Flender was so excited,—his feet barely touched the ground as he bounced around with glee. However, the rest of the group could only stare, deadpan expressions plastered across their faces, black lines forming on their foreheads at the sight of their dean behaving like a giddy teenager.
Sensing the awkward shift in the room, Flender froze mid-bounce. He hastily straightened his robe, gave a dry cough, trying to cover his embarrassment, and mentally scolded himself—Way to uphold the dignity of a dean, Flender.
Still, his skin was thicker than soul beast hide. With a quick recovery, he straightened his robe, cleared his throat again, and resumed his usual authoritative tone.
"Everyone, you must work hard tomorrow—for the glory of our Academy!" he declared solemnly, Before strolling out of the venue with the poise of someone who definitely hadn't just performed an invisible tap dance five seconds earlier.
Yu Xiaogang took over "Everyone let's get on to the tactics for tomorrow's team battle" as he began reciting the same usual tactics again and again. Tang yin was bored out of his mind and decided to take a nap.
The Next Day
The Soto Spirit Arena buzzed with energy as usual—cheers, laughter, and the occasional roar from a winning bet filled the air. The betting zone, as always, was crawling with greedy nobles, tossing around gold coins like candy at a festival. Unsurprisingly, most of their wagers were locked in on the Emperor Team, confident in their winning streak.
Tang Yin strolled casually into the betting area Without hesitation, he slapped down a total of 20,000 gold coins on Shrek's victory—despite the steep 5-to-1 odds against them. The clerk blinked twice, unsure if he'd heard correctly, but Tang Yin just grinned.
Over the past three months, Tang Yin had been quietly raking in profits from betting on the Shrek team. His total budget? A comfortable 50,000 gold coins.And today, was the day he'd hit the jackpot.
Onlookers were baffled. Why was some kid betting a small fortune on Shrek? But seeing his calm demeanor and bold move, most assumed he was some mysterious young noble with money to burn—and no one dared to question him.
Tang yin entered the Shrek venue —where, to no one's surprise, Yu Xiaogang was still chirping out battle strategies with great enthusiasm.
Tang Yin let out a long, weary sigh. Not again.
Tang yin was fed up so he used telepathy to tune out the never-ending tactical lecture. Yawning, he stretched his arms behind his head and flopped down between Zhuqing and Rongrong, directly across from Meng Yiran.
"Where did you sneak off to?" Meng Yiran asked sweetly, her eyes sparkling as she looked at his leaserly posture.
"Gambling," Tang Yin replied with a carefree smile, lacing his hands behind his head
Rongrong instantly shot up, hands on her waist, squinting suspiciously. "Are you sure you're not picking up bad habits from Oscar and the rest of those degenerates?"
Zhuqing turned to him with concern etched across her face. "You… you mustn't end up like Dai Mubai and fatty," she whispered, clearly worried he was following the path of degeneracy.
Tang Yin blinked, momentarily speechless at the concerned looks surrounding him. Still, with a warm chuckle, he leaned back and offered his usual Sweet words.
"Relax. It's just a little betting—some spare change, that's all," he said, grinning. "I believe in you guys. That's why I put it all on Shrek. So don't let me down, okay?"
With those coaxing words and a wink, he successfully melted their worries—at least for now.
Flender gathered the Shrek Seven Devils in the waiting area, his expression unusually solemn. "Be prepared any minute now"
Moments later, a booming voice echoed through the arena, laced with excitement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for!" the host announced, drawing out the suspense. "Let's welcome the stars of the night—make some noise for the one and only… Shrek Seven Devils!"
The crowd erupted. Cheers thundered through the stadium as Tang Yin and the others stepped into the spotlight. Roars of approval swept across the stands like a tidal wave.
Then, with a dramatic pause, the host bellowed once more:
"AAAnd facing them tonight… give it up for EMPEROR TEAM!!"
The crowd lost its mind.
The Emperor Team members also entered one by one weving to the crowd of support. Tang yin looked intently at the two beauties perhaps feeling the intense gaze they saw Tang yin who gave an apologetic look which raised a few eyebrow.
Crowds were Stomping feet. Chanting voices surging with excitement, ready to witness tonight's pationate battle.
The stage was set
The host announced "Ready..."
As both of the team released their soul ring the stage was filled with colorful lights. The display was breathtaking and the momentum was amazing.
"And now! Let the double soul battle… BEGIN!"
As the bell echoed, Tang San shot forward like a bullet. Other member of Shrek seven instead of attacking,reached into their robes, pulled out masks, and strapped them on with synchronized precision.
