Crushing Shrek!!

Ma Hongjun opened his mouth and spewed a line of Phoenix Fire.

Dai Mubai leaped up at the same time, his tiger claws pressing down from the front.

Tang San poured all his remaining Soul Power into the Blue Silver Grass.

The attacks of the three converged and shot straight toward Tang Chen.

The Shi brothers stepped forward at the same time.

Two turtle shells blocked both sides while Dugu Yan's poisonous mist sealed off the retreat route.

Yu Tianheng raised his dragon claw, and lightning split apart the oncoming fireline.

The black sphere of light in Tang Chen's hand suddenly moved forward.

The vines snapped apart.

The White Tiger Soul Power was stripped away layer by layer.

The moment Ma Hongjun's flames drew near, they were swallowed by the black light.

The formation of the three scattered on the spot.

Zhu Zhuqing darted along the flank, her sharp claws knocking Dai Mubai's tiger palm aside.

Yu Tianheng seized the chance to step forward and sent Dai Mubai shaking toward the boundary with a dragon claw strike.

Shi Mo immediately turned around and used his turtle shell to block where he would land.

Dai Mubai had nowhere to brace himself and fell directly out of the arena.

On the other side.

Ma Hongjun tried to leap away from the black sphere.

Shi Mo raised his turtle shell and cut off his path ahead.

Tang Chen swung his scepter.

Purple-black Soul Power slammed into Ma Hongjun's front, pushing him and his scattered flames off the spirit fighting platform.

Two elimination announcements rang out in succession.

Only Tang San remained on the platform.

Blue Silver Grass repeatedly gathered in his palm, only to be pressed down by the aura of destruction.

Tang Chen did not attack immediately.

His six teammates took their positions, sealing off every direction Tang San could move.

The Nine-Heart Begonia in Ye Lingling's hand scattered points of light.

The scrape on Yu Tianheng's arm healed rapidly.

The Shi brothers raised their turtle shells again.

Zhu Zhuqing drew in her steps and returned to Tang Chen's side.

Tang San looked around.

He no longer had any teammates who could support him.

"Still want to continue?"

Tang Chen pointed his scepter at the ground.

Tang San raised his right hand, then slowly lowered it.

Xiao Wu had already stood up outside the arena, but the presiding teacher stopped her beyond the boundary.

Dai Mubai leaned against the stone steps while Ma Hongjun sat on the ground.

Neither Ning Rongrong nor Oscar spoke again.

Tang San withdrew his Blue Silver Grass.

"We concede."

Tang Chen immediately dispersed the black sphere.

The aura of destruction blanketing the arena gradually faded, and Dugu Yan also recalled her poisonous mist.

The presiding teacher walked between the two sides and raised his record book.

"The seven-versus-seven team match has ended."

"Tang Chen's side has suffered no eliminations."

"Shrek's side has six eliminated and one surrendering."

"The Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team wins."

Even after the presiding teacher announced the result, the area around the spirit fighting platform remained silent.

Tang Chen put away the Destruction Scepter.

Three black Soul Rings merged into his body one by one.

Yu Tianheng led the Imperial Fighting Team over to his side.

"You commanded this team match very well."

"Your coordination was good too."

Tang Chen glanced at Shi Mo and Shi Mo.

"There were no flaws in your frontal defense."

Then he looked at Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling.

"The poisonous mist and healing soul skills connected at exactly the right time."

Dugu Yan lifted her chin.

"Of course."

She walked to Tang Chen's side and brushed the dust from his shoulder.

"You stood at the very front the whole time. Your clothes are covered in stone fragments."

Tang Chen lowered his head and looked at his white sleeve.

There were indeed a few specks of dust on it.

"I'll change when we get back."

Dugu Yan withdrew her hand.

"You're always like this."

"What?"

"You clearly took the impact yourself, yet you don't care about it at all."

Tang Chen said, "That little strength can't hurt me."

Zhu Zhuqing walked over from the other side.

She said nothing, merely raising a hand to straighten Tang Chen's collar.

During the exchange just now, the collar had been blown open at one corner by Soul Power.

Her black training uniform hugged her figure, and the long hair tied behind her head swayed lightly with her steps.

After smoothing his collar, her fingers paused against Tang Chen's chest for a moment.

"Are you really not hurt?"

"No."

"That's good."

Zhu Zhuqing withdrew her hand.

She stood beside Tang Chen and did not look at the Shrek group on the spirit fighting platform again.

Tang San stood at the edge of the platform.

His blue robe was torn in several places, and purple-black marks left by destructive Soul Power still lingered on his chest.

Xiao Wu stood below the platform, her pink dress covered in dust.

Dai Mubai supported himself on the stone steps as he walked down from the spirit fighting platform.

Ma Hongjun sat nearby, his face pale.

Ning Rongrong and Oscar stood together, neither continuing to defend their team.

The first time Shrek Academy came to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, they suffered a complete defeat before all the academy's students.

Individual sparring.

Tang San had lost to Tang Chen.

Team spirit fighting.

The seven from Shrek had likewise lost to the Imperial Fighting Team.

The teacher responsible for registration picked up the record book again.

