"Are you asking me to hide my strength because you're afraid I'll steal the spotlight from your disciple?" Lin Fan said coldly, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Yu Xiaogang's expression darkened. He didn't want Lin Fan to take the stage. After years of training, Tang San was counting on this competition to prove his theories and gain fame. If Tang San wasn't the focal point, then he could not achieve the recognition he desired.
"I'm thinking of you," Yu Xiaogang replied earnestly. "Exposing your full strength too early might bring unwanted attention. Others may conspire against you."
"Is that so? Then go ahead—take the stage," Lin Fan responded placidly.
Qin Ming intervened: "I was at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy—Team Two has only two Soul Mages. Dai Mubai and the others are strong; if they coordinate well, they could end this quickly."
Despite Shrek Academy being weaker than in the original story, they still had significant talents, especially with Lin Fan's disciple, Zhu Zhuqing.
Granted, the other six had considerably reduced strength:
Tang San's Blue Silver Grass was greatly weakened without the herb boost—no Withstanding Ice-and-Fire, no Qian's Tear Drop to enhance Purple Extreme Magic Eye, and no ten-thousand-year ring at the fourth tier.
Xiao Wu, meanwhile, advanced to Soul Mage earlier than in canon—likely empowered by the ten-thousand-year soul bone—surprising Lin Fan.
Ning Rongrong, too, lagged about ten percent behind her original strength.
Still, among academy teams, Shrek Academy stood in the upper-middle tier.
A glamorous hostess floated above the arena and announced:
"Coming next: Heaven Dou Imperial Academy Team Two vs. Shrek Academy Team."
Cheering erupted—Team Two, though second-string, still held strong royal support.
"Little monsters, you've worked hard for this moment. Step onto this stage, unleash Shrek's power, and make me proud!" Flender encouraged, his excitement contagious.
The seven heroes—Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, Tang San, Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and Ning Rongrong—mounted the platform, which linked to the vast arena below.
Watching from above, Qian Renxue observed, intrigued.
"They seem unexceptional, but Lin Fan said they're special… maybe I misjudged earlier."
"Brothers, activate your Martial Souls," Dai Mubai led.
Zhu Zhuqing: Soul Mage, Level 44
Dai Mubai: Soul Mage, Level 41
Xiao Wu: Soul Mage, Level 41
Tang San: Soul Lord, Level 36
Oscar: Soul Lord, Level 35
Ma Hongjun: Soul Lord, Level 35
Ning Rongrong: Soul Lord, Level 33
They'd lost some power from their original levels, but among many academies, they still ranked above average.
Inside Lin Fan, a cold thought:
Flashing a smirk: "Yu Xiaogang didn't want me on stage? Let's see if he changes his mind after these losses."
Outside, Qian Renxue frowned, mentally questioning whether Lin Fan had misled her—given their low levels, could they even advance?
Emperor Xue Ye, seeing Ning Rongrong's Seven-Treasure Glazed Pagoda soul skill, asked Ning Fengzhi:
"Your disciples are impressive. Has your sect sponsored Shrek Academy?"
Ning Fengzhi replied,
"Not at all. My daughter is pampered and headstrong, and she chose Shrek Academy for its free teaching."
Spirit Hall's Salas and Qian Renxue nodded in understanding.
The announcer declared,
"Let the match begin—and let's enjoy the tension between the two teams!"
Heaven Dou Team Two's captain instructed his heavy hitters:
"Target their support—Ning Rongrong's booster soul skill. Xiang Hua, take the opportunity."
On Shrek's side, Tang San commanded:
"Rongrong is the first target. Xiao Wu, protect our supports—Rongrong and Oscar. Mumbai and Ma draw their fire. Zhu Zhuqing… go focus on their support."
Ning Rongrong cast her speed and power enhancements.
The melee began:
Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun led the assault on Team Two's power-type masters; Tang San unleashed Blue Silver Entangle to disrupt.
"Zhuqing, they opened a gap—now!" Tang San called, and she vanished like a phantom.
Empowered by Ning Rongrong's buff, Zhu Zhuqing combined:
Fourth skill: "Anming" — rushing in mid-speed…
Then "Ghostly Stab" — a clean strike took down Team Two's support in one blow.
Lin Fan's eyes softened with approval in his mind:
"As expected—my disciple is decisive and efficient."