Overconfidence was always Dugu Yan's Achilles' heel. After a month of effortless victories, the Emperor Team had developed an air of arrogance. Every battle ended with ease, leaving them little reason to expect a challenge.
Qin Ming sighed, shaking his head at Dugu Yan's smug demeanor. His tone carried a note of caution as he addressed the team:
"Dugu Yan, don't underestimate Shrek's Seven Devils. They've earned their consecutive wins for a reason, and they won't be easy to deal with. To avoid any unforeseen accidents, Ye Hao will join this match in place of Yu Feng."
Yu Feng was startled for a moment but nodded in agreement.
Qin Ming glanced at Ye Hao, who was watching the match below with a relaxed air. "Ye Hao, anything to add?"
Ye Hao smirked, pounding his chest with mock bravado. "No worries, Teacher Qin. With me here, nothing can go wrong. Shrek's strength lies in their teamwork, but their overall soul power is still lower than ours. When the match starts, we'll focus on that guy—the so-called Thousand-Hand Asura. The rest aren't worth our attention."
Shrek Seven Devils vs. Emperor Team
The long-anticipated team battle was about to begin. For weeks, Soto Great Spirit Arena had been abuzz with chatter about this showdown. Both teams were undefeated stars, and their inevitable clash had captivated the city.
The betting zones were flooded with spectators placing their wagers.
"I'm betting on Shrek!"
"I'm putting my money on the Emperor Team!"
The lines stretched endlessly as people placed their bets. This was where the arena made the most money.
"10,000 gold soul coins on Shrek," Flender said slyly, sliding a golden card across the counter. He wore a satisfied smirk, relishing the prospect of another big win. For weeks, Flender had been frequenting the betting areas, cashing in on his insider knowledge.
Not long after Flender left, Ye Hao strolled in, carrying his own golden card. This one, however, was worth 20,000 gold soul coins.
Did you think Ye Hao had been idling this past month?
As an Emperor Team member, Ye Hao knew their capabilities inside and out. Confident in his teammates, he often bet on their matches, raking in an impressive fortune in return.
"20,000 gold soul coins on the Emperor Team," Ye Hao said confidently, handing over his card. With his bet placed, he hurried back to the team's waiting room.
By now, both teams were ready. Qin Ming had already taken his place in the viewing area, seated in a private booth overlooking the arena. From this vantage point, he had an unimpeded view of the entire battlefield. Across from him sat Flender, Grandmaster, and Zhao Wuji, all watching anxiously.
The Emperor Team was formidable—more complete in their composition, teamwork, and soul rings than any opponent Shrek had faced before. This battle would test the Seven Devils like never before.
The announcer stepped onto the stage, his voice booming across the massive arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Soto Great Spirit Arena!"
The audience erupted in cheers, their excitement reaching a fever pitch.
"Tonight, we bring you a clash of titans: Shrek Seven Devils vs. Emperor Team! Will Shrek continue their legendary streak, or will the Emperor Team claim the throne? Let's find out!"
"Give a warm round of applause for our two teams!"
The deafening roar of the crowd greeted both teams as they entered the arena.
On one side, the Shrek Seven Devils appeared, led as always by Dai Mubai. Flanking him were Tang San and Xiao Wu, with Oscar and Ma Hongjun by their sides. At the edges stood Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing. Despite the strained relationships between some members, they knew they had to work together on the battlefield.
On the other side, the Emperor Team was led by Yu Tianheng, with Dugu Yan and Ye Hao close behind. Shi brothers Shi Mo and Shi Mo stood at the center, while Osler and Ye Lingling covered the flanks.
Fourteen soul masters faced off, their expressions sharp and focused.
"Both teams, prepare to release your martial souls!"
At the announcer's command, the battlefield came alive with dazzling soul rings. The arena was bathed in radiant light as the fighters unleashed their martial souls.
On Shrek's side:
Dai Mubai, with his White Tiger martial soul, roared as he activated his three rings: two yellow and one purple.
Tang San followed, his Blue Silver Grass spreading like a web across the ground.
Ma Hongjun erupted in flames, his Evil Fire Phoenix martial soul burning bright.
Oscar summoned his signature sausages, the rings around them glowing faintly.
Ning Rongrong raised her Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, its light casting a protective aura.
Zhu Zhuqing crouched low, her Hell Spirit Cat martial soul giving her a predatory air.
Xiao Wu, though recovered from her injuries, remained visibly tense. The faint traces of her earlier beating were hidden under her mask.
On the Emperor Team's side:
Yu Tianheng's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's martial soul roared with power, his rings shining as he flexed his strength.
Dugu Yan transformed partially into her Jade Phosphor Serpent form, her legs merging into a serpent's tail.
The Shi Brothers donned their tortoise shells, their defenses nearly impenetrable.
Ye Lingling's Nine Heart Begonia martial soul blossomed, her supportive abilities ready.
Ye Hao stood menacingly, clad in black armor. His Death Spider Emperor martial soul manifested as eight sharp spider legs sprouted from his back, oozing venom.
As Ye Hao's three rings—one yellow, two purple—illuminated the battlefield, the stage was set for an epic clash.
The announcer's voice cut through the tension:
"Let the battle... BEGIN!"