The Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena was packed to capacity for the much-anticipated match between Thunderclap Academy and Blazing Academy, both of which were prestigious members of the Five Elemental Academies. Expectations were high for an intense and thrilling battle.
Yesterday, the crowd was looking forward to a match between Blazing and Tianshui Academy—the clash of ice and fire! But to their bewilderment, both academies had unexpectedly forfeited.
Su Ming and his companions were also in attendance, eager to witness the match. Su Ming pondered how Tang San might handle Blazing Academy's fierce firepower. Despite Tang San's Blue Silver Grass gaining some fire resistance recently, the time frame was too short for it to fully counter Blazing Academy's flames. Su Ming wondered if Tang San would be forced to reveal his second spirit, the Clear Sky Hammer, earlier than expected.
In the original storyline, Tang San had only used the Clear Sky Hammer when fighting Feng Xiaotian, but circumstances had changed. Huo Wu's strength far exceeded Feng Xiaotian's, leaving Su Ming curious about how the match would unfold.
Beside him, Xiao Wu asked, "Brother Su Ming, do you think Blazing Academy has a chance to win? Thunderclap has six Spirit Elders. Actually, no, they have seven since Dai Mubai is a Spirit Elder too, though he's not competing."
Zhu Zhuqing also raised an eyebrow. "Su Ming, with Blazing Academy being so strong, why would Thunderclap hold back and not field Dai Mubai? Aren't they worried about losing?"
Su Ming shared his thoughts. "Holding back Dai Mubai could be partly strategic. Thunderclap Academy lacks a spirit power recovery specialist, so they need Oscar on the field. If they can't overpower Blazing Academy quickly, they're at a disadvantage."
"Oscar's third spirit ability is short-lived, lasting only a minute, but his skill level allows him to produce several sausages for each team member, giving them enough time to regroup and plan. And Oscar's first spirit ability, which restores energy and stamina, is incredibly useful, even if it's limited by his hundred-year spirit ring."
Xiao Wu sighed, thinking they might only get the chance to "teach Tang San and Oscar a lesson," as it seemed Thunderclap was intent on preserving Dai Mubai's strength.
The arena announcer, Dou Dou, soared above the arena with her white wings.
"Welcome to today's match between Thunderclap Academy and Blazing Academy! Both teams belong to the prestigious Five Elemental Academies. Who will emerge victorious today? Let's take a look at the competitors from both sides."
"On Blazing Academy's side, we see the familiar lineup of six Spirit Elders and one Spirit Expert, a formidable force! Especially with Vice-Captain Huo Wu, who boasts a spirit power of level forty-seven. How will Thunderclap respond?"
"Oh! Today, Thunderclap Academy has also fielded six Spirit Elders and a food-type Spirit Expert!"
The two new faces were Lei Mie, a level forty-one Battle Spirit Elder, and Lei Dong, a level forty-three Battle Spirit Elder, both with Thunder Spider spirits. Both teams had formidable lineups, with six Spirit Elders and a near-forty-level Spirit Expert, promising a high-intensity clash.
Thunderclap Academy set up in a 3-3-1 formation: Yu Tianxin, Yu Tianheng, and Lei Mie in the front; Lei Dong, Tang San, and Lei Tian in the middle; and Oscar covering the rear.
Tang San addressed his team. "We're at a disadvantage in terms of overall strength, but victory is still possible. Our priority targets are their vice-captain Huo Wu and the two support-type Spirit Masters. Once we take them out, victory is ours!"
"Oscar, provide each of us with two Flying Mushroom Sausages: one for emergencies and another to execute a rapid assault at the start. We need to end this quickly! Keep the Restoration Sausages coming to sustain us through the battle."
The team agreed with Tang San's plan. Blazing Academy's strength was undeniable, but Thunderclap's lightning-based spirits could unleash powerful bursts of energy, potentially overwhelming Blazing Academy with a rapid strike.
Meanwhile, Huo Wu looked at Thunderclap Academy with unwavering confidence. The highest-level opponent was Tang San, a level forty-seven control-type Spirit Master. Although the screen still displayed him as forty-five due to a prior assessment, she knew better.
Even with their equal levels, she wasn't concerned. Tang San's spirit was still the Blue Silver Grass, meaning he would struggle against her flames. She warned her teammates, "Stay alert and don't let Tang San's Blue Silver Grass touch you. Maintain your fire energy to keep his spirit at bay!"
Everyone nodded without hesitation. Huo Wu had already briefed them the day before, explaining the danger of Tang San's spirit, which, according to rumors, could subtly absorb spirit power and elemental attributes, potentially affecting their natural talent.
Her brother Huo Wushuang had been particularly alarmed, questioning the source and reliability of the information. Despite her refusal to reveal her source, her teammates trusted her implicitly; her influence in Blazing Academy even surpassed Huo Wushuang's.
The only reason he held the title of team captain was that he was Huo Wu's elder brother, and Huo Wu herself had refused the role, believing it more fitting for him. Thus, the team held her in high regard, fully trusting her judgment in this critical match.