Chapter 382: We’re in a Hurry

Wiggins was somewhat surprised as he glanced at Winnie, who had tossed her travel bag aside and was ready to step onto the field, then looked at Wang Feng, who seemed completely at ease.

To be honest, regardless of what rumors were circulating about how Rose Team won against Mangalam, the fact remained that they had won. For the Beast Holy Sanctuary, this meant they would no longer underestimate their opponents. The only regret was that Mangalam refused to provide more detailed information about Rose Team, leaving the Beast Holy Sanctuary in the dark about their current situation. This was understandable on two fronts: firstly, no one likes to air their dirty laundry to the world, and secondly, Mangalam might also be worried that making it too easy for the Beast Holy Sanctuary would make them look even more incompetent.

But this refusal did serve as a reminder to the Beast Holy Sanctuary that Rose Team must have won fairly. If there had been any foul play, Mangalam would have already broadcasted every detail of the match to the world.

So whether it was the intimidating setup when opening the door to suppress Rose Team's morale, or the various analyses of combat strength before the battle, and even understanding Captain Wang Feng's character, Wiggins had truly done his utmost in preparation. He had even put himself in the enemy's shoes to consider how they might arrange their forces, but he never imagined that Rose Team would send out their ace, Winnie, in the first match.

"Leading with your ultimate card?" Wiggins said coolly, "Aren't you afraid I'll just replace you with a substitute?"

"Why so many complications? Look." Old Wang pointed lazily at a large pendulum clock hanging in the distance, "I'm really in a hurry, buddy, don't dilly-dally..."

This is impossible, we can't communicate properly!

Wiggins, with a cold expression, glanced behind him, "Quio!"

A thin, somewhat shifty-looking man stepped forward, wearing a rather unique suit of armor.

The armor was entirely silver, engraved with intricate water rune patterns. Even without activating his Spirit Power, the flowing lines on the surface of the armor gave the impression of rippling water, making it exceptionally exquisite.

However, it seemed a bit oversized... The armor was slightly too big, and Quio's slender frame made the upper part of the armor hang down past his waist, while the sleeves were a bit too long, revealing only half of his fingers.

"Borrowed, right?" Old Wang laughed, teasing Wiggins, "Water overcomes fire, good thinking!"

Indeed, this was a temporary loan from the neighboring Vern Spirit Beast Master Academy—the Flowing Pattern Armor!

Although Winnie Lee did not display her true strength during the battle with Mangalam, the entire league knew she was a Fire Witch, with her trump card being the Demon Bear Spirit Beast, Jiaobaoba, from Hell Island. Wearing this Flowing Pattern Armor was clearly aimed at defending against her fire-based witchcraft, a well-thought-out strategy.

Wiggins knew he was no match for Old Wang in a verbal sparring and gave a cold laugh, not bothering to say more. It seemed that Quiao was also a sensible person; even before stepping into the arena, he already had his Spirit Card in hand. Once on the field, he was wary of Winnie suddenly attacking, so he immediately cast a summoning array, bringing out his Spirit Beast first.

A flash of cold light appeared on the ground, and a massive ice crystal summoning array emerged. A huge head slowly emerged from within.

It was a single-horned water python, thick enough for two people to embrace, stretching over twenty meters long. Its body was covered with cold-shining scales as large as fists, emitting wisps of cold air, causing the temperature in the vast arena to drop sharply, leaving a thin layer of frost wherever it slithered.

The single-horned water python, a noble among the Spirit Beasts deep in the Vern forest, could reach the absolute strength of breaking through the Ghost level when grown to its limit. Even this one before them clearly had its Spirit Power at the Tiger Peak stage.

This needs some explanation... Among humans at the Tiger Peak stage, there are still differences, mainly representing the peak of a realm, with variations in Spirit Power intensity, speed, agility, etc., depending on the individual.

The same applies to Spirit Beasts. The Spirit Power of Spirit Beasts is generally much stronger than that of humans at the same level, but there are significant differences between Spirit Beasts as well, such as their potential, attributes, and even the influence of their bonded masters.

Generally speaking, larger-bodied Spirit Beasts will never be weak in terms of Spirit Power and strength. This single-horned giant python was no joke.

