Another Kind of Genius

When the Golden Iron Triangle and Shrek Seven Tyrants returned to Shrek Academy, the kids were give a day to rest. The next day, battles in the Grand Spirit Arena resumed. Over the following three months, the Shrek Seven Tyrants all won consecutive victories in their solo, small group, and large group competitions.

One night, the Golden Iron Triangle brought them over to the specialized point calculation area. There, the kids all anxiously waited for their results. After the calculations, the manager cleared his throat.

"Hell Ambassador, out of one hundred and eight solo battles, one hundred and eight were won. Total points obtained: 3875. Out of one hundred and eight two versus two, one hundred and eight were won. Total points: 3875. Out of one hundred spirit team battles, one hundred were won. Total points: 3800. Final point count comes to 11,550. Spirit fighter badges advances to gold spirit fighter level."

Everyone clapped Gu Xingyun on the back. Other than Fang Youyou, who didn't participate in the solos, losing out on 3875 points, everyone else gained a gold spirit fighter badge. The three teachers looked on, proud.

Just then, the manager asked Yu Xiaogang, "Sir, are you the representative for the Shrek Seven Tyrants?"

He nodded. "That's correct."

"There is a gold battle spirit team that's won consecutive victories just like your team. I wonder if the Shrek Seven Tyrants would like to challenge them?"

"Who are they?"

"The Barbarian Battle Team."

Yu Xiaogang had, of course, heard of them before. They specialize in torturing their opponents and don't leave many alive. They seem to be the successors to the Fiend Battle team the Shrek Seven Devils encountered.

"We'll challenge them."

"Wonderful. Why don't you go over to the main stage's resting area, and we'll send their information over shortly?"

Yu Xiaogang nodded and led the children away. On the way to the resting area for the main stage, he told them solemnly, "The Barbarian Battle team never loses. They're quite ferocious and like to torture their opponents. From what I can tell, they're also all Spirit Kings over the fifty sixth rank."

"Grandmaster! Are you trying to kill us?!" all seven children exclaimed.

Even Liu Erlong has a displeased look on her face. "Xiaogang... are you sure about this?"

But Flender understood what he was getting at. "Erlong, don't worry. Xiaogang wouldn't have agreed to this if he didn't have a sliver of hope our little Tyrants would succeed."

Yu Xiaogang nodded in agreement.

He looked at the seven children. "This time, Xiao Shen, you can display your Death God Domain. Since Hu Liena took you to Slaughter City, she must know you've left the place. Xingyun, this time, you can use your spirit bone. Everyone else, try your best. If you don't think you're going to win, it's better to jump off the stage and concede rather than get injured."

Over the past three months, Ru Shenqi had been relying on her external spirit bone and her Fire Dragon Domain to compete, not showing her spirit or her rings. When she heard she could use her Death God Domain, a smile brightened on her lips.

"Grandmaster, don't worry. I know what to do."

He nodded gravely. "Be careful."

On top of Yu Xiaogang working with her on her external spirit bone, Liu Erlong helped her strengthen her Fire Dragon Domain since her spirit was the Yin orientation of the same spirit. Huo Wushuang had the Yang orientation, making his spirit the One Horned Tyrant Dragon, but both spirits came from the same origin.

Now, Ru Shenqi had evolved her Fire Dragon Domain with the help from the Golden Eyed Black Dragon King's flames. She could almost perfectly fake being a fire attribute spirit master.

<><><>

At the resting area, the group got the Barbarian Battle team's information. Yu Xiaogang had been right. One of their team members was fifty sixth rank. Four others were fifty seventh rank. The vice captain was fifty eighth rank, and the captain was fifty ninth rank.

After an hour of pouring over the opposing team's attributes and spirits, it was time for them go to. Just as they were heading out the door, Yu Xiaogang stopped Ru Shenqi.

"If your fire is restricted, don't try to push it. You are the true captain of this team, its director, and also its soul. If the situation gets grave, have our Spirit Elders jump off the stage. You and Xingyun can combine your Death God Domains to contain the opponents."

She nodded. "Xiao Shen understands."

"Good, now go."

She ran to catch up with the others. Ru Shenqi told them what Yu Xiaogang had said, and the others nodded.

"We're only Spirit Elders, but we're competing against a full Spirit King team. Even with you, Xiao Shen, you can't display your spirit rings or your skull bone. How are we going to possibly win this?" the others bemoaned.

"Xiao Shen... this will be tougher than any battle in Slaughter City. These opponents can use their spirit skills, and even though we know what they are, we still need to be on guard."

"I know. That's why our plan is defense first, then offense. First things first, activate any defense skills you have. Youyou, boost their stamina immediately so our defense can be stronger."

He nodded. "Will do."

"All of our opponents are power attack system spirit masters. Xingyun, Suyin, this will heavily restrict you two and my firepower. Jiaxiang, Shanxin, we're going to have to rely on your speed, charm, and poison skills to outmaneuver them. Yong, control them as much as you can, since I cannot."

