NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Arrival at the Tournament Grounds
The journey to Heaven Dou City, the venue of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament, was filled with anticipation. The bustling capital was unlike anything Lin Tian and the others had seen. Towering buildings, vibrant marketplaces, and countless soul masters from various academies roamed the streets, their colorful uniforms signifying their affiliations.
The Shrek Academy team, clad in their signature green uniforms, drew curious glances. Despite their unassuming appearance, there was an aura about them—one that Lin Tian's presence amplified tenfold.
As they approached the tournament grounds, a massive coliseum loomed before them. Its grandeur was a testament to the importance of the event, with flags bearing the insignias of competing academies fluttering in the wind.
Tang San glanced at Lin Tian. "This is it. The stage where we'll prove ourselves."
Lin Tian nodded, his eyes sharp. "Stay focused. This is only the beginning."
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Registration and Rivalries
Inside the coliseum, the Shrek team proceeded to register. They were greeted by a clerk who handed them their team badges and a schedule of matches.
"You'll be facing Tianshui Academy in the first round," the clerk informed them.
Ning Rongrong frowned. "Tianshui? Isn't that the academy known for their water-based martial spirits?"
Lin Tian's expression remained calm. "Yes. They'll rely heavily on coordination and control. We'll need to disrupt their flow."
As they moved to their assigned quarters, a group of students from Blazing Academy crossed their path. Their leader, a fiery-haired young man named Huo Wushuang, smirked at them.
"So, this is the famous Shrek Academy," he said mockingly. "I heard you're a bunch of misfits. Let's see if you last beyond the first round."
Dai Mubai stepped forward, his golden eyes blazing. "Care to test that theory now?"
Lin Tian placed a hand on Dai Mubai's shoulder, stopping him. "Save your energy. We'll settle this in the arena."
Huo Wushuang's smirk faltered under Lin Tian's piercing gaze. Without another word, the Blazing Academy team moved on, though their tension lingered.
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Strategy Session
That evening, the Shrek team gathered to discuss their strategy for the first match. Lin Tian stood at the center, a detailed map of the arena spread before him.
"Tianshui Academy will prioritize environmental control," Lin Tian explained. "Their water-based abilities will allow them to create slippery surfaces, restrict movement, and enhance their attacks. We'll need to counter that with agility and precision."
Tang San added, "I can use my Blue Silver Grass to stabilize the ground and bind their movements. Zhuqing can capitalize on their immobility."
Lin Tian nodded. "Good. Rongrong, your enhancements will be crucial for maintaining our momentum. Oscar, ensure everyone has recovery sausages ready. Yue'er and I will take the front line to draw their focus."
As they finalized their plan, a sense of unity settled over the group. Despite their differences, they had grown into a formidable team.
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The First Battle
The coliseum was packed with spectators the next morning, the air buzzing with excitement. Announcers introduced the competing teams, their voices echoing across the arena.
"From the west, representing Shrek Academy, we have the team of rising stars known for their unconventional methods!"
The crowd murmured as Lin Tian led his team into the arena. His calm, commanding presence contrasted sharply with the energy of the Tianshui Academy team, who entered with confident smiles.
The referee stepped forward. "Both teams, prepare yourselves! The match begins in three… two… one!"
The Tianshui team immediately unleashed their water-based abilities, covering the arena floor in a slick layer of ice. Their leader, a graceful girl named Shui Bing'er, directed her teammates with precision, summoning waves of water to isolate and pressure the Shrek team.
Tang San acted quickly, spreading his Blue Silver Grass across the arena. The plants anchored his teammates, preventing them from slipping. Zhu Zhuqing darted forward, her agility allowing her to navigate the treacherous terrain effortlessly.
Lin Tian activated his Starfire Domain, evaporating parts of the water and disrupting Tianshui's control. Yue'er engaged their front line, her Moonlit Guardian creating barriers to protect her teammates.
As the battle raged on, Lin Tian noticed an opening. Shui Bing'er's focus on controlling the battlefield left her vulnerable. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance, his Divine Celestial Sword glowing with energy.
Shui Bing'er tried to summon a protective wave, but Lin Tian's strike was too fast. The energy dissipated her defense, forcing her to retreat.
"Shrek Academy takes the lead!" the announcer exclaimed, drawing cheers from the crowd.
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The Final Push
Sensing their disadvantage, the Tianshui team regrouped for a desperate counterattack. They combined their powers to summon a massive Water Dragon, which roared as it charged toward the Shrek team.
Lin Tian stepped forward, his eyes blazing with determination. He raised his sword, summoning his most powerful ability yet—Celestial Flame Strike.
The fiery slash collided with the Water Dragon, creating an explosion of steam that obscured the arena. When the mist cleared, Lin Tian stood unscathed, his team behind him.
The referee raised his hand. "The winner is Shrek Academy!"
The crowd erupted into applause as the Shrek team bowed and exited the arena.
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A Rising Threat
As they celebrated their victory, Lin Tian couldn't shake a sense of unease. He had noticed figures in the audience watching him intently—figures cloaked in the insignia of Spirit Hall.
"They're watching us," Yue'er whispered, her tone wary.
Lin Tian nodded. "Let them. We'll show them what true power looks like."
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To Be Continued...