Douluo: Starting with an Engagement to Zhu Zhuqing

Chapter 191: The Full Lineup

"All primary members?"

The entire team's eyes turned to Dai Yao in surprise, unable to hide their shock. They couldn't understand why he was making such a decision—after all, when they fought against the Godwind Academy, they didn't need their full lineup. Although Shrek was a black horse team, it was still generally considered to be less powerful than Godwind Academy.

"What's going on, kids?" Principal Jackson entered with a pleased smile. Auckland's success in the competition had been a delight to him. Seeing the team gathered around Dai Yao, he looked on in curiosity.

Da Yuan took a deep breath, turned, and said, "Principal, Dai Yao is suggesting we use our full lineup tomorrow."

Principal Jackson's gaze settled on Dai Yao, noting his serious expression. His heart skipped a beat; he had never seen Dai Yao look this focused—not even before their match with Godwind Academy.

"Son, would you mind telling me why?" Jackson asked gently.

Dai Yao exhaled slowly, scanning the team's curious faces. After a pause, he asked, "How much do you all know about the Shrek team?"

Everyone exchanged puzzled looks until Feng Qianli, expression darkening, spoke up:

"I make it a point to study our opponents beforehand. Shrek is a newcomer to the tournament, originally known as Lan Ba Academy. For reasons unknown, they've renamed themselves Shrek Academy."

"I'm familiar with a few of their previous members," he continued, "but the people I once knew are now merely substitutes. The current Shrek lineup is actually even stronger than ours."

"Stronger than us?" Da Yuan echoed, astonished. Others around him looked equally shocked. Auckland's team setup was formidable, comparable even to the best of the Five Element Academies, aside from a slight gap in auxiliary and control positions. How could an obscure team like Shrek be even better?

"Yes." Feng Qianli nodded. "To begin with, they have three strong offensive spirit masters: Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, and Ma Hongjun. Among them, Ma Hongjun possesses a top-tier beast spirit, the Fire Phoenix. I'm sure you all know the significance of that."

Hearing this, everyone's expressions grew solemn. A beast spirit like the Fire Phoenix was as coveted in the world of spirit masters as the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon.

"And then there's Xiao Wu, who has the Soft Bone Rabbit spirit. Based on the first 26 rounds, she's shown impressive skill, and her spirit abilities are shockingly powerful, some even bordering on abnormal. However, her performance can be inconsistent."

"An interesting thing to note," he added, "is that whenever Xiao Wu is injured, Shrek's control-type spirit master goes into a frenzy and performs at an extraordinary level."

"And the last one, Dai Mubai," he continued. "Like Dai Yao and Zhu Zhuqing, he and a sensitive offense spirit master named Zhu Zhu can use a spirit fusion technique known as the Netherworld White Tiger."

"Netherworld White Tiger?" the others murmured. "Isn't that the spirit fusion technique used by Dai Yao and Zhu Zhuqing?"

Questions bubbled up in everyone's minds, and their eyes turned to Dai Yao, seeking answers about his connection to this other Dai Mubai.

"You don't have to look at me like that," Dai Yao replied evenly. "I'll tell you: Dai Mubai and I come from the same clan. Both of us are bound by the family tradition of arranged marriages with the Zhu family. Dai Mubai's fiancée is Zhu Zhu, and mine is Zhuqing."

"Oh," Da Yuan remarked, "no wonder there are so many similarities between you and Dai Mubai."

He wanted to ask more, but Luo Ling, keenly perceptive, tugged on his sleeve to stop him, and he dropped the topic.

Clearing his throat to regain the team's attention, Feng Qianli continued, "Shrek's sensitive offense spirit master, as mentioned, is Zhu Zhu, who performs the fusion technique with Dai Mubai. Then there's their control spirit master, Tang San, who uses the Blue Silver Grass."

"Blue Silver Grass?" Da Yuan laughed, finding it hard to believe. Blue Silver Grass was notorious as a "trash" spirit—how could it possibly pair well with such a powerful lineup?

Luo Ling gave him a sharp pinch and whispered, "Don't be so quick to mock. Remember, Yu's spirit isn't exactly top-notch either."

Da Yuan quickly turned to Yu with an apology. "I'm sorry, Yu."

Yu chuckled, unfazed. "It's all good. I'm used to it by now. In fact, I remember hearing Tang San respond to a similar taunt once during a match, and his reply has stayed with me ever since."

Dai Yao's curiosity piqued. "What did he say?"

"He said, 'There's no such thing as a trash spirit, only trash spirit masters.'"

The room fell silent as everyone absorbed this statement. For spirit masters with average spirits, these words were a rallying cry, a reminder that they should never look down on their own spirit's potential. Through hard work and mental strength, they could reach the heights of even the most talented spirit masters.

