Douluo: Martial Soul of Lightning

Among the Shrek team, Lin Jie now stood as their strongest member—not only in spirit power but also in both strength and strategic thinking. Possessing the rare combination of control and power, he had naturally become the center of the group.

Although Dai Mubai still harbored some personal resentment toward Lin Jie, he couldn't deny his strength or commanding presence. He nodded and said,

"Lin Jie, you take command for this match."

"Yeah, Lin Jie, you lead," Oscar agreed, looking over.

Tang San also glanced at Lin Jie. While he believed his own tactical abilities were no less than Lin Jie's, with the team now generally following Lin Jie's lead, he had no reason to object.

Lin Jie nodded and said,

"I've heard about what happened before. Even if it was due to Prince Xue Xing, our academy still suffered public humiliation. As students of Shrek Academy, we should make them pay for that. This time, we'll crush them in under one minute. That's the only way to wipe away the disgrace. Are you all confident?"

"Absolutely!"

"No problem! With our current strength, wiping them out in a minute is easy," Dai Mubai grinned, a trace of mischief in his eyes.

"Good. Then for this match, it'll be me, Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu—three Spirit Elders—and Jiang Zhu, Tai Long, Jing Ling, and Huang Yuan. The seven of us will finish this in one minute," Lin Jie said firmly.

Dai Mubai clenched his tiger paw and smirked.

"That's right. One minute is all we need."

Though Tang San wouldn't be participating in this round, he had no objection to Lin Jie's arrangement.

A moment later, a tournament staff member came to summon Shrek Academy, though the tone clearly showed little faith in their ability.

The Shrek team made their way toward the stage. Compared to the regal and polished appearance of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy's Second Team, their own outfits looked plain, almost rustic—like blades of grass next to polished gemstones.

"Let's go. Time to step onto the stage," Dai Mubai said calmly.

At the center of the square was a wide dueling platform over 30 meters in diameter. Since this was only the first round, only one platform had been erected. By the following day, five platforms would be in place simultaneously. With 28 teams each playing 27 matches, every win would earn a point, and the top five teams in points would advance to the qualifying stage. Advancing meant earning a spot in the finals.

Led by Lin Jie, the twelve Shrek students lined up in a row on the stage, facing down the sixteen-member team from the Royal Academy.

Born into nobility, the Heaven Dou team members sneered at the sight of Shrek's plain appearance.

"Those toads actually think they belong in the Elite Tournament?" one of the Royal Academy students scoffed.

"Captain, how are we even in the same match as this garbage? I can't believe they even made it through the registration," another, speaking in a strangely effeminate tone, muttered.

Their team captain—short and smug—looked Xiao Wu up and down.

"What a waste on that little beauty. After the match, why don't you ditch your academy and come be this young master's concubine? That's far better than sticking with this trash heap."

Xiao Wu's eyes flared with anger.

"Tch! You? A eunuch and a sissy? You think you're worthy?"

"Who are you calling a sissy, you little wench?!"

"Whoever opened their mouth first!" Xiao Wu shot back without hesitation.

The diminutive team leader glared at her coldly.

"Very well. Don't blame me if you end up crippled. The tournament forbids killing, but accidents do happen."

Seeing tensions rise, the referee quickly stepped forward.

"Enough! Prepare for battle. Non-participating members, leave the stage!"

Once only the fourteen participating students remained, the referee walked to the center.

"Both sides, bow. The match is about to begin."

After a half-hearted bow, both teams took their formations.

Shrek's formation:

Center: Lin Jie

Vanguard: Dai Mubai

Flanks: Tai Long and Huang Yuan

Sides of Lin Jie: Xiao Wu and Jing Ling

Rear: Jiang Zhu

Heaven Dou Royal Academy fielded five power-type Spirit Masters at the front, forming a sturdy front line. Behind them were the short captain and a female student—clearly an auxiliary and a control-type Spirit Master.

VIP Viewing Box:

Emperor Xue Ye stroked his beard and smiled faintly.

"Sect Master Ning, it seems there's little suspense in this match."

Ning Fengzhi looked down at the platform, then nodded slightly in agreement. Upon seeing which members Shrek Academy had sent up, he too believed the outcome was clear.

Meanwhile, Salas, Platinum Bishop of Spirit Hall, turned and asked with a cold tone:

"Sect Master Ning, I'm still quite curious. Which team were you referring to earlier?"

Ning Fengzhi replied calmly,

"A little mystery makes the tournament more fun, doesn't it? Surely you have a team you favor as well, Bishop Salas?"

Salas narrowed his eyes.

"So you're choosing not to answer, then."

Before the tension could escalate, Emperor Xue Ye interjected,

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. The match is about to begin. I'm sure the truth will reveal itself in time."

Salas relented and looked away.

"As His Majesty says, we'll see soon enough."

Elsewhere in the VIP section, Prince Xue Xing seemed very pleased.

"This match is a done deal. Royal Academy will win easily. Our team is destined for the championship."

Not far from him, Meng ShenjiMeng Shenji, one of the top academic authorities in Heaven Dou, replied,

"I wouldn't be so sure. Shrek Academy has remarkable potential. I've personally seen one of their students withstand my pressure for a full incense stick's time—at only rank 33."

Xue Xing scoffed,

"Dean Meng, no need to raise the hopes of outsiders."

Back on the Arena:

The referee raised his voice,

"First round of the preliminary tournament—Match One: begin!"

As with traditional Spirit Arena battles, the match began with time for both sides to release their Martial Souls.

With a roar, Dai Mubai raised his fist and shouted:

"Brothers! It's time—release your Martial Souls!"

"White Tiger, possess!"

Two yellow and two purple Spirit Rings spiraled up from his body—powerful and awe-inspiring.

At his sides, Tai Long and Huang Yuan each released two yellow and one purple Spirit Ring.

The three assault-type Spirit Masters surged with force, facing off against their five opponents without flinching.

Next came Xiao Wu, Jing Ling, and Jiang Zhu—each also displaying the ideal spirit ring configuration: two yellow, one purple.

Gasps of surprise echoed throughout the stands.

"Impossible! They all have the best configuration!"

"And their spirit rings are top quality…"

"They might actually outclass the Royal Academy!"

Then, Lin Jie's spirit rings rose—two yellow, one purple... and one pitch-black.

A thousand-year spirit ring?!

The moment that fourth ring lit up, even the Royal Academy team froze.

And they weren't the only ones stunned.