Yan's sudden intervention came without the slightest warning. A massive slab of granite materialized and blocked that deadly hammer strike for Huo Wu. His teammates were completely stunned.
By the time they came back to their senses, Yan had already vanished from sight.
He now walked slowly from the edge of the stage toward Feng Xiaotian and Huo Wu.
The events that had just transpired happened far too quickly for anyone to fully comprehend.
Everyone watching was shocked.
No one had expected Yan and Feng Xiaotian to move simultaneously, rescuing Huo Wu from Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer.
The spectator stands erupted.
Flender abruptly shouted:
"Referee! Judges! I protest! They blatantly interfered with the match to help Blazing Academy—this is completely unfair!"
Even the referee looked bewildered. Nothing like this had ever happened in the Continental Spirit Master Tournament.
The judges exchanged confused looks, unsure what to do.
"Shut your mouth."
Yan's voice exploded like thunder, shaking the entire arena. Silence fell instantly.
Everyone in Spirit City knew that Yan was the strongest member of the Spirit Hall Academy team—one of Bibi Dong's personally chosen key talents.
This was the first time Yan had acted in the tournament, and it wasn't even for a match.
Standing beside Huo Wu, his eyes shimmered with molten gold-red light—enough to make one's heart tremble.
Even when facing someone far stronger than himself, like Flender, he showed no fear.
"There is a rule in the Spirit Master Tournament: participants may not be killed. This is Spirit City. As a member of Spirit Hall, it is also my duty to protect the lives of the competing students.
Since Blazing Academy had already surrendered, the battle was over. You should have ceased your attack.
But Tang San did not stop. Why? Was it deliberate retaliation simply because you lost once before?"
The Blazing Academy instructor angrily added:
"Exactly! We clearly declared surrender—are you people deaf?!"
Yan's reasoning was airtight, leaving Flender unable to reply.
Tang San retorted:
"You think I didn't want to stop? Once this hammer technique is set in motion, even I can't control it!"
"Oh, really?"
Yan snorted coldly.
"In the end, it was malicious intent. You knew you couldn't control your weapon, yet you still used it on your opponent, disregarding her life. Is this the 'Shrek style' you're so proud of?"
Seeing Tang San being reprimanded, the other Shrek members stepped forward angrily.
Dai Mubai glared at Yan.
"This is our match against Blazing Academy. What does it have to do with an outsider like you? You have no right to interfere!"
"That's enough! All of you—stop talking."
Yu Xiaogang suddenly roared.
He didn't want things to escalate any further.
"Referee, there was an incident just now, but it wasn't intentional. You can announce the result now."
The referee looked toward the judges. Seeing them nod, he announced loudly:
"Since Blazing Academy has voluntarily surrendered, the winner of this match is Shrek Academy. Congratulations to Shrek Academy for advancing to the final three."
Yu Xiaogang shot a look at the Shrek Seven, and they understood—quickly exiting the stage.
With help from his teammates, Huo Wushuang approached Huo Wu and Yan.
"Little sister, are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Thanks to Brother Yan and Brother Tian's timely rescue. Brother, what about you?"
"Thanks to Huo Yun and Huo Yu helping me block the hit, I'm not badly hurt. A couple of days' rest will do."
"Brother Yan, Brother Tian—thank you."
"No need."
Watching Shrek's backs as they left, Feng Xiaotian still hadn't calmed his anger.
"Those guys are despicable—always using dirty tricks. If we meet them next time, I'll make sure they pay!"
Yan reminded him:
"Don't underestimate them. With Yu Xiaogang around, they'll have plenty of tactics. They may even be hiding more powerful trump cards."
"Yes… Brother Yan is right. Even though we prepared beforehand, we still fell into their plans."
Huo Wu said angrily, unwilling to accept defeat.
Feng Xiaotian comforted her:
"Huo Wu, I'll avenge you and your team—count on it."
Yan glanced toward Spirit Hall Academy's rest area—Xie Yue was waving at him.
"Alright, I need to go. See you in three days. You should get treated quickly."
"Brother Yan, thank you so much today."
"Stop saying that. I can't just stand by and watch a friend's life be in danger."
At that moment, Shui Bing'er walked over.
Yan only greeted her briefly before returning to his team.
As they walked back to the academy, the team chatted.