Dai Yao sighed as he watched the team's morale lift. He knew better than to quash their hope with harsh truths.

The idea that "there's no such thing as a trash spirit, only trash spirit masters" came from Yu Xiaogang, but ironically, he himself remained limited to the level of a Great Spirit Master—an example of someone who never overcame the limits of his spirit. In the long history of the Tang Sect, Tang San had stubbornly appointed Blue Silver Grass users as sect leaders in search of someone to embody his legacy. Yet a thousand years passed without a single successful Blue Silver Grass master. It was a telling reminder of how deeply ingrained false beliefs could be.

Dai Yao chose not to argue the point, knowing that this sentiment, though flawed, gave ordinary spirit masters a sliver of hope in an otherwise rigid, oppressive world. Even if the hope was false, denying it would plunge these spirit masters into despair.

"It's an inspiring thought," Da Yuan admitted.

Feng Qianli nodded, carrying on. "Now, let's talk about Shrek's auxiliary spirit masters. They have two of them, which is unusual and noteworthy."

"Two auxiliaries? Interesting. What makes them so special?" Luo Feng asked, raising an eyebrow.

"One of them is a food-type spirit master with a spirit power above thirty. Not only can he provide them with versatile tactical options, but he can also help replenish their spirit power during battles."

"And the other?"

"The other has the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda spirit—the most powerful auxiliary spirit weapon in existence."

A shocked silence fell over the group. Now it made sense how Shrek had defeated so many teams. That spirit was renowned as the number one auxiliary spirit, highly coveted among spirit masters.

Dugu Yan gave a soft huff, lifting an eyebrow at Zhu Zhuqing before glancing at Dai Yao with a smirk. She hadn't forgotten how they'd once had to rely on the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to rescue Dai Yao from Dugu Bo's abduction, and she hadn't missed the hints of an "uncertain" relationship between Dai Yao and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's young princess. Zhu Zhuqing shook her head slightly, smiling at Dugu Yan's amusement.

"Well, no wonder their setup rivals ours," Da Yuan observed, still puzzled. "But is that enough to make Dai Yao feel we need to bring our full lineup?"

Dai Yao nodded, his expression serious.

"I'm not questioning your strength," he clarified, "but Shrek is truly formidable. They're more than just their setup; they have an uncommon unity and resilience in battle."

He met each of their eyes. "This match isn't about underestimating them or taking unnecessary risks. We're going in with our full strength so we don't leave any room for error. This is our last match before the qualifiers; we can't afford to make mistakes."

Feng Qianli gave a solemn nod, feeling the weight of Dai Yao's resolve. "Understood. We're in this together and with everything we've got."

"All right!" The team's excitement was rekindled, and they nodded in agreement. With their last match against Shrek on the horizon, they felt a surge of renewed energy. Dai Yao's decision had set the stage for a battle that no one on either side would forget.

Hearing Feng Qianli's explanation, everyone was left puzzled, with questions surfacing in their minds.

Dai Yao bowed his head, grappling with how to explain it to his teammates. He couldn't exactly say he knew the storyline, could he?

"Technically, no, we don't really need to use the full lineup," he admitted, "but I have a strong feeling… Shrek is going to be our toughest opponent this season."

He continued, "That Tang San—he gives me a real sense of danger. In tomorrow's match, there's a high chance he'll restrain me, keeping me from helping the rest of you."

Hearing this, Feng Qianli's pupils contracted sharply. Da Yuan blanched, Luo Ling paused mid-scold, her hand still on Da Yuan's ear, her face stunned. Luo Feng's jaw dropped, and Dou Yu's round face trembled.

Dugu Yan's eyes narrowed as she studied Dai Yao, trying to read his thoughts. Only Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong remained calm.

"Are you serious?" Feng Qianli's voice quivered. Normally composed, even he couldn't help but be shaken by Dai Yao's high assessment of Tang San.

Dai Yao's prowess had been unmatched; he had led Auckland on an undefeated run, defeating powerful teams like Thunder and Godwind without breaking a sweat. For someone of Tang San's caliber to pose a true threat—could that even be possible?

"Yes. If you're looking for the strongest competitors in this tournament, it's him and me." Dai Yao's tone was unwavering.

Even without many of the original story's advantages, Tang San's mastery of the Tang Sect's techniques and weapons alone was enough to warrant vigilance. In the world of Douluo Dalu, Tang Sect abilities functioned almost like cheats—underestimating them would be a lethal mistake.

Feng Qianli finally nodded. "In that case, we'll go in with our full lineup tomorrow." He still held some doubt, but he trusted Dai Yao's instincts unconditionally. After all, they had come this far largely because of Dai Yao's strength and insight. Even if this decision seemed excessive, Feng Qianli was willing to support him.

