After returning to their quarters, Yu Xiaogang summoned the Shrek Seven Devils.
That afternoon, they would face Godwind Academy. If they won, then with only one night of rest before confronting the overwhelmingly powerful Spirit Hall Academy team, the challenge would be immense.
The situation was far from favorable.
No matter what, they had to win the match that afternoon.
"This year's Soul Master Tournament—Spirit Hall Academy not only possesses overwhelming strength, but also holds every advantage: timing, terrain, and support. But they are not invincible."
"Teacher, we have confidence."
Tang San's eyes shone with unwavering certainty.
Yu Xiaogang nodded.
"You all saw the three soul bones. Every one of them is top-grade. And that skull—an absolute treasure among soul bones."
At the mention of soul bones, everyone's eyes brightened.
Yu Xiaogang continued:
"Clearly, those were prepared for Spirit Hall's three outstanding young soul masters. But until the very last moment, the outcome belongs to no one. I believe that as long as you give your all, you too may obtain them."
His words strengthened everyone's resolve.
Tang San said,
"Our first task is to defeat Godwind Academy. Only then do we have the right to compete for the soul bones."
"Exactly. We've already witnessed their strength—
but they have never seen the full power of our Seven-in-One Fusion Skill. I believe we can definitely beat them."
Dai Mubai answered confidently.
Yu Xiaogang reminded them:
"Confidence is good—but do not underestimate your opponents. This afternoon, you must fight swiftly. End the battle in the shortest possible time. Only then will you have more recovery time for tomorrow's final."
"Understood."
Everyone looked forward to the upcoming battle against Godwind Academy.
Soon, the afternoon arrived.
The plaza before the Pope's Palace looked just the same as in the morning.
Bibi Dong and the elders were all present.
The seven members of Spirit Hall Academy stood to one side, quietly observing.
The two teams entering the semifinals stood on the plaza, facing each other with tension in the air.
Tang San and Dai Mubai stood at the front of Shrek's formation, confronting Feng Xiaotian of Godwind Academy.
Feng Xiaotian looked at Tang San with disdain.
In the fight with Blazing Academy, Tang San had disregarded Huo Wu's life, unleashing the Clear Sky Hammer—something even he himself couldn't fully control.
Although Yan had neutralized the crisis, Feng Xiaotian still couldn't forgive Tang San.
"Tang San, last time my self-created spirit skill failed to defeat you—that was your luck. This time, I won't let you get away."
"Oh? Then we'll see just how capable you truly are."
Dai Mubai snorted coldly.
"Don't think that just because Godwind Academy passed the Heaven Dou division as first place, we're afraid of you. The final victor hasn't been decided yet."
"Final victor?"
Feng Xiaotian said coldly:
"Unlike you fools who overestimate yourselves, we at Godwind Academy know reality. No one will take the championship from Spirit Hall Academy. Our goal is simply to step on you on the way there!"
Before the battle even began, the plaza was already filled with tension like gunpowder.
Then, the referee announced the start of the match.
At Feng Xiaotian's command, his teammates immediately released their martial spirits.
But then—
something completely unexpected happened.
The moment the referee's voice fell, the Shrek Seven Devils rapidly retreated, forming a circular formation unlike anything they had shown before.
Ning Rongrong and Oscar stood inside the circle, while the other five began moving swiftly around the perimeter.
None of the seven released their martial spirits—
yet an overwhelming surge of soul power erupted from them, converging wildly toward the center.
Ning Rongrong and Oscar held hands and closed their eyes.
Brilliant seven-colored light from Ning Rongrong intertwined with the faint red glow from Oscar, spiraling upward into the sky.
Everyone watching was shocked.
Even Pope Bibi Dong, Ning Fengzhi, and the several Title Douluo felt astonished.
Feng Xiaotian and his teammates stared in confusion—they had no idea what Shrek was doing.
But Feng Xiaotian knew one thing clearly:
he had to break their buildup immediately.
"Prepare for battle!"
He shouted and soared into the air, wings of the Gale Demon Wolf unfurling.
At this moment, the Shrek formation suddenly shifted into a vertical line.
Tang San in front, followed by Dai Mubai, Xiao Wu, Ma Hongjun, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Oscar.
Their previously gathered soul power twisted into a single stream.
With a flash of rosy light, Oscar sent all his soul power into Ning Rongrong.
Ning Rongrong's three soul rings merged as one, sending all her power into Zhu Zhuqing ahead of her.
Zhu Zhuqing then passed her power to Ma Hongjun, Ma Hongjun to Xiao Wu, Xiao Wu to Dai Mubai—
And Dai Mubai channeled everything into Tang San.
Tang San's body shuddered violently. A terrifying pressure erupted from him.
Only now did Bibi Dong realize what Shrek was executing.
"A Seven-in-One Fusion Skill!"
"Yu Xiaogang… you've really grown bold."
This was not a traditional Martial Soul Fusion Technique.
It was a variant fusion—
a creation unique to Yu Xiaogang.
At that moment, Yu Xiaogang looked calmly at the arena, confidence in his eyes.
Yan and his teammates stared, stunned.
Xie Yue, Hu Liena, and the others were dumbfounded.
Just then, Feng Xiaotian dove from the sky again, unleashing his self-created spirit skill—
Gale Demon Wolf Thirty-Six Consecutive Slashes.
He knew the skill was restrained by Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer.
After last time's lesson, he stayed farther away.
But he still underestimated the Seven Devils' fusion power.
The small black hammer once again appeared in Tang San's hand—
and as he swung it toward Feng Xiaotian, it suddenly expanded with no warning, its hammerhead swelling to the size of a water tank.
Dense black light exploded outward.
Soul power surged violently around the Clear Sky Hammer, roaring with terrifying force straight toward Feng Xiaotian.
Even though he was prepared, Feng Xiaotian was still struck head-on.
With a thunderous boom, he was sent flying.
His team's teacher, watching from the sidelines, rushed into the air to catch the injured Feng Xiaotian before he crashed down.
The six Godwind Academy members froze, horrified.
Landing with Feng Xiaotian in his arms, the teacher shouted to the Red-robed Bishop referee:
"Referee! Godwind Academy concedes!"
Relief washed across the Shrek Seven Devils. Tang San dispelled the Clear Sky Hammer.
Bibi Dong's expression darkened.
What Tang San had used was the True Body of the Clear Sky Hammer.
Meaning—
with all seven people's soul power fused, Tang San's total soul force had briefly reached the equivalent of the seventieth rank.
This made even Bibi Dong uneasy for Spirit Hall Academy.
If Spirit Hall faced that without preparation, they could suffer the same fate as Feng Xiaotian.
Fortunately, Shrek had exposed this trump card early.
But even so, Bibi Dong dared not be careless.
She knew Yu Xiaogang's capabilities didn't end here—
and who knew what other surprises he had prepared for the final?
Shrek Academy had blindsided everyone and won the semifinal.
Their final battle against Spirit Hall Academy would take place the next morning.