Chapter 30: If You Don't Poach Talent, You've Lived in Vain—Joining Shrek Academy

If you don't poach someone’s partner, you’ve wasted your time in this world—joining Shrek Academy!

As they watched Xu Yan increase his spirit power level, Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong, and Flender were equally shocked.

"This kind of food-system spirit fruit seems to be able to significantly boost spirit power," Yu Xiaogang remarked. "Erlong, where did you find this kid?"

Liu Erlong, seeing the somewhat excited expression on Yu Xiaogang’s face, was momentarily speechless. "Xiao Wu was the one who met him first."

Flender added, "Indeed, if this kid joins Shrek, we have added another powerful little monster to our ranks. In the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Elite Tournament, we will have an absolute advantage. We might even take the championship."

Zhao Wuji scratched his head, looking bewildered. "It’s that easy?"

"No, we absolutely cannot give him another chance to eat that golden fruit," Zhao Wuji said.

The fact that Xu Yan could consume golden fruits so recklessly to enhance his spirit power and recover his strength was essentially an invincible cheat mode. Even in any high-level tournament, this method wouldn't violate the rules. Tournament regulations prohibited the use of external forces or hidden weapons, but these golden fruits were the manifestation of a food-system spirit master’s ability—perfectly legitimate and not forbidden. If this were banned, there would be no point in food-system spirit masters existing at all.

"Seventh Spirit Skill, Avatar of the Spirit: Vajra Bear Avatar!"

Zhao Wuji immediately unleashed his strongest attack, seeing that the time was about to run out.

"Zhao Wuji, you cannot take his life!" Yu Xiaogang shouted in alarm.

But Zhao Wuji was beyond stopping; his Spirit Avatar was already manifest, and there was no pulling back. Hearing Yu Xiaogang’s words, Tang San thought to himself that even his teacher had begun to value Huo Yuhao.

"Huo Yuhao, I must find a way to get you kicked out of Shrek," Tang San thought, his fists clenching tightly.

Facing the surging pressure of Zhao Wuji’s Spirit Avatar, Xu Yan was pushed back continuously. He was being buffeted by the immense spirit power, his body involuntarily sliding backward.

"Too powerful," Xu Yan thought, inwardly startled. As expected of the "Immovable Bright King," his reputation was well-earned. In the future, even a dozen bishops of the Spirit Hall would fail to kill Zhao Wuji, proving that this rough-and-tumble man was not to be underestimated.

At this point, Xu Yan had no choice but to use the power of his Reincarnation Eye. Even if it consumed his spirit power, he had to try. Fortunately, this wasn't a life-or-death battle.

As Zhao Wuji launched his assault, the ground cracked and shattered, shaking incessantly.

Xu Yan activated his dōjutsu, channeling all his spirit power into a repulsive force. When the massive bear paw slammed down, the air itself groaned and warped as if about to shatter. Even before the paw made contact, the sheer atmospheric pressure was already upon him, making Xu Yan feel as if he were facing a tornado; his robes were whipped straight back, and even his hair stood on end.

"Shinra Tensei!"

*Boom!*

A powerful repulsive shockwave seemed to instantly deflect the crashing bear paw. The force of that blow felt world-shattering, so the repulsive force he exerted at full power didn't send his opponent flying as it usually did. The two remained in a stalemate.

Zhao Wuji, in his Spirit Avatar state, roared continuously. Xu Yan, his face contorted by the hurricane-force winds, let out a shout of his own. He caught sight of the incense stick nearby burning down to its end.

The collision continued. Xu Yan could hear the bones in his hands cracking and thought that if this didn't end soon, his hands would be broken. His eyes also began to ache; he had pushed them beyond their limit today.

"Stop! Hurry, stop!" Liu Erlong shouted. "It’s over!"

Seeing the incense had burned out, Zhao Wuji retracted his Spirit Avatar and landed on the ground. Xu Yan staggered back a step and finally let out a sigh of relief. His hands were numb, and his eyes stung, though thankfully not bleeding.

He returned to normal. Then, he summoned five red spirit rings, condensed a red fruit, and ate it. He sat down to recover his spirit power. Liu Erlong and Jiang Zhu, seemingly concerned for his safety, walked over to him.

"Yuhao," Liu Erlong said, looking at Xu Yan with anxiety as he recovered.

Many Shrek Academy students watched, shocked. They felt today’s duel had been truly spectacular!

Flender looked at Xu Yan, deep in thought. "If this kid continues to grow, he will definitely shock the entire continent. He might become the youngest Titled Douluo and break historical records."

Yu Xiaogang nodded solemnly. "The possibility is very high. If he were to be captured by the Spirit Hall, the consequences would be unimaginable."

"Xiaogang, do you also feel that Huo Yuhao must stay at Shrek?" Flender asked.

"Yes, this is the best gift heaven could give us," Yu Xiaogang replied.

"You already have a disciple as excellent as Little San; aren't you satisfied?" Flender asked.

"Little San is excellent, but Yuhao is not far behind. If we nurture both of them to their full potential, Shrek will not only have the Seven Devils but also a duo of heroes. By then, our Shrek Academy will be truly famous across the continent," Yu Xiaogang said, his face glowing with excitement. In truth, he was deeply intrigued by Xu Yan and wanted to understand his spirit abilities.

When Xu Yan woke up, he had fully recovered.

"Yuhao, how are you?" Liu Erlong asked. Jiang Zhu was also nearby, watching him with her bright, limpid eyes.

Xu Yan felt the concern of Liu Erlong and Jiang Zhu, but the others kept their distance. Xiao Wu had wanted to walk over to check on him, but Tang San held her back. Xiao Wu glanced at Tang San and ultimately did not approach.

Xu Yan caught this out of the corner of his eye and thought, *Tang San, you big fool, I didn't want to break you two up, but now I’ve changed my mind. If I don't poach your partner, I've lived for nothing.*

"Sister Erlong, I'm fine, I'm perfectly healthy," Xu Yan said quickly.

Liu Erlong nodded in satisfaction. Like a real older sister, she patted Xu Yan on the shoulder with a smile. Yu Xiaogang rarely saw such gentleness from her; it seemed she cared deeply for this kid, Huo Yuhao.

Xu Yan walked up to Zhao Wuji, condensed another red fruit, and handed it to him. "Teacher Zhao, I apologize for the offense earlier; I hope you don't take it to heart."

Zhao Wuji took the fruit and waved his hand with a laugh. "It's nothing, really."

He took a bite of the red fruit, and his previous exhaustion eased significantly. "You kid are truly impressive. If you grow to my level, how terrifying would you be?"

At this moment, Flender walked over. "Yuhao, from today on, you are a member of Shrek Academy."