Chapter 103: The Warlock's Challenge
"Uncle, are you asking me to join Shrek Academy?" Yu Tianheng wasn't stupid; he naturally caught the hint in Yu Xiaogang's words.
Yu Xiaogang nodded slightly, looking at Yu Tianheng without forcing him. It had to be done step by step—plant the idea first.
Yu Tianheng thought for a moment. He didn't know much about Shrek Academy, nor had he heard much about its reputation. From the dinner conversation earlier, he had only learned that Qin Ming had graduated from Shrek and that the academy's policy was to accept only monsters.
"You don't have to decide right away. Take a few days to observe Shrek's team battles. They're all top-level geniuses—they won't hold you back."
"I believe you want reliable teammates for the upcoming Continental Advanced Spirit Master Tournament, right?" Yu Xiaogang said gently before turning away.
Shrek still needed one more member for team battles. He planned to discuss with Qin Ming about borrowing Yu Tianheng temporarily. If Shrek used him for a while, Yu Xiaogang was confident that he could persuade him to stay permanently.
After all, as the captain of the Emperor Team, Dugu Yan was already a Soul Sect. It would be unfair for her to lead a group of Soul Elders in a team fight against another Soul Sect-level team.
…
When Yu Xiaogang returned to the private room, he immediately shared his idea with Qin Ming.
"The Master wants Tianheng to temporarily join Shrek to help with the seven-on-seven team battles?" Qin Ming was a little surprised.
"That's right," Yu Xiaogang replied. "You saw it yourself—we only have six people left. One of our students died unexpectedly, so we're short a member. If we want to have a full team, we'll need outside help."
"Anyway, your captain Dugu Yan is a Soul Sect. You wouldn't send one Soul Sect with six Soul Elders against an entire Soul Sect team, would you?" Yu Xiaogang reasoned persuasively.
Qin Ming fell silent, thinking. He had come mainly to see the Warlock, after all, and since Dugu Yan was now a Soul Sect, he hadn't planned to engage in team fights anyway.
"If that's what the Master proposes, I can agree—but ultimately, it depends on what Tianheng wants," Qin Ming said sincerely.
"I'll talk to him myself," Yu Xiaogang replied with a nod.
The others in the room exchanged looks but stayed silent.
Flender glanced at Yu Xiaogang, his expression slightly odd. Thinking of the late Dai Mubai, he couldn't help but suspect Yu Xiaogang was once again trying to poach talent from another team.
Dugu Yan frowned. Although she didn't have feelings for Yu Tianheng, his departure would unquestionably weaken the Emperor Team's strength.
As team captain, she felt troubled. Her gaze soon fell on Luo Ling.
"Xiao Ling, you're still Ning Rongrong's guardian, not an actual member of Shrek Academy, right?" Her eyes suddenly lit up.
"What's wrong?" Luo Ling asked, nodding.
Dugu Yan smiled and leaned close to his ear. "It seems that Shrek's Master is trying to poach Yu Tianheng. If he succeeds, our Emperor Team will be badly weakened."
"You're not thinking of having me join your Emperor Team, are you?" Luo Ling said calmly, catching the faint fragrance from her closeness.
Dugu Yan nodded lightly.
Luo Ling thought about it and didn't reject her immediately.
His main goal was to publicly humiliate the Master and Tang San in the upcoming Spirit Master Tournament. Originally, he had planned to join under the Spirit Hall Academy's banner, but entering through the Emperor Team might work just as well.
"How about it?" Dugu Yan's expression carried clear hope.
She knew how strong Luo Ling was. If he agreed, winning the tournament would be as easy as breathing.
"No!" Before Luo Ling could answer, Ning Rongrong stepped forward and pushed Dugu Yan away.
At that moment, the private room's door opened. Yu Tianheng followed behind Yu Xiaogang, just in time to see Dugu Yan leaning close to Luo Ling.
His expression instantly darkened.
He had liked Dugu Yan for a long time, even though she had always rejected him. Still, his feelings for her were genuine.
Seeing her act intimately with another man now—it infuriated him.
Unaware of his reaction, Luo Ling and Dugu Yan merely exchanged amused looks after Ning Rongrong pushed her aside.
"I'll need to think about it," Luo Ling said.
Hearing that, Dugu Yan's heart brightened. Luo Ling hadn't said yes—but he hadn't refused either.
"Brother Ling, are you really going to agree to her?" Ning Rongrong pouted.
"No, I just said I'd think about it," Luo Ling answered with a shrug.
Meanwhile, Yu Xiaogang brought Yu Tianheng to Qin Ming.
"I've already spoken with Tianheng, and he's agreed," Yu Xiaogang said.
"Then it's settled. The Master may take Tianheng to join Shrek's team battles," Qin Ming nodded.
The rest of Shrek's team wore mixed expressions, but none objected.
"All right, it's late. We should all head back," Flender said, standing up and ending the banquet.
…
Time passed quickly.
Shrek Academy and the Emperor Team continued to participate in daily matches at the Great Spirit Arena.
At first, Yu Tianheng observed the Shrek Seven Devils' teamwork. Later, he officially filled their vacant position, taking part in team battles.
In just over a month, with Yu Tianheng's addition, Shrek's team advanced rapidly, soon earning their Silver Spirit Battle Badge.
Yu Tianheng grew to admire their strength and began to waver about fully joining Shrek Academy.
…
In the manager's office of Soto City's Great Spirit Arena, Director Ao looked rather downcast.
Ever since the Warlock's single match weeks ago, there had been no further appearances. He was beginning to suspect that he had been tricked.
Fortunately, the newly emerging Shrek Seven Devils had kept the arena profitable with their rapid rise.
He flipped through his financial reports absentmindedly when suddenly, a surge of dark, sinister energy filled the room.
Director Ao's head snapped up—and a shadowy figure materialized before him.
The moment he saw it, his pupils contracted sharply.
"T-the… the Warlock?"
"I've decided. I'll battle the Shrek Seven Devils from your Great Spirit Arena—one versus seven," Luo Ling's indistinct voice echoed from the shadows.
Director Ao was stunned for several seconds before his face lit up with excitement.
"Of course! No problem at all, Mister Warlock! I'll arrange the match immediately!"
"When would you like the fight to take place?" the director asked carefully.
Luo Ling paused in thought, then said coldly, "Three days from now."
With that, his form dissolved into mist and vanished without a trace.
(END CHAPTER)
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