Douluo Dalu (Soul Land): Shadow Monarch

The Shrek team didn't have to wait long. In just a few moments, the staff returned with another person to the team battle registration desk.

"Sir, thank you for your patience," the staff member courteously returned the Shrek Seven Devils' team battle badge to the Grandmaster before returning to his duties.

"Hello, esteemed leader of the Shrek Seven Devils, I have something to discuss with you. It won't take too much of your time." Director Ao smiled warmly as he extended his hand, making a gesture to invite him in.

Because Director Ao had previously warned the Shrek team about the strength of the Mad Battle Team, the Grandmaster did not refuse his request.

"Alright, say what you need to say," the Grandmaster's stiff face revealed a forced smile as he responded indifferently.

He had expected this situation—being approached by someone from the Great Spirit Arena. Recently, the Shrek Seven Devils had been performing exceptionally well. Although not as prominent as the Emperor Battle Team, they were not far behind.

A team this excellent was bound to attract attention.

Although the Grandmaster didn't like dealing with the Great Spirit Arena, in this case, he knew it wouldn't be wise to offend them. Besides, they had been earning quite a bit from betting on the Emperor Battle Team recently, so he understood the principle that "the wool comes from the sheep."

Following Director Ao, the Grandmaster was led to a quiet room, where they both sat casually on the sofa, waiting for the other to start.

Director Ao's expression grew serious as he began, "Respected leader of the Shrek Seven Devils, I'd like to invite your team to participate in tonight's main event at the Central Spirit Arena. What do you think?"

"Give me a reason—a reason to participate." The Grandmaster was surprised but maintained a calm exterior.

Upon hearing this, Director Ao smiled bitterly and said, "To be honest with you, sir, the situation at the Great Spirit Arena has been quite bleak lately."

"These noble families have placed huge bets on the Emperor Battle Team, convinced they will win their matches. I don't know if they've been coerced by certain nobles, but today they've added even more to their stakes. If this continues, the Great Spirit Arena may be facing bankruptcy."

"So, the Shrek Seven Devils are our last hope."

"Heh, your calculations are quite precise. You want to use us, the Shrek Seven Devils, as pawns. But you should at least consider the strength of our opponents." The Grandmaster frowned and shook his head, saying, "You know the Emperor Battle Team's strength better than we do. The Shrek team may not necessarily win, so I must decline your offer."

With that, the Grandmaster stood up to leave.

However, just as the Grandmaster reached the door, Director Ao, still seated on the sofa, chuckled and said, "Sir, we're also aware of your academy's situation, so please, hear me out."

At these words, the Grandmaster paused, his hand on the doorknob, and turned to look at Director Ao.

"We know a bit about your academy's situation. I've heard your funding is quite tight at the moment. While you've won some money betting on the Emperor Battle Team, it's barely enough to get by."

"Why not collaborate with us at the Great Spirit Arena? If your team can compete in tonight's main event, and if you win, we're willing to offer additional rewards. Moreover, these rewards are exclusively for your academy. Please consider it carefully."

Director Ao's smile was somewhat cunning, but it was true that Shrek Academy's lack of funds was a serious problem. Having pinpointed this weakness, the Great Spirit Arena was confident that Shrek Academy would have no reason to refuse.

The Grandmaster remained silent for a while before sitting back down on the sofa and speaking coolly, "Since you seem to know so much about our academy, tell me more about this extra reward."

"Haha, you're straightforward, sir!" Director Ao laughed. "If your team participates in the main event at the Central Spirit Arena, each soul master will receive 500 gold spirit coins as a direct reward. Since your academy has been specially invited, we've decided to offer an additional 10,000 gold spirit coins as a special reward. What do you think?"

"10,000 gold spirit coins?" The Grandmaster was shocked. Shrek Academy's coffers were already near empty, sustained only by the subsidies from the Spirit Hall and their recent earnings from betting on the Emperor Battle Team.

Now, with such a significant sum on the table, the Grandmaster couldn't pass up this opportunity. With more funds, they wouldn't be so dependent on others, and the students, still growing, would quickly burn through this money.

There was no reason to refuse—Shrek Academy was simply too poor.

With his decision made, the Grandmaster no longer hesitated and responded directly, "Alright, I agree. But you'll need to provide me with all the information on the Emperor Battle Team's members. Only then will we have a chance at victory."

"No problem," Director Ao nodded slightly and then called for someone to deliver the Emperor Battle Team's files, which he handed to the Grandmaster.

"This is all the information on the Emperor Battle Team. Take your time reviewing it. I'll go prepare the main arena. If you need anything, feel free to find me."

With that, Director Ao nodded slightly to the Grandmaster before quickly leaving.

At this point, there was still half a day left until the main event at the Central Spirit Arena.

The Grandmaster returned to the Shrek team's lounge with the files in hand and relayed Director Ao's proposal to Flender. He then spread the information on the Emperor Battle Team across the table.

"The Emperor Battle Team?" After hearing the Grandmaster's explanation, Flender nodded slightly before smirking, "Xiao Gang, this team isn't to be taken lightly. Are you sure our kids can beat them?"

The Grandmaster replied sternly, "Even if we can't win, we have to try. The academy needs this funding."

"So, what's your plan?" Flender pretended to be clueless, though he had already learned some information about Cheng Xiao from Qin Ming. Since Cheng Xiao wouldn't be participating in the team battle, Flender was unconcerned.

The Grandmaster said, "If we win, it will greatly boost our resources. With this money, we can fully support the third phase of training for the kids. Otherwise, we're doomed."

"You don't want the kids to rely on the Spirit Hall's subsidies to survive each month, do you? That would mean falling into the trap of being manipulated by the Spirit Hall."

With that, the Grandmaster opened the files on the table, revealing the details of each member of the Emperor Battle Team.

Upon seeing the first name, the Grandmaster froze for a moment. Beside him, Flender chuckled dryly, saying, "Looks like we've found one of our own, Xiaogang."

The Grandmaster paused briefly but didn't argue with Flender. Instead, he continued reviewing the other members' information.

Dugu Yan—this surname was rare, and her martial spirit was the Jade Phosphor Serpent. The Grandmaster and Flender quickly deduced certain possibilities but said nothing, as her background was linked to a powerful figure.

Next, they reviewed the details on Yu Feng, Oslo, the Shi Brothers, and Ye Lingling. Finally, they reached the last page: Cheng Xiao—Martial Spirit: Shadow Monarch, Level 37 Assault-Type Battle Soul Master, Spirit Rings: Two Yellow, One Purple.

Upon seeing this name, the Grandmaster's expression darkened. If this guy doesn't participate, that's fine. But if he does join the team battle, the pressure on the Shrek Seven Devils will be immense.