The next day, Yu Xiaogang and the others arrived at the Great Spirit Arena as usual. Director Ao approached them and Yu Xiaogang asked, "Director Ao, which team have you arranged for us today?"
After leading the group to a waiting room, Director Ao sighed and said, "Master, your Shrek team is too strong. We brought in seven Soul Elder teams, but you defeated them all."
Yu Xiaogang thought to himself that it was as he expected. If there were no suitable teams left, their Spirit Battle training might have to end early. While they could continue making money, it wouldn't help Tang San and the others improve. And the Great Spirit Arena wouldn't let them continue taking advantage without a challenge.
"So, what's your solution?" Yu Xiaogang asked.
After a brief hesitation, Director Ao responded, "There's only one team left with a winning streak. Both their captain and vice-captain are at level 40, but they haven't obtained their fourth spirit rings yet. Like your team, they also have optimal spirit ring configurations. You might want to challenge them tonight."
As he spoke, Director Ao handed over the file on the Emperor Team.
Though Yu Xiaogang was initially reluctant—after all, it was just a team of Soul Elders—his attitude changed the moment he opened the file and saw the name: Qin Ming, the teacher of the Emperor Team.
Yu Xiaogang and Flender exchanged a glance, nodding silently to each other.
After reviewing the file, Yu Xiaogang said to Director Ao, "Very well, we'll take on this team."
Director Ao nodded. This was his last resort, hoping that the Emperor Team could defeat Shrek. After all, there was a bounty of 10,000 gold soul coins on the line! What he didn't realize was that the Emperor Team members weren't particularly interested in money. When Qin Ming, their teacher, saw that Shrek Academy was involved, especially with Yu Xiaogang and Flender leading, he immediately accepted the challenge.
Yu Xiaogang handed the Emperor Team's file to Su Ming. "Take a look at their details. They're not weak. After reviewing it, share your thoughts."
Su Ming knew it was only a matter of time before the Emperor Team showed up. But this time, it seemed the roles were reversed, with the Emperor Team challenging them.
Su Ming spread the file on the table, and everyone gathered to examine the information.
Emperor Team:
Captain: Yu Tianheng, martial spirit: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, level 40 assault-type battle spirit master, two yellow and one purple ring.Vice-Captain: Dugu Yan, martial spirit: Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, level 40 control-type battle spirit master, two yellow and one purple ring.Team Member: Shi Mo, martial spirit: Black Tortoise, level 38 defense-type battle spirit master, two yellow and one purple ring.Team Member: Shi Mo (younger brother), martial spirit: Black Tortoise, level 37 defense-type battle spirit master, two yellow and one purple ring.Team Member: Yu Feng, martial spirit: Windbell Bird, level 36 agility-type battle spirit master, two yellow and one purple ring.Team Member: Oslo, martial spirit: Ghost Leopard, level 36 agility-type battle spirit master, two yellow and one purple ring.Team Member: Ye Lingling, martial spirit: Nine Heart Begonia, level 36 support-type tool spirit master, two yellow and one purple ring.
After reading through the information, Su Ming frowned slightly. The soul power levels of Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling didn't match what he remembered. Also, wasn't Dugu Yan's martial spirit supposed to be the Jade Phosphor Serpent, not the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor?
Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged glances, realizing that Dugu Yan's changes were likely due to the system. After all, Xiao Wu had received a Bloodline Evolution Card, though she could only use it at level 70.
"Alright, what are your thoughts after reading this?" Yu Xiaogang asked from the side.
Tang San spoke first, "The Emperor Team, though weaker than us, has several members with top-tier martial spirits. We can't underestimate them based on soul power levels alone."
"I suspect their strength is far greater than a typical Soul Elder team."
Su Ming, though unsure why Yu Tianheng and the others were different from his knowledge, reminded himself that this was a parallel world. Perhaps the individuals here had more potential than those in the world he knew.
Even so, Su Ming wasn't concerned. He didn't believe the Emperor Team was stronger than his own.
With a lazy tone, Su Ming said, "There's nothing much to say. We'll just beat them. Our team's strength is no worse than theirs."
Then, with a teasing tone, Su Ming asked, "Master, Yu Tianheng's martial spirit is the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Is he related to you? Is that why you accepted this match?"
Yu Xiaogang was surprised by Su Ming's direct question, but it wasn't a secret, so he nodded. "Yes, there is that reason. Additionally, their teacher, Qin Ming, is a Shrek Academy graduate. After the match, I plan to speak with him."
Su Ming guessed that Yu Xiaogang wanted Qin Ming to help get Shrek into Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, where the resources were richer and they had the opportunity to participate in the Spirit Master tournament.
Now that the Emperor Team had appeared, Su Ming was ready to move forward with his own plans. After spending time with the team, he had done everything he needed to. He figured the three girls—Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing—would likely leave with him. There was no longer any need for him to stay with Tang San and the others, especially since they irritated him.
When the time came, it would be every man for himself. Su Ming could count on Ning Fengzhi to help him, and worst case, he could also turn to Dugu Yan.
Su Ming thought with a sly grin: Dugu Yan, you wouldn't want your grandfather to die from poisoning, would you?
With many options, Su Ming felt confident. Qin Ming, on his own, wasn't enough to stand in his way.
Yu Xiaogang, not wanting to dwell on the topic, moved the discussion forward. "Enough of that. I'll point out a few things. In the Emperor Team, besides Yu Tianheng, you need to be cautious of Dugu Yan."
"She's managed to evolve her martial spirit into the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor at her current level, making her a formidable opponent. During the match, be extra careful of her poison. Oscar's detoxifying sausage won't be able to counter it."
What Yu Xiaogang didn't know was that Su Ming's fourth soul skill was incredibly versatile. A simple snake poison would pose no threat to Su Ming, especially with his life energy abilities.