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This match would determine whether Shrek Academy could advance to the finals and whether Dai Mubai could survive the competition for the imperial succession.
Such a crucial match left Tang San unwilling to make decisions on his own. Instead, he consulted with Yu Xiaogang to discuss tactics.
"Master, let me play in this match. I'm a level thirty-nine Soul Elder, and my strength won't hold the team back," Ma Hongjun volunteered eagerly.
Since the start of the finals, he hadn't had a chance to play. Seeing Yu Xiaogang return, he seized the opportunity to suggest himself.
Yu Xiaogang harbored some dissatisfaction toward Ma Hongjun in his heart.
Before Yu Tianxin joined the team, Ma Hongjun, relying on being Flender's disciple, often shirked responsibilities in front of Yu Xiaogang.
Moreover, during regular training sessions, Ma Hongjun frequently dragged the team down. To this day, his failure to break through to the Soul Lord rank was likely due to laziness in his cultivation.
Maintaining a calm expression, Yu Xiaogang said, "Hongjun, this match is of great importance. We must field our strongest lineup to have any hope of winning."
"In previous matches, we should have encountered weaker teams. Since you've already played, don't be so selfish now."
"Flender, Hongjun hasn't played in any of the previous matches. What about this one?" As a teacher, Flender advocated for his disciple to get a chance to play.
After all, by the time the finals arrived, Ma Hongjun wouldn't have another opportunity to take the stage.
Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San in surprise. "Xiao San, you didn't let Hongjun play?"
The master and disciple seemed to share a telepathic connection. Tang San immediately understood and forced a bitter smile. "Teacher, none of our previous matches were easy victories. At the time, you weren't present, and I was worried that if Fatty played, we might not secure a win. That's why I…"
The pair passed the blame back and forth like kicking a ball. In short, Ma Hongjun wouldn't have the chance to play.
Dai Mubai wrapped an arm around Ma Hongjun's shoulders and consoled him. "Fatty, this match is a matter of life and death for me. Bear with it for now, and after the tournament ends, I'll treat you to the best places in town."
At the mention of women, Ma Hongjun's discontent vanished, and he grinned. "Big Brother Dai, you'd better not go back on your word!"
Dai Mubai patted his chest. "Damn Fatty, when have I ever lied to you?"
Yu Xiaogang clapped his hands. "The tournament is about to begin. Everyone, focus. I'll arrange the tactics. If there's anything you don't understand, ask immediately. Understood?"
---
As the match approached, spectators began filing into the arena.
In the Seven Treasures team's rest area, everyone noticed Zhu Zhuqing's predicament.
Yu Die couldn't help but say, "Zhuqing, whether Shrek or Star Luo Imperial Academy wins this match, we'll still have a chance to eliminate them in the finals. So don't worry."
Oscar added, "Zhuqing, your martial soul isn't the Ghost Cat anymore. Whether Dai Mubai or Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun win, it has nothing to do with you. Just think of it as watching strangers compete."
Zhu Zhuqing naturally understood her situation, but she was simply too kind-hearted.
Regardless of who won between Dai Mubai and Dai Weisi, the losing side would be completely destroyed.
She couldn't help but lament how cruel the Star Luo Empire's crown prince succession system was.
"Tianchen, who do you think will win this match?" Feng Xiaotian couldn't help but ask.
Like most people, he believed the Star Luo Imperial Academy team had a higher chance of winning. However, he also didn't want Shrek Academy to be eliminated too early, as that would make the finals boring.
In the original timeline, even without equipping his Haotian Hammer martial soul with soul rings, Tang San still had a chance to defeat the Star Luo Imperial Academy.
Of course, it couldn't be denied that the martial soul fusion technique between Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai played a critical role in the battle.
However, in Ning Tianchen's view, the sheer power of the Haotian Hammer martial soul was more reliable than the martial soul fusion technique.
After all, martial soul fusion techniques required two or more people to work together, turning a seven-on-seven battle into a six-on-seven disadvantage.
Not to mention, Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin weren't pushovers either.
Therefore, he believed Shrek Academy had a greater chance of winning.
"I agree with Boss's opinion," Chen Huayu chimed in, this time wisely choosing to follow Ning Tianchen's lead.
Yu Die nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Shrek Academy's resilience is strong. Aside from losing to us, other teams have a hard time defeating them."
The final outcome, however, would only be revealed after the match.
