Shrek's Eight Monsters

Ma Xiaotao slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Lin Qianyi's slightly haggard profile, that trace of pallor silently speaking of the hardship she had just endured.

She stepped forward with concern and gently supported Lin Qianyi, calling softly by her ear, "Qianyi." As she spoke, she placed a hand on Lin Qianyi's wrist and carefully sensed her pulse. Her voice was full of worry. "You've consumed too much Soul Power. I'll transfer some to you."

Without giving Lin Qianyi a chance to refuse, Ma Xiaotao slowly sent a stream of warm Soul Power into her body. It was like a trickling brook, gradually nourishing Lin Qianyi's nearly depleted wellspring of Soul Power.

A short while later, Lin Qianyi returned to the classroom, only to be called away alone by Zhou Yi the moment she entered. There were around ten people in the office, including Xiao Xiao, Wang Dong, and Huo Yuhao. Zhou Yi said, "Shrek Academy has moved up a selection event ahead of schedule. Originally, only students in their third year or above were eligible to participate. As for the specific reason, I won't discuss it for now.

"However, several students from our class must make it into the top seven." With that, she waved everyone away, leaving only Lin Qianyi and Huo Yuhao behind.

Once the others had left, Zhou Yi stood with her back to them and spoke solemnly. "In this selection for the Shrek Seven Devils, you two must make it into the top seven." Huo Yuhao frowned. "'Must'? What happens if we fail?" Zhou Yi's voice carried unquestionable authority. "Then you'll bear the consequences yourselves!"

As she spoke, her gaze casually swept over Lin Qianyi, only to find her expression calm, like a deep, tranquil lake without the slightest ripple.

Two days later, most of the Outer Court students gathered in Shrek Academy's central plaza. Several teachers stood in neat rows at the front, with Xuan Zi in the middle. He was dressed rather sloppily today, and his unkempt appearance seemed to conceal an unfathomable meaning that left people puzzled.

Wang Yan stepped forward and said respectfully, "Elder Xuan, everyone is here." Xuan Zi nodded slightly. "Mm. Don't be too restrained in today's competition. Let's call it a free-for-all. In this match, everyone can use whatever methods they wish. There aren't many restrictions, as long as no one is killed.

"The last seven standing will win. Enough talk. Begin!" As his words fell, the plaza floor slowly sank, gradually forming a maze-like arena as everyone scattered.

Xuan Zi narrowed his eyes and thought to himself, Lin Qianyi, Huo Yuhao, let this old man properly observe what makes you two so exceptional. A sharp glint flashed through his eyes, as though they could pierce through the maze's countless barriers and see every impending fierce clash in its corners.

Within the maze, Lin Qianyi knew she could not act rashly. She moved forward slowly, her Purple Gold Demonic Eye opening slightly. Its deep light gradually cleared the hazy surroundings. She concealed her edge and pondered quietly, If I encounter someone, I'll eliminate them quickly if possible. If I can't gain the upper hand in a short time, I'll retreat decisively and avoid pointless entanglement.

She had walked through the maze for quite some time when she suddenly sensed an unusual disturbance in the distance. Lin Qianyi darted forward like a phantom, swiftly approaching to find Xu Sanshi, Beibei, and Jiang Nannan before her.

Lin Qianyi hurriedly called out, "Senior Brother Bei, Senior Xu Sanshi, Senior Jiang." Seeing her, Beibei responded anxiously, "Junior Sister! Haven't you seen Yuhao?" Lin Qianyi shook her head, her cool voice echoing through the air. "No!" By then, many students had already gathered around them. With no time for further conversation, they coordinated tacitly and launched their attacks.

Lin Qianyi moved with agile grace, eliminating two opponents in the brief exchange. Suddenly, a figure silently closed in on Jiang Nannan, intending to launch a sneak attack. Lin Qianyi's eyes sharpened as Soul Power surged forth, forming an invisible barrier around Jiang Nannan. At the same time, a powerful force blasted the attacker away. Seizing the chance, Jiang Nannan smoothly eliminated her opponent. She then looked at Lin Qianyi gratefully and said softly, "Thank you."

When Lin Qianyi barely managed to deal with the opponent before her, the maze's stone walls shifted again. Taking advantage of the brief gap, she swiftly analyzed the maze's patterns. Though she could not determine them with complete precision, she had already grasped the key points.

At that moment, Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, and the others slowly emerged from another passage. Dai Huabin swept his gaze over the crowd before it finally settled on Xu Sanshi and Beibei. "Senior Bei, the Outer Court's Strongest Attack, and Senior Xu Sanshi, the Strongest Defense—I've long heard of your great names. Would you two be willing to join forces with us?"

Xu Sanshi smiled faintly, curiosity flashing in his eyes. "I'm rather curious myself. When the Strongest Attack meets the Strongest Defense, what kind of sparks will they create?"

Beibei added, "Naturally, an impeccable partnership!" Before his words had even faded, a beam from a Soul Tool Cannon suddenly shot out from the darkness. Dai Huabin and the others hurriedly scattered to evade it. He Caitou and Xiao Xiao then appeared from the direction of the attack.

"So you're Dai Huabin?" He Caitou's voice carried a hint of accusation.

"So what if I am?" Dai Huabin replied without yielding.

He Caitou snorted coldly. "So you're the one targeting my Junior Brother. If you have a problem with him, you have a problem with me." Xiao Xiao chimed in from the side, "Big Brother He has a sharp eye."

Dai Huabin looked around and, seeing that his side held the numerical advantage, could not help growing smug. "We have more people now. If you insist on making enemies of us, I'm afraid the consequences will be unbearable."

Just as tensions reached a breaking point, Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong silently appeared behind the crowd. "And us!" The two stood side by side, their voices steady and powerful. Lin Qianyi, Xiao Xiao, and the others exchanged glances, their eyes conveying unwavering resolve. Lin Qianyi spoke first. "Eight against twelve. We can fight!"

Just as both sides were about to make their move, the maze gates slowly closed again. Beibei said gravely, "Qianyi, Yuhao, don't let yourselves get dragged into this."

Huo Yuhao's gaze was resolute as he replied in a low voice, "Senior Brother Bei, even without your request, we would still choose to fight." A glint of wisdom flashed in Lin Qianyi's eyes. "Perhaps we have a way to fight."

Xu Sanshi asked curiously, "Oh? What way?" Hearing this, everyone gathered around. Lin Qianyi laid out the plan that she and Huo Yuhao had independently arrived at, and after hearing it, Beibei could not help nodding in praise. "That really is a good idea."

When the maze gates reopened, Huo Yuhao and the other two appeared before Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, and the rest. Seeing them, Dai Huabin roared, "Perfect timing. I'll deal with you first!" With that, he threw a punch at Huo Yuhao.