Tang San understood very clearly that even if Yan was not the flower thief who had entered the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, he would still be extremely difficult to deal with.
After all, Yan was a fire-attribute soul master whose soul power had reached level fifty-five, and he even possessed the ability to fly.
Xiao Wu sensed something was wrong and suddenly asked:
"Ge, how exactly are you planning to poison those six people?"
Everyone else was confused as well, harboring the same doubt as Xiao Wu.
Tang San answered seriously:
"I can use a special hidden-weapon technique. At the instant the Eight Spider Lances shatter, I can use the fragments to strike them. Once the venom enters their bodies, they'll lose all combat ability."
"Spider-leg fragments?"
Xiao Wu immediately tensed up.
"Ge, wouldn't that mean hurting yourself?"
"Yeah, Third Brother—those external spirit bone lances are a part of your body when you release them!"
Everyone looked anxious.
Tang San and Yu Xiaogang exchanged a look; Tang San had already explained this plan to him beforehand.
"Against the powerful members of Spirit Hall Academy, there's no better method. I'm Certain that aside from Yan, the other six absolutely cannot withstand my poison. Trading one for six is worth it."
Tang San even allowed himself a small, confident smile.
Only then did everyone understand his real intention.
Yu Xiaogang's expression was stern.
"Little San's idea is dangerous, but extremely effective. If it succeeds, Spirit Hall Academy's remaining combat strength will be reduced to Yan alone."
Dai Mubai continued:
"And then the six of us can join forces to surround him. As long as we defeat him, we win the final victory!"
"Exactly!"
Thinking about defeating Spirit Hall Academy, everyone became excited.
Tang San added a reminder:
"Even with six of you, defeating Yan won't be easy—he possesses the ability to fly as well."
"What? He can fly too?"
Ma Hongjun was dumbfounded.
"Third Brother, how do you know that?"
"Senior Dugu saw it with his own eyes. Yan most likely has a pair of external spirit bone wings—just like me."
Hearing Tang San's explanation, everyone looked at one another, deeply shocked.
Yu Xiaogang went on:
"Even if all six of you go against Yan, you must not underestimate him."
"Master, then what should we do? Do you have a specific strategy?"
Yu Xiaogang nodded.
"My plan is to use Mubai and Zhuqing's Martial Soul Fusion Skill to defeat him. But first, Hongjun and Xiao Wu must force him lower—they need to drain enough of his strength to make him drop to low altitude."
"Master, isn't that too difficult for Fatty and Xiao Wu?"
Oscar laughed:
"Have you all forgotten my Flying Mushroom Sausage?"
Tang San added:
"Don't worry about me. Even if I break one or two spider legs, I can still fight alongside you. As long as Oscar gives me his recovery sausage immediately, and Rongrong boosts my soul power, I'll be able to stand again."
"Ge, stop worrying. Leave it to us. I believe the six of us working together can definitely defeat Yan!"
Tang San smiled, knowing how worried Xiao Wu still was.
But no matter what, this was a match they could not afford to lose. No matter how painful it would be, he would endure it.
"We'll adapt when the time comes."
"Mm! We're definitely going to take the championship."
"Shrek will win!"
The Shrek group was full of confidence and excitement for the upcoming battle.
Afterward, Yu Xiaogang continued discussing the detailed battle plan with them.
Soon, the fourth round of the tournament arrived.
All six teams arrived early at the competition grounds.
Today, the final top three would be determined—everyone was fired up with anticipation.
Before long, the drawing results were announced.
Flender came over to the Shrek team with a wide grin.
"Little monsters, congratulations. I drew an excellent lot for you."
"What excellent lot? Don't tell me our opponent is Thunder Academy?"
Flender shook his head.
"No—it's Blazing Fire Academy."
"Blazing Fire?"
Tang San and the others exchanged looks, and their expressions immediately turned serious.
"In both the qualifiers and the promotion matches, we were defeated by Blazing Fire Academy. But back then, Oscar and Rongrong didn't participate. This time, we're taking revenge."
"That's right—this time we absolutely won't lose!"
"Yeah! We'll show them what our real strength looks like!"
Hearing that their opponent was Blazing Fire Academy, everyone grew excited, the flames of revenge burning intensely in their hearts.
Yu Xiaogang cautioned:
"We've already fought Blazing Fire Academy twice and understand their tactics and soul skills. They won both times, so they may underestimate us. We must strike quickly while they're careless. Avoid using the Seven-in-One Fusion Skill in this match—we may still have to face the stronger Godwind Academy and Spirit Hall Academy afterward."
"Understood! We'll use the Martial Soul Fusion Skill, plus support from Rongrong and Oscar, to defeat them."
Every member of Shrek was brimming with confidence, thankful that they drew Blazing Fire this round.
On the other side—
Tianshui Academy drew Spirit Hall Academy, while Godwind Academy drew Thunder Academy.
Upon hearing the results, Shui Bing'er looked slightly disappointed.
Tianshui Academy would forfeit their match, meaning their journey in this tournament would end here.
Yet the girls did not leave the arena—they stayed to watch.
Huo Wu found Shui Bing'er, ready to go find Yan together.
After only a few steps, a familiar figure appeared.
Huo Wu smiled:
"Brother Yan, we were just going to look for you."
"Good. I was looking for you two as well."
Shui Bing'er looked at Yan with gentle eyes, then said softly:
"Brother Yan, we drew your team, so we've already chosen to forfeit."
"I know. But your tournament journey isn't over yet."
"What?"
Shui Bing'er blinked in surprise, glancing at Huo Wu.
Huo Wu asked:
"Brother Yan, what do you mean?"
Yan explained:
"The final match will be held in the square before the Pope's Palace. Normally, teams that have already been eliminated are not allowed to spectate. But this time, the Pope has made an exception for you three element academies. All captains and vice-captains may stay to watch the finals—whether you enter the top three or not."
Hearing this, both girls were stunned.
"Brother Yan, really?"
"Of course."
"That's wonderful!"
Yan added:
"Huo Wu, don't be too happy yet. From what I know, the Shrek Academy Team is far stronger than you think. Don't underestimate them."
"…I understand."
"Alright, I'll head over now. You two should prepare for your match."
Yan knew that no matter how many warnings he gave, Blazing Fire Academy stood almost no chance of defeating Shrek Academy.
The fourth round officially began.
The first match was Godwind Academy versus Thunder Academy.
Godwind Academy won easily and advanced to the top three.
Tianshui Academy had forfeited, so Spirit Hall Academy advanced automatically.
The match between Blazing Fire Academy and Shrek Academy would determine the final spot in the top three.