Chapter 33: Team Battle
In the spacious lounge, the atmosphere was tense as the Shrek team prepared for their first team battle.
Supervisor Ao stood before them with a serious expression, his experienced eyes scanning each member.
"That team is called the Raging Bull Team, and they are your first opponents tonight," Supervisor Ao began, his tone grave. "All of them are Spirit Elders above Thirty-five, and their captain, Raging Iron Bull, has spirit power as high as thirty-ninth rank. This will not be an easy match."
Flender frowned slightly. "Supervisor Ao, isn't this arrangement a bit unfair? Our team has student who are still Spirit Grandmaster."
Supervisor Ao nodded slowly. "Yes, it's quite a coincidence today that all the teams registered for the team battle are full Spirit Elder teams, and the Raging Bull Team is the strongest among them, so I arranged them for you specifically."
He paused, then continued, "Don't mind how Captain Raging Iron Bull might act when you meet him. He often tries to intimidate opponents before matches—it's his strategy. Their team has already won five consecutive matches, and one more win will allow them to advance to the central fighting arena. They're hungry for victory."
Tang San's expression darkened further. Another strong opponent to face, and Chen Sheng would undoubtedly steal the spotlight again.
"Now that you know your opponents for the team battle, I'll take my leave," Supervisor Ao said with a slight smile. "I'm really looking forward to your performance in the upcoming team battle!"
He nodded respectfully at Chen Sheng and the others, his gaze lingering on Chen Sheng for a moment longer, then turned and left the lounge.
To be honest, based on the spirit power levels registered by the Shrek Team, they were still slightly weaker than the Raging Bull Team on paper. After all, their team had one Spirit Grandmaster, and the other Spirit Elders in the team, aside from the Evil Eyes White Tiger who couldn't participate, were all below thirty-fifth rank.
Could Chen Sheng, a single Spirit Ancestor, truly make up for the lack of combat power?Supervisor Ao wondered as he walked away. I'm genuinely curious to see what happens.
A moment later, an announcement echoed through the halls—the team battle was about to begin.
"Let's go. This is our first team battle, and it's a good chance to test our teamwork and strength," Chen Sheng said calmly, then started to lead everyone towards the arena.
Internally, Chen Sheng had already decided his approach. I'll let them struggle a bit first. No point in ending this too quickly—where's the fun in that? Besides, it's good for them to experience real combat pressure.
He wasn't worried at all. His true strength far exceeded what anyone knew. He wasn't just a Spirit Ancestor but a Spirit Emperor with combat power exceeding even a Super Douluo. If he really made a serious move, those people from the Raging Bull Team probably wouldn't even be able to withstand one casual attack from him.
But tonight was about the team, not just him.
---
The arena was packed with excited spectators. After witnessing Xiao Wu's brutal victory and Chen Sheng's overwhelming display earlier, the crowd was eager to see what the Shrek Team could do in a full team battle.
Supervisor Ao himself took the role of Host this time, standing at the center of the arena with a microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen!"
His voice boomed through the arena. "I believe everyone is familiar with the Raging Bull Team—they have already won five consecutive matches and are on the verge of advancing to the central fighting arena!"
Cheers erupted from one section of the crowd—clearly the Raging Bull Team had their fans.
"On the other side, we have the Shrek Team, participating in team battles for the first time tonight!"
Mixed reactions came from the audience. Some were skeptical, others curious after the earlier individual matches.
"I'm sure sharp-eyed people have already noticed something unusual," Supervisor Ao continued with a slight smile. "White Tiger God, clearly a Spirit Ancestor, is participating in a Spirit Elder-level team match. That's because this fighting arena currently does not have any fighting teams above the Spirit Ancestor level. Now, let's see which team will claim victory tonight—the experienced Raging Bull Team or the newcomer Shrek Team!"
The crowd roared with excitement.
"Next, let me introduce the detailed lineups of both teams!"
"Shrek Team!"
"Captain: White Tiger God! Spirit: Ancient White Tiger! Forty-two rank Attack System Battle Soul Ancestor!"
The crowd murmured—that absurd purple, purple, black, black ring configuration was still fresh in their minds.
"Team member: Soft Bones Demon Rabbit! Thirty-four rank Attack System Battle Soul Elder!"
