Late at night, Tang San was fully immersed in cultivating his Xuan Tian Technique. He had no idea that something was happening next door—something that, if he saw it, would make his eyes turn red, his breath rage like a bull, his arms stretch like an ape's, pounding his chest while letting out the agonized wails of a baboon.
Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar were cultivating together.
Even through a wall, faint sounds could be heard from the room next door. Of course, Tang San, being completely focused on cultivation, didn't notice.
"Mubai-giegie, Oscar-giegie, Hongjun-giegie, you've all worked hard today. Thank you," Xiao Wu said sweetly.
"Not at all! Not at all! Helping Xiao Wu fulfill her wish is our honor!"
"We originally planned to secretly throw the match, but didn't expect to lose so badly. Did we at least achieve your intended goal?"
"Of course! Compared to a staged loss, a real defeat is like a sharp knife—much more impactful. You all did great. Sorry for putting you through that, though."
"No, no, not at all. Compared to fulfilling your wish, Xiao Wu, the honor of Shrek Academy and that little loser mean nothing."
"Come, as a reward, I'll 'comfort' you all tonight. Let's cultivate together~"
The Next Day — the second round of the tournament began.
The first five rounds passed quickly. Finally, the sixth match was announced:
"Next match: Shrek Academy versus Dragon Elephant Academy. Both teams, please come to the stage."
Yu Tianheng approached Tang San and sneered:
"Little loser, sit back and watch closely. Learn how your big bro Tianheng brings glory to Shrek!"
Tang San just wanted to turn and walk away. He couldn't bear to see the person he loved using a spirit fusion skill with another man. He didn't want to see it—not again.
Just then, a gentle, sweet voice—tinged with a hint of expectation—whispered in his ear:
"Ah San-giegie, today is Xiao Wu's first match. Will you cheer for her?"
Tang San looked toward the voice and saw Xiao Wu gazing at him expectantly. For her, he couldn't say no.
With a stiff expression and a forced smile, he replied:
"Y-Yes... Xiao Wu-meimei, Ah San-giegie will be cheering for you from the sidelines."
Endure, Tang San told himself. Endure.
Yu Tianheng, Xiao Wu, and Er Ming walked toward the arena.
Tang San's heart was dark. He thought to himself:
It's fine—hopefully Yu Tianheng will lose in an equally humiliating way.
That would make us even.
Anyway, two losses are still within acceptable range.
"Hmph, Yu Tianheng, that damn mutt—he doesn't deserve to bring Shrek victory. Let him lose," Ma Hongjun blurted out loudly.
"Fatty, you can't say that," Tang San replied, waving his hand and pretending to be magnanimous. "After all, he's still a part of Shrek Academy. He's fighting for our honor. No matter how much we dislike him, we should still cheer him on."
"Ah San, you're so broad-minded, such a big man," Dai Mubai gave him a thumbs-up.
The Shrek team took the stage amid a wave of mockery:
"Isn't this the clown academy from yesterday? Can't wait to see what performance art they bring us today!"
"I'm betting on Dragon Elephant Academy. Shrek's trash."
"Anyone notice their uniform has fewer sponsor logos?"
"Pfft, they want ad money after losing like that? I wouldn't let my ad near that garbage uniform!"
In the VIP seats, Ning Fengzhi adjusted his glasses and thought to himself:
Looks like Shrek is finally responding to my expectations.
On the other side, Flender wiped the sweat from his forehead. Though their lineup had flaws, the fact that three Soul Kings were fielded was enough. If they won this match, they could calm the advertisers—and maybe even pick up more endorsements.
But at that moment, Yu Xiaogang gripped the railing tightly, his eyes bulging like goldfish. In his mind, a spiritual scream echoed:
Where is Tang San? Why didn't my disciple get fielded? This was a golden opportunity to make a name for himself!
What am I supposed to do now?!
The two teams lined up, and the referee announced:
"You have one minute to release your martial spirits and prepare. When the bell rings, the match begins."
Surrounded by jeers and curses, Yu Tianheng just curled his lips into a devilish smile.
Mock me harder. Mock me all you want.
Once I win decisively, it'll only prove how weak the team led by that little loser really was.
