"Haah…" Oscar exhaled dramatically, dragging his feet like a man on death row. "Dean Flender is so stingy. After traveling all day without a break, he still expects us to fight in the Spirit Arena?"
Rongrong and Meng Yiran nodded in tired unison, their faces showing no sign of protest—only shared suffering. Clearly, the group's energy was on its last legs.
But Tang Yin said nothing.
This wasn't the time for complaints. Let them grumble, let them groan—soon, they'd understand. The real world didn't wait for anyone to catch their breath.
Sooner or later, they had to step into the blood and chaos of the soul master world. And Tang Yin wouldn't let the women he cared about live like delicate flowers in a glasshouse.
Not in a world where strength ruled everything.
Before long, the Shrek Seven, along with Yu Xiaogang, Zhao Wuji, and Flender, arrived at the Silves Spirit Arena. The place was a roaring beast of noise—crowds howling with excitement, and the betting hall thrumming with the greedy shouts of nobles itching for blood and coin.
The arena didn't care who died. It only cared who survived.
In the center of Silves Spirit Arena, a brutal battle raged between two Soul Ancestors. Their fists and soul skills weren't aimed to subdue—but to kill. This wasn't the Soto Spirit Arena, where rules protected lives. Here, the only law was survival.
Ning Rongrong and Meng Yiran's stomachs churned as they watched the grisly fight unfold. Each strike drew blood. Each scream echoed louder than the last. Oscar and Fatty's faces were pale, their eyes fixed grimly on the carnage.
Just then, Yu Xiaogang's voice broke the tense silence. "Everyone, what you're witnessing now is the most infamous event in the Silves Spirit Arena—a death battle." he wanted to continue preaching but flender patted his shoulder to shut him up.
Flender stepped forward, his tone solemn. "All of you are Soul Masters, but none of you have truly seen the real world. Out there, there are no second chances. This is what real combat looks like. Hesitate for a second, and you'll be the one lying in a pool of blood." He paused. "Don't worry—your opponents will be scum, the kind who've already killed plenty. Consider it justice."
The group nodded, though most wore uncomfortable expressions. No one seemed too eager to kill—except for Tang San. A strange glint flickered in his eyes. Was that… excitement?
Flender turned and led the way toward the registration area for team death matches, with Yu Xiaogang and the others following close behind.
Watching them go, Tang Yin narrowed his eyes and began organizing his thoughts.
If I remember correctly, there should only be one silver team here with Soul Ancestor-level members. Would they pit us against a team that's a whole realm higher?
A moment later, Flender returned, looking uncharacteristically dejected.
"Well, looks like you've drawn the short stick," he said. "There's only one available team, and they're infamous for their brutality—killing opponents in the arena and looting civilians outside of it. But... they're all Soul Ancestors. You're no match for them as you are."
Tang Yin sighed inwardly.
'Guess it's time to alter Tang San's memories again. Sorry, little bro—I'll make it up to you. From now on, you can be the one to assemble the hidden weapons after every trade.'
Without hesitation, Tang Yin activated his telepathy. Like a master editor rewriting a script, he erased the origin of hidden weapons from Tang San's memory and seamlessly replaced it—with himself. No loose ends. No suspicion.
With a calm expression, Tang Yin took out three sleek, metallic contraptions—the Godly Zhuge Crossbows—and handed them to Tang San, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar. Dai Mubai, not being a core member of the Seven Shrek Monsters, was intentionally left out.
Flender raised a brow, suspicious. "Student Tang Yin, what are you handing out?"
Tang San lit up like a lantern. "Dean! This is the Godly Zhuge Crossbow, created by my brother, Tang Yin! It's powerful enough to take down an unprepared Soul Ancestor in seconds!"
Everyone looked at Tang Yin with a mix of awe and disbelief.
He gave a smug smile, casually waving a hand before scratching his nose."Haha… pretending is more fun than I thought." he chuckled inwardly, thoroughly enjoying the spotlight.
Oscar stared at the weapon in his hands. "This thing can really take down a Soul Ancestor?"
He carefully avoided the trigger, like it might go off on its own.
Tang San gave a firm nod. "One shot, one kill—if you aim right." He quickly coached Oscar and Fatty on how to use it.
Flender and Zhao Wuji exchanged uneasy looks. Powerful as it was, they weren't worried. If things got deadly, they'd be the ones stepping in.
Tang san lovingly held the crossbow like a prized possession, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Hahaha… with this," he cackled, "we'll definitely get our first kill today!"
Everyone turned to stare at him.
Tang San's laugh had a sharp, unhinged edge to it. The kind that made people take half a step back.
But he didn't care. In his previous life, assassination wasn't just his skill—it was his passion. The thrill of stalking prey, the moment of the kill, the rush of adrenaline and blood… it was intoxicating.
There wasn't fear in his eyes—only hunger.
After registering for an uneven death battle, the group was led to a premium viewing area overlooking the central arena. Clearly, the Silves Spirit Arena planned to make their battle the main event.
Despite the fancy treatment, no one looked thrilled. Except Tang San, whose eyes gleamed with dangerous anticipation.
At the front of the group, Tang Yin stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Listen up," he said, his voice firm. "Some of you might hesitate. Some of you might freeze. But our opponents won't—they're Soul Ancestors, and they kill without blinking. When I give the signal—pull the trigger. No mercy."
The girls and Oscar nodded quickly, placing their trust in Tang Yin without hesitation.
Tang Yin's eyes locked onto Fatty, who tried to look anywhere but at him. After a long, awkward pause, Fatty finally gave a stiff nod.
Tang Yin smirked. He didn't need to worry about Tang San. Protagonists didn't die that easily.