Chapter 8: Chapter 8: The Qingbei Duo
Compared to others, Zhu Zhuqing was more approachable, and Xiao Wu was well aware of the tension between Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai. Previously, Zhu Zhuqing had refused to team up with Dai Mubai and instead partnered with Tang San.
Thus, pairing Zhu Zhuqing with Meng Bei was entirely feasible.
Additionally, Zhu Zhuqing was Dai Mubai's fiancée, so with that relationship in place, Xiao Wu felt assured that Meng Bei and Zhu Zhuqing would not develop any romantic ties.
With this in mind, Xiao Wu quickly made her decision. She discreetly approached Zhu Zhuqing and whispered a few words in her ear.
Before long, Zhu Zhuqing nodded in understanding.
Xiao Wu explained that her younger "brother" Meng Bei had just joined Shrek Academy and wasn't yet familiar with everyone. She asked Zhu Zhuqing to team up with him for the upcoming duo battles to help him adjust.
Zhu Zhuqing readily agreed. She had been reluctant to team up with Dai Mubai anyway, so Xiao Wu's request fit perfectly with her own intentions.
When Flender finished explaining the team pairings, Zhu Zhuqing was the first to approach Meng Bei.
"Meng Bei, would you like to team up for the duo battles at the Great Spirit Arena?" she asked.
Meng Bei was surprised and turned to look at Zhu Zhuqing.
He hadn't expected the aloof "little cat" to approach him voluntarily. Was something going on that he didn't know about? He couldn't figure it out.
He had assumed Ning Rongrong would be the one to ask him, but here was Zhu Zhuqing instead.
Since Zhu Zhuqing had taken the initiative, Meng Bei had no reason to refuse. He immediately agreed without hesitation.
"Sure, Sister Zhuqing, let's team up."
Not far away, Ning Rongrong overheard their conversation. She stopped mid-step, her heart sinking.
Meng Bei and Zhu Zhuqing…
A wave of sadness washed over her. Ever since she had rejected Meng Bei that day, it felt like he had been drifting further and further away.
Was it her fault?
That wasn't her intention at all.
Soon, all the Shrek students had formed their pairs, and under Flender's guidance, they went to the Great Spirit Arena to register.
When registering, Meng Bei and Zhu Zhuqing discussed and decided on their team name: **Qingbei Duo**—a combination of Zhuqing's "Qing" and Meng Bei's "Bei."
After watching a few matches from the sidelines, it was finally their turn.
The host stepped onto the stage to introduce the participants.
"Next up, we have the Qingbei Duo versus the Bloodthirst Duo!"
The audience cheered as the participants entered the arena.
The host first introduced the Bloodthirst Duo.
"The Bloodthirst Duo are seasoned contenders who have already won three consecutive matches. This will be their fourth. Their martial spirits are the notorious Bloodthirst Wolves!"
The crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
The host then turned to introduce the Qingbei Duo.
"Our Qingbei Duo, on the other hand, is a new pair at the Great Spirit Arena. Their martial spirits are the Snow Hare and the Netherworld Spirit Cat. From a martial spirit perspective, they seem at a disadvantage. Can they create a miracle? Let's wait and see!"
The cheers for Qingbei Duo were noticeably weaker.
Once the introductions were over, both teams released their martial spirits, preparing for battle.
The Bloodthirst Duo revealed their spirit rings as their martial spirits took form.
Yellow, Yellow, Purple.
Both were powerful Spirit Elders!
Meng Bei and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged serious looks.
In terms of cultivation level, the odds seemed stacked against them. However, cultivation was not the only factor in a battle.
While cautious, the two of them showed no fear of their opponents.
Meanwhile, the Bloodthirst Duo glared at them with blood-red eyes, exuding a menacing aura.
"Little rabbit, little cat, I suggest you surrender now, or we'll tear you apart!" one of them snarled.
But Meng Bei and Zhu Zhuqing remained motionless, as if they hadn't heard a word.
"Fine! Don't blame us for what happens next!" the Bloodthirst Duo shouted.
At that moment, the countdown ended, and the host declared, "Begin!"
The battle erupted.
**"Bloodthirst Charge!"**
**"Freezing Beam!"**
Both sides launched their attacks. The Bloodthirst Duo, cloaked in red energy, charged at Meng Bei from opposite sides. Their plan was to take him down first, leaving Zhu Zhuqing, a Spirit Grandmaster, as an easy target.
But Meng Bei was faster.
His **Freezing Beam**, a ray-type spirit ability, fired instantly, streaking toward one of the Bloodthirst Duo.
Caught off guard, the opponent had no time to evade and was struck directly.
"Ahhh!"
He screamed and collapsed, half his body encased in ice and completely immobilized.
"Big Brother!" the other member of the Bloodthirst Duo cried out in anguish.
Seeing his companion's dire state, he felt a pang of grief. However, his battle-hardened instincts kicked in, reminding him that now was not the time for mourning.
Determined to avenge his brother, he charged at Meng Bei with even greater speed, aiming to take him down.
**"Netherworld Hundred Claws!"**
Zhu Zhuqing appeared in front of Meng Bei, unleashing her **Netherworld Hundred Claws** to block the attack.
The Bloodthirst Wolf Spirit Master retaliated with his own spirit ability.
**"Bloodthirst Wolf Claw!"**
The two exchanged rapid blows, sparks flying as their claws clashed. Despite Zhu Zhuqing's agility, her opponent's superior strength and spirit power gave him the upper hand.
The suppression of a Spirit Elder over a Spirit Grandmaster was undeniable.
Zhu Zhuqing was in a perilous situation.
At the critical moment, Meng Bei intervened.
Leaping into the air, he launched a powerful kick imbued with icy energy toward the Bloodthirst Spirit Master.
**"First Spirit Ability: Snowstep Kick!"**
"Not good!" The Bloodthirst Spirit Master, recalling his companion's fate, hastily retreated to avoid direct contact.
Zhu Zhuqing capitalized on the moment, using her claws to lock onto his arms and prevent his escape.
The Bloodthirst Spirit Master, desperate, yanked his arms free with brute force, leaving deep, bloody gashes from Zhu Zhuqing's claws. He managed to dodge Meng Bei's Snowstep Kick by a hair's breadth.
Meng Bei, unfazed, activated his second spirit ring.
Opening his mouth, he unleashed a frosty blast.
"Second Spirit Ability: Freezing Wind!"