Xiao Wu belongs to the strong. Hahaha!
Then, Yu Tianheng raised one finger toward the opposing team.
"One minute."
The captain of Dragon Elephant Academy, Tuoba Luo, twitched with irritation.
"What do you mean by that?"
Yu Tianheng smiled smugly:
"If we don't knock out your entire team in one minute, we'll count it as our loss."
The crowd burst into laughter.
"What did he say? One minute?!"
"Did he forget how Shrek got wiped yesterday in thirty seconds?"
"Talk about delusional! Hahaha!"
"A team that got stomped yesterday dares to brag now?"
"Alright brothers, let's show them what we're made of."
On Dragon Elephan Academy's side, martial spirits were activated:
Three White-Armored Dragons
Three Diamond Mammoths
One Healing Staff as support
Their strength was solid—all Soul Ancestors, with the captain Tuoba Luo at Level 47, and soul rings in the standard Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple configuration.
A truly competitive team with championship potential.
Yu Tianheng snapped his fingers and activated his Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial spirit. A dragon's roar erupted, and his soul rings—Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black—surrounded him.
Then, Xiao Wu and Er Ming activated their martial spirits too, both Soul Kings with standard Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black ring setups.
Next, Ning Rongrong, Jing Ling, Jiang Zhu, and Huang Yuan activated their martial spirits.
Thus, Shrek's final team configuration appeared:
3 Soul Kings
1 Soul Ancestor
3 Soul Elders
A formidable force.
In an instant, the entire Soul Battle Arena fell silent.
Even though their performance yesterday was disgraceful, all mocking voices vanished the moment Yu Tianheng and his team revealed their strength.
Shrek's lineup, featuring three Soul Kings, completely overshadowed the opposing team composed solely of Soul Ancestors.
This was only the second team in the entire tournament to feature Soul Kings.
In the spectator stands, Flender adjusted his glasses and said, "Now then, I'd like to see who still dares to look down on the monsters of Shrek."
VIP Seating Area
Salas took a deep breath and said, "The quality of this Soul Master Tournament is really high. In previous years, a single Soul King could basically guarantee a championship. But this year... there are seven already."
He then looked meaningfully at Ning Fengzhi, saying, "I must admit, Sect Master Ning, your eye for talent is truly something."
Ning Fengzhi responded with a calm smile, "Bishop Salas, are you so sure that Shrek Academy is the team I mentioned? That said, I agree—they do have a real shot at the championship."
Salas stroked his beard and replied, "That's true. However, it will still be difficult for Shrek to win it all. After all, yesterday's Spark Team featured four Soul Kings, one of whom even had a rare self-martial soul fusion."
Back on the battlefield, as Shrek activated their martial souls, the Dragon Elephant Team began to look much more serious.
A moment later, the bell rang!
Yu Tianheng grabbed Xiao Wu's right hand, Er Ming grabbed her left, and the three slowly rose into the air, their bodies gradually aligning.
Behind them, three martial soul projections appeared: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, Titan Giant Ape, and Soft Bone Rabbit—forming a triangle.
As the three martial souls approached each other, an explosion of light engulfed the trio.
The light spread outward:
Blue lightning reached the spectators' seats,
Pink light symbolizing the Soft Bone Rabbit spread across the VIP section,
And green light from the Titan Giant Ape swept over Shrek's substitute bench.
Tang San, bathed in green light, clutched the railing tightly, his eyes red, breathing heavily as he watched the scene unfold.
He could clearly see Xiao Wu, Er Ming, and Yu Tianheng's bodies fusing together.
He was on the verge of exploding, when Dai Mubai placed a broad hand on his shoulder:
"San, it's just a martial soul fusion. It's not that big a deal. Just let it go."
Oscar added a hand to Tang San's shoulder and comforted him:
"San, be strong. I believe that Sister-in-law Xiao Wu loves only you. Tianheng and Er Ming are just… tools for the fusion."
Ma Hongjun chimed in, laying his hand on Tang San's shoulder as well:
"San, I don't think Xiao Wu has any other intentions. She's just doing this for Shrek's glory. It's just a martial soul fusion, after all. Of course you should forgive her."
