Tang Feng vs. Shrek Academy!!

Xue Qinghe raised his eyes.

"Zhu Zhuqing?"

"She is a student of Shrek Academy."

"Tang Feng knows her?"

"The two once entered the Star Dou Forest together."

The spy paused for a moment.

"They traveled side by side within Heaven Dou City. Their relationship appeared quite good."

Xue Qinghe did not ask any further questions.

He picked up the intelligence report again, his gaze settling on Tang Feng's name.

"Two Ten Thousand Year Soul Rings."

"A Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone."

"Such talent is worth meeting in person."

Xue Qinghe raised a hand.

"Send an invitation to Heaven Dou Royal Academy."

The spy bowed.

"Invite Tang Feng?"

"Yes."

Xue Qinghe closed the report.

"Set the time for tomorrow afternoon."

"Yes."

After the spy withdrew, the study fell silent once more.

Xue Qinghe sat at his desk, his gaze lingering beyond the window.

The Imperial Fighting Team had originally only been Heaven Dou Royal Academy's representative team.

But after Tang Feng appeared, he already possessed the ability to alter the course of the competition.

Xue Qinghe wanted to know.

Just how far could this child go?

The following afternoon.

Tang Feng received an invitation sent from the Crown Prince's Palace.

The invitation was made of golden paper, its edges engraved with the Heaven Dou royal emblem.

Dugu Yan stood beside the stone table and looked it over.

"His Highness the Crown Prince invited you to a banquet at his residence?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"He wants to meet me."

Dugu Yan lifted her eyes to him.

"When did you get acquainted with His Highness the Crown Prince?"

"We met once before."

Dugu Yan handed the invitation back.

"His Highness the Crown Prince rarely takes the initiative to invite academy students."

"You should be careful."

"It is only a banquet."

Tang Feng put away the invitation.

Ye Lingling stood nearby.

"Do you need us to accompany you?"

"No."

Tang Feng looked at the two of them.

"The Crown Prince's Palace would not make a move against academy students."

Dugu Yan gave a soft snort.

"You do understand the situation clearly."

"If you run into trouble, remember to unfold your Blue Silver Domain."

"Are there plants in the Crown Prince's Palace too?"

"Without plants, you cannot sense Soul Power?"

Dugu Yan lifted her chin.

"Your domain is already very strong, but you cannot rely only on flowers and trees."

Tang Feng glanced at her.

"I know."

Only then was Dugu Yan satisfied.

"Then go."

She turned around, the ends of her hair brushing over the back of Tang Feng's hand.

Dugu Yan's steps paused.

She turned back to look at Tang Feng.

"Will you be back tonight?"

"Probably."

"What do you mean, probably?"

"Once the banquet is over, I will naturally return."

Dugu Yan pressed her lips together.

"Remember what you said."

Tang Feng did not respond.

Ye Lingling looked at Dugu Yan.

"He is only going to a banquet."

"I know."

Dugu Yan crossed her arms.

"I am merely reminding him not to forget his training."

Tang Feng left the courtyard.

Dugu Yan watched his back disappear beyond the courtyard gate before withdrawing her gaze.

Crown Prince's Palace.

Tang Feng arrived on time.

After the residence guards verified the invitation, they immediately led him into the inner courtyard.

There were not many decorations along the way.

Neatly trimmed green bamboo lined both sides of the corridor, and when the wind passed through, the bamboo leaves brushed softly against one another.

Tang Feng's spiritual power spread outward along the bamboo roots.

The positions of the guards throughout the residence appeared in his senses one by one.

No one approached him.

He soon arrived outside the banquet hall.

Xue Qinghe was already waiting at the entrance.

He wore a golden robe, its lapels embroidered with the Heaven Dou royal emblem.

His expression was gentle, and his manner composed.

"Tang Feng, welcome to the Crown Prince's Palace."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"There are only the two of us here. There is no need for formalities."

Xue Qinghe stepped aside to make way.

Tang Feng entered the hall.

Wine and dishes had already been arranged on the table.

Xue Qinghe personally poured him a cup of tea.

"I heard that you have been training the Imperial Fighting Team recently."

"Yes."

"You only took charge of the team a few days ago, yet the team has already changed."

Xue Qinghe lifted his teacup.

"Yu Feng's flight, the Shi brothers' defense, and Dugu Yan's use of poison have all undergone new adjustments."

"They already had the strength."

Tang Feng sat at the table.

"I merely let them bring it out."

Xue Qinghe looked at him.

"You rarely praise yourself."

"Facts do not need praise."

Xue Qinghe's fingertips paused at the rim of his cup.

"Your personality is rather different from what your registration records say."

"What did the records say?"

"Silent, solitary, unwilling to interact with others."

"They were not wrong."

"But Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling both seem to trust you very much."

Tang Feng did not reply.

Xue Qinghe did not press the matter further.

He raised a hand, took out a list, and placed it on the table.

"These are the resources the Heaven Dou royal family can provide."

Tang Feng lowered his gaze to look.

The list recorded various high-grade Soul Tools.

Soul Power amplification devices.

