Zhu Zhuqing and Huang Yuan stepped onto the platform simultaneously, their martial spirits activating in unison.
Zhu Zhuqing, dressed in combat-ready black leather, became even more alluring after summoning her Netherworld Spirit Cat, with cat ears on her head and a tail behind her adding to her charm.
"Zhu Zhuqing, martial spirit: Netherworld Spirit Cat, Level 28 Agility-Type Battle Soul Master!"
Her cool, clear voice echoed through the arena.
On the other side, Huang Yuan also completed his martial spirit transformation.
Tall and lean, his martial spirit, Lone Wolf, gave him sharp claws and wolf-like features, exuding a keen, aggressive aura.
"Huang Yuan, martial spirit: Lone Wolf, Level 33 Agility-Type Battle Soul Elder."
As he spoke, yellow, yellow, and purple soul rings rose from beneath him. The Shrek group immediately reacted, their expressions shifting.
"Xiao Bei, what's going on? The opponent is a Soul Elder!" Flender asked in surprise.
At this point, Zhu Zhuqing was only a Spirit Grandmaster.
Facing a Soul Elder was no small gap—it was an entire thousand-year soul ring difference. Zhu Zhuqing's chances of victory were slim to none.
Meng Bei smiled casually and explained, "Apologies, Headmaster Flender, but this is the most basic member of our Shrek team."
Flender felt a mix of awkwardness and faint annoyance.
He realized that Meng Bei still held a grudge against them.
However, the match had already started. Even if they regretted it now, it was too late.
Their only hope was that Zhu Zhuqing could pull off an upset or at least avoid a crushing defeat. Otherwise, it would be a blow to their pride.
The fight on stage began swiftly.
Both Zhu Zhuqing and Huang Yuan were agility-type soul masters, moving at high speeds and exchanging over a dozen moves in an instant.
Zhu Zhuqing's lack of soul power was evident. In terms of strength, she was clearly at a disadvantage.
However, her martial spirit, the Netherworld Spirit Cat, far outclassed Huang Yuan's in quality.
Known for its speed, even with the difference in soul rings, Zhu Zhuqing managed to outpace Huang Yuan slightly, making speed her sole advantage.
Using her superior agility, she tried to maneuver around Huang Yuan.
But Huang Yuan wasn't easy to deal with. Recognizing her reliance on speed, he decisively activated his third soul skill, Heavenly Wolf Transformation.
The thousand-year soul skill increased his speed and attack power by 50%, allowing him to surpass Zhu Zhuqing in speed. He quickly closed the gap and attacked.
Zhu Zhuqing struggled to defend against his sharp wolf claws, retreating step by step under the pressure of his overwhelming power.
The tension on stage made those watching below increasingly anxious.
"Xiao Bei, what happened before was our fault, but Zhuqing is innocent. You can't take your anger at us out on her!" Flender pleaded, his eyes fixed on the match.
Zhu Zhuqing already had several small wounds from Huang Yuan's attacks. Though minor, the danger of more severe injuries loomed.
Flender was prepared to intervene if necessary, even if it meant disrupting the match to protect Zhu Zhuqing.
Dai Mubai, also growing increasingly worried, turned to Meng Bei and said:
"Xiao Bei, stop the fight! The difference in their soul power is too great. This isn't a fair match. If it's about revenge, let the Grandmaster fight instead of Zhuqing!"
The moment Dai Mubai said this, the Grandmaster's face darkened.
This remark publicly embarrassed him.
Meng Bei burst into laughter.
Dai Mubai's suggestion was outrageous—sending the Grandmaster to fight in Zhu Zhuqing's place.
What would the Grandmaster even do? Use his infamous Thunderous Fart Cannon, the "Luo San Pao," to battle Huang Yuan?
The thought of Huang Yuan dodging the Grandmaster's gaseous attacks was so absurd it made Meng Bei chuckle.
Meanwhile, the situation on stage worsened for Zhu Zhuqing. It seemed she was about to be seriously injured. Dai Mubai moved to the edge of the platform, ready to intervene.
Meng Bei stepped forward, grabbing Dai Mubai's arm to stop him.
"Relax, Mubai. Do you think I'm the kind of person who would hold a grudge against Zhuqing? This is just a standard test. If it becomes dangerous, I'll step in immediately."
Just as he finished speaking, Zhu Zhuqing's soul-power-enhanced claws broke under the force of Huang Yuan's attacks. His next strike aimed directly for her delicate neck.
Flender prepared to intervene, but before he could act, Meng Bei leapt onto the platform, grabbing Zhu Zhuqing by the waist and pulling her to safety.
Flender was shocked by Meng Bei's speed—it wasn't inferior to his own when not using martial spirit possession.
And Flender was a Soul Sage!
Meng Bei gently helped Zhu Zhuqing stand and then withdrew his hand.
However, Zhu Zhuqing, likely due to exhaustion from the prolonged battle, collapsed against him as soon as he let go.
Dai Mubai's sharp gaze immediately locked onto Meng Bei.
Not wanting to cause misunderstandings, Meng Bei carefully lowered Zhu Zhuqing to the ground without making any unnecessary moves.
He called Jiang Zhu to the stage to heal Zhu Zhuqing's minor wounds.
Jiang Zhu's appearance surprised the Shrek group again.
Another Soul Elder—and a healing-type support soul master at that!
It seemed Meng Bei wasn't lying. Huang Yuan was indeed one of the weaker members of his team.
Zhu Zhuqing quickly recovered with Jiang Zhu's help.
Meng Bei then turned his attention to Ma Hongjun.
"Your turn, Hongjun!"
He signaled for Tai Long to step forward.
"Tai Long, martial spirit: Great Strength Gorilla, Level 35 Power Attack-Type Soul Elder!"
Ma Hongjun's expression soured immediately.
Staring at the towering, intimidating Tai Long, he had a bad feeling about the upcoming match.
"Xiao Bei, can't I fight someone else?" Ma Hongjun pleaded miserably.
Meng Bei shook his head.
"Don't even think about it. Tai Long and you are both power attack types. It's a fair match to test your strength. It won't be too dangerous. Now, get up there!"
With that, Meng Bei gave Ma Hongjun a push, forcing him onto the stage.