Tai Long added his hand too, saying:
"My lord, we will always support you and the mistress being together. We'll stand firmly behind you."
Tang San's bloodshot eyes trembled. In the green light, he finally lowered his head, and tears slid down his cheeks.
Yes... it's nothing. It's just a martial soul fusion technique. Xiao Wu only used it to defeat the enemy.
All of this—it's Yu Tianheng's fault. And Er Ming's.Those two bastards on the path of death!
Who gave you permission to fuse martial souls with Xiao Wu? Who allowed it?!
Salas exclaimed, "That's… a martial soul fusion technique? With three people?!"
Even Ning Fengzhi, who had known about the technique beforehand, was still stunned by the display.
Now, he had even more confidence in Shrek winning it all. He smiled confidently and said to Salas:
"So then, Bishop Salas, in the face of this three-person fusion technique, who do you think is stronger—Spark Team or Shrek?
And more importantly, can the Spirit Hall defend its prize against these two rising teams?"
Salas replied coldly, "Spirit Hall's affairs are not your concern, Sect Master Ning."
Back in the arena...
From the center of the martial soul fusion, the three voices rang out in unison:
"Spirit Enchantment Ape-Dragon Transformation!"
ROAR—
From the chaotic light came a terrifying roar—blending the depth of a dragon and the wildness of a giant ape.
A muscled arm tore through the cocoon of light.
Dragon wings stretched out from the other side.
A dragon tail, covered in rabbit fur, swept out behind.
Finally, as the light dissipated, everyone saw the result of the fusion:
A massive beast with the body of a Titan Giant Ape, strong arms and legs, and a dragon's head, wings, and tail.
From its mouth protruded rabbit teeth, and its body was covered in soft pink fur.
For a moment, the entire stadium was dead silent.
Then, the crowd erupted in chaos:
"What the heck is that supposed to be?!"
"I don't really get it, but it looks insanely powerful. I mean… this is a fusion of three Soul Kings!"
The Ape-Dragon let out a roar, its presence enhanced by the Soft Bone Rabbit's charm ability—now turned into intimidation.
Opponents were frozen in fear.
Then in a flash, the creature teleported into the middle of the Dragon Elephant Team and unleashed a punch.
The fist, imbued with both the Titan Giant Ape's strength and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's thunder, smashed into a soul master with diamond mammoth martial soul—renowned for defense.
Yet the punch sank in like punching into cotton, and violent lightning spread out, causing massive internal damage.
In one strike, that soul master's vaunted defenses were torn apart, and his body was sent flying out of bounds.
Then the beast teleported again, landing in front of another opponent.
One punch. One down.
Again and again, until the entire enemy team had been knocked out in less than a minute.
Finally, the giant beast dissolved into light, which then split into three: Xiao Wu, Yu Tianheng, and Er Ming descended gently to the ground.
At that moment, the entire stadium was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Then, as though something snapped—the crowd exploded:
"Shrek! Shrek! Shrek!!"
Countless voices cheered for Shrek.
They had won—decisively—and changed public perception with overwhelming power.
Glory belonged to Shrek.
But Tang San could not feel even a hint of happiness.
He looked up and locked eyes with Yu Tianheng.
Yu Tianheng's gaze seemed to say:
"You little nobody—isn't your brother Tianheng awesome?!"
Shrek had just won an epic victory.
In the audience stands, Flender finally let out a sigh of relief and said:
"With a result like this, it should be enough to satisfy the sponsors."
However, Yu Xiaogang was sulking. Shrek had pulled off a legendary win, but the victory had nothing to do with Tang San — and if it had nothing to do with Tang San, then it didn't really have much to do with himself either.
Yesterday, Shrek had been carried off the stage on stretchers. Today, after the battle, every member of the Shrek team walked down proudly, strutting like triumphant roosters in a chorus of cheers and celebration.
Yu Tianheng stepped in front of Tang San and mocked:
"Hey, little loser. See that? I'm the one who brought this glory to Shrek. Only a true powerhouse like me deserves Xiao Wu. Got it?"
"Yu Tianheng—" Tang San's eyes turned red, panting like an enraged bull. "Don't get cocky. Your power is only temporary!"
