As the last glimmer of the holiday gradually faded away, the lives of the nine people were once again pulled back into a rhythm full of pressure and challenges.
They, these future soul masters, seemed to be constantly dancing on a taut string. Even on rest days, their bodies and minds remained in a state of tension, ready to be launched at any moment.
Chen Feng's strength and growth were like a dazzling bright moon, illuminating the path forward in each of their hearts. This shock not only stirred up the deep - seated desire for power within them but also ignited a strong urge for self - transcendence.
In such an atmosphere, Zhu Zhuqing, who always carried an air of arrogance, broke the routine and took the initiative to ask Chen Feng for individual tutoring.
On the training ground, Zhu Zhuqing's figure was like a fleeing rabbit. She shuttled among the obstacles, and every movement exuded unparalleled agility and elegance. However, in front of Chen Feng, a master, her carefully prepared offensive always seemed to be easily defused.
As the training progressed, beads of sweat gradually appeared on Zhu Zhuqing's forehead. As time went by, these beads of sweat merged into lines and slid down her cheeks.
Her breathing became rapid, and she was drenched in fragrant sweat. Her training clothes clung tightly to her delicate body, outlining her figure more prominently, making her extremely eye - catching.
"Starting tomorrow, the second - stage special training will begin."
"What will the second - stage training be like?" Zhu Zhuqing gasped slightly, voicing the question in her heart.
"Why be in a hurry? You'll know when the time comes." The corner of Chen Feng's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a mysterious smile.
Just then, a brisk sound of footsteps came. Xiao Wu approached with light steps. Her eyes were as bright as stars, shining like the brightest stars in the night sky.
Her playful voice echoed in the air, as clear as a silver bell. "Oh, Zhu Zhuqing, what bad things are you doing with Brother Chen Feng?"
Xiao Wu's teasing intention was obvious.
Hearing this, Chen Feng's heart skipped a beat, and an embarrassed blush involuntarily crept onto his face. But he quickly adjusted his emotions and secretly laughed at himself. Since he hadn't done anything, why should he feel guilty?
"We're just training. How could you misunderstand?"
Seeing this, Zhu Zhuqing deliberately stretched, making her already prominent figure even more alluring. Her movements were coquettish and carried a hint of provocation, as if responding to Xiao Wu's joke and also subtly showing her confidence in her own charm.
She blinked gently, with a faint smile hanging on the corner of her mouth.
Xiao Wu clearly wasn't the type to let it go easily. She nimbly took Zhu Zhuqing's arm, leaned close to her ear almost affectionately, and her tone was a mix of teasing and cunning.
"Zhu Zhuqing, your figure is getting better and better. Could it be that Brother Chen Feng has been secretly 'exercising' you?"
Chen Feng couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed, his face burning hot. He thought to himself that Xiao Wu really had a sharp tongue, being able to say such bold words.
"Xiao Wu, it's not what you think," Zhu Zhuqing frowned, pretending to glare at Xiao Wu angrily. However, the smile in the corner of her eyes betrayed her true feelings.
She suddenly reached out and deftly pinched Xiao Wu's waist, her movement quick and precise.
Xiao Wu let out a coquettish laugh due to the unexpected attack. Her body dodged like a flexible fish, and the two of them immediately started playfully tussling.
The morning breeze blew across the playground, raising a fine layer of dust. Under the sunlight, the dust seemed to be gilded with a golden glow.
Sunlight filtered through the thick treetops, dappling the ground, as if a beautiful scroll was slowly unfolding.
The students entered the playground one by one. Their steps carried a hint of anticipation, mixed with a bit of unease.
"Starting from today, I will conduct the second - stage teaching for you," Flanders' voice boomed like a bell, echoing throughout the playground.
"The Soto Grand Spirit Arena," Flanders said slowly, his voice tinged with a hint of coldness. "That will be the place for your next teaching. There is no set time limit for this teaching. The training will end when you obtain the Silver Spirit Badge."
Chen Feng stood in the crowd, his brows slightly furrowed. He couldn't help but secretly complain in his heart. Flanders' words might sound profound, but in fact, wasn't it just because the academy was short of money?
Chen Feng's gaze involuntarily turned to Yu Xiaogang beside him. He muttered to himself, shouldn't these words be said by the Master? Why is it Flanders now?
It seemed that Chen Feng had forgotten that he had embarrassed the Master in front of everyone just a few days ago.
The intense training over the past three months not only honed the students but also exhausted the already tight finances of Shrek Academy.
The Grand Spirit Arena, a competitive stage where soul masters showcase their talents, is a treasure trove for reaping both fame and fortune.
For the academy, it is indeed a good way to quickly obtain gold coins.
For these students, the Grand Spirit Arena is the best place to temper their strength and refine their teamwork.
"At the same time, you also need to obtain the Silver Spirit Badge for team battles," Flanders' voice echoed over the playground.
"You will compete under the team name of Shrek Seven Devils."
"Why Seven Devils? Aren't there nine of us?" Xiao Wu blinked her big, watery eyes, asking curiously.
"Because only seven people can participate in team battles." Flanders smiled slightly, then raised his hand and took out nine delicate masks from the soul - guide bracelet on his wrist.
"Here you are. One for each of you. Wear them during the spirit battles."
The students took the masks, their gazes focused on the familiar image.
The masks had a base of greenish - yellow color, with the comical and strange image of the Shrek monster vividly depicted.
Although not ornate, the masks exuded a simple and steady aura. Their design was simple yet practical, fitting perfectly with the wearers' facial contours as if they were custom - made.
Through the deliberately left gaps for the eyes, mouth, and nose on the masks, the wearers' sensory functions were not hindered at all. Instead, they added a bit of mystery.
"In team battles, you will fight side by side under the name of 'Shrek Seven Devils'," Flanders continued with his arrangements.
"The two - on - two combination titles are up to you to decide. I've come up with nicknames for each of you, and you'll use these nicknames in the competitions."
Flanders announced the nicknames one by one: Demon - Evil White Tiger Dai Mubai, Soft - Bone Charm Rabbit Xiao Wu, Thousand - Hand Asura Tang San, Nether Spirit Cat Zhu Zhuqing, Seven - Treasure Glazed Ning Rongrong, Evil - Fire Phoenix Ma Hongjun, Bone Dragon Nether Shadow Gu Long, Sausage Seller Oscar, and Maple Leaf Divine Sword Chen Feng.