The group soon arrived at the grand Suotuo Great Spirit Arena.
The Suotuo Arena was a massive oval-shaped structure. Even before stepping inside, Qi Lin and the others could already hear the deafening roars echoing from within.
Once inside, Flender gathered everyone together and gave them a simple introduction to the arena.
With a serious tone, Flender said, "Next, I'll take you to register your personal information and receive your badges."
"In the future, if any of you want to challenge yourselves through spirit battles, you can come here on your own to participate."
After speaking, Flender prepared to lead them toward the registration area.
"Flender, wait a moment!" Yu Xiaogang suddenly interjected.
"What is it, Xiaogang?"
Yu Xiaogang's stiff expression softened slightly as a faint smile appeared on his face.
"These children are rare talents, one in ten thousand. If their information is exposed openly like this, it might attract unwanted attention from malicious individuals."
As he spoke, he pulled out four masks from his belongings.
The masks were clearly made specifically for Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others. They were sized to fit their faces, leaving openings only for the eyes, nose, and mouth.
It was clear that Yu Xiaogang was well aware of Shrek Academy's rules and had prepared in advance.
Then he looked at Qi Lin, an apologetic look crossing his stiff face.
"Sorry, it all happened so suddenly. I didn't have time to ask a craftsman to make masks for the rest of you."
Just as he finished speaking, Flender raised a hand and smacked his forehead.
Sigh. At this rate, this academy might really fall apart...
Before Qi Lin could say anything, Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu were already snorting in dissatisfaction.
If they didn't want to help, fine—but did they have to sound so noble about it?
They didn't believe for a second that making three extra masks would've taken much time.
With a smug humph, Xiao Wu pulled out a mask from her storage soul device. It looked like a strange mix of metal and resin.
Right in front of everyone, she put the mask on.
In the very next moment, the mask melded perfectly to her skin.
Before their eyes, Xiao Wu's appearance rapidly transformed into that of a strikingly seductive beauty.
"This…"
"What kind of treasure is this?!"
Everyone was dumbfounded by the sight. Tang San, in particular, was stunned.
After putting on the mask, Xiao Wu looked entirely like someone else.
If such an artifact existed in his previous life, it would have been the ultimate tool for assassins and criminals!
No—even in this world, this mask was a priceless treasure.
Tang San's eyes filled with deep longing.
If only he had a treasure like that!
"Xiao Wu, what... what kind of treasure is that?" Ning Rongrong asked, walking up and pinching Xiao Wu's transformed cheek. To her shock, the texture felt exactly like real skin. There wasn't even the slightest trace of a mask.
The mature beauty Xiao Wu had become smiled proudly. "Thousand-Illusion Mask. My brother Qi Lin gave it to me."
As soon as she said that, everyone immediately turned to stare at Qi Lin.
Tang San and the others, who had just received their masks from Yu Xiaogang, suddenly felt like their masks were burning in their hands.
These cheap masks were absolutely worthless in comparison!
Ning Rongrong grabbed Qi Lin's hand, eyes sparkling.
"Brother Qi Lin, I want one too!"
"What? Trying to freeload?" Qi Lin said with a teasing grin.
Of course, the Thousand-Illusion Mask was something he created using his third spirit skill—Liuding Creation.
The mask was actually just an ordinary base mask. What made it special was the addition of two engraved Dao Runes, giving it the ability to change its appearance at will.
The Dao Rune feature had only appeared in his spirit skill after his spirit power reached a certain level.
Currently, Liuding Creation could apply six different Dao Runes. By combining them in various ways, he could imbue created items with different properties.
The Thousand-Illusion Mask, for instance, was imbued with transformation.
(Author's Note: Since some readers pointed out that hidden weapons created by Liuding Creation is very similar to Tang San's hidden weapons and soul tools already use formations, I decided to rename it to Dao Runes.)
(T/N: This is the real author's note btw :-P)
"I'm not freeloading," Ning Rongrong pouted. "I can pay!"
She raised her chin proudly. "Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan lacks everything but money!"
Qi Lin chuckled heartily. "Alright, alright. But even if you want one, I'm out. I only have one left."
"You're a support-type spirit master, so you're not going up today. I'll lend the last one to Zhuqing."
He took out another identical mask from his storage bracelet and handed it to Zhu Zhuqing.
Zhu Zhuqing quickly waved her hands. "Teacher Qi Lin, this is too valuable. I don't need it."
"Tch, what are you saying?"
"I'm not giving it to you. I'm just lending it to you for the match. Take it."
Qi Lin pressed the Thousand-Illusion Mask into her hands a bit forcefully.
For him, making another one wasn't a big deal.
If he really wanted to, he could make one for each member of the Shrek team with a bit of time.
But hey—he wasn't running a charity.
If he liked someone, sure, he'd gift it. He'd be happy to.
But if he didn't like someone? No way he was giving them anything and making himself uncomfortable.
Qi Lin lived by one rule—he did what he wanted.
Holding the mask under the envious stares of everyone, Zhu Zhuqing bowed deeply to Qi Lin.
"Thank you, Teacher Qi Lin."
Unlike Ning Rongrong, who admired Qi Lin's looks and talent, Zhu Zhuqing saw him as a guiding light in the darkness.
Whenever she needed it most, he was always there to help her.
Flender, seeing Yu Xiaogang's awkward expression, sighed internally.
Xiaogang, Xiaogang… why do you always make things hard for yourself?
If you had just prepared three more masks back then, would you be in this awkward position now?
"Ahem!" Flender cleared his throat and turned to the group. "Alright, everyone with a mask, follow me. Time to register."
"Yes, sir!"
The students responded in unison and followed Flender toward the registration counter.
Only Qi Lin, Ning Rongrong, and Yu Xiaogang remained behind.
The atmosphere was slightly tense. After a moment, Yu Xiaogang couldn't hold back and stepped forward.
"Qi Lin, that mask… was it made with your third spirit skill?"
Qi Lin immediately saw through his intentions and cut him off mid-sentence.
"Don't even think about it. Making that mask is a huge hassle. It needs rare materials and takes a ton of time. It's not something you can finish in ten days or half a month. I'm way too busy for that."
Yu Xiaogang fell silent.
He believed Qi Lin about the rare materials.
But taking half a month to make a single mask? He had his doubts.
Based on what he knew of Qi Lin's personality, there was no way he'd spend that much time on just one mask for no reason.
After all, Qi Lin had made more than one. He even gave one to Xiao Wu.
Clearly, Qi Lin simply didn't want to help him.
Sigh. So petty. He'll never achieve greatness with a mindset like that.