Watching Shrek (Seeking Follow-up Reads)

After seven months of arduous cultivation at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Lin Yi returned to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, his soul power having reached level sixty-eight and his aura now far more refined and profound. Beside him was Xiao Wu, whose soul power had broken through to level forty-one and whose temperament had undergone a subtle, quiet transformation.

The academy was overflowing with tension and excitement due to the upcoming Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.

As a seeded team for the Heaven Dou Empire division, the Imperial Fighting Team enjoyed the privilege of advancing directly to the finals, exempt from the long and tedious preliminary rounds. However, this did not mean they could rest on their laurels.

Upon his return, Lin Yi immediately summoned all members of the Imperial Fighting Team. After seven months of absence, the soul power of Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, and the others had each seen progress, and their team coordination had become even more seamless under the urging of Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan.

When they saw Xiao Wu following behind Lin Yi—her expression no longer as fearful or numb as it once was, and her soul power even elevated to level forty-one—everyone was somewhat surprised, yet no one dared to ask questions.

"Starting today, Xiao Wu is officially joining the first team to participate in all training and tactical drills," Lin Yi announced directly, his tone brooking no argument.

He arranged for Xiao Wu to take the position of an agility-attack type soul master, forming a complementary trio with Osler and Yu Feng.

Although Yu Tianheng and the others were curious about this "parachuted" teammate, especially the subtle atmosphere between her and their leader, they all nodded in acceptance, based on their conviction and awe toward Lin Yi.

Training commenced immediately, with Lin Yi personally overseeing the sessions, adjusting Xiao Wu's positioning and tactical movement within the team to suit her specific characteristics.

Xiao Wu quickly demonstrated the extraordinary talent and combat instincts of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast in human form; her Soft Technique and Waist Bow exerted unexpected effects within the team's coordination.

Although the Imperial Fighting Team did not need to participate in the preliminaries, Lin Yi did not let his members idle. He required all members, including Xiao Wu, to visit the various sub-venues to observe the matches, carefully studying potential opponents they might encounter in the future finals, and recording their martial souls, soul skills, combat styles, and team coordination characteristics.

"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. To underestimate an opponent is to destroy yourself." Lin Yi's words caused the members to set aside the arrogance that came with being a seeded team.

One day, after finishing his administrative duties at the academy, Lin Yi recalled that the preliminaries should have already begun. After a moment of contemplation, he decided to go and observe the matches himself.

On one hand, it was to gain a more intuitive understanding of the strength of other teams; on the other hand... he thought of Shrek Academy, and he thought of Ning Rongrong.

Regardless, Ning Rongrong was his nominal fiancée; in terms of both sentiment and reason, observing her performance and safety could be considered fulfilling his duty.

As for whether this would provoke someone... that was not within the scope of his considerations.

He did not alert many people, taking only Xiao Wu, who followed him like a little tail, to the sub-venue where Shrek Academy was competing.

The arena was clamorous, the atmosphere heated. They found an inconspicuous corner to sit in and cast their gazes toward the central ring. As it happened, the match currently underway was Shrek Academy versus a team called the "Elephant Armored Sect."

The members of the Elephant Armored Sect were all burly with astonishing defensive capabilities, and Huyan Li had even activated his fourth soul skill, making him as difficult to shake as a fortress.

On the Shrek side, Dai Mubai, Tang San, and the others were attacking with all their might, but the results were minimal.

Ning Rongrong stood at the rear of the team, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda shimmering as she provided buffs to her teammates with all her might. Fine beads of sweat had already seeped onto her smooth forehead, clearly indicating a massive consumption of soul power.

Lin Yi's gaze swept calmly across the ring, taking in the offense and defense of both sides.

Xiao Wu sat beside him, watching the familiar figure on the ring—Tang San, who was gritting his teeth, directing his teammates, and attempting to find a flaw in the Elephant Armored Sect.

Xiao Wu's expression was somewhat complex, and she subconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes.

Just then, Tang San on the ring seemed to sense something, his gaze sweeping fiercely toward the direction of Lin Yi and Xiao Wu!

When his line of sight pierced through the crowd and saw Lin Yi and Xiao Wu sitting side by side, especially seeing Xiao Wu safe and sound by Lin Yi's side, and even... looking better than she had when she was at Shrek, Tang San's pupils contracted sharply. An uncontrollable rage, mixed with bone-gnawing jealousy and pain, instantly shattered his reason!

"Ah--!" Tang San let out a low roar like a wounded beast, his eyes instantly bloodshot!

He no longer cared about tactics or preserving his strength! The Mysterious Heaven Skill within his body surged frantically, and the Clear Sky Hammer appeared in his hand once more! Although it still lacked soul rings, its terrifying weight and overbearing aura, combined with his current state of fury, erupted with astonishing power!

"Chaotic Cloak!" he roared, his body spinning rapidly. The Clear Sky Hammer, carrying a wail that tore through the air like an out-of-control gale, smashed fiercely against Huyan Li's impenetrable defense!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Hammer after hammer followed, each heavier than the last! The power, condensed from all of Tang San's rage and pain, actually smashed Huyan Li—who had activated his fourth soul skill—backwards repeatedly. Fine cracks even appeared on the hard Diamond Mammoth defense!

"San! Calm down!" Dai Mubai exclaimed.

"Brother!" Xiao Wu couldn't help but let out a soft cry from under the stage, subconsciously wanting to stand up, but she was held firmly in place by a hand Lin Yi placed gently on her shoulder.

Tang San, however, seemed unable to hear anything. In his eyes, there was only that corner, only Lin Yi's calm face and the sight of Xiao Wu sitting by his side! He poured all his hatred into the opponent before him!

Finally, amidst a deafening roar, Huyan Li's defense was shattered by Tang San's reckless, frantic attack. He spat blood, flew backward, and landed heavily, falling unconscious.

The Elephant Armored Sect team was defeated!

The referee announced Shrek Academy's victory, but the entire arena fell somewhat silent.

Everyone was stunned by the violent state Tang San had displayed at the end, as if possessed by a demon god.

Tang San leaned on the Clear Sky Hammer, gasping violently, sweat and dust sliding down his temples.

He slowly raised his head, his gaze piercing through his cheering teammates to lock onto Lin Yi in the corner of the stands once more.

That look was filled with endless hatred, cold killing intent, and an unmistakable declaration of war!

He raised his hand, pointing at Lin Yi from across the distance. His lips moved slightly; although he made no sound, the shape of his mouth clearly said:

"Just you wait!"

Lin Yi met his gaze, his face still devoid of any ripples, though the corners of his mouth seemed to curl into a faint, almost mocking arc.

He patted Xiao Wu's shoulder gently, signaling that it was time to leave.

Xiao Wu took one last look at Tang San on the ring—a man radiating malice, a far cry from the gentle brother in her memories. With a heart full of mixed emotions, she silently rose with Lin Yi and vanished into the exit of the bustling arena...