Defensive Soul Tools.

Soul Tools that concealed one's aura.

There were also medicines and ores suited for Spirit Master cultivation.

Every item was extraordinarily valuable.

Xue Qinghe said, "As long as you are willing to serve the empire, all these resources can be given to you."

Tang Feng closed the list.

"We can discuss it later."

Xue Qinghe showed no dissatisfaction.

He lifted his teacup again.

"You have not yet decided which side to pledge allegiance to."

"I simply have no need for anything at the moment."

"The Heaven Dou Empire also has things you need."

"If I need something in the future, I will ask."

Xue Qinghe nodded.

"Very well."

He did not continue trying to persuade him.

The atmosphere at the table returned to calm.

Tang Feng did not touch many of the dishes, only sampling a few lightly flavored foods.

Xue Qinghe took the initiative to bring up the Soul Master Tournament.

"The Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament is about to begin."

"The Imperial Fighting Team is Heaven Dou Royal Academy's representative team."

"It is also one of the teams receiving the most attention in the Heaven Dou Empire."

Tang Feng set down his teacup.

"What does Your Highness the Crown Prince wish to say?"

Xue Qinghe placed his teacup back on the table.

"Why not hold an exchange match?"

"An exchange match?"

"Heaven Dou Royal Academy against Shrek Academy."

Tang Feng raised his eyes.

Xue Qinghe continued, "Shrek Academy has recently been training outside Heaven Dou City."

"They are also preparing to participate in the Soul Master Tournament."

"This will be the perfect chance to test the strength of both teams."

Tang Feng understood Xue Qinghe's purpose.

The other man wanted to see both the Imperial Fighting Team under Tang Feng's command and Tang Feng's own strength.

"Fine."

Xue Qinghe raised his teacup.

"Three days from now."

Tang Feng lightly clinked cups with him.

"I'll lead the team there."

News of the exchange match quickly spread throughout Heaven Dou City.

Inside Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

The Imperial Fighting Team's training schedule was immediately adjusted.

Yu Tianheng, Yu Feng, Osler, and Shi Mo all entered preparation mode ahead of schedule.

Dugu Yan stood at the edge of the training grounds.

She looked at Tang Feng.

"Will three days be enough?"

"Whether it's enough or not, we'll know after the match."

Dugu Yan raised a hand to straighten her collar.

"Shrek Academy has been undergoing special training this whole time."

"Dai Mubai and Tang San haven't stopped cultivating."

"They'll be stronger than before."

"Then we'll take them seriously."

Ye Lingling opened the record book in her hands.

"Do we need to change the lineup?"

"No."

Tang Feng looked toward the team members on the training grounds.

"First, we'll work with the current lineup."

"We'll adjust according to the opponents during battle."

Dugu Yan nodded.

"Understood."

Elsewhere.

Shrek Academy.

Holding the invitation sent by the royal family, Flender strode quickly into the training grounds.

Yu Xiaogang was inspecting the students' training.

Dai Mubai, Tang San, Ma Hongjun, Xiao Wu, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing stood in the field.

Flender raised the letter in his hand.

"An invitation from Heaven Dou Royal Academy for an exchange match."

Ma Hongjun immediately stopped in his tracks.

"Who are we fighting?"

"The Imperial Fighting Team."

Flender looked at Yu Xiaogang.

Yu Xiaogang took the invitation and quickly read through its contents.

The match was set for three days later.

The venue was Heaven Dou Royal Academy's private training grounds.

Yu Xiaogang put away the letter.

"A perfect chance to test the results of the special training."

Dai Mubai raised his head.

"We'll be fighting Tang Feng?"

"The Imperial Fighting Team's captain has been replaced by Tang Feng."

Flender added, "Tang Feng will personally lead the team in this exchange match."

Ma Hongjun's expression changed.

He remembered those Dark Blue Vines piercing through the Phoenix Line, and instinctively took half a step back.

Xiao Wu raised a hand.

"We'll finally see that guy again."

Tang San said nothing.

His gaze settled on Yu Xiaogang.

"Teacher, we accept the invitation."

Yu Xiaogang nodded.

"Starting today, the training intensity will increase."

"For the remaining three days, everyone must familiarize themselves with the new tactics."

Zhu Zhuqing stood at the back of the group.

She did not speak, merely raising a hand to touch the waterskin at her waist.

The black waterskin rested against her clothes, hanging quietly there.

Three days later.

Shrek Academy and Heaven Dou Royal Academy would hold their exchange match.

This time, both sides would bring out their true strength.

Three days later.

The Great Soul Arena of Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

The stands of the enormous venue were already packed with spectators.

Heaven Dou's royal banners hung high overhead, their golden emblems swaying gently in the air currents.

The group from Shrek Academy entered through a side entrance.

Flender walked at the front.

Yu Xiaogang followed in the middle of the group, holding today's match arrangements.

Dai Mubai wore a neat combat uniform.

After three straight days of special training, his aura had become more solid than before.

The power granted by the White Tiger Wuhun could now flow more smoothly through his limbs.

Ma Hongjun walked at the rear.