More excited murmurs—the girl who had destroyed the Evil Eyes White Tiger so brutally.
"Team member: Seven Treasure Glazed Tile! Twenty-eight rank Support System Spirit Grandmaster!"
"Team member: Hell Civet! Thirty-two rank Agility-Attack System Spirit Elder!"
"Team member: Thousand Hands Asura! Thirty-three rank Control System Battle Soul Elder!"
"Team member: Evil Fire Phoenix! Thirty-two rank Attack System Spirit Elder!"
"Team member: Sausage Vendor! Thirty-one rank Food System Battle Soul Elder!"
Then Supervisor Ao introduced the Raging Bull Team with equal fanfare.
"Raging Bull Team!"
"Captain: Raging Iron Bull! Thirty-nine rank Strong Attack System Battle Soul Elder!"
"Team member: Stone Armor Rhino! Thirty-seven rank Defense System Battle Soul Elder!"
"Team member: Flame Bull! Thirty-five rank Attack System Battle Soul Elder!"
"Team member: Wind Horned Bull! Thirty-six rank Agility System Battle Soul Elder!"
"Team member: Earth Shaking Bull! Thirty-six rank Control System Battle Soul Elder!"
"Team member: Ni Hue! Thirty-five rank Support System Battle Soul Elder!"
"Team member: Iron Hide Bull! Thirty-five rank Defense System Battle Soul Elder!"
The Raging Bull Team looked formidable—seven powerful Spirit Elders, all with beast martial souls emphasizing raw power and defense. Their captain, Raging Iron Bull, was a massive man with bulging muscles, his eyes filled with aggressive confidence.
As both teams took their positions on opposite ends of the arena, Raging Iron Bull sneered loudly, "Little brats! Prepare to be trampled! We'll crush you quickly so we can move on to the central arena!"
His teammates laughed arrogantly, clearly underestimating the Shrek Team despite the warnings about White Tiger God and Soft Bones Demon Rabbit.
Chen Sheng simply smiled calmly, his hands casually folded on his chest. "We'll see about that."
Supervisor Ao raised his hand high, the entire arena falling silent in anticipation.
"Battle... START!"
His hand dropped, and chaos immediately erupted.
"Seven Treasure has a name! First is: Strength!"
"Seven Treasure has a name! Second is: Speed!"
Ning Rongrong's clear voice rang out as she held her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in her palm. The beautiful pagoda glowed with brilliant light, and streams of colorful energy shot toward the main attackers—excluding Chen Sheng, who didn't need the boost.
Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun, and even Tang San all felt their strength and speed increase by thirty percent instantly.
On the Raging Bull Team's side, their Ni Hue Soul Master also immediately raised his martial soul—a large metal plate—and applied attack and speed buffs to his teammates, though not as powerful as Ning Rongrong's legendary support.
The Shrek Team quickly adopted a three-one-one-two formation as planned.
Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ma Hongjun positioned themselves at the front for aggressive attacks.
Tang San stood in the middle as the control core.
And Chen Sheng positioned himself calmly in front of Ning Rongrong and Oscar, acting as the final guardian to protect the two support Spirit Masters from any harm.
His current task was deliberately simple: watch the battle unfold while ensuring the support members remained completely safe. He wanted to see how his teammates would handle real pressure.
Tang San immediately took command, his voice sharp and authoritative. "Zhuqing, Fatty, you two split and go from the left and right sides to cut off the opponent's back row! Xiao Wu, you and I will stop their captain, Raging Iron Bull!"
Instantly, Zhu Zhuqing's lithe figure blurred into motion, moving at extreme speed as she used Phantom Steps to circle from the edge of the arena toward the opponents' rear.
Ma Hongjun attacked from the opposite side, his rotund body moving surprisingly fast. His first spirit ring lit up brilliantly. "Phoenix Fire Wire!"
Thin streams of evil fire shot toward the enemy formation.
Xiao Wu frowned slightly, feeling Tang San's command was a bit questionable—shouldn't they focus on coordinated attacks rather than splitting up immediately? But thinking that someone did need to tie down the powerful thirty-ninth rank captain, she didn't voice her objection.
"Second Spirit Ability: Charm!"
Xiao Wu's beautiful pink eyes glowed as she immediately activated her most powerful control ability, targeting Raging Iron Bull directly. Her charm could potentially confuse and control male opponents.
