Welcoming the Imperial Fighting Team

The group arrived at the Suotuo Great Soul Arena. They had barely entered the registration hall when Manager Ao came out from behind the counter to greet them.

His manner was different today, unusually polite and urgent.

He stopped before Yu Xiaogang and bowed slightly. "Grandmaster, you're the leader of Shrek Academy, aren't you? There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

Yu Xiaogang glanced at him, his face calm.

But a thought had already crossed his mind.

The Imperial Fighting Team.

He nodded. "All right. Where?"

Manager Ao stepped aside and gestured down the corridor. "The VIP lounge."

Flender followed, his brow twitching slightly.

Once they entered the VIP lounge, Manager Ao shut the door and poured each of them a cup of tea. Only then did he sit down, his tone more serious than before.

"To be frank, I asked you here because of today's team match."

He paused.

"A team of Silver Soul Fighters, all Soul Elders, was brought in by several nobles who placed heavy bets on them. The Suotuo Great Soul Arena has run out of options."

"The Great Soul Arena has lost too many times already. We can't afford another loss."

"Right now, the Shrek Seven Devils are the only team that can face them."

Flender set his teacup down on the table, his eyebrows rising.

"So you want to use us to fight your battle. No. I refuse."

Manager Ao did not rush to answer. Instead, he pulled an invitation from his sleeve and slid it across the table.

"Their leader said he'd like to meet you whether you agree to the match or not. He's waiting next door."

Flender froze. "Meet us? What for?"

Manager Ao stood without answering and gestured toward the door.

"He said you'd know once you met him."