Yan was escorted away by Spirit Hall members for treatment, casting occasional glances filled with resentment at Zhu Zhuqing. Both Zhu Zhuqing and Su Ming noticed his hateful gaze.
Su Ming thought to himself that Yan might stir up trouble later. After openly targeting him with insults, Yan couldn't be allowed to remain unchecked. Bibi Dong, observing Zhu Zhuqing's right hand and the spirit bone attached to it, commented telepathically, "Ghost Douluo, is that the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear's right-hand spirit bone you mentioned before? Your disciple has impressive potential. As her teacher, guide her well, and I'll handle any concerns regarding Star Luo Empire."
Ghost Douluo, feeling unusually proud, replied, "Yes, Your Holiness!"
Meanwhile, Bibi Dong reflected on Su Ming's reference to the Dark Gold Dreadclaw Bear, famed as the overlord among bears, and its spirit ring and bone. Truly, it lived up to its title.
Zhu Zhuqing's primary weakness had been a lack of attack power. Even with the system's defensive piercing effect, it wasn't enough—particularly against physical defensive skills like Yan's Flame Armor. But with her fifth spirit skill's powerful attack and armor-piercing effect, paired with her spirit bone skill, Yan's injuries were already a mercy.
Back on the battlefield, Hu Liena dismissed Yan's plight. Without the strength to back up his words, he deserved it. Just as she shifted focus to Dugu Yan's group, Dugu Yan took charge.
"Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, I'll hold off Yaomei. Take down the others quickly. Shi Mo, guard Lingling and Rongrong with the Wood Dragon," Dugu Yan instructed.
In this match, the Heaven Dou team opted for defense-oriented Shi Mo instead of weaker team members like Yu Feng and Oslo, betting on his resilience.
"Yaomei," Dugu Yan said with a sly smile, "we also have poison abilities, you know. Now, while your red mist is useless against us, let's see how you handle mine!"
"First spirit skill, Jade Phosphor Mirage Poison!"
"Second spirit skill, Jade Phosphor Poison Fang!"
Enhanced by the system to a ten-thousand-year level, Dugu Yan's spirit skills released a thick green mist filled with venomous green snakes toward Yaomei. Meanwhile, Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing targeted the only support spirit master on the Spirit Hall team.
"Third spirit skill, Teleport!" Xiao Wu flashed next to Xu Yu, the Golden Scepter-wielding support. Xu Yu, determined to help his team, steeled himself as he cast his third skill, Body of Golden Light, sending protective energy toward Yaomei. He poured all his soul power into the skill, hoping it would last against the Jade Phosphor Snake's poison before Xiao Wu's whip kick sent him flying out of the ring.
"Second one down!" Xiao Wu called.
With Xiao Wu dealing with the support, Zhu Zhuqing set her sights on the remaining members. Hu Liena frowned, sensing that the protective golden light cast by Xu Yu was dissipating quickly. If Dugu Yan unleashed her more potent poisons, the protection might only hold for a minute or two.
Yaomei, gripping two sharp moon blades, launched a swift assault on Dugu Yan.
"First spirit skill, Moon Blade Slash!" he roared, closing the distance. Dugu Yan barely dodged, her eyes widening at Yaomei's speed. Although her small snakes barely reached Yaomei before being sliced down by his powerful aura and reflexes, she pressed on.
"Fourth spirit skill, Jade Phosphor Mirage!" This increased her speed by three hundred percent and created five mirage clones.
"Nine Treasures Command: Two, Speed! Four, Defense!" Ning Rongrong cast timely enhancements on Dugu Yan, who deftly avoided Yaomei's attack. But then, with a smirk beneath his mask, Yaomei spun toward Ning Rongrong and Ye Lingling.
"Shi Mo, watch out! He's targeting you!" Dugu Yan shouted in alarm.
Shi Mo threw himself in front of Ning Rongrong and Ye Lingling, raising his turtle shell as a shield.
"Too late!"
Yaomei's first spirit skill, Moon Blade Slash, combined with his second, Full Moon Defense, allowed him to block Su Ming's Wood Dragon momentarily. With a single powerful blow, he sent Shi Mo tumbling from the arena.