He patted his chest.

"Heaven Dou Royal Academy isn't all that impressive."

"As long as we don't run into Tang Feng, Fatty can handle a few of them by himself."

Oscar glanced at him.

"Don't talk too big just yet."

"The one who got stomped into the ground last time seemed to be you."

Ma Hongjun halted.

The lingering pain in his chest was immediately stirred.

He quickly lifted his chin.

"That was only because Fatty wasn't prepared."

"After the Master's special training, my Evil Fire Phoenix has grown stronger."

Xiao Wu walked beside Tang San.

She glanced at Ma Hongjun.

"You'd better not provoke Tang Feng again."

"I'm not afraid of him,"

Ma Hongjun immediately retorted.

"I'm saying we should conserve our strength for today."

Zhu Zhuqing did not join their conversation.

She wore a black combat uniform, with a narrow belt cinching her slender waist.

The waterskin still hung at her thigh.

With every step, it lightly brushed against her long boots.

The group soon arrived at the resting area.

The Heaven Dou Royal Academy team on the other side had already arrived.

Yu Feng sat on a bench, his wings folded behind his back.

Shi Mo stood together, checking their respective wristguards.

Ye Lingling held her record book as she quietly sat beside Dugu Yan.

Dugu Yan wore a silver-white team uniform today.

Her jade-green hair was tied behind her head, its ends falling over her shoulder.

When she saw the Shrek group, she lifted her eyes and swept them with a glance.

Ma Hongjun immediately grinned.

"Isn't that Dugu Yan?"

"Been a few days. Why are you still following Tang Feng around?"

Dugu Yan's gaze fell on his face.

"Has the injury on your chest healed?"

The smile on Ma Hongjun's face froze.

"Of course it has."

"Then stop bringing up old matters."

Dugu Yan withdrew her gaze.

But Ma Hongjun did not stop.

He looked at Ye Lingling.

"A Nine-Hearted Begonia Spirit Master is competing too?"

"Does your Imperial Fighting Team have no one left?"

Ye Lingling raised her eyes.

She did not answer.

Dugu Yan had already risen from the bench.

Jade-green Soul Power gently flowed around her.

"Ma Hongjun, say that again."

The Evil Fire Phoenix immediately appeared behind Ma Hongjun.

Purple-red flames rose between its wings.

"What, did Fatty say something wrong?"

"If support-type Spirit Masters aren't taking the field, are you expecting the two of you women to fight on the front line?"

Dugu Yan raised her palm.

Jade-green poisonous mist gathered at her fingertips.

The next moment.

Footsteps sounded from behind the Imperial Fighting Team.

Tang Feng stepped out of the resting area.

He wore Heaven Dou Royal Academy's combat uniform.

A silver captain's insignia was pinned to his chest, its edges reflecting the light falling from above the arena.

Ma Hongjun's body instantly stiffened.

The purple-red flames dispersed from his body.

The image of Dark Blue Vines piercing through the Phoenix Line resurfaced in his mind.

Nine main vines tightened at once.

His chest was pinned beneath a foot.

That destructive power flowed along his meridians.

Ma Hongjun instinctively took half a step back.

Dai Mubai's expression also darkened.

He looked at Tang Feng, his hand slowly clenching.

Tang San ignored Ma Hongjun's reaction.

His gaze fell on the insignia on Tang Feng's chest.

"You're the Imperial Fighting Team's captain?"

Yu Feng rose from the bench.

"Got a problem with that?"

Tang San did not answer.

Dai Mubai remained silent as well.

The gazes of the entire Shrek group fell upon Tang Feng at once.

Zhu Zhuqing stood at the back of the team.

After seeing Tang Feng, a few glimmers appeared in her previously calm eyes.

Tang Feng looked at her as well.

Their gazes met briefly.

Zhu Zhuqing raised a hand and touched the waterskin at her waist.

Then, she looked away.

Ma Hongjun noticed the exchange, and his expression grew even stiffer.

On the high platform.

Xue Qinghe sat in the seat of honor.

He wore a golden robe, with a cup of tea placed before him.

The attendant beside him bent down to confirm that both sides' members had arrived.

Xue Qinghe set down his teacup.

"Begin."

The host stepped onto the high platform.

Soul Power spread throughout the Great Soul Arena.

"First match: the second-string members of both sides will spar!"

"The matches will be one-on-one."

"The winner remains on the Spirit Battle Platform until one side has no one left able to fight!"

Following the host's announcement, the members of both sides entered the Spirit Battle Platform one after another.

Tang Feng stood at the edge of the waiting area.

He was in no hurry to release his Martial Soul.

The contestants in the first match were not the core members of either side.

Heaven Dou Royal Academy was the first to send out an agility-type Spirit Master.

Shrek Academy sent out Huang Yuan.

The two quickly began their battle.

The Heaven Dou Spirit Master was faster.

Relying on his immense strength, Huang Yuan continuously compressed his opponent's room to evade.

After exchanging dozens of moves, Huang Yuan seized an opportunity and knocked his opponent off the Spirit Battle Platform.

Shrek Academy won the first match.