Welcome to the second match of Round Three — Spirit Hall Battle Team versus Heaven Dou Royal Academy!
The Spirit Hall team has three Soul Kings, with the highest spirit power at Level 52.
By contrast, the strongest of the Heaven Dou Royal team is only at Level 43.
"In terms of total spirit power, the gap is massive. But spirit power isn't everything—perhaps the Heaven Dou Royal team has some unexpected trump cards."
As the two teams stood in formation on stage, the host, He Si, introduced basic information about the contestants.
"The pressure and confidence rolling off them is unlike anything I've seen before," Dai Mubai said, watching the three leading members of the Spirit Hall team, clearly feeling inadequate.
"They must have gone through countless battles and defeated many opponents to have such a commanding presence," Tang San echoed, visibly impressed.
"Three Soul Kings, and with optimal spirit ring configurations, too. Damn… Looks like Lin Xuan has finally met his match," Ma Hongjun muttered helplessly.
"Even though Lin Xuan's at Level 53, only a bit stronger than them individually, facing three Soul Kings at once won't be easy," Xiao Wu analyzed.
"Lin Xuan, any thoughts?" Oscar leaned over and asked curiously.
Lin Fan slowly opened his eyes and looked toward the stage. "They're pretty good... but still a bit below me. It's been a long tournament—I was starting to get bored. Let's see if they can challenge me."
"As expected of Brother Lin Xuan—always confident," Ma Hongjun chuckled.
"Quiet down and watch closely. The match is about to begin," Yu Xiaogang reminded everyone seriously.
"Both teams are ready—match start!" He Si announced loudly.
As Hu Liena and her teammates released their spirits and spirit rings, a heavy pressure settled over the Heaven Dou team. Cold sweat trickled down Yu Tianheng's face.
"So strong…" he muttered. "Even if we can't win, we might be able to gather intel to help Shrek Academy handle them better."
Although they came from different schools, Shrek still represented the pride of the Heaven Dou Empire. As long as Shrek could win, it would be worth the loss.
"What's the matter? Frozen in fear?" Yan of the Spirit Hall team mocked. "Looks like we won't even need all of us—just us three should be more than enough. Surrender and save yourself the pain."
"You—!" Dugu Yan stepped forward angrily, but Yu Tianheng held her back.
"Surrender isn't an option. Fourth spirit skill—" Yu Tianheng started to activate his skill, but Hu Liena's technique triggered before he could finish.
His expression changed dramatically as his attack was forcibly interrupted.
"Don't look into her eyes!" he quickly warned.
"Oh? You think avoiding my gaze will help?" Hu Liena said seductively.
Suddenly, a red mist enveloped the entire Heaven Dou team.
"Damn it—I can't move! Her charm ability doesn't just suppress—it paralyzes. It's not like normal charm; her spirit itself is inherently seductive!"
"What's going on?! I really can't move!"
Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan both shouted in frustration.
"Heh, people call me the Heavenly Fox… but I prefer Enchanting Fox," Hu Liena said with a coy smile.
Just her alone had completely locked down all seven members of the Heaven Dou team.
"Her charm is different from Xiao Wu's—Hu Liena's doesn't rely solely on eye contact," Flender muttered.
"Then we're in trouble too, right? When we face her, won't we also be helpless?" Ma Hongjun said in alarm.
"Wait—what's that?" Ning Rongrong suddenly pointed at the stage.
No one noticed when it happened, but another figure had joined Hu Liena in the mist—a long-haired, androgynous person wielding a curved blade: Xie Yue.
A denser, darker red fog spread across the stage.
"Hu Liena and Xie Yue are siblings. That must be their spirit fusion technique — Enchanting Charm (妖魅). Their spirits, inherited from their mother and father respectively, create a fog that suppresses all senses, spirit power, and mobility by at least 50%," Yu Xiaogang explained.
"As expected of Spirit Hall... No wonder they're called the Golden Generation. This year's team is far stronger than any previous one," Liu Erlong sighed.
"It's over," Lin Fan said calmly.
As he spoke, one of the Heaven Dou team members was thrown out of the mist, unconscious.
"What? We didn't even hear a fight!" Dai Mubai was stunned.
"Exactly. No screams either, which means their sensory perception was so dulled they couldn't even feel themselves being taken down," Tang San reasoned.
One by one, the rest of the Heaven Dou members were tossed out, also unconscious.
"Yan Yan…" Dugu Bo, standing beside Xue Qinghe, looked on with concern.
"No need to panic, Poison Douluo. They're only lightly injured," Xue Qinghe assured him.
After about a minute, the red fog faded, revealing only Yu Tianheng, barely conscious and kneeling on the ground.
"For your family's sake, I'll spare your life," Xie Yue said coldly, then struck Yu Tianheng in the back, knocking him out.
"This match—Spirit Hall wins!" He said.
As Xie Yue stepped off the stage, he pointed his blade directly at Lin Fan. He said nothing, but his eyes were full of challenge.
Lin Fan didn't reply. If it came to that, he'd just beat him down harder.
"They say Spirit Hall's team is strong… seeing them now, I finally understand the fear," Yu Xiaogang said grimly.
"Besides Lin Xuan, the rest of our team might be completely useless against that fusion skill," Flender admitted.
"Lin Xuan, can you see through that red mist?" he asked.
"I can," Lin Fan answered calmly. "As long as Ning Rongrong gives me her full support."
With Round Three concluded, the top six teams had emerged.
For Round Four, the bracket shrank from six to three. Whether by coincidence or careful planning, Shrek Academy ended up against an obscure academy; Spirit Hall and the new Shenfeng team fought each other.
This narrowed the field to the final three teams: Shrek, Spirit Hall, and Shenfeng Academy.
"The fifth round format is the same as the qualifying rounds—individual duels. Winners go to the finals; the losers fight one more team battle for the last spot," Yu Xiaogang explained.
"That's why I suggest we forfeit the individual duels and head straight to the losers' bracket," he added.
"Teacher, why? With Lin Xuan, we could make it straight into the winner's bracket," Tang San asked, puzzled.
"Xiaogang, did you notice something?" Liu Erlong inquired.
You all know how Shenfeng was restructured. I suspect Spirit Hall will have them go all-out against us first, burning our energy and spirit power. So instead of facing seven, we'll face fourteen fighters.
Better to skip that and conserve our strength for the final team match.
Lin Xuan, your thoughts? Yu Xiaogang asked.
I agree, Lin Fan said without hesitation.