Chapter 132: Shrek vs. Skywater Academy

Off to the side, Dai Mubai watched Zhu Zhuqing down below, who had just broken through to Spirit Ancestor rank. His heart burned with frustration.

"Her innate spirit power wasn’t higher than mine, and she’s four years younger than me. So how is she improving so fast? She even defeated Elephant Armor Academy without breaking a sweat."

Seething, Dai Mubai turned and walked away from the arena without looking back. He was already planning to write an anonymous letter to the Star Luo Empire’s royal family. The Zhu clan’s daughter had joined Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and was even fighting on behalf of Heaven Dou.

To him, this was nothing less than the Zhu family’s betrayal of the Dai family, and it deserved punishment—especially Zhu Zhuqing.

After Tang San saw Dai Mubai leave, the rest of them also made their exit. They returned to their academy to discuss strategies for the upcoming matches.

News of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy’s victory soon spread to Spirit Hall.

Seated on the Pope’s throne, Bibi Dong’s eyes flashed with killing intent.

"Du Gu Yan, Ignaz… two Spirit Kings have emerged. They’ll be serious trouble for Spirit Hall’s team."

From below, the ghostly, sinister Ghost Douluo spoke. "Your Majesty, those two are deeply tied to that old poison master. If you allow me, I’ll go to the Heaven Dou Empire with Chrysanthemum Douluo and wipe all three of them out. That way, they won’t be able to affect the tournament’s outcome."

Bibi Dong shook her head. "No. You have more important work. The Star Luo Empire has been sending rats to sabotage our mining zones. Lead a team there yourself. If you run into anyone causing trouble, eliminate them on the spot."

For the moment, Bibi Dong still felt she had the upper hand. According to intelligence reports, Poison Douluo had grown stronger and might even have stepped into the ranks of Super Douluo. Killing Du Gu Yan and Ignaz would be easy, but provoking a Super Douluo who specialized in poison would be disastrous for both her position in Spirit Hall and the Hall’s future.

Besides, her useless daughter seemed to have already drawn Ignaz to her side. If so, he could be considered half a member of Spirit Hall already. And in her eyes, two mere Spirit Kings could serve as nothing more than whetstones for the “Golden Generation” she had carefully trained.

……

Over the next ten days, just like in the original story, Shrek Academy relied on their refined teamwork to rack up twelve wins and only three losses, despite their weaker overall strength. As long as they won just one more of their last three matches, they would advance to the finals as the fourth seed, finishing just above Blazing Academy and Elephant Armor Academy.

Today was the long-awaited match between Shrek and Skywater Academy. Inside Shrek’s rest chamber, Qin Ming carefully went over Skywater’s tactics and what to watch out for.

"Little San, don’t underestimate Skywater just because they only accept girls. Their strength is still formidable. Especially their captain, Shui Bing’er. According to official records, her spirit power has already reached Rank 52—she’s a Spirit King. Her martial spirit is a top-tier beast spirit, the Phoenix, and hers is of the ice attribute."

"Ice Phoenix?"

Ma Hongjun’s eyes widened in shock, his expression turning oddly intense. He’d heard long ago that Skywater was filled with beauties, and Shui Bing’er, their captain, was said to be stunning. His curiosity got the better of him.

"Teacher Qin, since she and I both have Phoenix spirits—mine’s Fire Phoenix and hers is Ice Phoenix—do you think there’s a chance for us to pull off a martial spirit fusion?"

"Fatty, there you go again with that dirty fire in your heart. We’re making battle plans here. Keep it together," Oscar muttered, annoyed.

But Grandmaster, who had been silent until now, perked up at the suggestion.

"Hongjun’s idea is actually very good. Back when we sparred at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, his spirit reacted strangely to Du Gu Yan’s, which was a rare sign of potential fusion. Shui Bing’er’s Ice Phoenix and Hongjun’s Fire Phoenix are opposing in element, but their essence is the same. The chances of fusion are very high."

He pressed his lips together for a moment before continuing.

"According to my theory, if Shui Bing’er could pair with Hongjun, their opposing fire and ice could balance one another. That would not only help calm Hongjun’s raging fire, it could also accelerate his cultivation. And the reverse would hold true for her as well."

Everyone turned to look at Ma Hongjun. Flander, who had been lounging on the sofa counting money, suddenly jumped to his feet in excitement. His personal disciple’s only real flaw was that uncontrollable flame inside him. Otherwise, with innate rank 9 spirit power and a top-tier Fire Phoenix spirit, there’s no way he should’ve been trailing so far behind. At the very least, he should already have reached Spirit Ancestor.

"After this fight, I’ll personally head to Skywater Academy to help you settle your flame problem once and for all."

"Thank you, Teacher."

Ma Hongjun’s face lit up. If his problem could finally be solved—and if in the process he could also win the heart of a breathtaking beauty—then life couldn’t get any better.

Qin Ming spoke again. "Hongjun, this is your first time being sent out in an official match, and it’s also our ace strategy against Skywater. Whether Shrek advances or not depends on you."

"Don’t worry, Teachers. My burst power is the strongest among the Seven Devils," Ma Hongjun declared confidently, thumping his chest.

With the announcer’s voice ringing out, Tang San, Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Jing Ling, Jiang Zhu, and Oscar led the way toward the arena.

Meanwhile, Shui Bing’er and her team had just stepped out of their rest chamber when they saw Ignaz waiting outside the door.

The girls, reading the mood, quickly drifted farther down the hall. Li Xianyue leaned in toward Shui Bing’er and whispered, "Bing’er, if you two need to talk, make it quick. The match is about to start."

"Got it, Aunt Yue."

Blushing, Shui Bing’er walked toward Ignaz, her steps hesitant. "What’s the matter, Brother Ignaz?"

"Nothing big. I just wanted to check on you."

Faced with his steady gaze, her shyness deepened—especially here in the hallway where others kept passing by.

Ignaz smiled faintly.

"Alright, I’ll stop teasing you. I just came to remind you—be careful of that new Shrek player with the top-tier beast spirit, the Fire Phoenix."

"Brother Ignaz, I’m already a Rank 52 Spirit King. Even if his Fire Phoenix naturally counters my Ice Phoenix, his spirit power is only Rank 35. The gap between us is too wide. Aren’t you worrying too much?"