(First update)
The next day.
Shrek Academy faced its twelfth opponent: Canghui Academy, whose team leader and instructor, Shi Nian, had already been killed by Yang Ming, leaving them anxious and on edge every day.
However, because Yang Ming had opened the Seventh Gate of the Eight Gates Released Formation last night, he had yet to fully recover his vitality. His face bore an unnatural pallor, worrying everyone greatly.
Tang San draped an arm around Yang Ming's neck and said softly with concern:
"Yang Ming, if you can't hold on, don't force yourself. Let us handle today's match for you."
"Tang San is right." Dai Mubai continued, "Yang Ming, don't forget that we are a team, a whole."
Looking at those familiar faces caring for him so deeply, Yang Ming felt a warmth rise within his heart. He chuckled and said:
"Look at yourselves. You'd think I had some terminal illness. I'm only a little drained. It's not like I can't even handle a mere Canghui Academy."
Seeing Yang Ming insist, no one had any good reason to make him withdraw, and they all fell silent.
Still, Tang San and the others had already made their preparations in secret. If Yang Ming showed any signs of discomfort during the match, they would definitely make him leave the field and rest.
For that reason, today's lineup had changed somewhat. Although Yang Ming remained the captain, the other six had been almost entirely replaced by Tang San, Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun, and Ning Rongrong.
Less than half an hour remained before the match began, and the teams from every academy were already waiting in the rest area. This time, Shrek Academy was not appearing in the first round; their turn would not come until the third.
Because of