But Raging Iron Bull's second spirit ring flashed. "Bull's Rage! Immunity!"
His eyes glowed red as he shook off the charm attempt with pure willpower and berserk energy. "Nice try, little bunny! But it won't work on me!"
Meanwhile, Tang San positioned himself in the center, his hands moving rapidly. "First Spirit Ability: Blue Silver Binding!"
A massive amount of Blue Silver Grass suddenly erupted from the arena floor, the tough vines growing at incredible speed as they attacked the Raging Bull Team members, attempting to entangle and restrict their movements.
But the Raging Bull Team was experienced and coordinated.
"Stone Armor Rhino! Defense formation!" their captain roared.
The bulky Stone Armor Rhino Spirit Master slammed his fists together, and his second spirit ring glowed. Thick stone armor covered all nearby teammates, significantly increasing their defense.
"Earth Shaking Bull! Counter their control!"
The Earth Shaking Bull Spirit Master stomped heavily on the ground. His third spirit ring activated, and the entire arena floor trembled violently. Earth and rocks shot upward, destroying Tang San's Blue Silver Grass bindings before they could take hold.
"Flame Bull! Iron Hide Bull! Crush their frontline!"
Two powerful Spirit Elders charged forward with terrifying momentum, their combined weight and power like a stampede.
Xiao Wu had to dodge back rapidly as Flame Bull's fire-covered fist nearly struck her. "They're too coordinated!" she called out.
Zhu Zhuqing, who had circled around back, tried to attack the enemy support, but Wind Horned Bull intercepted her with incredible agility of Wind attribute and higher soul power. "Really fast, kitty!"
His wind-enhanced speed matched hers, blocking her path.
Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Fire Wire was blocked by Iron Hide Bull's defensive techniques. "Damn! Their defense is too strong!" the fat Spirit Elder cursed.
Tang San gritted his teeth, trying to maintain control of the battlefield, but the Raging Bull Team's experience was evident. They weren't easily disrupted.
Within just two minutes of combat, it became painfully clear—the Raging Bull Team was gaining the upper hand.
Their captain, Raging Iron Bull, was overwhelming Xiao Wu with pure power. Even though she was skilled, the five-rank difference was significant.
"Xiao Wu, fall back!" Tang San shouted, trying to support her with more Blue Silver Grass, but Earth Shaking Bull kept destroying his constructs.
Zhu Zhuqing was locked in combat with Wind Horned Bull, unable to break through to the back line.
Ma Hongjun was being pushed back by Flame Bull and Iron Hide Bull's combined assault.
The Shrek Team was being systematically dismantled by the experienced opponents.
In the crowd, spectators began murmuring.
"See? I told you the Raging Bull Team was too experienced!"
"The Shrek Team has some talented individuals, but as a team, they lack coordination!"
"That White Tiger God is just standing there doing nothing! Is he scared?"
Yu Xiaogang, watching from the sidelines, had a complicated expression. Part of him wanted to see Tang San succeed, but another part felt a twisted satisfaction seeing the team struggle without his "guidance."
Flender's face was tense. "This isn't good. They're being overwhelmed."
Zhao Wuji nodded grimly. "The Raging Bull Team's coordination is on another level. Our students need more experience."
On the arena, the situation was becoming desperate.
Raging Iron Bull's fourth spirit ring suddenly lit up. "Raging Bull Charge!"
His entire body glowed with violent red energy as he charged at Xiao Wu like a freight train, his power magnified tremendously.
"Xiao Wu, watch out!" Tang San screamed.
Xiao Wu tried to dodge, but her previous movements had positioned her poorly. The charge was too fast, too powerful—
BOOM!
A figure suddenly appeared between Xiao Wu and the charging captain.
Chen Sheng stood there calmly, one hand casually extended.
CRACK!
He caught Raging Iron Bull's full-powered charge with a single palm, stopping the massive Spirit Elder completely in his tracks. The shockwave from the impact cracked the arena floor in a spider-web pattern, but Chen Sheng didn't move even a single centimeter.
The entire arena fell into shocked silence.
Raging Iron Bull's eyes went wide.
"What?....!"
Chen Sheng's expression was still relaxed, almost bored. "Sorry, but I think playtime is over now. You guys were getting a bit too rough with my teammates."
