apter 55: First Battle, Hidden Blades
Morning arrived over Silversoul City with the roar of the tournament bell echoing across the arena. Spirit energy surged in the air like heatwaves before a storm. The Grand Silversoul Tournament was officially underway.
The Shrek Seven stood in formation behind their academy banner as hundreds of spectators filled the stands. Each team—over seventy of them—had gathered in rows, each displaying different levels of confidence, arrogance, or fear.
Among them were powerhouses from noble sects, rogue prodigies, and even small clans with hidden potential.
But none attracted more whispers than Shrek.
"There's the boy with a thousand-year second ring…"
"Didn't he tame a wild spirit beast during a public battle?"
"They say that's Grandmaster's disciple. Tang San, right?"
Tang San stood calmly at the center of his team, arms folded, not reacting to the murmurs. He wasn't interested in fame, but he knew it was unavoidable now.
He glanced sideways at his companions.
Dai Mubai stood proudly, muscles coiled like a lion. Zhu Zhuqing leaned beside him, silent, eyes like a drawn blade. Oscar and Ning Rongrong chatted in hushed tones—support-type, but never to be underestimated. Ma Hongjun stretched his arms, flame tattoo faintly pulsing.
And Xiao Wu…
She smiled at him, soft and full of light. She hadn't said much since they arrived, but every glance they shared carried volumes. Tang San smiled slightly.
The tension eased.
---
Match Announcements — Round One
The announcer's voice echoed across the arena. "First battle of the day—Shrek Academy… versus Cloud Serpent Pavilion!"
A murmur spread. Cloud Serpent Pavilion was a mid-tier spirit school from the western ranges, known for speed-type beast spirits and agile combat.
Tang San nodded. "Stick to our formation. Zhuqing, you flank. Rongrong, support Ma Hongjun. Oscar, stay in the rear. Xiao Wu and I will suppress their front."
Dai Mubai grinned. "Leave some fun for me."
The gate opened.
---
Inside the Arena
The opposing team wore robes of gray-blue, each with coiled serpent sigils embroidered on their backs. Their leader, a tall girl with white hair and vertical pupils, narrowed her eyes at Tang San.
"You Shrek people are arrogant," she said coldly.
Tang San tilted his head. "We prefer efficient."
She frowned. "You'll regret that."
The referee gave the signal.
"Begin!"
Cloud Serpent Pavilion opened with speed. Four serpent-type spirit rings flared at once—Wind Serpent, Cloud Striker, Gale Fang, and Storm Viper. Their spirits surged with wind-enhanced agility and poison mist.
But—
Before they even reached halfway across the arena, Tang San's hand moved. Shua!
Blue Silver Grass, evolved and strengthened by countless battles, surged from the ground like iron thorns, catching the front two attackers mid-dash. Paralysis spores burst instantly.
Crack!
Dai Mubai exploded forward, his White Tiger spirit enhanced by Oscar's stimulant sausage. He smashed into their back line with a roar, splitting their formation instantly.
Ning Rongrong's buffs shimmered over everyone—speed, power, defense—her Seven Treasure Glazed Tower brighter than ever.
"Xiao Wu!"
She vanished in a blur. Reappeared behind the serpent leader.
Teleport—Neck Snap!
The white-haired girl barely blocked in time, but the force sent her staggering into a minefield of Tang San's hidden needles.
It was over in less than two minutes.
---
After the Battle
Cheers erupted. Spectators were stunned.
"That wasn't even a fight…"
"They're… monsters."
As the Cloud Serpent team was taken away for healing, the Shrek group quietly exited. No arrogance, no mocking. Just discipline.
Tang San helped Xiao Wu wipe blood off her cheek.
"You okay?"
She smiled faintly. "You really didn't hold back."
"They were fast. I don't like leaving openings."
Oscar clapped him on the back. "If we keep this up, we'll reach the top bracket in no time!"
---
Later That Day — Resting Quarters
Grandmaster sat with Flender and Liu Erlong, discussing the performance. "Their teamwork has improved. Tang San's battlefield control is reaching tactical perfection."
"But the opponents will only get harder," Flender warned. "We've seen Spirit Hall scouts in the crowd."
"I know," Grandmaster said. "But that's not all. One of the noble teams—Serene Willow Sect—has a soul master with a 10,000-year third ring."
Flender whistled. "And here we thought a thousand-year second ring was the limit."
"Times are changing," Liu Erlong murmured.
---
That Night — Training Grounds
While others rested, Tang San stood under the moonlight, circulating his inner spirit power. His control had grown stronger after absorbing his second ring and developing the Fox Emperor bone. But he rarely used the seed power unless necessary.
His body felt… denser. More tempered.
He took out a vial of beast blood. From a high-grade panther spirit beast.
"Just a little," he whispered.
He activated Blood Refinement—slowly.
The power surged through him, sharpening his bones, toughening his skin, subtly changing his energy circulation. His limbs trembled slightly, but it passed.
He exhaled.
He was growing. Not explosively, not like a fantasy. But steadily. Ruthlessly.
A soft presence approached.
Xiao Wu.
"You shouldn't train alone," she said softly.
"I'm fine."
She took his hand anyway. "Then let me just sit here."
And she did.
They watched the moon rise, side by side. The world might burn tomorrow. But tonight, they breathed.
---
End of Chapter 55