Chapter 167: Changes in the Shrek Team
The next morning, before dawn, Old Snake, Shi Nian, the Gem Academy team members, and Dugu Feng departed for the Great Spirit Arena.
When Dugu Feng saw Old Snake again, he was surprised.
The man who once hid in the shadows now moved with the stride of a dragon, his aura far more majestic—after years of effort, he had finally broken through to the Soul Douluo realm.
With newfound confidence, Old Snake carried himself like a general, no longer cloaked in quiet menace.
"As soon as the Soul Master Tournament begins, Heaven Dou City will be crawling with all sorts. Some teams will stop at nothing to win—including sabotaging their opponents.
Until the tournament is over, none of you are to leave my or the headmaster's sight!"
Shi Nian's voice rang coldly as they stepped out of Gem Academy's gates.
He and Old Snake took front and rear positions, shielding the team as they walked.
Dugu Feng thought to himself that such caution was wise. Shi Nian, who'd clawed his way up from the underworld of soul masters, knew all too well how dark the competition could become—and how to manipulate that darkness to his advantage.
Still, with Gem Academy's current strength, Dugu Feng doubted Shi Nian would need any dirty tricks this time.
As they approached the Great Spirit Arena, the crowds thickened.
Drums thundered, banners waved, and cheers filled the air—an entire city drawn to one spectacle.
Dugu Feng kept close to Ning Rongrong, guiding her carefully through the throng.
Contestants entered through a separate side gate, leading into the competitor's hall—a vast space with over a thousand seats, each section reserved for a different academy.
Shi Nian led them to a spot. But just a few steps in, laughter broke out among the Gem Academy students.
Zhang Jingyang and the others seemed amused by something up ahead.
Dugu Feng followed their gaze—and couldn't help a faint smile.
As he expected, Gem Academy had crossed paths with Shrek Academy.
Only, this time with him and Ning Rongrong present, there would be no conflict.
Flender was still the same as ever.
The Shrek team looked absurd in their dull yellow uniforms plastered with sponsor logos, drawing every onlooker's attention.
"Wow, Zhuqing, Third Brother, your outfits are… interesting!"
Ning Rongrong's mouth formed a perfect circle of disbelief.
Even with their masks on, she recognized them instantly—especially with Flender, Yu Xiaogang, and Liu Erlong standing right beside them.
"Rongrong…"
Dai Mubai and the others removed their masks, looking uneasy.
"Rongrong, are these your teammates from Gem Academy?" Flender asked curiously.
"This is our leader, Teacher Shi. These are my partners in the tournament," Ning Rongrong explained politely.
Flender nodded in acknowledgment.
He and Shi Nian had met briefly years ago during their travels—just acquaintances, nothing more.
Now seeing Shi Nian as a team leader, Flender realized he was working for the Dugu Clan.
A chill crept over him. Does that mean I'm practically under the Dugu Clan too?
After all, their group had long been living on the Dugu Clan's funding.
Just what was the Dugu Clan planning?
Flender's mind was full of unease.
"Eh? Xiao Wu, why aren't you wearing that ridiculous outfit?"
Ning Rongrong noticed the odd one out—five of them were dressed alike, but Xiao Wu wore her usual clothes.
"Heehee, I'm not competing this time. I'm just here to watch you all!" Xiao Wu grinned, cheerful as ever.
Ning Rongrong nodded slightly, not prying. She already guessed why.
It had to be Xiao Wu's true nature—her beast identity couldn't risk exposure.
The rest of the team, including Tang San, wore calm expressions. Clearly, they understood too.
Dugu Feng's eyes narrowed. So, that's the change…
It had to be Tang Hao's decision.
With Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, Dugu Bo, and even Spirit Hall's Titled Douluo likely to appear during the tournament, and with Xiao Wu no longer protected by the Yearning Heartbroken Red, competing now would expose her as a soul beast.
It would be suicide.
As Ning Rongrong chatted with Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, Dugu Feng's gaze drifted toward the enormous arena.
With a capacity of eighty thousand people, the sight was breathtaking.
The stands filled rapidly, and the grandstand's VIP seats were already occupied—Emperor Xue Ye, Ning Fengzhi, and Salas sat at the center.
Behind them were Qian Renxue (disguised as Xue Qinghe), Prince Xue Xing, Dream God Machine, and Bai Baoshan.
The subtle battle for dominance between Spirit Hall and the empire would inevitably play out here.
Dugu Feng's eyes gleamed, sharp and assessing.
He was always best at reading tensions—and exploiting them.
Soon, all spectators were seated. The tournament was about to begin.
First came Emperor Xue Ye's speech—short and straightforward, but entirely focused on rewards.
Titles. Land. Wealth beyond past tournaments.
A roar swept through the crowd.
Excitement surged even in the competitors' hall.
The rewards exceeded all expectations—who wouldn't fight with everything they had?
Next came Ning Fengzhi's address, polite and formal.
Finally, Salas drew lots for the first twenty-eight matchups. He added that finalists would be given the chance to join Spirit Hall's inner temple.
The crowd erupted again.
Dugu Feng could see it clearly—elite soul masters were now the most sought-after resource between factions.
It reminded him of an arms race.
Soul masters were to the continent what weaponry was to Blue Star—each empire and Spirit Hall were stockpiling power, preparing for the inevitable conflict ahead.
"Haha! Looks like your team's up first! The most high-profile opening match of all.
Headmaster, did you sell them out for the publicity? Did you rig the draw to make them open the tournament and earn you some sponsorship money?"
Ning Rongrong teased, barely containing her laughter.
Even the six Shrek members turned suspicious eyes toward Flender.
Had he bribed Salas again?
Flender's face flushed red with embarrassment. "This is to temper your hearts! A true soul master must first possess an unwavering mind!"
His justification drew laughter from both teams.
Everyone was waiting for the show to begin.
To Dugu Feng's mind, though, the first match placement had indeed been arranged—by Salas, not Flender.
All factions were curious to see Tang San's true strength.
Of course he'd be made to go first.
Tang San wasted no time, instructing Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, Jing Ling, Huang Yuan, Jiang Zhu, and Tai Long to prepare.
He held back Oscar and Ma Hongjun for later rounds.
The seven walked down the corridor toward the battlefield, aura sharp and fierce.
Heaven Dou Imperial Academy had once expelled them—Tang San intended to settle that score.
Without the aid of a ten-thousand-year spirit ring, his Blue Silver Grass martial spirit looked far more ordinary now—two yellow and one purple ring, nothing shocking.
But when Dai Mubai's fourth ring flared on his body, marking him as the only Soul Ancestor on the field, the arena erupted in cheers.
Their opponents, the Heaven Dou Imperial Second Team, didn't even have a single Soul Ancestor among them.
(END CHAPTER)
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