Chapter 76: Zu Zong's Scheme
After discussion, the final lineup was decided: Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, Shi Mo, Shi Mo, Ye Lingling, Zu Zong, and Xiao Wu.
Qin Ming glanced around at the group, a pleased smile on his face. With a lineup like this, perhaps in two years, during the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament, their Emperor Battle Team could truly rise to prominence.
Qin Ming said, "Now that the lineup is set, does anyone have anything to add? Feel free to speak."
Seeing everyone silent, Zu Zong's eyes turned, a faint smile appearing at his lips. He knew the situation with Shrek inside and out.
"Teacher Qin, I've watched their matches. Let me explain."
As everyone remained silent, Zu Zong suddenly spoke loudly, drawing all eyes to himself.
"Go ahead," Qin Ming gestured for him to continue.
Zu Zong said, "Alright, let me go over a few points to watch out for."
"First is Yanzi. Your poison is a deadly weapon in team fights, but also the easiest to be countered. Among the Shrek Seven Devils is the Thousand-Hand Asura, Tang San. He once hunted his first spirit ring with me and knows that realgar wine counters your snake venom, so—"
Tang San (angrily): You clearly stole my idea.
As he spoke, Zu Zong leaned close to Dugu Yan and whispered something in her ear, then handed her a fist-sized pale violet iron pellet.
Upon hearing it, Dugu Yan's expression twitched. This guy was too devious. She accepted the pellet and nodded. "Alright, got it."
"Next is Tianheng." Zu Zong beckoned Yu Tianheng over.
Yu Tianheng followed suit and leaned in to listen.
Then it was Xiao Wu. Her second spirit skill, "Charm," was Tang San's nemesis. Whether Tang San would be able to explain things to Meng Yiran afterward was another matter entirely.
Zu Zong also gave brief instructions to Ye Lingling, Shi Mo, and Shi Mo.
"Alright, that's about all. Oh, and make sure not to injure Zhu Zhuqing. She's mine."
"Yeah, yeah." Xiao Wu pouted, displeased.
Qin Ming nodded with satisfaction, inwardly acknowledging Zu Zong's leadership presence. "Since that's the case, everyone should focus on maintaining peak condition now."
If Zu Zong knew what Qin Ming was thinking, he'd probably roll his eyes. He was merely reacting based on his knowledge of the original story and current circumstances. Beating Shrek was easy, but outmaneuvering Yu Xiaogang and Tang San required more effort.
Soto Grand Spirit Arena – Central Main Arena.
The main arena wasn't much larger than the other battlefields but was surrounded entirely by private viewing boxes. Behind the one-way crystal glass windows sat nobles and high-ranking guests. They preferred to remain unseen, preserving their aloof pride and distance from common spectators.
While the glass wall prevented views into the rooms, it sparkled brilliantly under the arena's golden soul lamp illumination. The battle platform was massive—seventy meters in diameter—easily large enough for even hundred-man battles.
Led by a spirit arena attendant, Zu Zong, Xiao Wu, and the others from the Emperor Battle Team stepped onto the stage. The Shrek Seven Devils followed suit on the opposite side.
Zu Zong glanced up at the various crystal windows, feeling rather displeased. All those seated were just well-fed officials.
Suddenly, from the center of the arena floor, a two-meter-wide circular platform rose. Beneath it, a thick golden pillar supported its ascent. Leaning against the column was a young woman.
She looked around eighteen or nineteen, wearing a modest white dress. Her wavy brown hair cascaded down, accentuating a figure both curvaceous and graceful. In her hand was a conical voice amplifier soul tool, and her elegant smile revealed professional charm.
Zu Zong thought to himself, "So this is Dou Dou. She really is more beautiful than the bunny."
As Dou Dou recited the standard official script, Zu Zong quickly lost interest and turned his attention to the Shrek members. First was his little kitty, Zhu Zhuqing. Even with a mask on, Zu Zong recognized her at a glance.
Gulp. He couldn't help but swallow. That alluring figure was just too tempting. Every time they met in private, he struggled to restrain himself. Unfortunately, she was still too young. He'd have to wait a couple more years before he could enjoy her properly.
As for Tang San, Ma Hongjun, and the rest—it was easy to identify them by their builds and hairstyles.
What the hell was up with Dai Mubai? If not for his hair color and height, Zu Zong almost wouldn't have recognized him.
He was wearing a black, tight-fitting combat uniform. Although it was the same design as the other six from Shrek, his had clearly been custom-tailored to accentuate every curve. If he hadn't lost everything below the waist, that thing would probably be bulging like a little hill.
Damn! That was ridiculously flamboyant. He even had a rose stuck in his hair? Was he putting on some kind of macho act? Trying to imitate Chrysanthemum Pass?
Hmm—thinking back, maybe there was a reason Chrysanthemum Pass wanted to take him as a disciple in the original story.
Moments later, Dou Dou finished her introductions and began the official announcement.
"Spirit masters participating in the team battle, please take note. You now have one minute to summon your spirits. No attacks are allowed until I give the signal. The battle ends when one side concedes, is completely downed, or is knocked off the stage."
As soon as Dou Dou spoke, the atmosphere turned serious.
Both teams released their spirits at once. Beast spirit masters underwent transformations, while tool spirit masters summoned their weapons. The entire arena lit up in a brilliant display.
"Begin." The moment she finished, Dou Dou activated her spirit, sprouted wings, and flew out of the battle zone.
Just like in the original, Tang San's tactic was to wrap Blue Silver Grass around the waists of the other six members, giving him full control of the field.
Zu Zong was fully prepared. With a blink-step, he instantly appeared before Ning Rongrong and casually used a hand chop to sever the Blue Silver Grass at her waist.
"Ah!" Ning Rongrong yelped in surprise.
The move shocked everyone present. Even the Emperor Battle Team members, who'd been briefed beforehand, couldn't help but gape in disbelief.
"Damn it," Tang San shouted. He never imagined Zu Zong had a teleportation-type soul skill. If Ning Rongrong was taken out now, they'd lose all hope.
Just as Tang San reached for the Zhuge Crossbow in his storage soul tool to attack, a voice whispered in his ear—Zhu Zhuqing's.
"I'll take him."
At the same moment, Zhu Zhuqing activated her Blink-Step and vanished. In the next instant, with her Netherworld Civet spirit fully manifested, she slashed toward Zu Zong with razor-sharp claws. Zu Zong casually flipped backward, dodging with ease.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't let up. Using her agility-type advantage along with the soul power control techniques taught by Zu Zong, she launched a barrage of rapid claw strikes.
Zu Zong's movements were calm and measured, yet each step effortlessly dodged her attacks. He chuckled, "Not bad at all, little kitty."
Beneath the mask, the corners of Zhu Zhuqing's lips curled upward. His praise made her genuinely happy.
"Here I come. I'm not holding back anymore."
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing pin down Zu Zong, Tang San and the others breathed a sigh of relief. Though they were curious about the teleportation skills used by the two, the priority now was defending against Yu Tianheng and the others' assault.
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