With a simple palm strike on the chest, Raging Iron Bull was sent flying across the arena like a cannonball, crashing into his own teammates.
BOOM!
CRASH!
THUD!
Three Spirit Elders went down in a tangled heap.
"Captain!" the others shouted in alarm.
But Chen Sheng was already moving.
Chen Sheng casually waved his hand, and a massive white tiger claw made of thunderous Spirt energy materialized in the air, sweeping across the arena.
SLASH!
Stone Armor Rhino's defensive formation shattered like paper. The defensive Spirit Elder coughed blood as he was knocked out of the arena entirely.
"One down," Chen Sheng said mildly.
Flame Bull and Iron Hide Bull charged at him together, hoping their combined strength would make a difference.
Chen Sheng didn't even bother to dodge. He simply punched forward with his left hand and kicked with his right leg simultaneously.
BAM!
CRACK!
Both Spirit Elders were sent flying in opposite directions, crashing heavily and rolling multiple times before coming to a stop, unconscious.
"Two, three..."
Earth Shaking Bull, panicking now, activated his strongest control ability. "Earth Prison!"
Thick walls of stone and earth erupted around Chen Sheng, attempting to trap him in a solid cage.
Chen Sheng raised an eyebrow. "Interesting."
He didn't use any spirit ability. He simply clenched his fist and punched forward casually.
BOOM!
The entire earth prison exploded into dust and rubble. His raw physical strength, thanks to his awakened Dragon Elephant cells—was more than enough to destroy such techniques without effort.
Earth Shaking Bull stood frozen in disbelief. "Impossible..."
Chen Sheng appeared in front of him in an instant. "You're pretty good at control techniques. But the level difference is just too much."
A light chop to the neck, and Earth Shaking Bull collapsed unconscious.
"Four."
Wind Horned Bull, who had been fighting Zhu Zhuqing, immediately tried to flee toward the edge of the arena, his survival instincts screaming.
Chen Sheng waved his white tiger claw filled with thunder power.
CRASH!
BOOM!
A massive bolt of purple lightning came from seemingly claw of white tiger, striking Wind Horned Bull with pinpoint accuracy. The agile Spirit Elder convulsed and collapsed, smoke rising from his body.
"Five."
Ni Hue, the support Spirit Master, fell to his knees, raising his hands in surrender. "I give up! I surrender! Please don't hit me!"
Chen Sheng nodded casually. "Smart choice."
That left only the captain, Raging Iron Bull, who was struggling to stand up, his body battered and bruised.
"You... who the hell are you?!" he gasped. "No normal Spirit Ancestor should have this kind of power!"
Chen Sheng walked toward him slowly, his hands back in his pockets. "Just a guy who wanted to let his teammates get some practice. Unfortunately, you guys got a bit too aggressive."
Raging Iron Bull gritted his teeth and activated his final trump card. "You think you've won? Think again! Third Spirit Ability: Berserk Bull Transformation!"
His body suddenly swelled with muscle, red energy radiating from every pore. His power doubled, and his injuries seemed to fade from the adrenaline and rage.
"Now I'll show you my true strength!" he roared, charging at Chen Sheng with everything he had.
Chen Sheng sighed. "I really didn't want to embarrass you further, but..."
His third spirit ring—lit up with blinding white light mixed with golden radiance and thunder.
"Third Spirit Ability: White Tiger God Transformation!"
ROOOAAAAR!
A massive, divine white tiger phantom appeared behind Chen Sheng, radiating overwhelming pressure. All his attributes increased by three hundred fifty percent.
The pressure alone made Raging Iron Bull freeze mid-charge, his legs trembling uncontrollably.
"What... what is this pressure?!" He felt like he was facing an ancient predator, something his beast martial soul instinctively feared.
Chen Sheng appeared in front of him in a casual flash. "Sorry. Game over."
BOOM!
A simple palm strike to the chest, and Raging Iron Bull was launched into the air, flying in a clean arc across the entire arena before crashing into the protective barrier at the edge. He slid down slowly, completely unconscious.
Silence.
Absolute silence filled the entire arena.
Supervisor Ao stood at the edge, his mouth slightly open in shock. Even with his experience, he had never witnessed such a one-sided reversal.
