In the main conference hall of Suotuo Great Spirit Arena—
The arena's supervisor, dressed in formal attire, was in discussion with Flender.
"Lord Flender, three days ago, a Spirit Master team arrived from Heaven Dou City. Every member is a Spirit Elder with a standard spirit ring configuration."
"They challenged the well-known Mad Battle Team as soon as they arrived—and utterly crushed them. The Mad Battle Team barely managed to resist."
"For certain reasons, I'd like your Shrek Team to face off against them on the main spirit battle platform. What do you say?"
Hearing this, a merchant-like smile immediately crept across Flender's face.
"Our Shrek Team still holds the Bronze Spirit Battle Badge. Technically, we have no reason to fight a team of their level."
The supervisor let out a helpless sigh.
"Of course, I wouldn't let Shrek Team fight for nothing."
"If you win, we'll pay 10,000 gold spirit coins as your reward."
Flender narrowed his eyes and pretended to deliberate.
"Fifteen thousand…"
"Still not enough."
"Supervisor, I'm sure you're aware of Shrek's strength. Among Spirit Elder-level teams, we're basically unmatched. If you raise the reward a bit more, we'll consider it."
The supervisor frowned slightly but eventually gritted his teeth.
"Fifteen thousand gold spirit coins! Lord Flender, that's our final offer."
Satisfied, Flender smiled.
"Deal!"
The supervisor's eyes lit up. "Then it's settled. The match will be held tonight. You can use the remaining time to prepare."
"Excellent."
---
In the VIP Room—
A diagram was pinned to the wall, listing each member of the Royal Team.
Captain: Yu Tianheng — Martial Soul: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon — Level 39 Power Attack System Battle Spirit Master
Vice-Captain: Dugu Yan — Martial Soul: Jade Phosphor Serpent — Level 38 Control System Battle Spirit Master
Team Member: Ye Lingling — Martial Soul: Nine-Hearted Begonia — Level 35 Support System Tool Spirit Master
All of them were at least level 35, yet unlike in the original story, the members of Shrek didn't feel any overwhelming pressure.
After weeks of rigorous training, their confidence in their own strength had grown immensely.
More importantly, they had Xiao Wu—Shrek's walking nuclear bomb.
With Xiao Wu going all out, she could take down at least half of the Royal Team on her own.
If they still couldn't win with that, then they might as well admit they were garbage.
---
Meanwhile, in another VIP room—
The Royal Team members were also examining the information on Shrek Team.
The captain's column listed none other than: Xiao Wu!
Yes—Xiao Wu was now the acting captain of Shrek Team.
She was simply the strongest among them.
If she didn't lead, who would? Who dared?
Xiao Wu's fists weren't known for polite negotiation.
Though they'd learned a bit about Shrek Team since arriving in Suotuo City, the Royal Team didn't take them seriously.
After all, Shrek had only four members who had reached the Spirit Elder level, and only two above level 35.
The gap in spirit power was huge—there was no comparison.
Only Xiao Wu had managed to capture their attention.
Why? Because during their three days in Suotuo City, they had watched all of Xiao Wu's solo matches. Each one ended quickly and cleanly.
Even the arrogant Yu Tianheng didn't dare claim he could beat her with certainty.
As they discussed, a gentle-looking man in his thirties entered the room. His eyes fell on the violet-haired woman lazily sitting on the sofa, her long, pale legs crossed.
"Yan Zi, once you're in the ring, be careful. If someone gets poisoned, make sure to detox them right after the match."
Then he addressed the rest.
"And the rest of you—no matter what happens in this match, you're not to cripple anyone, let alone kill them. Do I make myself clear?"
Dugu Yan frowned. "But Teacher Qin Ming, didn't you always say we should go all out on the battlefield, no matter the opponent?"
Qin Ming smiled. "You'll understand after this battle."
Seeing his response, the Royal Team nodded. They still held deep respect for this teacher.
---
Nightfall—
Bright lights illuminated the central spirit battle arena.
As the referee stood atop a raised platform, using a sound-amplifying spirit tool to introduce the two teams, the stands erupted into thunderous roars.
Shrek Team had been dominating the 7v7 team matches recently. They were practically undefeated—uncrowned kings with massive popularity.
The Royal Team, meanwhile, drew attention for their terrifying average spirit power—above level 35. Many still believed they were the favorites.
With both teams now standing on the platform, the referee gave the signal.
Xiao Wu shouted, "Martial Soul, activate!"
As soon as she spoke, three spirit rings—yellow, yellow, purple—rose from beneath her.
Without hesitation, she launched forward like a hungry wolf spotting prey.
Teamwork?
Teamwork was for even matches—or for the weak.
Against this lot?
She didn't need anyone's help.
Her recent matches hadn't been satisfying. But this Royal Team? So young, so talented… They might actually be fun to beat up!
Once her martial soul activated, a faint pink rabbit tail grew from her back, and a pair of rabbit ears sprouted from her head. Glowing pink spirit energy surrounded her hands and feet.
With explosive force in her legs, she blurred like a pink phantom, charging straight toward Yu Tianheng.
Yu Tianheng's eyes narrowed and he instantly activated his martial soul.
A lightning bolt appeared on his forehead, and his right arm swelled, covered in bluish-purple dragon scales.
But when he clashed fists with Xiao Wu—just once—his face changed dramatically.
A horrifying force burst from her fist and thundered into his arm. The sharp wind from her punch howled through the air.
Yu Tianheng staggered back seven or eight steps before he could stabilize himself.
He stared at Xiao Wu in disbelief. How could a Soft Bone Rabbit Spirit Master possess such terrifying strength?
But he was about to find out—that was only the beginning.