Dugu Yan played with a strand of her jade-green hair, her bewitching gaze resting on Dai Yao as she murmured in a silky yet icy tone, "It's been so long since I've had a decent match. I think it's about time I got back into it."

Hearing her words, several of the male members instinctively stepped back, recalling how ruthlessly she'd defeated them during training. They couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Shrek—those poor souls had no idea what they were in for.

After chatting for a while, everyone dispersed, heading toward Auckland's carriage. Just as Dai Yao was about to climb on, Jackson pulled him aside to talk in private.

"Thank you, my boy," Jackson said, his voice laced with emotion as he looked at the young man who had grown so much since joining Auckland.

"Thank me? For what, Grandpa Jackson?" Dai Yao asked, surprised.

Jackson shook his head with a chuckle. "You might not think much of it, but Auckland's accomplishments this season are largely thanks to you."

"That's what I'm here for."

Jackson sighed. "There's no need to be so humble. You chose us, Auckland. We didn't choose you—we didn't have the standing to. With you on any team, their success would be more or less guaranteed. Your choosing Auckland has been our fortune, and for that, I owe you my thanks."

Dai Yao looked uncomfortable, humbled by the words. For Jackson, a Soul Douluo, to be thanking him was more than he felt he deserved.

Jackson patted him on the shoulder, pride evident in his eyes. "The academy's success has exceeded all my expectations. For the first time in years, I can hold my head high in front of my old friends."

Then, with a serious look, he pointed to Dai Yao's chest and said, "Earlier, I overheard your conversation. It seems like you've got a lot weighing on you about tomorrow's match. This Tang San… you hold him in high regard, don't you?"

Dai Yao's pupils contracted briefly. After a moment, he nodded. "Yes."

"I may not know why Tang San is so important to you," Jackson continued, "but I want you to set aside any worries about the academy's performance. I know you've held back a lot, hiding your strength for the sake of team cohesion."

Jackson's eyes shone with encouragement. "You've carried enough of the academy's burden. Tomorrow is the final match of the qualifiers. Show everyone what you're really capable of. It's time for this young eagle to spread his wings."

Dai Yao's heart swelled with resolve, and he nodded firmly. "Thank you, Grandpa Jackson."

As they stepped out onto the open ground outside the Heavenly Arena, he noticed the Shrek team also exiting. Sensing something, he turned around and met Tang San's icy gaze.

"Grandpa Jackson, I'll be right back," he said, making up his mind to approach.

Jackson hesitated, noticing Shrek nearby, but nodded. "All right, but don't be long."

Dai Yao made his way over to the Shrek group, drawing curious stares from Grandmaster, Liu Erlong, and the rest. Without hesitation, he went straight to Tang San.

"Have you finished transcribing the information about the immortal herbs?" Dai Yao asked.

Tang San concealed his hostility, pulled out a book from his Twenty-Four Moonlit Bridges, and handed it over. "Here's the book. Where's the item?"

Dai Yao retrieved the Eight-Petal Orchid from his storage pouch, but as Tang San reached for it, he pulled back slightly.

"What's this? You having second thoughts?" Tang San's tone hardened.

"Not at all. But why don't you take a closer look at this one?" Dai Yao's hand moved again, and another herb appeared. This one was entirely green with three snow-white leaves in the center, on which several dewdrops glistened.

"The Autumn Water Dewdrop Herb!" Tang San's mind reeled as he recognized the plant. Though its potency was slightly less than the Eight-Petal Orchid's, it was a better match for his specific needs. A shadow crossed his face as he realized that Dai Yao always seemed to know exactly what he wanted. It was infuriating how often he found himself caught in Dai Yao's snare, feeling almost as if he were living in his shadow.

"I'll trade this one instead. How about it?" Dai Yao asked with a slight smile.

Tang San's eyes flickered with hesitation, but after a moment, he took the Autumn Water Dewdrop Herb, his gaze cold. "Fine. I'll take this one."

Dai Yao didn't rush, examining the book carefully. The information matched up with what he knew about immortal herbs, indicating Tang San hadn't dared to cut corners. As he flipped through, excitement filled him; with this knowledge, he could fully utilize the power of the Yin-Yang Ice-Fire Pool.

After securing the book in his pouch, he looked up and met Tang San's steely gaze. Memories flooded his mind: Tang San's shining moments in the tournament, his journey down the Road of Hell, the sacrifice in Star Dou Forest, his tribulations with the Clear Sky Clan, the Tian Dou palace upheaval, his rise on Sea God Island—all those legendary events passed through his thoughts like flickering images.

Taking a deep breath, he knew the time had come. He would face Tang San, his destined rival, head-on tomorrow.

This was the intersection of their fates. Tomorrow, he would sever Tang San's path to glory.

(Chapter End)

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