Then, like a dam breaking, the crowd exploded.
"WHITE TIGER GOD!
WHITE TIGER GOD!
WHITE TIGER GOD!"
The chant shook the very foundations of the arena.
Chen Sheng walked back calmly to where Ning Rongrong and Oscar stood, his expression unchanged. "Everyone alright back here?"
Ning Rongrong's eyes sparkled with obvious admiration. "That was incredible, Chen Sheng!"
Oscar nodded enthusiastically. "Boss, you're amazing! You took down their entire team in less than a minute!"
Xiao Wu ran over and hugged Chen Sheng's arm affectionately. "Brother Sheng! You're the best!"
[Detected! Xiao Wu's love and admiration emotion. Congratulations to Host, Treasure Chest acquired!]
[Detected! Ning Rongrong's amazement and growing affection. Congratulations to Host, Treasure Chest acquired!]
[Detected! Zhu Zhuqing's respect and admiration. Congratulations to Host, Treasure Chest acquired!]
Zhu Zhuqing approached more quietly, but her usually cold eyes showed clear warmth. "Thank you for the rescue, Young Master Chen."
Tang San stood in the middle of the arena, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His face was a mixture of shame, anger, and deep jealousy.
Once again... once again he stole everything! My commands, my strategy, none of it mattered! He just stood there watching us struggle, then swept in at the last moment to take all the glory!
[Detected! Tang San's Unwillingness and envy. Congratulations to Host, Treasure Chest acquired!]
Ma Hongjun and Oscar, however, were simply happy. "We won! We actually won!"
Supervisor Ao finally recovered his composure and raised the microphone. "The match is over! The winner is... the Shrek Team!"
ROOOAAAAAR!
The crowd went absolutely wild. This was the kind of dramatic, overwhelming display they had paid to see.
In the VIP section, Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin exchanged meaningful looks.
"That boy," Ning Fengzhi said quietly, "he wasn't even using his full strength, was he?"
Chen Xin shook his head with a complex expression. "Not even close. I could see it clearly—he was holding back tremendously. His true combat power... it's terrifying, Fengzhi. That young man might already be comparable to Spirit Saint."
Ning Fengzhi's eyes widened slightly. "A thirteen-year-old with Spirit Saint combat power?"
"Perhaps even higher," Chen Xin murmured. "The depth of his strength... I cannot see its limits."
[Detected! Ning Fengzhi amazement and shock. Congratulations to Host, Treasure Chest acquired!]
On the arena, medical staff rushed in to treat the defeated Raging Bull Team members. Most were just unconscious or had minor injuries—Chen Sheng had clearly controlled his strength to avoid causing permanent harm.
As the Shrek Team walked off the arena, the crowd's cheers followed them.
But within the team itself, the cracks were becoming more obvious.
Chen Sheng, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing walked together, laughing and talking.
Tang San walked separately, his mind churning with dark thoughts. Ma Hongjun and Oscar trailed behind, uncertain where they fit in this increasingly divided team.
Yu Xiaogang stood in the corner, his expression twisted with jealousy and hatred. That boy... he makes a mockery of everything I've studied! How can someone so young possess such overwhelming power?! It's not natural! It's not fair!
[Detected! Yu Xiaogang amazement and envy. Congratulations to Host, Treasure Chest acquired!]
Flender, however, was all smiles. His greedy mind was already calculating the increased betting earnings and the reputation boost for Shrek Academy.
"Excellent work, everyone!" Flender said cheerfully. "With this victory, our academy's name will spread even further!"
As they returned to the lounge, Xiao Wu stayed close to Chen Sheng, her hand finding his naturally.
Ning Rongrong walked on his other side, occasionally glancing at him with obvious interest.
Zhu Zhuqing followed just behind, her cold exterior hiding the growing warmth in her heart.
Tang San watched all of this from behind, his hatred growing deeper with each passing moment.
Chen Sheng... one day, I will surpass you. One day, everyone will see that I, Tang San, am the true genius. You just had better opportunities, better luck. But I have the knowledge of the Tang Sect, the legacy of my father's Clear Sky Hammer, and the determination to rise above everyone.
Just you wait.
[Detected! Tang San's Jealousy and growing hate. Congratulations to Host, Treasure Chest acquired!]
---