Under the referee's arrangement, both teams entered the arena from their respective player tunnels.
As per tradition, the two team captains stepped forward to shake hands.
Normally, since the players didn't know each other and had all made it this far, mutual respect was inevitable; thus, the pre-match handshake wouldn't cause any trouble.
But between Dai Mubai and Dai Weisi, they already knew each other—and due to the crown prince succession system, they were essentially enemies.
Dai Weisi sneered mockingly, "My dear little brother, how did you end up in Shrek Academy? Your fiancée, Zhu Zhuqing, is in the Seven Treasures Academy, isn't she?"
"If you were a member of the Seven Treasures Academy, today's match might not be so easy for me. But as for Shrek Academy? They're not worth our attention."
Unable to resist, Zhu Zhuyun stepped forward and mocked, "Dai Mubai, were you abandoned by Zhuqing? Otherwise, why are you separated into two different academies?"
Dai Mubai certainly wouldn't admit that Zhu Zhuqing had abandoned him.
Under the influence of male pride, he angrily cursed, "Zhu Zhuyun, you damn bitch. Make no mistake—it was I who abandoned that wretched woman Zhu Zhuqing!"
Dai Weisi's expression darkened as he rebuked, "Mubai, is this how you talk to your sister-in-law? Where's your respect for elders and juniors? Is this what your teacher taught you?"
Dai Mubai's face flushed red.
The other side had already taken the moral high ground. No matter how he rebutted, he would be in the wrong.
Seeing this, Tang San stepped beside Dai Mubai and said, "Big Brother Dai, don't pay attention to their provocations. They're just trying to disrupt your focus and make you perform poorly in the match."
"So what if Zhu Zhuqing isn't here? With us brothers by your side, we'll still crush them."
Dai Mubai's expression softened slightly, and he voluntarily returned to the team, ignoring the other side.
Seeing that emotions were sufficiently charged, the referee immediately announced the start of the match.
---
"That damned Dai Mubai—can't he speak properly? If they manage to reach the finals, just wait till we beat them senseless!" Ning Rongrong placed her hands on her hips and pouted angrily.
Seeing her act this way, Ning Tianchen found her incredibly adorable.
He pinched her cheek and said, "Don't worry. Neither Dai Mubai nor Tang San can escape. Those morally bankrupt guys from Shrek Academy will surely receive a harsh lesson."
"Zhuqing, don't worry. When we reach the finals, we sisters will teach Dai Mubai a lesson for you," Yu Die said, linking arms with Zhu Zhuyun.
"No, there's no need. I'll personally teach him a lesson."
Even clay figurines have three points of anger. After enduring repeated disrespect from Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing's rage had been simmering for a long time.
"Don't worry, I'll assist you," Ning Rongrong said, puffing out her cheeks indignantly.
Of course, if Dai Mubai ended up being thoroughly defeated by his elder brother in this match, they wouldn't need to lift a finger.
After a pause, Ning Tianchen explained further, "Dai Mubai and Dai Weisi have the same talent. Under normal cultivation circumstances, Dai Mubai's strength and soul power level will never surpass his elder brother. Not to mention, as the eldest son, Dai Weisi also receives help from many ministers."
"The Star Luo Empire's crown prince succession system is a combination of primogeniture and meritocracy. If several princes have the same talent, the eldest is chosen. In such cases, the younger princes, regardless of their willingness, can only serve as stepping stones for the eldest son."
"Doesn't that mean Dai Mubai will never have a chance to inherit the throne? That's so pitiful," Chen Huayu sympathized.
Feng Xiaotian sighed, "As the ancients say, those who are pitied must have something hateful about them. While Dai Mubai is indeed pitiful, that's no excuse for him to give up and neglect his studies."
"If he had focused on cultivating and catching up to his elder brother as his goal, even if he ultimately failed, outsiders would still respect him more. As for the current him, 'a lump of mud that can't be shaped' doesn't even begin to describe him."
...
After the match began, Dai Mubai, knowing he was no match for Dai Weisi, actively avoided confronting him.
Tang San stepped forward, wielding his Haotian Hammer and engaging Dai Weisi in a fierce battle.
Dai Mubai targeted Zhu Zhuyun, launching a fierce assault.
As an agility-type soul master, how could Zhu Zhuyun possibly be hit by his attacks? With swift movements, she not only evaded Dai Mubai's strikes but also managed to scratch him with her claws.
