Evil Fire Phoenix, Ma Hongjun — Level 28, two-ring Battle Spirit Master.
Soft Bone Demon Rabbit, Xiao Wu — Level 35, three-ring Battle Spirit Elder.
Seven Treasures Glazed Sect's Ning Rongrong — Level 31, three-ring Tool Spirit Elder.
Netherworld Spirit Cat, Zhu Zhuqing — Level 32, three-ring Battle Spirit Elder.
Sword Immortal, Zhang Fan — Level 48, four-ring Battle Spirit Ancestor.
They sat together on a carriage heading toward Heaven Dou City, located slightly northeast of the empire's center — the political powerhouse and one of the three most famous cities on the continent.
Naturally, Zhang Fan sat together with the three beauties.Soon, they arrived at Silvis Grand Spirit Arena. Compared to Soto's Spirit Arena, this one was even more magnificent. Silvis was the capital of the Silvis Kingdom, a level above Soto.
They went straight to the front desk to register for a team battle.The staff, upon seeing their badges, were visibly shocked.
"Th-this... Esteemed Gold Spirit Fighters, here, our highest-ranking team is merely Silver Spirit Fighters at Level 30. Having them face you would clearly be unfair. Plus, one of you is Level 48... You could instead challenge a Level 40+ Gold-ranked Spirit Fighter team. Although it might still be unfair to you, considering you only have one Spirit Master above Level 40," the staff member said, a bit awkwardly.
"Level 40!"Flender frowned slightly when he heard this, then immediately turned to Zhang Fan.
"Little Fan, what do you think?"
The others also looked toward Zhang Fan.Given his strength, if he said yes, then it was yes. If he said no, then absolutely no.
"We can do it," Zhang Fan said with calm confidence.
"Alright then! You may freely choose your opponents," the staffer said decisively.
"Pick the nastiest team. The one with the highest kill count," Zhao Wuji said with a wicked smile. Then he looked at Zhang Fan and the others:
"What do you think?"
"No problem."Zhang Fan nodded without hesitation.The stronger the opponent, the better.
"There is one. Are you sure you want it?"The staffer was genuinely surprised.
"The Fiend Battle Team. A Level-40 Silver Spirit Fighter team.Since entering Silver rank, they've had 46 matches, with 31 wins.They've killed 63 opponents and crippled 98 others.Among Silver teams, they're considered living weapons.Most teams avoid facing them at all costs."
"Good, we'll pick them. Our team is called the Shrek Battle Team, and we have seven members ready to fight," Zhao Wuji said calmly, then turned to Zhang Fan:
"You'll be the captain again. Arrange who goes up."
"Got it. This time, Dai Mubai rests. Tang San will step up,"Zhang Fan said, glancing at Dai Mubai, then at Tang San nearby.
"Me...?"Dai Mubai hadn't expected to be swapped out."I'm stronger. Why not switch out Ma Hongjun instead?"
"What do you mean, Baldy?"Ma Hongjun flared up instantly at Dai Mubai's comment, yelling his nickname.
"Fatty, you looking to die?"Dai Mubai glared, his Evil Eyes flashing with anger.
"Enough! Dai Mubai, if you can beat Tang San in a fight, you can stay in," Zhang Fan said coldly.
"...You go," Dai Mubai immediately backed down.
After all, he wasn't confident he could beat Tang San anymore.Especially since Tang San had recently grown terrifyingly fast — maybe even scarier than him.
"Alright! You guys go arrange it," Zhao Wuji told the staff.
"Understood, please wait a moment!"The staff immediately got moving.
"Boss Zhang, are we really able to handle a full Level-40 team? We're all just Level 30-something except you..."Oscar asked, clearly worried.
"Yeah! Their spirit rings together outnumber ours by seven!"Ma Hongjun chimed in, equally uneasy.
"What's there to worry about? With Big Brother Fan here, it's no big deal!"Xiao Wu said confidently.
"Exactly! Fan-ge is handsome and strong! Some little Fiend Battle Team isn't even worth mentioning!"Ning Rongrong smiled sweetly.
"Mhm. Invincible existence,"Zhu Zhuqing added coolly.
Both Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu shot her a shocked look.This usually icy girl had just said something so... adorable?!
"So, how are we setting up our formation?"Tang San asked, excited.It was finally his time to shine!
In his heart, he was secretly thinking:This time, I'll definitely steal the spotlight from Zhang Fan and show everyone my true strength.
"Of course, you'll stand right in front with me,"Zhang Fan said plainly."Your job is to control the enemy."
"Alright!"Tang San nodded firmly.His Blue Silver Grass was perfect for controlling enemies.
Once his net bound them, Zhang Fan could easily wipe them out.
As for the Fiend Battle Team, their savage reputation had led to them being blacklisted by many teams.Too many crippled, too many dead — they were practically radioactive.
Their captain, Meng Li, had even considered leaving for another city since they weren't getting matches anymore.
But!
One hour earlier, Meng Li got the best news ever:A team had challenged them!
And not just any team — a squad where only the captain was Level 48, and the rest were only around Level 30 — even a few under Level 30!This was like free money to him.
He immediately gathered his team and rushed toward the Main Spirit Arena.
Today, the arena was buzzing like never before.
The odds:Fiend Battle Team, 1:1.Shrek Battle Team, 1:10.
A whopping 95% of bets were on the Fiend Battle Team.Only a brave (or dumb) few bet on Shrek.
"I'll put down 50,000 gold spirit coins!"Flender said casually as he walked to the betting desk.
"How much?!"The staffer stared at him like he had grown three heads.
Betting so much on an obviously doomed team? Was this middle-aged man insane?
Didn't he know he'd probably have to jump off a building when he lost?
"Fifty thousand!"Flender snapped impatiently.
"Are you sure?"The worker double-checked.
"Of course!"
Flender swiped his card without blinking.After all, 20,000 of it was Zhang Fan's money.
If they won, his personal 30,000 would turn into 300,000.That was the kind of "level-up" anyone would kill for.
The staff quickly registered the bet and collected the coins.
Moments later, the host soared into the air, hovering above the Main Arena.
Both the Shrek Battle Team and the Fiend Battle Team began walking onto the stage.
The Shrek members cast glances at their opponents.Each of them was exuding a thick, vicious aura.
Their eyes were cold, their killing intent almost tangible.
Fiend Battle Team:
Captain — Meng Li, Berserk Giant Bear Spirit Master.
The other six were all Battle Spirit Masters as well.This was a powerhouse team: insane burst power but no support or control masters.
(End of Chapter)