"The practical combat results have been recorded."

"Shrek Academy's students will temporarily enter the intermediate division."

"Once you meet the Soul Power requirements for the advanced division, the academy will make new arrangements."

Dai Mubai did not answer.

He glanced at Tang Chen, then turned and walked toward the academy entrance.

Tang San held onto the edge of the spirit fighting platform and stepped after him.

Xiao Wu immediately came to his side.

"Brother, I'll help you."

"I can walk on my own."

Tang San avoided her outstretched hand.

His legs had still not fully recovered, and his steps were noticeably heavier than usual as he descended from the spirit fighting platform.

Xiao Wu did not reach out again.

She followed beside Tang San, her gaze repeatedly falling on Tang Chen.

"Brother, why did you keep going?"

Tang San did not answer.

He turned back to look at the spirit fighting platform.

Tang Chen was talking with Yu Tianheng and the others.

Zhu Zhuqing stood beside Tang Chen, and Dugu Yan was also very close to him.

Neither woman paid any attention to the Shrek group.

Tang San withdrew his gaze.

"I lost."

He lowered his head and looked at the wounds on his body.

"After losing in individual strength, I thought teamwork could make up the gap."

"But I still underestimated him."

Xiao Wu pressed her lips together.

"Tang Chen's Soul Rings are too strange."

"Those three black Soul Rings couldn't even be affected by my Charm."

Tang San clenched his fist.

"His Mental Power is strong as well."

"And that black sphere can devour Soul Power."

"Once the Blue Silver Grass gets close, it loses its effect."

Dai Mubai turned back to look at Tang San.

"Let's leave first."

"We'll think of something about today later."

Tang San nodded.

The Shrek group left along the stone steps.

They had arrived full of pride.

When they left, everyone had their heads lowered.

Tang Chen did not continue paying attention to them.

The result of this spar had already been decided.

If Shrek Academy wanted to enter the highest-level division, they would have to cultivate again according to the academy's rules.

Several teachers from the Education Committee soon arrived at the spirit fighting arena.

They first inspected the damage to the venue, then announced their arrangements for the Shrek group.

Tang Chen and the Imperial Fighting Team did not stay any longer.

Everyone returned to their respective residences.

Early the next morning.

Tang Chen had just finished cultivating when footsteps sounded outside the courtyard.

Sun Lin brought a middle-aged man to the courtyard gate.

The middle-aged man wore a gray robe, his expression calm and his hands clasped behind his back.

His Soul Power Level was not high.

Yet judging from his aura, he had at least reached level thirty.

Sun Lin stopped outside the courtyard gate.

"Tang Chen, someone wants to see you."

Tang Chen walked out of the room.

Zhu Zhuqing was wiping down her daggers in the courtyard.

She wore a black training uniform with tightened cuffs, her long hair falling down her back.

When she saw Sun Lin, she sheathed her daggers and moved to Tang Chen's side.

Tang Chen looked at the middle-aged man.

"Who are you?"

The middle-aged man looked up.

"I am Yu Xiaogang."

Tang Chen's gaze settled on him.

Yu Xiaogang continued, "Yesterday's Soul Battle."

"With the cultivation of a Soul Ancestor, you defeated Tang San and led the Imperial Fighting Team to defeat Shrek."

"Your understanding of Soul Master combat is well worth studying."

Tang Chen asked, "So?"

Yu Xiaogang took a step forward.

"I intend to take you as my disciple."

Zhu Zhuqing frowned slightly.

She looked at Yu Xiaogang.

"You want to take Tang Chen as your disciple?"

"That's right."

Yu Xiaogang ignored her.

His gaze remained fixed on Tang Chen.

"I have studied Martial Soul theory for many years."

"Although my Soul Power Level is not high, few people on the continent can surpass my understanding of Martial Souls, Soul Rings, and soul skills."

"You possess three Ten Thousand Year Soul Rings, yet you have not displayed a complete combination of soul skills."

"If you are willing to take me as your master, I can help you plan your future cultivation path."

Tang Chen asked, "What can you teach me?"

Yu Xiaogang said, "Your first soul skill is an offensive type, while your second has devouring and suppression effects."

"As for your third soul skill, I have yet to see it."

"However, every soul skill a Soul Master chooses should revolve around the characteristics of their Martial Soul."

"I can arrange the most suitable Soul Rings for you based on your Martial Soul."

Tang Chen looked at him.

"You do not even understand my third soul skill, yet you are prepared to arrange Soul Rings for me?"

Yu Xiaogang's expression did not change.

"After taking you as my disciple, I will naturally come to understand them bit by bit."

Tang Chen did not answer.

Yu Xiaogang continued, "Tang Chen, your talent is indeed exceptional."

"But your cultivation method carries risks."

"Though three Ten Thousand Year Soul Rings are powerful, they will place greater pressure on you when you absorb Soul Rings in the future."

"Without proper guidance, you may encounter problems after breaking through to Soul King."

Tang Chen asked, "Have you studied Soul Masters with three Ten Thousand Year Soul Rings?"

Yu Xiaogang paused for a moment.

"No."

