Shi Mo and Shi Mo, the two brothers, exchanged a glance and threw their tortoise shells into the air. The shells whirled like guided missiles, tracking Xiao Wu's every movement with relentless precision.
Without the support of Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, Shrek's combat strength plummeted. All that remained was Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing—a fragile trio trying to hold their ground against the full might of the Emperor Team.
Tang San scanned the battlefield: The Emperor Team stood tall, unified and formidable. Then he looked at his side, now reduced to scraps of a once proud collective.
For a fleeting moment, a thought crossed his mind: Should we surrender?
He quickly shook his head, dispelling the notion. Losing was not an option. Even if Shrek Seven Devils were to fall, he vowed to make the Emperor Team pay dearly.
Meanwhile, Shi Mo and Shi Mo controlled their tortoise shells with pinpoint precision, encircling Xiao Wu. The shells suddenly split into 32 sharp fragments, creating a spinning vortex of death. The air vibrated with a piercing whine, and even the ground seemed to tremble under its intensity.
Tang San's eyes widened in horror as he watched Xiao Wu desperately evade the fragments. Her nimble movements weren't enough to escape unscathed—her body was soon riddled with cuts, blood streaking across her figure.
One shard struck her squarely in the stomach, and a spray of crimson erupted from her lips.
"Xiao Wu!"
Rage erupted in Tang San's heart. The Eight Spider Lances behind him unfurled, and he charged at the two brothers like a vengeful storm. His Blue Silver Grass and Spider Lances launched in tandem, creating a ferocious assault.
The brothers quickly summoned their tortoise shells to shield themselves, their formidable defenses deflecting Tang San's attacks.
Above, Xiao Wu's body plummeted toward the ground. Tang San unleashed a desperate burst of energy, forcing the brothers back just long enough to catch Xiao Wu in his arms.
Her eyes were closed, her breathing faint. Blood soaked her legs, staining her pale skin. She trembled violently, on the brink of collapse. Tang San swiftly sealed several pressure points on her body to stop the bleeding, his face a mix of anguish and fury.
Tang San gently placed Xiao Wu down and stood, his eyes locking onto Ye Hao's. For a moment, time seemed to freeze, the weight of his murderous intent suffocating the battlefield.
After ensuring Xiao Wu was safe, Tang San activated his Third Soul Skill: Spider Web Binding. A massive web, composed entirely of Blue Silver Grass, descended from above, aiming to ensnare Ye Hao.
Simultaneously, his Eight Spider Lances tensed, ready to skewer Ye Hao the moment he was immobilized. Tang San's mind echoed with a singular mantra: Kill him.
Ye Hao remained calm, his first soul ring glowing ominously. Around him, the air thickened with the sinister presence of Death Spider Emperor Poison, spreading in all directions. The ground cracked beneath him, the poison corroding everything it touched.
Seeing this, the Emperor Team instinctively backed away. They knew all too well how potent Ye Hao's poison was—far deadlier than even Dugu Yan's Jade Phosphor Serpent Poison.
Tang San pressed forward, his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track allowing him to close the gap in an instant. His Eight Spider Lances thrust forward with all his might, aiming to pierce Ye Hao's defenses.
But just as they closed in, a sharp, metallic clang echoed across the battlefield.
Ye Hao's own Spider Spears intercepted the attack, locking Tang San's lances in place.
Tang San struggled to move, his face twisted in frustration. The Blue Silver Grass net that had surrounded Ye Hao disintegrated upon contact with the spreading poison, leaving him utterly exposed.
Tang San roared, his voice filled with rage. "Ye Hao! Did you attack Xiao Wu yesterday? Are you… are you the one called Spicy Rabbit Head!?"
The crowd gasped. Whispers erupted across the arena.
"Spicy Rabbit Head?"
"So he's the one everyone's been talking about?"
In the VIP seats, Qin Ming sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. It was bound to come out eventually, he thought. His worst fears had materialized: Ye Hao's identity as "Spicy Rabbit Head" had been exposed, and now both sides would never reconcile.
Master and the others exchanged grave looks, unsure of how to proceed. The tension in the air was palpable.
On the battlefield, Ye Hao burst out laughing, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Ye Hao is Ye Hao. Spicy Rabbit Head is Spicy Rabbit Head. Why conflate the two?"
"Tang San, you conniving little snake. First, you tried to kill me with a silent sleeve dart. Now, you're trying to take my life on the battlefield. Tell me, do I also have a death sentence hanging over me?"
Tang San ignored the taunts, his muscles straining as he desperately tried to free his trapped Eight Spider Lances.
"Struggle all you want," Ye Hao sneered. "But your spider legs won't budge."
"Why not?" Tang San spat through gritted teeth.
Ye Hao's grin widened. "Because I am your ancestor."
Tang San froze, his face contorting in disbelief.
"Your puny Eight Spider Lances came from a mere Man-Faced Demon Spider. Do you really think they can stand against my Death Spider? Know your place."
Ye Hao's grip tightened on Tang San's lances, his mind briefly considering ripping them clean off. But with the eyes of thousands watching, he decided against it—for now.
With a flick of his wrist, Ye Hao flipped backward, landing a powerful kick to Tang San's chest, sending him stumbling backward.
Before Tang San could recover, Ye Hao's spear was at his throat. The cold, venomous tip pressed against his skin, freezing him in place.
"This fight is over," Ye Hao declared.
The announcer, momentarily stunned, regained his composure.
"The winner of this battle: The Emperor Team!"
Cheers erupted throughout the arena. Shrek's undefeated streak had been shattered.
In the midst of the celebration, Tang San's lips curled into a sinister smile. Though he was beaten today, this was far from over.
Ye Hao, indifferent to Tang San's silent fury, turned away with a smirk. "You'll never be my equal, Tang San."