Douluo: Ma Hongjun The Ancestor Phoenix!

At the Great Spirit Arena, Flander unexpectedly ran into an old acquaintance. Meanwhile, within the Shrek team, everyone was gathered around, frowning as they read the data sheet Oscar had brought back.

"Is the Dean playing a joke on us?"

After a long silence, Oscar took a deep breath and pointed at the names listed on the sheet. "All members are above level 36. The captain is level 39, and the vice-captain is level 38."

"Does the Dean think too highly of us?"

The Royal Fighting Team!

They only participate in team battles. Even though they've only won three consecutive matches, the teams they defeated were some of the best in the Spirit Arena.

Not to mention, the Berserker Team they beat has a fearsome reputation!

"I bet the Dean didn't even read the information properly. He probably agreed to the match just because someone took the initiative to challenge us."

Xiao Wu cupped her face and sighed.

"That flamboyant guy from earlier must've been one of them, right?"

Dai Mubai snorted coldly. "They're just a bunch of cowards acting tough!"

"These people are really sneaky. Their spirit power is way above ours, yet they're still playing games."

Ning Rongrong pouted unhappily.

Zhu Zhuqing gently held her hand and gave her a comforting look.

"So, brothers, what do you think? Should we accept?"

Oscar now understood why the receptionist had looked at him so strangely when he picked up the form.

He looked at everyone helplessly.

"Fatty, Big Sister, what about you two? Should we go for it?"

Dai Mubai turned toward the two who hadn't spoken yet, and the rest followed his gaze.

"Accept?"

Gu Yuena simply asked one word, then looked at Ma Hongjun.

"Of course, why not?" Ma Hongjun nodded with a smile. "We still haven't gotten revenge for Oscar yet."

They had to face the Royal Fighting Team—especially because one of its members, Vice-Captain Dugu Yan, held special significance for Ma Hongjun.

Not because he was in love with her—but because of her grandfather.

Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo!

That man possessed an extraordinary treasure: the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well!

It was a sacred land that played a pivotal role in the rise of the God King Tang San. Ma Hongjun had to gain control over it.

Given its immense value, once he secured it, he would surely earn a massive number of evolution points.

Besides, Xiao Wu was right—no matter what happened with Oscar, spying was unforgivable. If Yu Feng really was trying to gather information on them, that couldn't be tolerated.

"Then let's do it. Just level 39—why should I be afraid?"

Dai Mubai slapped the table. "We've got one day left. Let's go back and train!"

"Let's go, let's go!!"

"Once we win, I'll treat everyone to a feast when we get to Tiandou City!"

The Shrek team was filled with energy as they prepared to return to the academy. But at the back of the group, Zhu Zhuqing quietly tugged on Ma Hongjun's sleeve.

"Um… Zhuqing, what is it?"

The red-haired boy looked at the cool, stunning girl in front of him with some surprise.

Her beautiful face flushed red. She lowered her head, quickly handed him a small note, and slipped back into the team without another word.

"Huh?"

Ma Hongjun scratched his chin in confusion. When he opened the paper, he found the handwriting smudged with sweat. Clearly, the note had been held tightly for a long time—she must have summoned great courage to give it to him.

"What lake is this? Meet at night?"

He hadn't expected Zhuqing to be so bold.

Smiling and shaking his head, Ma Hongjun carefully folded the note and tucked it away.

Might as well meet and see what she wants to say.

But what lake was this? How many lakes were there in Soto City?

Ma Hongjun fell deep into thought.

"Qingqing, what did you just give Brother Hongjun?" Xiao Wu asked curiously.

"N-Nothing!"

Zhu Zhuqing was startled. She hadn't expected someone to notice so quickly and stammered an awkward denial.

"Come on, stop pretending—we all saw it," Ning Rongrong said, folding her arms and pouting. "I didn't expect it to be you sneaking around, Qingqing!"

"Tell us, we won't tease you," Gu Yuena said, a small smile flickering in her amethyst eyes.

Though she wasn't too pleased with all these girls entangling themselves with Ma Hongjun, she was genuinely curious about human emotions.

"You guys!"

Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened. Her face turned crimson in an instant, and she trembled as if she might faint from the shame and embarrassment.

"Hey, Zhuqing, are you not feeling well?"

Dai Mubai, walking in front, turned back in concern.

"None of your business. Mind your own path."

Ning Rongrong, clearly annoyed, snapped back.

"You—!"

Dai Mubai almost shouted, "You little brat, looking for trouble!" but he ultimately turned away, embarrassed.

A gentleman doesn't fight with women!

He grumbled to himself.

Besides, that girl always wins in arguments.

Better not provoke her.

Night fell.

On Soto City's main street, Dugu Yan wandered alone, feeling bored.

Earlier, their team leader Qin Ming returned and, to everyone's surprise, suggested they withdraw from their match with the Shrek team.

Of course, she was unwilling. Yufeng had already been humiliated, and the challenge had been issued. If they gave up now, wouldn't that prove the Royal Team was afraid of a bunch of nobodies?

What baffled her more was that no one else on the team opposed the decision. Even her boyfriend, Yu Tianheng, advised her to stay calm and rational.

Dugu Yan, spoiled by her grandfather Dugu Bo since childhood, was furious. She slammed the door and stormed off, ignoring everyone trying to stop her.

Now, the cool night breeze helped her calm down a little. After all, they had indeed grown under Teacher Qin's guidance. Maybe he had his reasons.

But Yu Tianheng! That idiot actually didn't take her side. She decided to ignore him for at least three days!

Thinking that, Dugu Yan felt a little better. She even casually poisoned a few people tailing her and prepared to head back.

Only then did she realize she had unknowingly walked all the way to the edge of the city.

The moonlight shimmered on the lake, the breeze rustled the grass, and the quiet beauty of the place was breathtaking.

"I didn't expect Soto City to have such a beautiful place. After the tournament, I'll come here with Tianheng."

Dugu Yan's violet eyes sparkled with joy as she admired the view.

But suddenly, her expression changed.

Because someone very familiar appeared in her sight—a red-haired boy.

"Is this the lake?"

Ma Hongjun scratched his chin and looked at the smudged note again. The only thing still recognizable was the word "lake."

As far as he knew, this was the only lake in Soto City.

This area was totally deserted. Hardly anyone came here during the day, let alone at night.

"Forget it, maybe I got it wrong…"

After searching for a while and still unsure, the red-haired boy shook his head and turned to leave.

But at that moment—a powerful gust of wind came flying at him!!