Seeing this, the Emperor Team members fumbled a little due to unexpected scenario a question mark popped up in their head "What the hell are they doing?"
But in the crowd, the true Shrek fans grinned like devils.
They knew exactly what was coming.
With gleeful anticipation, dozens of supporters whipped out their pre-prepared masks, donning them in solidarity as they cheered wildly. The ultimate weapon was being unleashed from the start—and only those who'd seen the horror before came mentally armed.
Then it happened.
Tang San raised his right hand and revealed his martial soul shouting "Blue silver grass!!"
The reaction was instant.
The Emperor Team members they almost shat themselves, faces turning ghostly pale. Cold sweat broke out on their foreheads. Their spines stiffened as they saw the Abomination.
There, in Tang San's hand, was a wriggling, twitching, nightmare—a creature so horrifying that it looked like it had crawled straight out of Hell.
Yu Tianheng shrieked like a girl "AAAH! What is that!?"
Realizing what he'd just done, he immediately coughed, stood tall, and tried to compose himself as if he hadn't just screamed like a little bitch but faltered again.
No one called him out.
Because deep down, every one of them felt the same dread clawing up their backs.
This wasn't just weird. This was horror. Absolute, undiluted horror.
And then, Tang San decided to make it worse.
He activated his third soul skill and roared, "Caecelien Pheromones!!"
A wave of unspeakable stench swept across the arena. The entire venue collectively gagged. Eyes watered. Noses burned. People in the front row began reconsidering their life choices.
The Emperor Team, standing in the heart of the stench cloud, choked and stumbled. It took a solid minute of gagging before they finally came to their senses—barely.
When they recovered, their eyes were bloodshot. Their faces twisted in rage.
They glared at the Shrek Seven like they were ready to murder someone.
Rongrong and Meng Yiran, sensing imminent danger, immediately dove behind Tang Yin like frightened rabbits.
Tang Yin sighed, utterly unbothered, and gave the Emperor Team's an apologetic smile sighing "Haah… I'm really sorry. This whole battle tactic? Yeah… blame this guy's teacher."
He casually pointed at Tang San.
"so, If you want revenge, he's the guy." Tang yin added.
Tang San turned toward his brother, dumbfounded. "Seriously?!"
Yu Tianheng clenched his jaw and growled, "Yan Yan! Long-range poison! Hit their whole team!"
Dugu Yan's eyes ignited with vengeful fury. She launched forward, her martial soul flaring brilliantly.
"Jade Phosphor Violet Poison!!"
A thick green mist swirled and crept toward the Shrek Seven like a deadly fog of doom.
Dugu Yan stood dramatically at the center of the venomous haze, her spirit—the Jade Phosphor Serpent—coiling around her like a phantom. Her eyes glowed with malicious pride.
"Let's see how well your team breathes… when there's only poison left," she sneered.
The crowd gasped.
Oscar raised his hand, panic in his voice. "Poison! We need to fall back!"
But Tang yin didn't flinch. "No need, Fatty. Just like we planned."
Ma Hongjun grinned. "Leave it to me."
In a flash, Tang Yin disappeared using Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track and reappeared at the edge of the mist. With perfect aim, he threw a small pouch into the cloud.
"Fatty! Fire in the hole!!"
Ma Hongjun's eyes lit up. He took a deep breath, puffed out his cheeks, and launched a blazing torrent of flame.
"Phoenix Firing Line!!"
The alcohol-soaked pouch ignited mid-air—BOOM!—exploding into a burst of fire that vaporized the poisonous fog instantly.
Dugu Yan staggered back, utterly stunned.
"Impossible! My soul skill is one of the most dangerous poisons—according to my grandpa! How could alcohol neutralize it?!"
"Poison… Grandpa?" Ning Rongrong raised an eyebrow. "Wait—your grandpa… don't tell me he's the Poison Douluo?"
Dugu Yan lifted her chin proudly. "The one and only. Now talk. What did you use?"
Tang Yin flashed a grin, teeth gleaming. "Not telling ya."
Dugu Yan stomped her foot in frustration. "Tell me—or I'll take your life!"
Tang Yin waved her off lazily, a smug smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Try all you want. But if you fail, don't go crying to Grandpa, okay? I'm just a nobody," he added, his voice pitiful.
Rongrong, who had been peeking cautiously from behind him, suddenly puffed up like a proud little peacock.
She stepped forward, chin high and eyes blazing with determination.
"Don't worry!" she declared. "I'll protect you from her grandpa!"