Li Kai said:
"Brother Yan, when you rushed in for Huo Wu, you really scared us."
"You don't understand. Tang San unleashed the Clear Sky Hammer under the combined boosts of Ning Rongrong and Oscar. The power was monstrous. In that situation, Huo Wu couldn't possibly withstand it—she might have died. Even if Blazing Academy hadn't surrendered, I would've acted."
"Brother Yan, you're amazing!"
Li Kai gave him a big thumbs-up.
Sun Chuantao added:
"Even though Blazing Academy lost, we got a clearer understanding of Shrek's strength. Just like Brother Yan said—among the final three, the only team that poses any real threat to us is Shrek."
"Indeed. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect truly deserves its title as the number one support sect. As Ning Fengzhi's daughter, Ning Rongrong's buffs are terrifying."
After Xie Yue finished speaking, Xu Yu added:
"And that sausage-making spirit master—his support isn't simple either."
Hu Liena, who had been silent, suddenly said:
"No matter what, the final championship will belong to Spirit Hall Academy."
"Of course."
"Spirit Hall will win!"
The team echoed in agreement—every one of them brimming with confidence.
On the other side.
Led by Yu Xiaogang, the Shrek team left the arena and headed toward the hotel.
No one spoke. They weren't celebrating the victory.
Yan's intervention cast a heavy shadow over their hearts.
They had known Yan cultivated dual fire–earth attributes, but they hadn't realized his earth-attribute defense was that strong.
Thinking back on Yan's words, Tang San felt furious.
If Yan hadn't appeared and blocked that strike, he would have severely injured Huo Wu—repaying the humiliation she once dealt him.
Yu Xiaogang suddenly patted Tang San's shoulder.
"Xiao San, I know what you're thinking. But today, you nearly caused a disaster."
"Teacher… what do you mean?"
"Do you know Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang's true identity?"
Tang San shook his head.
His attention had always been focused solely on Spirit Hall Academy. He hadn't bothered learning about others.
"Teacher… who are they?"
"Their father is Huo Tianming—the dean of Blazing Academy."
"What?!"
Tang San was stunned.
"No wonder those siblings were so arrogant… If I had severely injured Huo Wu, it would have caused serious trouble—not only with Blazing Academy, but also with Godwind Academy and even Tianshui Academy, who are on good terms with them."
"It's good you understand. In this sense, Yan actually prevented the situation from getting worse. But that's no longer important. Focus on preparing for the finals in three days."
"…Alright, teacher."
After dinner, Yu Xiaogang was discussing strategies with the Shrek Seven when Xue Qinghe suddenly arrived.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
"No need for formalities."
Xue Qinghe's gaze swept across them.
"Congratulations. I did not expect the team that placed fifth in the Heaven Dou division to make it to the final three of the Continental Finals. Spirit Hall Academy is strong, but anything is possible. I believe Shrek Academy will create even more miracles."
"We will give our all and not fail the Emperor or Your Highness."
"Good. I have faith in you. Continue your discussion—I won't disturb you."
"Respectfully seeing Your Highness off."
After Xue Qinghe left, the discussion resumed.
Time passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, it was the night before the finals.
After dinner, Tang San went to Xiao Wu's room.
"Xiao Wu, you've seemed unsettled all day. What is it—are you afraid?"
"No… I'm not afraid of that vicious woman. I'm just… worried."
"You're afraid of dragging us down?"
Xiao Wu nodded lightly.
"If that vicious woman learns you've taken in a transformed spirit beast, she'll punish you… all of you."
"Don't worry."
Tang San took out a faintly glowing white herb from his Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse.
"Take another Deodorizing Grass before meeting Bibi Dong. It'll strengthen the concealment of your spirit beast aura."
"Mm."
"But remember what I told you—if your blood spills in large amounts, or if you push your spirit power to its limits, your spirit beast aura will leak. You must avoid getting injured at all costs."
"…I know."
"No matter what, I will protect you. Even if it costs my life, I won't let anyone hurt you."
"Brother… I'm so lucky to have you."
Moved, Xiao Wu threw herself into Tang San's arms.
Dawn broke.
Today, the final showdown between the top three teams would take place in the plaza before the Pope's Palace.
Pope Bibi Dong and the Elders would watch together.