and a cold blue light shot from his eyes, like a beast ready to devour someone, his entire body radiating a manic aura. Beneath his feet, three spirit rings—two yellow and one purple—shone, accentuating his extraordinary momentum.

On the sidelines, Hu Liena felt her heart tighten inexplicably. This was the oppressive force of a top-tier beast Martial Soul. As a user of a beast Martial Soul herself, she still felt a sense of being unable to look directly at the White Tiger.

Qian Yun couldn't help but nod as he watched. In all fairness, Dai Mubai's White Tiger Martial Soul was indeed very strong; among the various beast Martial Souls he had seen, only the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul of Yu Tianheng from the Imperial Fighting Team could compare to it.

"Martial Soul Possession."

Compared to the grand display of Dai Mubai, Qian Yun's Crown Martial Soul was undoubtedly calmer, yet far more brilliant.

Dai Mubai, facing Qian Yun directly, felt as if the sky had darkened the moment the crown appeared, followed by a crown forged from stars gathering above Qian Yun's head.

Beneath his feet, three spirit rings in two colors also shone.

Within the magnificent crown, a beautiful starry sky floated, and combined with the pair of golden eyes beneath the crown, he was truly peerless in his beauty.

"So beautiful," Ning Rongrong murmured blankly, not knowing if she was talking about Qian Yun or the crown.

Xiao Wu poked her head out, revealing one eye, and after a hurried glance, she quickly pulled it back.

Good heavens, what should I do now?

With the increase in her strength, she felt increasingly sorrowful about her own fate.

If only she hadn't been so greedy back then...

The two stood opposite each other in the arena, two purple spirit rings radiating nobility shining beneath their feet, appearing as shocking as the moon competing for brilliance in the eyes of the onlookers.

Tang San's eyes revealed deep envy. According to the Grandmaster's theory, no matter how talented a Spirit Master was, they could not possess a thousand-year spirit ring at the age of twelve.

But the appearance of Qian Yun let him know that someone had done it! And that person was right in front of him now.

Dai Mubai was a bit more solemn; he still hadn't expected Qian Yun to also possess a thousand-year spirit ring.

Among low-level Spirit Masters, the gap between the second and third rings was the greatest.

The reason was that once a Spirit Master reached level 30, they could add a thousand-year spirit ring! One thousand-year spirit ring against two at most hundred-year spirit rings—it might look like one against two, but only the user knew how vast the gap in spirit ring age truly was.

Dai Mubai's eyes sharpened, and he decided to strike first. Facing another three-ring Spirit Master, he dared not be as arrogant as he had been in his match against Tang San. His second spirit ring lit up.

"Second Spirit Skill, White Tiger Light Splitting Wave."

The moment a milky-white wave of light was emitted, Dai Mubai hunched his tall frame. Following his movement, the clothes on his back were torn open by his swelling muscles. His entire body was like a fully drawn crossbow, ready to fire.

Assault-type Martial Souls didn't have the habit of passive defense; what they excelled at was relentless, fierce attacks!