As soon as the single-horned water python appeared, it coiled around Quiao, its sinuous body encircling him protectively. It raised its head, extending a long, blood-red tongue.

*Hiss, hiss, hiss, hiss*

Its crimson eyes matched those of the protected Quiao, who looked at the 'laid-back' Winnie Lee, who had yet to summon her Spirit Beast, and smiled.

In terms of both power and attributes, his single-horned water python, Big White, would absolutely suppress Winnie Lee, and the keen insight of pythons would counteract the underhanded tricks of the Li family. With the flowing pattern armor he wore, he was almost invincible.

This formation was specifically set up to entertain Winnie Lee, and the opponent was bound to lose!

"Clearly a snake, pretending to be a turtle." Winnie pouted, flicked her fingers, and a Spirit Card appeared in her hand: "Come out, Banaba!"

She threw the Spirit Card, and the gates of hell opened. Banaba, engulfed in flames, roared as she appeared on the field.

In terms of overall size, the single-horned water python was clearly much larger than Banaba, but when they raised their heads, their heights were roughly equal. Now, the two Spirit Beasts faced each other, instantly sensing the threat from their kindred spirits. Water and fire do not mix, and without needing their masters to incite them, the Demon Bear and the water python already felt like enemies meeting, their eyes burning with hatred.

Jiobao Baaba let out a low, muffled groan, her eyes flickering with flames and brimming with hostility. The Unicorne Water Python’s eerie red eyes gleamed, its tongue flicking in and out as if it had spotted a delicious meal.

It must be said that in terms of appearance alone, the Unicorne Water Python was superior to Jiobao Baaba. Stretching over twenty meters long, when coiled and raising its head to flick its tongue, it appeared significantly larger than Jiobao Baaba. Its icy scales, clearly polished uniquely, added to its imposing presence, and its larger size meant greater strength, not to mention water's advantage over fire and flexibility over rigidity!

At this moment, one side was ablaze with flames, while the other was cold as ice. It seemed the Unicorne Water Python held a natural disdain for fire-type Spirit Beasts, and it took the first step forward tentatively.

Ssssss...

"Quao will win! The Water God will win!"

Just a small movement from the Water Python, and the entire arena erupted into a frenzy.

To be honest, almost everyone present was a Spirit Beast Master, and no one knew more about Spirit Beasts than the Beast Holy Sanctuary. Despite the Water Python only moving slightly forward, this indicated that it did not consider the Demon Bear a significant threat, allowing it to advance. In such matters, Spirit Beasts have a more acute sense of judgment than humans, and their instincts should be trusted above all else.

Whoosh!

The Water Python struck first, its advantages in both size and attributes making it view the Demon Bear as nothing more than a meal.

Its coiled body suddenly tensed and straightened, launching itself like a spear directly at Jiobao Baaba.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Jiobao Baaba’s massive form also charged forward, heading straight for the Water Python. In the blink of an eye, they collided.

A paw as large as a fan slammed down on the snake’s head, but the head was incredibly agile, managing to turn sharply even while moving in a straight line. The upper part of its body formed a U-shaped arc in mid-air, and its massive tail swept forward with tremendous force.

Jiobao Baaba’s eyes blazed with fury, flames engulfing her entire body. She changed her strike to a grab, and with a terrifyingly loud 'slap,' she was forced back several steps. However, she managed to seize the thick tail with both hands!

Struggling fiercely, she spun on the spot, attempting to fling the Unicorne Water Python out of the arena. But as she rotated, the snake’s body swung and wrapped around her, turning the tables and constricting her entire body. At the same time, the snake’s head, now facing forward, opened its crimson mouth wide and bit down hard on Jiobao Baaba’s shoulder.

Banana Bababa summoned her brute strength and forcefully pulled her right arm out of the constricting coils of the water python. She grabbed the upper jaw of the snake's mouth, and both sides instantly locked in a stalemate.

Suddenly, a cold light gathered in the open mouth of the unicorn water python. A surge of water soul power converged, shooting out and instantly transforming into an incomparably sharp ice sword, aiming to pierce through Banana Bababa!

