Shrek Academy's team swept through its campaign like a blade splitting bamboo, smoothly clearing the first round of the two-on-two and seven-on-seven group matches.
However, when the individual competition's group assignments appeared on the big screen, everyone's spirits instantly plunged to rock bottom.
Tang Wulin knitted his brows, his gaze fixed on the name on the screen—Dai Yueyan.
"The fourth prince... Tiger King Dai Yueyan."
Tang Wulin murmured under his breath, a trace of gravity flashing in his eyes. As one of Monster Academy's Eight Heavenly Kings, Dai Yueyan's strength was beyond question. He was a formidable opponent they had to take seriously.
But what truly made his heart clench was Yue Zhengyu's group.
"Zheng Yu, you..."
Tang Wulin turned to look at Yue Zhengyu, whose face had gone somewhat pale.
Right there in Yue Zhengyu's group was the name everyone dreaded—Dragon King, Long Yue!
"Facing Long Yue right out of the gate... you can't call that good luck. It's outrageously bad luck."
Xie Xie stared at the screen and couldn't help clicking his tongue. "Zheng Yu, why not forfeit this match? The top four in each group advance anyway. There's no need to meet force with force. Saving your strength is what matters."
Everyone shared that thought. In their eyes, Yue Zhengyu had absolutely no chance of defeating Long Yue.
Yet Yue Zhengyu suddenly turned around. His usual devil-may-care expression vanished, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness.
"No."
His voice was quiet, but every word landed with ringing conviction. "Members of the Holy Angel Family can fail, and we can lose, but we will never be cowards!"
He drew a deep breath, fierce fighting spirit burning in his eyes. "If I deliberately avoid a powerful enemy the first time I face one, how will I ever stand tall before opponents