"Have you studied Soul Masters who could withstand a Titled Douluo's attacks at level forty?"

"No."

Tang Chen raised his hand and picked up the longsword beside the courtyard gate.

"Since you have not studied them, what gives you the right to judge that there is something wrong with my cultivation method?"

Yu Xiaogang's expression darkened.

"Theory does not require personal experience."

"There are rules to Soul Master cultivation."

Tang Chen looked at him.

"Rules are for reference."

"Not for restricting me."

Yu Xiaogang did not speak at once.

Sun Lin stood to the side, his expression gradually turning awkward.

He had originally thought that since Yu Xiaogang had come in person, Tang Chen would at least show him some respect.

Yet their conversation had barely begun when Yu Xiaogang had already been questioned into being unable to explain further.

Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang Chen.

"You are unwilling to take me as your master?"

"I do not need a teacher."

Tang Chen's answer was direct.

"I understand my own cultivation path."

Yu Xiaogang said, "You are still young. You simply do not understand the importance of theory."

Tang Chen returned the longsword to its place.

"I reached level forty at fourteen."

"Do you think I need to cultivate all over again according to your theory?"

Yu Xiaogang's fingers slowly curled into a fist.

After coming to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, he had heard of Tang Chen's deeds.

Three Ten Thousand Year Soul Rings.

Able to hold on for five minutes against Dugu Bo.

Defeated Yu Tianheng.

Defeated Tang San.

Someone like that was more than qualified to become the disciple who proved his theories.

As long as Tang Chen was willing to become his disciple, his reputation would rise with him in the future.

But Tang Chen had not left him any room to maneuver.

"You can think it over for a few more days."

Yu Xiaogang said, "I do not accept disciples lightly."

Tang Chen looked at him.

"There is no need to consider it."

"I will not take you as my master."

Yu Xiaogang's expression completely darkened.

"You will regret today's decision."

Tang Chen did not respond.

Zhu Zhuqing came to Tang Chen's side and raised her hand to grasp his sleeve.

She glanced at Yu Xiaogang.

"Please leave."

Yu Xiaogang turned and left.

Sun Lin hurriedly nodded to Tang Chen and followed behind Yu Xiaogang.

Their figures disappeared at the end of the stone steps.

Zhu Zhuqing released Tang Chen's sleeve.

"Why did he want to take you as his disciple?"

"He wanted to use my strength to prove his theories."

"You refused him well."

Tang Chen looked at her.

"You know Yu Xiaogang?"

"I heard Grandfather mention him before."

Zhu Zhuqing said, "Though he has studied Martial Soul theory for many years, his own cultivation has never been able to break through."

"Someone like that may not be suited to teach you."

Tang Chen nodded.

"I think so too."

Zhu Zhuqing stepped in front of him.

She reached out and smoothed the wrinkles on Tang Chen's sleeve.

"If he comes to find you again, you do not need to argue with him."

"Just refuse him directly."

"Are you worried about me?"

Zhu Zhuqing raised her eyes to look at him.

"I just do not want to see you waste your time."

Tang Chen took her hand.

"Alright."

Zhu Zhuqing did not pull her hand back.

She glanced at their intertwined fingers, then leaned slightly closer.

"Are we still going to the Mimicry Training Ground today?"

"I'll practice with you for a while first."

"Really?"

"Mm."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded gently.

Her fingers moved once in Tang Chen's palm before she slowly withdrew her hand.

The two went to the rear of the courtyard.

Zhu Zhuqing summoned the Hell Spirit Cat.

A black feline shadow emerged behind her, and three Soul Rings rose with it.

Tang Chen did not summon his Martial Soul.

He stood beneath a tree, watching Zhu Zhuqing repeatedly execute her movement techniques.

Her black figure swept past the tree trunks.

Her claws fell, sending wood chips flying in every direction.

Tang Chen occasionally raised a hand and pointed out flaws in the way she exerted force.

Zhu Zhuqing tried again and again.

Only when the sunlight dipped toward the mountainside did she finally stop.

The hair at her forehead clung to the side of her face.

Tang Chen took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from her brow.

Zhu Zhuqing did not dodge.

She stood before Tang Chen, allowing his hand to move from her brow to the side of her face.

"I can do it myself."

"I'm already done."

Tang Chen withdrew his hand.

Zhu Zhuqing accepted the handkerchief and lowered her head to look at it.

"Will you practice with me again tomorrow?"

"As long as you need me to."

She folded the handkerchief and tucked it into her sleeve.

"Then I'll keep waiting for you tomorrow."

Time slowly passed.

Tang Chen's life at Heaven Dou Royal Academy gradually settled down.

He cultivated during the day.

In the afternoon, he entered the Mimicry Training Ground.

At night, he used the Life Ancient Tree to sort through his Soul Power.

Dugu Yan would occasionally return to the academy from Sunset Forest.

Every time she saw Tang Chen, she brought some medicinal herbs from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

Tang Chen would also prepare medicinal liquid for her according to her condition.

Zhu Zhuqing's cultivation speed also became faster and faster.

Under Tang Chen's guidance, she continuously refined her movement techniques and close-range attacks.