At that moment, over at Blazing Academy's team area, they were deep in discussion over their strategy for facing Shrek Academy.
With a faint smile on her lips, the red-haired girl with her hair cascading over her shoulders looked at her teammates and nodded seriously. "You're all aware of Shrek Academy's strength by now, aren't you?"
"Yeah."
"Of course."
Huo Wu said, "Then we proceed as planned. That Lin Jie from their team is bound to take the field. Our first priority is to eliminate him."
"But he's no pushover. Can we really pull it off?" the red-haired young man beside Huo Wu voiced his concern.
Huo Wu's gaze hardened. "What, don't tell me you lack confidence in us?"
"Not at all. I just think it's wise to stay cautious," the young man replied with a smile.
"Alright, it's nearly time. Get ready." Huo Wu's smile faded slightly as she recalled how Lin Jie had ignored her that day. She clenched her teeth quietly.
Meanwhile, Lin Jie finished briefing the Shrek team on Blazing Academy's capabilities and the tactics to expect. Before long, it was their turn to enter the arena.
"The first match of Round Eleven! Center Spirit Arena—Shrek Academy versus Blazing Academy!" the announcer's voice rang out as both teams entered the stage with confidence.
As the teams stepped onto the arena, the crowd erupted into cheers. Some fans supported Shrek Academy, others cheered for Blazing Academy. Soon, shouts turned into squabbles as fans of opposing teams began arguing. Still, it was clear—Shrek Academy had the larger share of support.
After all, Shrek had already defeated Elephant Armored Academy, one of the Five Elemental Academies. Everyone was eager to see how they would fare against Blazing Academy.
The Shrek Seven walked onto the stage, brimming with fighting spirit. Under Lin Jie's leadership, they had been unstoppable. Their goal was nothing less than the championship, and Blazing Academy was just another stepping stone along the way.
Their formation remained consistent: Dai Mubai, the team captain, stood at the front. Beside him were Huang Yuan and Tai Long, both strong attack and defense-focused fighters.
Lin Jie, as the control-type Spirit Master, held the central position. On either side were Xiao Wu, a close-range assault specialist, and Jing Ling, a speed-type attacker.
At the rear was Jiang Zhu, fulfilling the role of auxiliary support.
Arms crossed, Lin Jie calmly studied the opponents from Blazing Academy.
Blazing Academy's members looked to be around twenty years old.
Leading them was a young man of average build with red-grey hair, a red headband tied around his forehead. His eyes gleamed with battle spirit as he looked at the Shrek team.
This was Huo Wushuang, captain of Blazing Academy—a Rank 42 power-type Battle Spirit Master. His Martial Soul was a Fire Dragon, quite similar to Liu Erlong's, though her flames leaned more toward yin fire.
Behind Huo Wushuang stood a cold-faced man, who Lin Jie recognized from the intelligence files as a Rank 38 assault-type Spirit Master whose Martial Soul was a Fire Leopard.
Following him were a pair of twins—Huo Yun and Huo Yu—both speed-type Spirit Masters with the Fire Crane as their Martial Soul, each with Spirit Power at Rank 39.
Behind the twins were two tall young men and a girl. Based on their build, one might assume the two men were assault-types, but in reality, both were auxiliary-type Spirit Masters. Their Martial Soul was Fire Spark—a rare supportive Martial Soul that could enhance allies while also inflicting mild damage on enemies.
And standing between them was their control-type Spirit Master, and vice-captain of Blazing Academy—Huo Wu.
Huo Wu was an extremely beautiful girl with deep crimson waves cascading down her back. Her pale complexion, delicate features, and silver-flecked eyes made her stand out. Dressed in a golden-red uniform that accentuated her elegant figure and matched her flame-colored hair, she truly looked like a living flame. She carried herself with grace, her lips curled into a faint smile, and a subtle red aura shimmered around her.
As she caught sight of Lin Jie across the field, her gaze flickered like firelight.
Both teams lined up on opposite sides of the Spirit Arena. At the referee's call, they exchanged formal bows.
As they raised their heads again, Dai Mubai's eyes locked onto Huo Wushuang's, while Lin Jie's cold gaze met Huo Wu's. Sparks of hostility flew between them before the battle had even begun.
Huo Wu looked at Lin Jie and scoffed coldly. "Your winning streak ends here."
"We'll see," Lin Jie replied lightly.
After the formalities, both sides retreated into their formations. Shrek stuck with their tried-and-true 3-3-1 formation. It was basic, but highly practical.
Blazing Academy used a 1-1-2-3 formation, identical to their entry order. Compared to Shrek's formation, theirs leaned more toward aggressive offense, while Shrek's emphasized stability and adaptability.
"Both sides—release Martial Souls!" the referee shouted, quickly retreating from the platform.
Martial Souls flared into life as dazzling lights illuminated the stage.
Both teams had optimal Spirit Ring configurations, but a key difference was visible: Blazing Academy had only two Spirit Elders, while Shrek had three. More importantly, Shrek had Lin Jie, with his fearsome ten-thousand-year fourth ring.
Though Blazing Academy had watched footage of Shrek's past matches, facing that overwhelming aura at close range for the first time hit them with a pressure the audience simply couldn't feel.
Nervous tension spread among Blazing Academy's members. Against an evenly matched opponent, battle strategies could make the difference—but with a clear gap in strength, especially with someone like Lin Jie, things became much harder.
Still, remembering the formation Huo Wu had secretly briefed them on, the Blazing Academy team gradually regained their composure.
"Battle—begin!" The referee's shout marked the start of the match.
With a thunderous stomp, Dai Mubai launched himself forward toward Huo Wushuang.
Beside him, Huang Yuan and Tai Long surged ahead at full speed.
Boom! In that moment, all seven members of Blazing Academy activated their first Spirit Abilities in perfect sync. Blazing flames erupted from their bodies, bathing half the arena in searing heat.
Fiery red light surged above their heads, especially around the two support-type Spirit Masters at the rear. Countless glowing sparks swirled from their bodies and flew toward the blazing flames surrounding their teammates, strengthening them visibly.
As Huo Wushuang gathered enough fire energy above his head, he let out a piercing dragon roar. The flame wreath descended upon him, merging with his body.
Flames erupted violently from his body as a massive dragon-shaped phantom materialized behind him. His Martial Soul had fully possessed him, and his body grew significantly—especially his arms, which were now covered in dark red dragon scales.
Without hesitation, Huo Wushuang charged at the approaching Dai Mubai.
Beside him, the Fire Leopard Spirit Master followed suit.
At the same time, Huo Yun and Huo Yu, the twin speed-types, spread the flaming wings that emerged from their backs as their red aura solidified. With a single beat of their wings, they swooped low across the arena, headed straight for Lin Jie.
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