Yu Tianheng glanced sideways at Tang San and said,
"Oh, I almost forgot you have that little Haotian Hammer Spirit. Oh my God, you're a Twin Spirit user, huh? You're like some kind of freakishly strong little Soul Sect brat—"
He then feigned fear and said with a mocking grin,
"Women are only drawn to the strong. Since I'm the one who's strong now, I'll just win Xiao Wu's heart and shape her into someone who belongs to me, Yu Tianheng. As for you, little loser—"
Yu Tianheng pulled out a green hat from his spirit tool and placed it firmly on Tang San's head, whispering:
"Train hard, and come back when you're strong enough to chase her. Don't worry, by then, I'll have Xiao Wu madly in love with me."
"Tianheng, I'll kill you!!" Tang San completely lost his temper.
In that moment, four hands gripped Tang San's shoulders. Behind him, the Shrek trio and Tailong spoke in unison:
"Calm down, Ah San (young master)!"
After Yu Tianheng left, Tang San's eyes were still bloodshot, steam puffing from his nostrils like a locomotive. In the distance, Xiao Wu approached. The moment he saw her, Tang San visibly calmed down — his eyes returned to normal, and his breathing evened out.
"Xiao Wu..." Tang San gazed at her, a strange calm blooming in his heart.
"Ah San-gege, how did I do?" Xiao Wu asked excitedly.
"Amazing. Xiao Wu, you were amazing," Tang San praised sincerely.
"Really? You really think so?" Xiao Wu's eyes sparkled with childlike innocence.
"Yes," Tang San nodded seriously.
Xiao Wu patted her chest confidently and said:
"In that case, Ah San-gege, you don't need to overwork yourself anymore. Just leave the rest of the matches to me, Tianheng-gege, and Er Ming-didi. With our Spirit Fusion Technique, I believe we can lead Shrek to ultimate victory!"
Tang San almost coughed up blood on the spot.
Calling him Er Ming-didi I can ignore... but now it's Tianheng-gege?! What's next, just 'Ah Heng'? Then 'hubby'?!
Tang San's face darkened.
"X-Xiao Wu… Ah San-gege really isn't that tired. It's not necessary for Xiao Wu-meimei to handle every match. Really, Ah San-gege can win matches too…"
"But your main spirit is just that trash Blue Silver Grass," Xiao Wu said gently. "You've only just reached Soul Sect, and you even lost badly yesterday… Xiao Wu really feels sorry for you. For the glory of Shrek, I hope you won't carry the burden alone. Let's share it together."
Though Tang San knew she meant well, he still felt a sharp pain in his chest.
He hated his current weakness.
He wanted to scream at Xiao Wu:
"No, Xiao Wu! My spirit isn't just Blue Silver Grass. It's the royal-blooded Blue Silver Emperor! Once it awakens, I will become powerful. I swear it!"
After Xiao Wu left, Dai Mubai said,
"Ah San, did you hear that? Xiao Wu still cares about you. It's just that your current performance is… honestly too poor. That's why that dog Yu Tianheng is pushing his luck."
Oscar stepped up to offer advice too:
"Ah San, the key is to endure. Even if your Blue Silver Grass is garbage now, you've got the Haotian Hammer! What are you afraid of? Just wait ten or twenty years — once you reach Titled Douluo level and then train the Haotian Hammer, who cares about the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon?"
Ten or twenty years… Tang San's head throbbed.
By then the damn flowers will have wilted already! Didn't you hear what Yu Tianheng said just now? He's planning to take my wife from my past life and shape her into his own!
Where the hell am I going to find ten or twenty years?!
Yu Tianheng's words had lit a fire of urgency and crisis in Tang San's heart.
Even if he had Twin Spirits, so what? Yu Tianheng was stronger right now.
He could even perform Spirit Fusion with Xiao Wu — with that kind of bond, Tang San's beloved from his past life might just slip away into his rival's arms.
Unacceptable.
He had to find a way to power up — fast.
Tang San raised his hand, and the spirit mark of the Haotian Hammer shimmered on the back of his hand.
Should I start training the Haotian Hammer now?
No — not yet.
Then he looked at the other hand, where the Blue Silver Grass spirit mark glowed.
A plan began to take shape in his mind.