The day after their match against Zhengtian Academy, the Shrek Team faced the least remarkable opponent in the Round-Robin Tournament—Changning Academy.
The team came from a remote province. Every member topped out at Four-Ring Soul Ancestor, with neither top-tier Martial Souls nor any special tactical system. They were the tournament's standard "free experience" team.
In the preparation area before the match, Huo Yuhao scanned the lineup. His fingertip paused over the name "Dai Huabin."
Today's match was a perfect chance to test Phantylia.
"You're up for the next singles match." Huo Yuhao looked toward Dai Huabin not far away. His tone was flat, as though he were assigning the most ordinary task in the world.
Dai Huabin nodded reflexively, then caught himself. He raised his eyes to Huo Yuhao, a mocking smile tugging at his lips. His voice was languid, with a hint of condescension.
"What's this? Shrek's dictator finally remembered he has a discarded pawn he can use?"
Huo Yuhao understood at once.
Confirmed. It's Phantylia.
The Dai Huabin from the original story was proud, hot-tempered, and fiercely competitive. If Huo Yuhao picked him for a match, he would sneer first, then arrogantly thump his chest and promise victory. He would never use a sly jab like "dictator," much less wear this lazy, carefree expression, as though he were looking down on ants for his amusement.
Dai Huabin had been far too well-behaved lately, restraining himself to an unnatural degree. None of his former arrogance remained.
Only Phantylia would carry that kind of mocking detachment, as if she stood outside the rules and watched it all for entertainment.
"Go if you want. If not, get lost." Huo Yuhao could not be bothered to argue and let his sharp tongue loose. "Plenty of people want a turn."
Dai Huabin scoffed,