The others nodded.

"I'll try to do what I can. None of them are elemental spirit masters so I won't have a true counter for my firepower. And after training with Grandmaster and Vice Dean Liu, my flames are even hotter and stronger than before."

Gu Xingyun said, "We trust you, Xiao Shen. We'll follow your lead."

A determined look set in her eye. "Okay."

From behind them, Yu Xiaogang remained silent. But in his heart, he thought, Her plan is well thought out. She should be able to lead them to a victory.

Just then, the announcer called out, "Up next is the battle of the night! We have two gold battle spirit teams going head-to head. Both have consecutive victories and zero losses! First, let us welcome the Barbarian Battle Team to the stage!"

Cheers rang out.

"Now, we have our challenger team. Can they do the impossible and win another victory? Let's welcome to the stage the Shrek Seven Tyrants!"

The seven climbed the stairs and stood in a line on the stage. Seeing the masked opponents, the Barbarian Battle Team couldn't help but be intrigued. The captain wondered, I wonder who the leader of this team is. He or she must be asking for death.

"Captains, please step forward."

After the Shrek Seven Tyrants had made a name for themselves, they had started competing on the main stage. Everyone in the stands were waiting for the masked, golden haired boy to step forward.

The Barbarian Battle Team's captain stepped forward. "I'd like to see just who think they can beat us, the Barbarian Battle Team!"

Ru Shenqi looked towards Gu Xingyun. He murmured, "It's up to you, Xiao Shen."

Nodding, she took a deep breath and let it out. Then, she stepped forward.

Cries of surprise went up from the crowd.

"This short girl?!"

"Isn't the golden haired boy their captain?!"

"What is this? A coup in their own group?!"

Of course, the captain heard all of these. He looked at Gu Xingyun. "Are you letting this shorty stand in your place?"

"As vice captain of the Shrek Seven Tyrants, I will always defer to our captain."

Another round of alarm circled the stage. The captain stared at Ru Shenqi warily. Out of the seven, she was the only one that the Spirit Arena didn't have information about her spirit rings. They did know she was their only Spirit King though.

"Captain, please."

She smirked. "Announcer, we're ready to start."

The announcer was just as shocked as everybody else. To think that this shorty was actually the team's captain...

"Uh, let the battle begin!"

Immediately, both side released their spirits. On the Barbarian Battle Team's side, every member had beast spirits and the optimal configuration of spirit rings. Fourteen yellow rings, fourteen purple rings, and seven black rings appeared, making for a grand total of thirty five spirit rings. On the Shrek side, there were twelve yellow rings, six purple rings, and one black ring.

The Barbarian Battle Team's eyes widened at the sight of Gu Xingyun's configuration. "A decade millennium for your fourth ring?!"

Even though the Spirit Arena's information said as much, the Barbarian Battle Team hadn't believed it.

Ru Shenqi suddenly released her external spirit bone. Purplish-black flames ignited on the black scales. Bai Shanxin's white wings spread out grandly. Liao Suyin's Jade Poison Tarantula legs emerged. Gu Xingyun's body beefed up and became covered in fur. Ming Yong's Seven Stringed Dragon Qin appeared in front of him while Fang Youyou's Rainbow Colored Flowering Lotus danced in his right hand. Shu Jiaxiang's ears popped up, and her nails grew sharper and longer.

"Go!" Ru Shenqi cried.

She and Bai Shanxin took to the air while Fang Youyou cried, "First spirit skill, Flowering Lotus Blossom!"

Seven petals shot out from his spinning flower, boosting each of the Shrek Seven Tyrants.

"First spirit skill, Dragon Qin Vine!"

He played a few notes, and then seven strings shot out from Ming Yong's qin.

"Third spirit skill, Dragon Qin Wailing!"

Ming Yong began to play his qin. As he did so, the other opponents couldn't fully block out the music and fell under his influence, unable to activate any of their spirit skills. Ru Shenqi smirked.

This is the oppressive power of Yong's third spirit skill. He can control any opponents' emotions.

Shu Jiaxiang shot forward, activating her first spirit skill, Shadow Cheetah Silence, which allowed her to move silently and unnoticed. Bai Shanxin flew close to the other side and activated her third spirit skill, Swift Charm. When the opponents were stunned, Shu Jiaxiang released her poisonous fog. With the aid of Bai Shanxin's increased flight power, her wings flapped at the fog, keeping it on the Barbarian Battle Team's side.

"First skill, Fire Dragon Tail Whip!"

Ru Shenqi sent her purplish-black flames along her golden wire, activating her fake spirit skill. The fire knocked the poison even further back, restricting the Barbarian Battle Team's members even more.

Liao Suyin cried, "Third spirit skill, Tarantula Reign!"

Her jade armor would protect her against Shu Jiaxiang's poisonous fog. So, she dashed into it and activated her first spirit skill, Tarantula Bite. Her eight legs shot out and pricked each of the Barbarian Battle Team members.

