Douluo Dalu (Soul Land): Shadow Monarch

Cheng Xiao calmly walked out of the lounge, where Qin Ming was standing a short distance away, watching him.

"Teacher Qin, is there something you need me for?" Cheng Xiao asked with a smile, quickly stepping forward.

"Cheng Xiao, you've probably seen the information about the Emperor Team's opponent today, right?" Qin Ming looked at Cheng Xiao with a bitter smile and continued, "I think you've already guessed. I'm a graduate of Shrek Academy. Not long ago, Dean Flender came to see me. He hopes you won't participate in today's match to avoid Shrek Academy's unfortunate defeat."

"Unfortunate defeat?" Cheng Xiao was momentarily stunned.

"Our Emperor Team has won a lot of money from the Great Spirit Arena. The arena management, having no other choice, reached out to Shrek Academy, hoping they could win against us to recover some of their losses and make us leave sooner."

"However, if Shrek Academy wins today, they'll also receive a large reward, which will help alleviate their financial crisis and prevent the academy from going bankrupt."

"Given your current strength, I'm afraid the Emperor Team won't even need its full lineup. Your shadow soldiers alone could win this match."

"As the leader of the Emperor Team and your teacher, I'm also a Shrek Academy graduate. I won't force you to play or not, but I wanted to inform you of the situation so I could hear what you have to say. Ultimately, the choice is yours."

After saying all this, Qin Ming let out a long sigh. As the leader of the Emperor Team and a graduate of Shrek Academy, this was a difficult position for him. But having said his piece, regardless of Cheng Xiao's decision, he felt he had done his part.

He couldn't force a decision upon Cheng Xiao—that wouldn't be the behavior of a good teacher.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Xiao paused. His usually calm face rippled with some emotion. Seeing Qin Ming's relieved expression, he smiled.

"Teacher Qin, whether I participate or not isn't important. Winning or losing this match doesn't matter to me either. But if I don't play, given Shrek Academy's vengeful nature, they might seize the opportunity to target Ye Lingling for revenge," Cheng Xiao said after thinking for a moment.

"That's true, you have a point." Qin Ming rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I'm familiar with the situation you're referring to. By your logic, Lingling might indeed face their retaliation."

"In that case, Cheng Xiao, you should join this match. We registered you earlier, but you haven't had a chance to play yet."

Seeing Qin Ming's conflicted expression, Cheng Xiao understood his dilemma. On one hand was the academy that nurtured him, and on the other, his students. He couldn't handle this situation perfectly.

"Teacher Qin, how about this: I'll participate in today's match, but I won't take action. Similarly, Shrek Academy should have one less participant. This way, it'll be fairer for both sides," Cheng Xiao suggested.

"I understand what you mean." Qin Ming nodded.

Cheng Xiao smiled slightly. "Teacher, with this arrangement, if Shrek Academy tries to harm Lingling, they'll have no one to blame but themselves."

"You're clever," Qin Ming said with a laugh, shaking his head. "That's a good plan. I'll inform Dean Flender. Whether they win or lose will depend on their own efforts."

Though the plan had some loopholes, it wasn't a big issue. Flender wanted the Emperor Team to go easy on them, and Qin Ming made the necessary arrangements. However, if Shrek Academy harmed his students as a result of Flender's request, Qin Ming would never agree to that.

After all, Ye Lingling was just a support-type spirit master with no combat ability. If Shrek Academy defeated the other five members of the Emperor Team and still attacked Ye Lingling, they would bear the consequences themselves.

...

In the main Spirit Arena of Suotuo City.

It wasn't very large, only slightly bigger than the other arenas. The main Spirit Arena was surrounded by enclosed boxes instead of open stands. Behind the crystal glass, which only allowed one-way visibility, sat numerous VIP spectators.

None of these people would easily reveal their identities here, nor would they cheer like ordinary spectators. They were here for their own sense of pride and superiority.

There were many high-class and regular VIP rooms, all of which had been booked to watch this match.

Suddenly, the bright golden lights of the main Spirit Arena grew even brighter, focusing all the light onto the central spirit-fighting platform.

At the very center of the platform, a circular section two meters in diameter rose up. On it stood a fair-skinned, beautiful young woman.

