As the referee's announcement fell, the atmosphere on both sides of the arena instantly tightened.
Young Tang Wulin stood with the Shrek Seven Monsters. Across from them, the upperclassman team radiated a grave aura as their soul rings lit up one after another, clearly preparing to give it their all.
The spectators erupted into restless commotion.
Everyone wanted to see just how far this freshman team, protected all the way by a mysterious powerhouse, could go after leaving that protection behind.
Adult Tang Wulin slowly stepped back to the edge of the arena, his gaze settling on its center.
There was no pressure, no intention to intervene. He merely watched in silence.
Tang Wulin took a deep breath and nodded to his companions.
"Do as we practiced."
"Okay."
Gu Yue's elements quietly circulated, Xu Xiaoyan's starlight drew inward, Xie Xie's figure had already become elusive, sword energy gathered at Ye Xinglan's fingertips, Yuanen Yehui's aura was as heavy as a mountain, Yue Zhengyu's holy light gently rippled, and Xu Lizhi tightly gripped the freshly steamed buns.
The opposing team did not waste a single word. The moment the match began, they all charged forward, soul skills roaring toward them.
For a moment, Soul Power surged across the arena and fierce winds rose on every side.
The Seven Monsters immediately deployed their formation, shifting smoothly between offense and defense.
But their opponents had higher cultivation and greater experience. After several waves of fierce attacks, they gradually fell into a disadvantage, their breathing becoming unsteady.
The enemy seized an opening, and a sharp soul skill bore straight down on Tang Wulin.
"Wulin!" Gu Yue cried out.
Every gaze in the arena shot toward Adult Tang Wulin at the edge of the field.
Everyone thought he would intervene.
But he did not.
He simply stood there, his golden eyes as calm as ever.
In that instant, Tang Wulin tensed his entire body. Golden Dragon Power surged forth as he crossed his arms and blocked the attack head-on.
"Boom—"
He was knocked back several steps, a trace of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.
"Wulin!" Gu Yue's elements instantly spun out of control, and a violent gale erupted.
"Don't panic." Tang Wulin raised his head, his gaze growing even more resolute. "We can do this ourselves."
He remembered what Adult Tang Wulin had taught him—
It was not about suppressing power, but controlling it.
Golden light flared again, this time more condensed and more steady.
"Seven Monsters, together!"
At his command, Yuanen Yehui confronted the enemy head-on, Ye Xinglan's sword light shattered their formation, Xie Xie harassed their rear, Yue Zhengyu's holy light empowered them, Xu Xiaoyan's starlight sealed the arena, and Xu Lizhi threw out his last few Enhancement Buns.
Gu Yue took a deep breath as the four great elements condensed to their absolute limit in her palm.
Golden and silver light resonated and intertwined between Tang Wulin and Gu Yue.
"Attack!"
A dazzling pillar of light swept across the arena.
The opposing team's expressions changed drastically. They hurriedly raised their defenses, yet they were still crushed by that single strike.
The referee froze for a moment before loudly announcing:
"Shrek Seven Monsters, victory!"
The arena instantly erupted.
The Seven Monsters panted as they looked at one another, each of them revealing a smile of genuine relief.
This time, they had won by themselves.
Only then did Adult Tang Wulin step forward. Gentle golden light swept over them, causing their wounds and exhaustion to fade away together.
"Senior..." Tang Wulin smiled a little awkwardly.
"You did very well." Adult Tang Wulin looked at him, faint approval in his eyes.
Gu Yue stood beside them, her star-silver eyes fixed unblinkingly on him.
She said nothing, yet she already understood everything.
Adult Tang Wulin lowered his gaze slightly, his voice soft enough that only the two of them could hear.
"After the tournament ends, I'll tell you everything."
The setting sun spread across the arena as eight figures stood side by side.
The youths were filled with burning passion, while the future Dragon Emperor stood quietly guarding them.
The road ahead was already radiant with boundless light.
Before you continue