"Yong!"

Understanding her meaning, he said, "First spirit skill, Dragon Qin Vine!"

Six qin strings shot out, wrapping around each of the other Shrek Seven Tyrants. Ming Yong drew all of them back towards him.

When they regrouped, Ru Shenqi recalled her external spirit bone and said, "Youyou."

"Flowering Lotus Regrowth!" After replenishing their spirit power, Fang Youyou added, "Flowering Lotus Blossom!"

Two lotus petals flew out and landed on Ru Shenqi and Gu Xingyun.

"The rest of you, go!"

The five Spirit Elders dove off the stage on her command. When the poisonous fog finally receded, Liao Suyin's poison had affected them, but not enough. They growled. Their captain glared at her.

"Where are your Spirit Elders? Are they too cowardly to continue?"

"That's not it," Ru Shenqi countered. "It just that my companion and I can finish this."

Gu Xingyun smirked.

Their two voices combined into one as they roared, "Death God Domain, Evolved Skill: Demon Hell!"

Ice coated the main stage as their domains stacked on top of each other. A freezing coldness burst forth from two figures with blood red eyes. The Barbarian Battle team stared at them in shock.

"TWO DEATH GODS?!" the crowd screamed.

Ru Shenqi suddenly shot forward with Gu Xingyun at her side. She flicked out her golden wire, flames erupting upon it. Quickly, she activated her fifth spirit skill. The glowing red ring was concealed by the flames of her Fire Dragon Domain.

"Fifth spirit skill, Clear Crystal Myriad Flames," she murmured quietly.

A wave of purplish-black flames rose up, hiding the competitors from the audience's view. When Ru Shenqi had gotten close enough, her heinous spirit and slaughter intent surged. Controlling the wire, it wrapped around all seven necks.

"Xingyun!"

He murmured, "King Tiger left arm bone skill, King Tiger Halberd."

The golden halberd appeared in his hand, and he threw it at the seven. The weapon impaled through each of them. To make sure they were completely prevented from activating any spirit rings, Ru Shenqi's eyes closed, and she whispered four words.

"Flight of Nine Stars."

Nine bright little lights shot from her, creating an array within her flames. The array surrounded the Barbarian Battle Team, seeping their spirit power away.

Without noticing what she had done, Gu Xingyun picked Ru Shenqi up and dashed back to their side, pulling the wire taunt. The Barbarian Battle Team choked until their bodies dropped. Once they were dead, she recalled her wire. The purplish-black flames finally receded, revealing seven dead bodies.

The crowd and announcer were stunned into silence. Finally, a chanting of "Shrek Seven Tyrants" rose up from the now standing crowd. The announcer flew down and coughed.

"This is the most spectacular battle we've seen in a long time! The Barbarian Battle Team has been defeated, and the Shrek Seven Tyrants remain the consecutive victor!"

Ru Shenqi and Gu Xingyun hopped down from the stage, joining their friends. Fang Youyou stepped forward.

"Xiao Shen, you used your fifth spirit skill."

"The ring was hidden by the flames of my innate fire domain. Don't worry, I won't easily reveal my true strength."

"What happened inside that ring of fire? No one could see anything," Liao Suyin asked.

"We killed them," Ru Shenqi answered simply.

Blank stares peered back at her.

"If we weren't so oppressive from so early on, would they let us go easily? You all heard what Grandmaster said back in the resting area. The Barbarian Battle Team usually tortured and then slaughtered their opponents. Do we want to end up like that? Does any other team deserve to end like that? Xingyun and I didn't kill them just to save us, but to save any future teams that would have the possibility of going up against them."

"Xiao Shen has a point," Yu Xiaogang said as he, Liu Erlong, and Flender approached. "That's exactly why I agreed to let you battle the Barbarian Battle Team."

"Dean Flender, Vice Dean Liu, Grandmaster," all seven said as they saluted to their teachers.

"Let's return to Shrek Academy. We can finish the conversation there," Flender suggested.

The other nodded, and they slipped away.

<><><>

Back in Flender's office in Shrek Academy, all ten people gathered inside.

Yu Xiaogang explained, "I wanted to test your limits. Since most of you are only Spirit Elders, the spirit power gap between yourselves and the seven Spirit Kings was astronomical. But your strategy and coordination was perfect, and you didn't even give the Barbarian Battle Team room to activate their spirit skills."

Six children said, "It was all thanks to Xiao Shen. She planned everything."

Yu Xiaogang nodded. "Good child. But... you revealed your fifth spirit skill, albeit undercover. Though the way you did so will just make others believe it's natural since you're supposedly a fire attribute spirit master."

"Now what?" Shu Jiaxiang asked. "Grandmaster, are we going to still compete in Spirit Arena for the next seven months?"

"Yes. To be able to graduate from Shrek Academy, you must get to the Diamond spirit badge level. In seven months, if you all work hard and cultivate well, this is won't be an impossible goal."