During the past few days of rest, a small incident occurred. One evening, Ma Hongjun returned from outside, beaten so badly he looked like a pig's head.
Although Yang Xiong didn't think much of Ma Hongjun, he still went with the group to Soto City to teach that pervert Bu Le a lesson. The guy was indeed disgusting, so giving him a good beating was just a way to stretch their muscles.
On the sixth day of rest, Tang San gathered everyone in his room, where a variety of hidden weapons were already laid out on the table.
After a detailed introduction by Tang San, the weapons included Silent Sleeve Arrows, Stomp Crossbows, Low-Back Neck Crossbows, Sand-Shot Needles, Sky-Soaring Claws, and the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, among others.
Everyone was excited to see these hidden weapons, as they had already witnessed their power, especially the Zhuge Crossbow, which had proven highly effective against both Zhao Wuji and soul beasts.
Under Tang San's guidance, the group quickly became familiar with how to use the weapons, even equipping them on the spot.
Yang Xiong examined the various weapons. Most of them were mechanical-type hidden weapons, finely crafted and quite powerful. The metals used in their construction were clearly not ordinary, indicating Tang San had put a great deal of effort into their creation.
After observing and testing the weapons for a while, Yang Xiong put them all away.
Tang San asked, puzzled, "Yang Xiong, are you not satisfied with the weapons? Why haven't you equipped any?"
Yang Xiong smiled, "Thank you, Tang San. I really like these hidden weapons, they're excellent in both design and function. But they're not convenient for my body-refining practice, so I'll keep them for later use."
Tang San, who clearly cared about the group's opinion of his weapons, finally relaxed. "That makes sense. You train your body and take medicinal baths daily. These weapons could get damaged from the toxins. It's better to store them away."
The seven-day break ended quickly. Under the organization of Yu Xiaogang and Flender, the group began the second phase of their training, which took place in Soto City's Great Spirit Arena.
According to Yu Xiaogang's instructions, everyone had to earn both an individual Silver Spirit Fighting Badge and a team Silver Spirit Fighting Badge.
This presented a problem: a standard team consists of seven people, but Shrek now had eight, meaning one person couldn't participate each time.
Yu Xiaogang stated that the team had only one control-type spirit master, Tang San. Other than Tang San, the remaining seven members would take turns resting, with Tang San responsible for tactics.
Yang Xiong couldn't help but glance at Yu Xiaogang in disdain. It was obvious he was trying to elevate Tang San's status in the team.
But Yang Xiong didn't mind. His plan was to participate in one solo match and two duo matches daily. The seven-person team fights weren't very interesting to him.
He didn't care much for this type of group battle, it only existed for tournaments. Once one reached Soul King or Soul Emperor level, large team battles became rare. Individual strength was what really mattered.
Yu Xiaogang confidently said, "This phase of training may not look as intense, but I expect everyone to obtain a Silver Badge as quickly as possible. Especially for your team, that might be the hardest part."
"And for your safety, I'm implementing some rules. First, no one may show their real face, you must wear masks and use code names. Second, hidden weapons are strictly forbidden. Third, everyone must participate in at least two matches per day."
Oscar was a bit confused. "Master, Rongrong and I are both support-type spirit masters. It might not be easy for us to earn the Silver Badge."
Yu Xiaogang calmly replied, "That's easily handled. You can continue the first phase of training until everyone else earns their badge. Then you'll be considered to have completed your training."
Oscar and Ning Rongrong immediately looked discouraged, clearly intimidated by the difficulty of the first phase.
Oscar leaned on Yang Xiong's shoulder. "Brother Xiong, I'm counting on you. I can only earn points in duo and team battles."
Yang Xiong quickly pushed him away. "Don't get so close. Don't worry, I'll help you earn the badge. It's not a big deal."
"But you'll need to try your best too. Don't get eliminated in the first few seconds. Remember, when I fight with you, I'm up against two Soul Elders."
Just as Yang Xiong said, earning the Silver Badge wasn't a big challenge for him.
According to the arena rules, solo matches, duo matches, and even team matches all awarded individual points. Even support-type masters could earn points this way.
To get the badge quickly, though, you had to fight frequently.
Yang Xiong's plan was to fight in three to four matches every evening, usually including one team battle. Any more than that would be unnecessary.
