Ma Hongjun's voice wasn't loud, but in the Shrek Academy rest area—where everyone was at least a Soul Elder—his words were heard clearly.
The group exchanged glances, their lips twitching.
Tang San wasn't just "decent"; his performance today had left no doubts about his strength.
"The first match of the 21st round of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament preliminary phase: Shrek Academy versus Canghui Academy. Shrek Academy wins!"
Despite their victory over Tang San, the Canghui team had no power left to continue fighting. Meanwhile, Dai Mubai remained unscathed. The conclusion was obvious—Shrek Academy had won.
In another part of the arena, Godwind Academy's rest area buzzed with murmurs.
"I thought only Dai Mubai, Dugu Yan, and Ning Rongrong were worth keeping an eye on in Shrek Academy. Who would've guessed Tang San would be so formidable? We'll need to adjust our strategies," said Feng Xiaotian, deep in thought.
"Captain, he's a twin martial soul user. What made you think he was weak in the first place?"
Feng Xiaotian paused, frowning as he tried to recall.
When had he started underestimating Tang San?
Was it because of Dai Mubai and Dugu Yan's five-ring Soul King status? Or was it because Tang San always seemed to be the one getting injured?
Wait, Tang San always gets injured?
Feng Xiaotian scratched his head, the realization dawning on him.
That was it! Among the Shrek team, Tang San was always the one taking the hits.
This time was no different. Tang San might have outlasted Canghui Academy, but he'd been severely injured in the process.
"Hmm…" Feng Xiaotian shook his head.
"I've been too arrogant. You're right. Even if Tang San gets hurt often, his strength is undeniable.
"But something feels off about Dai Mubai. With his speed, he could've taken out one or two Canghui members before they finished preparing their fusion skill. So why didn't he?"
"Captain, maybe Dai Mubai was training Tang San?"
"Or giving him a chance to shine?"
"That… makes sense!"
Feng Xiaotian nodded thoughtfully. Aside from these explanations, what else could it be? Dai Mubai sabotaging his teammate? Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
The match had ended with Tang San and the Canghui team locked in mutual exhaustion.
Back in the Shrek Academy rest area, Tang San was being tended to by two of the tournament's top healers.
Under the simultaneous care of Ye Lingling's Nine-Hearted Begonia and Jiang Zhu's Healing Scepter, Tang San's physical injuries healed in mere moments.
"His wounds are primarily mental," Ye Lingling said, retracting her martial soul.
"For that, I can do nothing."
"I can't help either," Jiang Zhu added with a sigh. Injuries to the mind were the greatest challenge for healing-type spirit masters.
Tang San stirred, his pale face showing signs of strain. Hearing Ye Lingling and Jiang Zhu's words, he managed a weak smile.
"Thank you both. I'll need about ten days of rest…"
He was about to declare his recovery plan when he hesitated, swallowing his words.
Shrek Academy can't do without me. If I'm not here, can they keep winning?
"I'll rest for two days," he finally said, his tone resolute. "After that, I can fight again."
"Maybe you should rest a little longer," Dai Mubai said, feigning hesitation. "With Yan Yan and me, we shouldn't lose."
"???"
Everyone turned to look at Dai Mubai, their expressions a mix of confusion and suspicion—especially Zhao Wuji.
As if realizing something, Zhao Wuji's eye twitched.
This brat is trying to set Tang San up! Is he… actually trying to sabotage him?
No… this is even better!
Zhao Wuji nearly laughed aloud, though he kept his composure.
Tang San, however, shook his head firmly.
He couldn't entrust Shrek's success to anyone else. If Dai Mubai and Dugu Yan lost, what then?
After all, Tang San was someone willing to go to any lengths to secure victory. There was no way he'd leave his fate in others' hands.
"No, two days will be enough for me to recover. Let's just hope we don't draw Godwind or Thunderclap Academy during that time."
Tang San's voice was weak, his head spinning as he forced the words out. Moments later, he fainted again.
"Seriously? He's like this, and he's still worried about winning?"
Even Ma Hongjun found himself at a loss for words.
"Yeah, does Tang San care too much about winning?" Oscar agreed, his expression conflicted.
Shrek had already secured 21 consecutive victories. Even if they lost two matches, they'd still advance to the ranking rounds.
Besides, with Dai Mubai, Dugu Yan, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Xiao Wu, how could they lose if they didn't want to?
Though Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu had yet to showcase their full strength in the tournament, Ma Hongjun and Oscar knew Zhu Zhuqing's true power.
She was also a Soul King, and her spirit power even surpassed Dugu Yan's!
No wonder she was vice-captain. At first, they thought it was because of her "main wife" status. Now, it was clear she'd earned the position through strength.
Ma Hongjun and Oscar couldn't help but feel a bit defeated.
When Zhu Zhuqing first joined Shrek Academy, she'd only been a Rank 27 Spirit Master. Yet while they lingered at the Spirit Elder stage, Zhu Zhuqing had raced ahead to Soul King.
As for Xiao Wu, they didn't know her exact level but figured it couldn't be far behind.
"With Boss Dai and the big sisters, losing seems impossible!"
"Exactly."
Their banter left Huang Yuan and Jing Ling scratching their heads.
"What are you guys talking about? What big sisters?"
"These are just preliminaries," Flender interjected, adjusting his glasses.
"No need for Zhu Zhuqing or Xiao Wu to step in yet. Once we reach the finals, you'll see."
This year's batch of students, thanks to the immortal herbs Dai Mubai brought back, might be Shrek Academy's strongest ever.
"The championship is practically in our hands," he said with a grin. "All thanks to Mubai!
"By the way, after we draw lots, I need to investigate who Er Long has taken a liking to!"
Flender's mood soured as he thought about it, his annoyance growing.
Dai Mubai: "…"
Flender stayed behind to oversee the lot drawing, unconcerned about their opponents—he was confident Shrek could handle anyone.
Meanwhile, Dai Mubai and the rest followed Zhao Wuji back to the academy…
(End of Chapter)