Eternal charm: The Rise of a Divine Hero from Douluo

The days following Shrek Academy's victory against Thunderclap Academy were filled with tension and preparation. Spirit Hall's direct approach through Elder Yue Lan had unsettled the team, but Lin Tian remained calm, his resolve unshaken.

In the early hours before dawn, Lin Tian sat cross-legged in the forest outside Heaven Dou City. The tranquil atmosphere was interrupted by the faint sound of footsteps. Yue'er emerged from the shadows, carrying a tray with a warm drink.

"You haven't rested since our last battle, Master," Yue'er said, placing the tray beside him.

Lin Tian opened his eyes, his golden irises gleaming faintly in the moonlight. "Rest is a luxury we can't afford right now. Spirit Hall is making moves, and we must be ready."

Yue'er hesitated before speaking, her voice laced with concern. "Do you think they'll target us directly in the semifinals?"

Lin Tian nodded. "They've already tested us indirectly by observing our battles. The semifinals will be their opportunity to strike openly, either through the opposing teams or by orchestrating something more sinister."

Yue'er's hands tightened into fists. "I'll protect you, Master. No matter what."

Lin Tian smiled faintly, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I know you will. And I'll protect all of you in return. We're not just a team—we're a family."

---

The Semifinals Matchup

When the matchups for the semifinals were announced, the arena buzzed with anticipation. Shrek Academy would face Crimson Flame Academy, a team known for their aggressive fire-based martial spirits.

Flender gathered the team for a strategy meeting. "Crimson Flame Academy specializes in overwhelming their opponents with relentless attacks. Their captain, Huo Yan, is a Spirit Emperor who uses the Blazing Phoenix martial spirit. He's dangerous, especially if he gains momentum."

Lin Tian studied the diagram of Crimson Flame's usual formations. "Huo Yan is their core, but their real strength lies in their ability to maintain constant pressure. If we can disrupt their rhythm, their strategy will collapse."

Tang San chimed in, "I can use Blue Silver Grass to limit their mobility, forcing them to fight on our terms."

Lin Tian nodded. "Good. Zhuqing, focus on taking out their support units quickly. Yue'er, stay close to me and watch for any unusual tactics. If Spirit Hall has meddled with this match, we'll need to adapt immediately."

The team agreed, their determination evident in their expressions.

---

The Crimson Flame Battle

The coliseum was packed as the semifinals began. Crimson Flame Academy entered the arena, their fiery auras radiating heat. Their captain, Huo Yan, stood at the forefront, his blazing phoenix wings spreading dramatically.

"Shrek Academy," Huo Yan said, his voice loud and confident. "Your victories have been impressive, but fire consumes everything. Today, your journey ends."

Lin Tian stepped forward, his calm demeanor unshaken. "We'll see whose flames burn brighter."

The referee signaled the start of the match, and Crimson Flame wasted no time. Their members launched coordinated fire-based attacks, creating a wall of flames that advanced toward Shrek's side of the arena.

Tang San acted quickly, his Blue Silver Grass forming a barrier that absorbed and redirected the flames. "Stick to the plan!" he called out.

Zhu Zhuqing darted around the battlefield, her speed allowing her to bypass the fire and target Crimson Flame's support members. Her sharp strikes forced one of their healers out of the match.

Meanwhile, Lin Tian faced off against Huo Yan directly. The Crimson Flame captain unleashed his Phoenix Inferno, a massive wave of fire that threatened to engulf the entire arena.

Lin Tian raised his Divine Celestial Sword, channeling his energy into a protective barrier. "Starfire Shield!" The celestial energy neutralized the flames, leaving Lin Tian unscathed.

Huo Yan's eyes widened in shock. "Impossible! No one has withstood my Phoenix Inferno!"

Lin Tian's golden eyes glowed brighter. "Your flames lack true strength. Let me show you the power of the stars."

He activated Starfire Blade Dance, his strikes creating arcs of energy that overwhelmed Huo Yan's defenses.

---

A Shadow in the Flames

As the battle raged on, Lin Tian noticed something unusual. One of Crimson Flame's members, a young woman with fiery red hair, moved differently from the others. Her attacks were precise, almost as if she were testing Shrek Academy's responses.

"Yue'er," Lin Tian called out. "Focus on that girl. She's not a normal opponent."

Yue'er nodded, her Moonlit Guardian ability enhancing her speed as she confronted the woman. Their clash was swift and intense, but Yue'er quickly realized the truth.

"She's a Spirit Hall agent!" Yue'er shouted, dodging a hidden dagger laced with poison.

The crowd gasped as the woman's true allegiance was revealed. Lin Tian narrowed his eyes, his aura flaring. "So, Spirit Hall couldn't resist interfering directly."

The woman smirked. "You're sharp, Lin Tian. But this match will be your downfall."

She raised her hand, summoning a shadowy spirit that pulsed with dark energy. The Spirit Hall insignia glowed faintly on her chest, confirming her identity.

---

The Turning Point

Lin Tian didn't hesitate. He activated his Starfire Domain, a golden field of energy that neutralized the dark aura surrounding the agent. "You've underestimated us," he said coldly.

Yue'er capitalized on the moment, her attacks becoming faster and more precise. With a well-placed strike, she disarmed the agent, forcing her to retreat.

Meanwhile, Tang San and the others continued to dismantle Crimson Flame's formation. Rongrong's buffs enhanced their attacks, while Dai Mubai's sheer power crushed their defenses.

As Huo Yan fell to his knees, defeated, the referee declared, "Shrek Academy wins!"

---

Aftermath and Reflection

The Shrek team returned to their quarters, their victory overshadowed by the revelation of Spirit Hall's interference. Flender paced the room, his expression grim.

"This confirms it," he said. "Spirit Hall isn't just watching—they're actively trying to sabotage us."

Tang San clenched his fists. "They're targeting Lin Tian. That agent wasn't testing us—she was testing him."

Lin Tian remained silent, his mind racing. He knew Spirit Hall wouldn't stop until they achieved their goals, but he also knew he couldn't afford to let fear dictate his actions.

"We'll face them," Lin Tian said finally, his voice steady. "No matter what they throw at us, we'll rise above it. Spirit Hall's darkness cannot extinguish our light."

Yue'er stepped forward, her resolve unshaken. "We're with you, Master. Always."

As the team prepared for the finals, Lin Tian stood alone on the balcony, gazing at the stars. His journey was far from over, and the challenges ahead would only grow more dangerous.

But with his companions by his side, he felt unstoppable.

To Be Continued...