She looked to be around eighteen or nineteen years old, wearing a dignified white dress. Her brown hair cascaded in waves, and she held a cone-shaped amplifier in her hand, her face adorned with a professional smile.

"I'm honored to host this team spirit-fighting match for all our distinguished guests. I'm your host, Dou Dou. I hope you all enjoy the show tonight."

"Now, let me introduce the teams." Dou Dou waved toward the surrounding crystal glass as she began the introductions.

"Emperor Team, Captain: Yu Tianheng… Shrek Seven Devils Team, Captain: Dai Mubai…"

Dou Dou skillfully introduced both teams, her aim being to heighten the anticipation for the match among the audience.

"Alright, the spirit fight is about to begin. Let's welcome both teams to the stage!"

As her voice fell, a white light burst from Dou Dou's body. A pair of pure white wings unfurled from her back, and three yellow spirit rings appeared around her.

After her third spirit ring lit up, she gently flapped her wings, ascending into the air.

Dou Dou was a spirit elder with a white dove martial spirit. Her third spirit ability granted her the power of flight.

As she floated into the air, the doors on either side of the spirit-fighting platform silently opened, and the Emperor Team and Shrek Team entered, walking toward the center.

On the left was the Emperor Team, led by Yu Tianheng, with Dugu Yan beside him. Behind them were the Shi brothers, with their Black Tortoise martial spirits, and Feng Lingbird Yu Feng.

Ghost Leopard Oslo was not participating due to substitutions. Walking at the rear were Cheng Xiao and the veiled Ye Lingling.

On the right was the Shrek Seven Devils, all dressed in black combat uniforms and wearing green masks. Though they varied in height, their outfits were uniformly styled.

As soon as both teams appeared, an invisible tension filled the arena.

"They're both here." Seeing the last two figures, Dai Mubai clenched his tiger palms, his evil eyes gleaming with ferocity.

"Boss Dai, should we get revenge on those two later?" Ma Hongjun instinctively touched his groin but found nothing, then turned to Tang San. "Third Brother, you know how badly I suffered. Today, we need to make their teammates pay!"

Upon hearing this, Tang San patted Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun on the shoulders, speaking in a low voice. "Focus, Fatty. Don't forget what the teacher said—this is a six-on-five match. Cheng Xiao and that girl won't take action."

"Let's first deal with their teammates, then take him down together. I don't believe he can beat all seven of us alone!"

"I got it, Third Brother!" Ma Hongjun nodded, his eyes filled with malice. He still remembered the pain of having his third leg shattered and couldn't wait to make Cheng Xiao feel the same.

As for Ye Lingling, well, she was just collateral damage in their eyes.

Behind them, Ning Rongrong, overhearing their conversation, sighed inwardly. They were the ones who started the trouble, harassing girls in the street, and they deserved the beating they got. Yet now, they acted as if it was the others' fault for resisting.

As both teams faced off, dragon and tiger roars filled the arena, the tension rising as each side plotted how to defeat the other.

"Xiao Wu, are you really not fighting?" Ning Rongrong asked, looking at Xiao Wu, who had yet to release her martial spirit.

"No, no. I'll just stay by your and Oscar's side," Xiao Wu said, waving her hands. She was no longer the reckless Xiao Wu. Ever since she learned someone was after her spirit ring and bone, she had become much more cautious.

She knew when to act and when to stay out of sight.

"Both teams, release your martial spirits!"

Hovering in the air, Dou Dou gently flapped her white wings and spoke with her melodious voice.

At her words, Dai Mubai coldly glanced at Cheng Xiao and Ye Lingling at the back of the Emperor Team, then focused on Yu Tianheng at the front. Raising his hands to his chest, he shouted, "Brothers, release your spirits!"

Three spirit rings rose from beneath Dai Mubai, and the rest of the Shrek members also released their spirits and spirit rings.

In an instant, the arena was filled with brilliant displays of martial spirits, showcasing the power of the spirit masters.

As everyone released their spirits, Dou Dou, hovering above, announced, "Let the spirit fight begin!"

These four simple words from her enticing lips intensified the tension on the platform.

In the VIP boxes, both Qin Ming of the Emperor Team and Grandmaster and Flender from Shrek Academy grew more anxious.