Banana Bababa’s bear mouth also opened wide, and a pillar of raging flames shot out, pushing against the ice sword.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The intense collision of soul powers between the two was evenly matched for a moment, but a careful observer would notice that the thick-bodied unicorn water python was tightening its grip even more! Banana Bababa, enraged, bit down hard on the part of the unicorn water python that was almost wrapping around her neck, but all she heard was a series of 'crackling' sounds—her teeth could not penetrate the cold, shiny scales covering the python’s body!

This was not just a matter of strength. Forget about her teeth; the flames on Banana Bababa’s body continued to flare up but could never break through the layer of cold energy surrounding the unicorn water python. The normally vigorous flames were forcibly contained within a certain range, unable to break free, clearly being suppressed by the python’s attribute. It was evident that even at the beginning of the confrontation, the unicorn water python had the clear upper hand among the two Spirit Beasts!

At this moment, Kweo, standing on the other side, was not idle. Almost all Vern Sanctuary beast masters were dual practitioners, and Kweo was not only a beast master but also an ice witch. As the unicorn water python engaged in battle, he was already casting various defensive spells for himself in a flurry.

Yes, pure defense... Even as a Tiger Peak witch with an attribute advantage, Kweo did not consider facing Winnie Lee head-on. The ninth miss of the Li family was renowned, and her strength was likely above his. He decided to play it safe to the extreme! Kweo firmly believed that the unicorn water python would win this battle, and his job was to survive until that moment!

Water ripples spread over his flowing pattern armor, and one after another, water shields wrapped him up like a dumpling, layer upon layer, leaving no room for the opponent to exploit any weakness.

With the Spirit Beast having the upper hand and the beast master without any vulnerabilities, more importantly, when Winnie Lee saw Kweo’s defenses, she seemed to have lost hope, standing there with no intention of making a move.

This was a victory within reach! And it was against the opponent’s main force, their ace!

The Beast Holy Sanctuary disciples in the stands became excited, cheering loudly for Kweo. Wiggins’ face showed a satisfied smile. To gain such an absolute advantage from the start, whether it was the flowing pattern armor or the tactical arrangements, everything was thanks to his preparations.

Thinking of Wang Feng’s arrogant expression earlier, Wiggins couldn’t help but laugh. He was curious to see what the arrogant Rose Captain would say now. At this moment, he must be frozen in shock, his mind as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

Wiggins smiled slightly and turned his head slightly, but just a glance at Wang Feng’s situation made his previously shining eyes suddenly freeze.

"Left, a little to the left!"

Wang Feng was sitting on a stool he had found somewhere, seemingly not paying any attention to the match at all. He squinted his eyes, clearly enjoying the small hand of the big-breasted girl scratching his back!

"Right there! A bit harder!" Old Wang enjoyed it thoroughly, feeling as if he were in seventh heaven: "Good junior sister, I'll scratch your back later too!"

This, this... you two are scratching each other in public? She's a girl!

Not only was Wiggins stunned into a daze, but even Asiba beside him was shocked speechless. In contrast, Mapeier nodded gently, her face slightly flushed with embarrassment: "I'll do as my senior brother says."

Really, even Asiba couldn't bear to watch anymore. Others might be exaggerating, but saying that Old Wang brought Mapeier here for selfish reasons was definitely true!

Wiggins gaped, unable to mock or even remember why he had turned around just now. As he stared at the big-breasted girl who looked like a submissive maid before Wang Feng, he heard a lazy voice from the stage: "Alright, Bananabara, stop playing around and finish him off!"

Everyone heard it; the audience fell silent for a moment before bursting into laughter.

Soul power suppressed, strength suppressed, type suppressed, and even his left arm still entangled by the Unicorne Water Python, unable to break free. Even in such a dire situation, could he still turn the tide?

"Little girl, this isn't Mangalam. You should think twice before boasting!"

"Quio, don't hold back, take her out directly!"

The crowd on the stands jeered, but then they saw Bananabara, who had been struggling fiercely against the Unicorne Water Python, suddenly calm down.

Seemingly hearing its master's command, its soul power seemed to change slightly, but the flames enveloping its body still showed no sign of breaking free from the cold aura. Wait...

Bananabara calmed down, but the Unicorne Water Python, which had been dominating the fight, began to tremble.

Its coiled body was being stretched inch by inch, and it seemed to be doing so effortlessly...

The Unicorne Water Python trembled, its eyes wide open in disbelief.

