Douluo: Becoming a God by Relying on my Enemies

As others began to speak, Yu Xiaogang raised his hand to stop them. A rare smile spread across his usually stern face, surprising everyone except Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Yun Feng, who rubbed their eyes, wondering if fatigue was making them see things. It was the first time since their intense training began that they'd seen Yu Xiaogang smile.

"You've got it wrong," Yu Xiaogang began, "I want to tell you that you did very well today. I'm very pleased, especially with Yun Feng. His performance has completely exceeded my expectations. You should all learn from him."

"Of course, aside from Yun Feng, you still lack coordination, but this was your first team battle. You were up against a team with all members above level 35, boasting a seven-win streak and a well-rounded setup."

"Your opponents, whether the spider soul master's control, Kuang Xi's defense, or the auxiliary soul master's support, were outstanding among spirit masters at the thirty-level mark."

"So, losing was only natural. I want you to grow quickly, but not through shortcuts. What you achieved today already exceeded my expectations. Thank you for the surprise."

Being praised by someone who smiles daily might not mean much, but Yu Xiaogang's heartfelt commendation thrilled Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others. However, Ning Rongrong, Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, and Yun Feng seemed indifferent. Praise like this was nothing to get excited about for them.

Yu Xiaogang nodded silently at their reactions, pleased with his approach. He then turned to Oscar.

"Xiao Ao, don't belittle yourself. True, you didn't participate directly in the battle, but you never stopped contributing to the team. If I'm not mistaken, you were the only one among the seven who exhausted all your soul power."

"Your swift mushroom sausages were what allowed everyone to escape danger at a critical moment. As part of a team, each member is indispensable. Moreover, as a food-type soul master, your true value isn't limited to the battle arena."

"In a real battlefield, your ability to sustain the team's fighting capacity is unmatched by what the Kuang Zhan team could offer."

Flender, listening, couldn't help but chuckle. "Yu Xiaogang, did you come back today just to praise these kids?"

Yu Xiaogang smiled calmly. "Of course not. I wanted to remind them they're the best, but not perfect. Tomorrow, you may rest from battles, but I want you to reflect on today's team fight and tell me your insights before the next battle."

"Remember not to cause trouble while we're away, especially avoid conflicts with other soul masters, as you might encounter those from influential families."

Flender nodded seriously, "Yu Xiaogang is right. Avoid unnecessary trouble, but if someone bullies you, don't disgrace Shrek Academy."

Ma Hongjun exchanged a glance with Oscar, both recalling their recent run-in with a Spirit Elder, where Ma Hongjun had roasted something precious to him.

As Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and Zhao Wuji left, Flender mused, "These kids surprise me more each day. Entrusting them to you was a wise decision."

Yu Xiaogang replied proudly, "It's their talent. Facing opponents with an average level five higher and three more spirit rings, they performed admirably. If not for Tang San's lapse, they would have won. Their teamwork is crucial."

"As for Yun Feng, he's beyond my evaluation. He never accepted my training, which is unfortunate."

Flender sighed, "Still, I lost. Compared to Yun Feng and Tang San, Hongjun lags far behind. After all these years, I'm still not as good a teacher as you."

Yu Xiaogang smiled at Flender's admission. "That's obvious. It's rare you admit it."

Flender retorted, "When have I ever refused to admit defeat?"

Zhao Wuji chimed in, "You did when you lost ten gold soul coins to me last time."

"You..."

Yu Xiaogang laughed heartily. "Flender, I suddenly feel like drinking. Since you admitted defeat, you owe us a drink."

"Fine, I'll drink you under the table," Flender replied with mock aggression, his eyes betraying amusement.

Seeing Yu Xiaogang again brought back long-lost happiness from years ago.

With the teachers gone, the Shrek students were free. Yun Feng, remembering his promise, stayed nearby. They ordered a feast and two barrels of fine wine at the hotel restaurant, inviting everyone to join.

As the drinks flowed, inhibitions fell away. Even Yun Feng, who initially planned to drink sparingly, found himself asking for more. Though young, their soul master physiques handled alcohol exceptionally well, and the drinking session lasted two hours.

The next day, as they woke from their drunken slumber, they recalled that two drank the most and remained awake: Ning Rongrong and Yun Feng.

Ma Hongjun was the first to fall, followed by Oscar, then Xiao Wu. Surprisingly, Dai Mubai, the eldest, was the fourth to succumb. Zhu Zhuqing and Tang San went down together.

In the end, only Yun Feng and Ning Rongrong remained standing. Ning Rongrong not only stayed sober but also drank the most, downing glasses with the same fervor as when she was angry.

Ning Rongrong claimed it was her first time drinking. While Yun Feng's endurance was due to his physique, Ning Rongrong simply had a natural talent for drinking. As Yun Feng reflected, only one word came to mind: talent.