Seeing Dai Mubai pause his attack, Zhu Zhuyun sneered, "Dai Mubai, you still haven't improved. You're too afraid to fight Dai Weisi, so instead, you're picking on me, a woman?"
Dai Mubai responded coldly, "No matter how we fight, as long as we can defeat you, that position will be mine!"
Zhu Zhuyun smiled without responding.
Dai Mubai was still too naive.
The political landscape of the Star Luo Empire wasn't as simple as he thought.
Dai Mubai had left the Star Luo Imperial Palace long ago and wasn't very familiar with the hidden rules of the royal family.
On the surface, the Star Luo Empire was ruled by the Dai family, but in reality, they shared power with the Zhu family.
Every empress must come from the Zhu family—this was an ancestral decree. Even if Dai Mubai could somehow defeat Dai Weisi, he would still have to choose another fiancée from the Zhu family. Moreover, under public scrutiny, he would have to engage in a final battle with the new couple.
Aside from Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun, the other members of the Star Luo Imperial Academy were only low-level Soul Ancestors. Facing the charge of Yu Tianxin and Yu Tianheng, they struggled to hold their ground and gradually fell into decline.
Seeing frequent victories in the frontlines, Xiao Wu couldn't contain her impatience. Leaving Tai Long to protect Jiang Zhu, she advanced toward the enemy's backline.
"Little girl, have you forgotten about me?"
Zhu Zhuyun had noticed Xiao Wu's movements at some point and blocked her path.
Xiao Wu was slightly startled. Glancing at the panting Dai Mubai, she immediately used her teleportation soul skill to retreat.
Dai Mubai didn't know what was going on, being toyed with by Zhu Zhuyun and even wasting too much soul power.
Below the arena
Ke Jie couldn't help but comment, "This Dai Mubai has run out of tricks, but his performance is too obvious. Didn't Shrek Academy's teachers teach him how to handle such situations?"
Ning Tianchen suddenly remembered something.
Even though Shrek Academy had obtained immortal herbs, their quality couldn't surpass the herbs produced by the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well. However, their overall soul power levels hadn't fallen behind the original timeline; in fact, they were even higher.
At first, Ning Tianchen had been puzzled by this, but now it all made sense.
"Principal, they might have neglected combat training while focusing on increasing their soul power levels."
In the original timeline, their soul power increase wasn't too outrageous because most of their time was spent training tactics and learning how to deal with different opponents in battle.
Now, in order to boost their soul power levels, they had cut back on such training, which explained why Dai Mubai and others performed poorly. This was understandable.
It also explained why, in the previous match between Seven Treasures Academy and Shrek Academy, once they fell into a disadvantageous position, without Tang San's guidance, Dai Mubai and others couldn't organize an effective counterattack.
Ke Jie nodded slightly, "Dai Mubai only knows how to bully the weak, and there's a reason for that. Against weaker opponents, his strength allows him to crush them easily. But against stronger opponents, without training on how to handle enemies, such a performance is normal."
Fortunately, Shrek Academy's team discipline was strong, mitigating this disadvantage under Tang San's leadership. Without Tang San, they wouldn't have made it this far.
On the arena, under the leadership of Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun, the Star Luo Imperial Academy team gradually reversed their decline and even gained the upper hand over Shrek Academy.
When the two unleashed their martial soul fusion technique—the Netherworld White Tiger—they launched a full-force attack on Dai Mubai.
With Dai Mubai's strength, how could he possibly defend himself? As expected, he was utterly powerless and eliminated from the match.
Shrek Academy lost one member, and their disadvantage was gradually widening.
Yu Xiaogang felt increasingly anxious. "What is Mubai doing? He's practically a sellout!"
If Shrek Academy was stopped at the finals door, all their thoughts about the multi-person martial soul fusion technique would be in vain!
Flandre naturally understood what Dai Mubai lacked. Patting Yu Xiaogang's shoulder, he consoled him, "Xiaogang, this match isn't Mubai's fault. The little monsters haven't lost yet—it's still unclear who will win."
In his excitement, Yu Xiaogang aggravated the injuries on his throat and buttocks, causing him immense pain and breaking out in a cold sweat.
Thankfully, Tang San on the arena displayed the Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer technique, barely stabilizing the situation, which somewhat eased his anxiety.
Without further reproach toward Dai Mubai, he continued watching the match.
…
This match lasted a long time.
