NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 13: Chapter 13: The Gathering Storm
After the intense battle with Crimson Flame Academy and Spirit Hall's blatant interference, Shrek Academy's members felt both victorious and cautious. Their victory was well-earned, but it also marked them as direct targets of Spirit Hall. The final match loomed large, and Lin Tian's every move was being watched—not just by the crowd but by those who sought to control or destroy him.
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A Sudden Message
Late in the evening, as the Shrek team gathered in their quarters to discuss strategy for the finals, a knock came at the door. Flender opened it cautiously, revealing a hooded figure holding a sealed letter.
"Who sent you?" Flender demanded, his tone wary.
The figure lowered the hood, revealing a young man with an anxious expression. "I'm just a messenger. This is for Lin Tian. It's urgent."
Lin Tian stepped forward, his sharp gaze locked on the messenger. "Hand it over."
The messenger quickly complied, and Lin Tian unsealed the letter. His expression darkened as he read its contents.
"What does it say?" Tang San asked, sensing the tension.
Lin Tian's voice was calm but cold. "It's from Spirit Hall. They're issuing a direct warning: withdraw from the tournament, or face the consequences."
Rage flickered in Dai Mubai's eyes. "How arrogant! They think they can scare us into surrendering?"
Tang San frowned. "This isn't just a threat. It's a test. They want to see if we'll falter under pressure."
Flender crossed his arms. "What's your decision, Lin Tian?"
Lin Tian's golden eyes glowed with determination. "We won't back down. Spirit Hall wants to play games? Then let them. We'll show them the strength of Shrek Academy."
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Preparations for the Final Battle
The announcement of the final matchup sent shockwaves through the city. Shrek Academy would face Glacial Sovereign Academy, a team known for their ice-based martial spirits and flawless teamwork. Their captain, Bing Feng, was a Spirit Emperor with a fearsome reputation.
Flender wasted no time. "Glacial Sovereign Academy is no ordinary team. They're disciplined, precise, and unyielding. Their ice-based abilities can immobilize and weaken opponents. If we're not careful, they'll trap us in a battle of attrition."
Tang San analyzed the team's previous matches. "Their captain, Bing Feng, is the biggest threat. His martial spirit, the Glacial Serpent, allows him to control the battlefield with freezing attacks. If we can neutralize him, the rest of their team will crumble."
Lin Tian nodded. "I'll take on Bing Feng. Yue'er, you'll support me and handle any ambushes. Tang San, focus on disrupting their formations with your Blue Silver Grass. Mubai, Zhuqing, Rongrong, and Oscar, stick to our usual roles but be ready to adapt. They'll try to exploit any weaknesses."
The team agreed, their resolve unshaken.
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An Unexpected Visitor
That night, as Lin Tian meditated under the starlit sky, a faint shimmer in the air caught his attention. A figure materialized, cloaked in shadow.
"Who's there?" Lin Tian demanded, his Divine Celestial Sword appearing in his hand.
The figure stepped forward, revealing Yue Lan, the Spirit Hall elder who had approached him days before.
"Impressive senses," Yue Lan said with a faint smile. "Few could detect me so easily."
Lin Tian remained vigilant. "What do you want this time?"
Yue Lan's expression turned serious. "A warning. Spirit Hall won't let you walk away from the finals unscathed. They've set a trap, and if you step into that arena tomorrow, it could cost you everything."
Lin Tian's gaze didn't waver. "Why are you telling me this? You're one of them."
Yue Lan sighed. "Let's just say I have my reasons. Not everyone in Spirit Hall agrees with their methods. But you should know—they're sending someone far more dangerous than that agent you faced before."
Lin Tian's grip on his sword tightened. "I appreciate the warning, but I won't back down. Shrek Academy doesn't run from a fight."
Yue Lan nodded, a hint of admiration in her eyes. "I expected nothing less. Just be prepared. Tomorrow's battle will be unlike anything you've faced before."
She vanished into the shadows, leaving Lin Tian alone with his thoughts.
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The Finals Begin
The coliseum was packed to capacity, the air buzzing with excitement and tension. As Shrek Academy entered the arena, they were met with cheers and applause. Across the field, Glacial Sovereign Academy stood in formation, their icy aura chilling the air around them.
Bing Feng stepped forward, his piercing blue eyes locking onto Lin Tian. "You've had an impressive run, Shrek Academy. But this is where it ends. The Glacial Sovereign will freeze your ambitions."
Lin Tian stepped forward, his golden eyes unwavering. "You can try, but the stars don't bow to ice."
The referee raised his hand. "Let the match begin!"
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The Clash of Titans
Glacial Sovereign Academy moved as one, their coordination flawless. Bing Feng summoned the Glacial Serpent, a massive spectral snake made of ice that slithered across the battlefield, spreading freezing winds.
Tang San acted quickly, using his Blue Silver Grass to shield the team from the cold. "Stick to the plan!" he called out.
Lin Tian charged forward, his Divine Celestial Sword blazing with golden energy. He clashed with Bing Feng, their attacks creating shockwaves that shook the arena.
"You're strong," Bing Feng admitted, his expression calm. "But strength alone won't save you."
He unleashed Frost Nova, a powerful explosion of ice that threatened to immobilize Lin Tian.
Lin Tian smirked. "You underestimate the stars."
He activated Celestial Starburst, the radiant energy shattering the ice and forcing Bing Feng back.
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Spirit Hall's Interference
As the battle raged, the sky darkened unnaturally. The crowd murmured in confusion as a chilling presence descended upon the arena.
Lin Tian's eyes narrowed. "Spirit Hall."
A cloaked figure appeared in the center of the battlefield, their aura radiating power. The referee froze, unsure of how to proceed.
The figure spoke, their voice cold and commanding. "This match is over. Lin Tian, you will come with us, or everyone here will suffer."
Lin Tian stepped forward, his golden aura flaring. "You think you can threaten me? I won't let you harm anyone here."
The figure laughed. "Bold words. Let's see if you can back them up."
They raised their hand, summoning a massive dark spirit that loomed over the arena.
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The True Test
Lin Tian turned to his team. "Stay back. I'll handle this."
Yue'er stepped forward. "No, Master. We fight together."
Tang San and the others joined her, their determination unshaken.
Lin Tian smiled. "Very well. Let's show them what Shrek Academy is made of."
The team coordinated their attacks, their combined strength pushing back the Spirit Hall agent. Lin Tian's Starfire Domain clashed with the dark spirit, illuminating the arena with golden light.
As the battle reached its climax, Lin Tian summoned his ultimate ability, Eternal Starfall, a devastating celestial strike that obliterated the dark spirit and forced the agent to retreat.
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Victory and Resolve
The referee finally declared Shrek Academy the winners of the tournament. The crowd erupted in cheers, but Lin Tian's expression remained serious.
"This is only the beginning," he said, his voice steady. "Spirit Hall won't stop until they've achieved their goals. But neither will we."
His team stood beside him, their resolve stronger than ever. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.
To Be Continued...