The scene fell silent instantly. Something was off; the Demon Bear's soul power didn't seem to have changed significantly, and the flames enveloping its body were still being restrained by the water python's cold aura...

*Puff*

A soft sound, and the red flames frozen by the cold suddenly transformed, turning into a ghostly blue fire.

In that instant of the flame's transformation, the body of the unicorn water python, which had been tightly coiled, began to rapidly loosen, trying to retreat as quickly as possible.

Clearly, it wasn't Jiaobaba who had broken free from the python's constriction, but rather the python itself had been frightened by a terrifying premonition, causing it to lose its strength!

But it was too late. The blue flames 'climbed' onto it in an instant, and in a mere moment, the entire white unicorn water python was engulfed in flames!

Blue flames—this was a change in quality, a crushing superiority in rank!

Water may overcome fire, but if there is a level of suppression, water not only fails to overcome fire, it can even become fuel for the fire!

*Hiss* *Hiss*

The unicorn water python, in extreme fear, managed only two agonized cries before it was completely burned through by the blue flames that had spread over its entire body! Its once sturdy form was now entirely ablaze, transforming into a massive torch, accompanied by low-frequency hisses, rolling on the ground a few times before collapsing, twitching, twitching. Kweo released an ice spell, but it was utterly useless against the blue flames, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.

He was horrified to find that he had lost all connection with the unicorn water python in that instant, even the bond that linked them had shattered! This wasn't just an injury to the Spirit Beast; this was direct death!

No mercy was shown.

Kweo's mouth gaped open, his mind still reeling from the extreme grief of losing his Spirit Beast, when he saw the terrifying Demon Bear, now engulfed in blue flames, turn its head and glare at him fiercely.

Winnie Lee was clearly not one to be trifled with; showing off in front of her would lead to no good end. She wouldn't show any misplaced mercy. If there was anyone in Old Wang Squad who was the most ruthless and the one you couldn't afford to offend, it was her.

Even the unicorn water python couldn't withstand the scorching blue flames and turned to ashes in an instant. What use would his own defenses be...? None at all.

　Thud!

　Without hesitation, Kweo raised his hands decisively: "I surrender!"

　Quick to speak and quick to act; losing one’s life is the ultimate price.

　Apart from the heavy breathing of the Demon Bear Jiaobaoba, the vast arena was eerily silent, with everyone staring at Kweo, who had raised his hands in despair.

　To be honest, admitting defeat to an outsider in front of all his classmates on his home turf… it was somewhat embarrassing.

　Wiggins’ face turned ashen instantly, but he could not find fault. What could he blame? The other party had just lost a Spirit Beast that they had painstakingly cultivated, did he really expect Kweo to sacrifice his life as well to prove loyalty to the Beast Holy Sanctuary and to him, Wiggins?

　But how could Winnie Lee be so strong? That blue flame… damn it, damn Mangalam!

　The Holy Sanctuary's Light reported that Winnie Lee had instantly defeated Wuri, which seemed odd at the time. How could Wuri, ranked sixty-ninth in Dragon City, be instantly defeated by someone of the same level? It felt strange then, but because Mangalam refused to share information about the previous battle involving Rose, the Beast Holy Sanctuary couldn’t conduct further analysis and had to attribute it to rumors of an ambush, leading to this misjudgment!

　If only they had known how powerful Winnie Lee was, would they have let Kweo go up there to be slaughtered? They could have sent anyone else, a cannon fodder, wouldn’t that have been better? Now, they’ve lost their strongest deputy, and even Kweo’s years of effort, the Unicorne Water Python, has been lost here. This is truly…

　Wiggins was filled with regret, gnashing his teeth, yet unable to utter a word.

　The quietness of the surrounding stands, the fearful gazes, and the opponent across the way, the Spirit Beast Master with her hands raised high, all made Winnie feel rather good. At least she didn’t have to deal with someone like Mangalam trying to show off.

　So she snapped her fingers, immediately recalling Jiaobaoba, and then, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, walked back to Old Wang as if no one else was around. Glancing at Wiggins, who was still staring at her in shock, Winnie mimicked Old Wang’s lazy tone: "Do I have something on my face? Why are you staring? It’s the second round, send someone up! We’re in a hurry!"