Both sides revealed their trump cards one after another, and the situation on the field reversed repeatedly.
Before the match, everyone predicted that the Star Luo Imperial Academy had a higher chance of winning, but after watching the match, no one dared to make a definitive judgment.
In other words, until this match ended, no one knew who would win or lose.
Moreover, this match was the most exciting of the top-six matches, far surpassing the previous two matches.
Not long after, both teams fought down to their last person, leaving Tang San and Dai Weisi to decide the outcome.
"Tang San will win," Ning Tianchen declared.
There was no doubt—Dai Weisi had expended a great deal using the martial soul fusion technique. In contrast, Tang San's condition was clearly better.
As Ning Tianchen predicted, the final result saw Shrek Academy emerge victorious, successfully advancing to the finals.
After the match, Dai Mubai jumped up in excitement, celebrating his victory over his elder brother, Dai Weisi.
Though he won by lying low, a win was still a win!
After the match ended, it was a mix of joy and sorrow for different parties.
Dai Weisi locked himself in his hotel room, contemplating life.
On the other hand, the members of Shrek Academy held a celebratory banquet at a restaurant in the city.
Tomorrow was the final, and the rosters of the three teams had been announced. After the banquet, Shrek Academy, led by Yu Xiaogang, studied their opponents.
The other two academies were also busy formulating strategies.
Inside the Pope's Palace, Yan spoke brazenly, "Nana is truly amazing. The two teams we predicted are now our final obstacles to claiming the championship."
Technically, making loud noises in the Pope's Palace would warrant punishment, but considering it was praise for Hu Liena, Bibi Dong didn't hold it against him.
"The finals consist of individual and team battles. All three of you are Soul Kings, giving you an advantage in the individual battles. Therefore, I hope you can enter the final directly as victors, avoiding the slaughter in the loser's bracket."
Xie Yue voiced his concern, "Your Holiness, both Shrek Academy and Seven Treasures Academy hail from the Tiandou Empire. Previously, we humiliated the Tiandou Imperial Academy. Prince Xue Qinghe and Grand Tutor Ning Fengzhi might unite the two teams to ambush us in the individual battles."
Yu Xiaogang, having been imprisoned in the dungeon earlier, harbored deep resentment toward the Spirit Hall and would surely fight them tooth and nail. Although the Seven Treasures Academy team had no direct grudge against the Spirit Hall, Ning Fengzhi would never allow them to cooperate with the Spirit Hall, let alone ambush the Shrek Academy team.
This was indeed a troublesome matter.
"Teacher, disciple has a plan," Hu Liena bowed.
Bibi Dong, pleased, allowed her to speak.
Hu Liena: "Teacher, why don't we invite these two teams to initiate mutual ambushes? This way, the individual battles will likely turn into a fierce showdown between them."
Yue Guan pointed out the issue, "But if they discover our scheme, wouldn't they unite against us?"
Hu Liena replied, "Grandpa Ju, you probably didn't notice another letter sent by Bishop Salas. It clearly states that there is enmity between Shrek Academy and Seven Treasures Academy."
"With Yu Xiaogang and Ke Jie's intelligence, uncovering our scheme isn't difficult. But precisely because of this, we want them to discover traces of our plot to achieve our ultimate goal."
Ghost Douluo's eyes gleamed with approval. "Watching from the sidelines as the tigers fight—Nana's plan is excellent. I approve."
With Bibi Dong's wisdom, she naturally understood this level of strategy, but hearing it from Hu Liena carried special significance.
After all, they were outsiders to the Spirit Hall. To secure the Pope's position in the future, extraordinary wisdom and intuition were essential.
Hu Liena possessing such intelligence reassured Bibi Dong that she could confidently entrust the Spirit Hall to her in the future.
Of course, this was also related to the soul bone Hu Liena had absorbed.
With enhanced mental strength, a soul master's thinking became more active, and their consideration of problems naturally became more thorough.
"Just as Nana said, Elder Ju, go personally. Be sure to highlight our 'sincerity' from the Spirit Hall." A sinister smile appeared on Bibi Dong's face.
"Your Holiness, rest assured. This subordinate will complete the task."
Yue Guan accepted the mission.
This wasn't a simple task. They had to convey the Spirit Hall's sincerity while also ensuring both sides recognized it as a ploy—an extremely demanding task requiring delicate wording.
It was no wonder Bibi Dong had sent him.
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