Dai Mubai immediately partnered with Zhu Zhuqing to form the White Tiger duo. But since they'd be facing two Soul Elders, the pressure on Zhu Zhuqing was intense, after all, she was only at level 27.
Still, Zhu Zhuqing showed no fear and even seemed to trust Dai Mubai more than before.
Tang San and Xiao Wu had long been an unbeatable duo among Soul Elders.
Ma Hongjun was in a tough spot, he couldn't find a partner. Ning Rongrong clearly disliked him, Zhu Zhuqing had her hands full with duo and team battles, and his strength wasn't enough to participate in three matches a day. The other four were all Soul Elders, making it hard for a Grandmaster like him to team up.
Eventually, Ma Hongjun looked at Yang Xiong pleadingly. "Brother Xiong, how about we team up? We don't have to fight every day."
Yang Xiong thought for a moment before replying, "Fine, but if we team up, we'll fight every day until this training ends."
Ma Hongjun asked in surprise, "Brother Xiong, can you handle that? That means you'll be in five matches daily, including two against Soul Elders."
Yang Xiong grabbed his shoulder. "That's not your concern, Fatty. It's just one Grandmaster-level match. Just don't mess things up for me."
Everyone quickly signed up for their matches. Yang Xiong registered for four, one solo and three duo battles. As luck would have it, he didn't need to fight in a team match that day.
When everyone saw Yang Xiong's Bronze Badge, they were surprised. Even Dai Mubai, who had fought many matches, still only had an Iron Badge. Early in his Soul Elder days, he had lost a lot, and no one had partnered with him back then.
Yang Xiong, however, was shocked when he saw his first match opponent, it was Zhu Zhuqing.
Dai Mubai rushed over. "Brother, go easy on her, please. I'm begging you."
Yang Xiong smiled. "We're classmates, I won't go too hard."
Zhu Zhuqing, standing nearby, shot Dai Mubai a glare, clearly unhappy with what he said.
When the two stepped onto the stage, Zhu Zhuqing looked serious and icy cold.
She suddenly spoke, "Yang Xiong, can you show me your full strength?"
Yang Xiong looked puzzled. "Are you sure? I might hurt you."
Over the past three months, Yang Xiong had fought everyone, but Yu Xiaogang always arranged for him to face multiple opponents. He had never fought Zhu Zhuqing alone due to the vast difference in strength. This would be their first one-on-one match.
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. "I'm sure. We're the same age, and our spirit power is close. I want to see the true gap between us. Please use your full power."
Yang Xiong nodded. "Alright, but I hope you won't be discouraged."
As per the arena rules, they revealed their spirits and spirit rings. At the referee's command, the match began.
The two moved at lightning speed, appearing like black shadows clashing on stage.
Zhu Zhuqing didn't dare underestimate Yang Xiong. She immediately used her second spirit skill: Nether Hundred Claws.
She spun rapidly, her claws gleaming dangerously, striking dozens of times like a ghostly black cat. The attack had strong penetration power.
But Yang Xiong was just as fast, if not faster. His hands became silver claws, and he intercepted all of the claw strikes.
With a burst of force, Yang Xiong shattered all the claw shadows.
Zhu Zhuqing reacted quickly, trying to escape as a shadow.
But Yang Xiong's speed surged again, he appeared in front of her and struck.
Zhu Zhuqing gritted her teeth and used her first skill: Nether Thrust. Her claws extended and her speed doubled, aiming for Yang Xiong's chest to force him back.
Yang Xiong wasn't fazed. His claws formed a circular motion, blocking her attack directly.
Before Zhu Zhuqing could respond, she felt like she had lost control of her body. Her arms were being redirected, Yang Xiong had used a Taiji move: "Grasp the Sparrow's Tail," a soft technique to redirect force.
Before she could recover, Yang Xiong struck both her arms with lightning speed, forcing her to retreat.
Then he advanced and threw a punch. Zhu Zhuqing couldn't dodge in time and used her claws to block.
Pain shot through her hands. Still trying to resist, she was hit by a heavy whip kick to the shoulder.
With that, she was sent flying and crashed hard off the stage. Her hands were visibly trembling.
The audience gasped. This didn't look like a fair fight between peers, it was a one-sided defeat. Even after using two spirit skills, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't withstand two of Yang Xiong's attacks.
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