Ning Feng was still struggling with the leave of Tang Yin as she did her morning runs, accompanied by the others who had slowly grown into the habit of joining her during her runs.
Ti passed slowly as their days continued with training and more training. Once a month, she found herself beaten into a pulp by Guo Rong and once by soone whom she didn't know who arrived in his place, introducing himself as her sparring partner for the day.
After the Grandmaster observed them and trained them for three months, he called them all together one day, causing all of them to shudder. Usually, nothing good for them was about to co when the Grandmaster called a eting for all of them.
Ning Feng settled down; she was the first to arrive and waited for the others to arrive when the Grandmaster ca in.
"Little Feng," he greeted her, and she smiled at him. "I hope you are fine."
She did a thumbs-up, signaling that she was okay.
"Good. Ah, here co the others. Mubai, Little San, Xiao Wu, Rong Rong, Ma Hongjun, Zhu Zhuqing," he greeted the others who arrived bit by bit, with Oscar being last. "It is ti for you to enter the second phase of training, all eight of you. We have trained your foundation and body for the last months. However, to be an excellent spirit master, you need more." he said with a smile. "We are going to the Arenas at Soutou City for training next. This ti, training has no ti limit. You will be finished when you earn a silver badge."
Their gazes fixed on him.
"That seems more relaxing than before," Xiao Wu happily said.
"Additionally, to your single silver badges, you must earn a silver badge in group battle. You will be fighting as Shrek's Devils."
They looked at each other and nodded; none had issues with that. "While we are at it," the Grandmaster added as they almost thought they were finished. "You have to rember so restrictions beforehand. Don't reveal your appearance and identity. You will always be fighting with a mask on and a nickna. Second, no one, including Tang San and Ning Feng, can use any weaponry. That includes your bracelets, Feng. Third, every single one of you has to fight twice daily, whether you win or lose."
Oscar stepped forward. "Grandmaster, Rong Rong, , and Feng are all supporters. Do we have to get a silver badge as well?"
"Either that or the three of you train as before."
"Master, your decision to continue training in the soul arena couldn't be better," Oscar changed his mind, and Ning Feng smiled. She didn't mind either, but it would be difficult for her to gain a silver badge with those restrictions.
She twirled her wrists. Battles were divided into singles, doubles, and group battles. She needed soone to partner with to gain enough points with those restrictions. Looking around, she mused for a mont, unsure who to ask. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't have been a question. Either one of the Tang Twins or Yu Hua. Her fists balled at the thoughts of Yu Hua. Maybe she could partner with Ma Hongjun?
She approached him. "H-Hongjun." He turned toward her. "Feng?"
"W-Would you mind p-partner with m- during d-doubles?" she asked him with hesistation, and he grinned.
"Sure I will. "
"T-Thank you." She smiled and found herself with shoulder pats and assurances from the others that any of them would partner up with her.
They all gathered together in a private room at the Arena in the evening. Their small groups for doubles ford: Tang San and Xiao Wu, who were already tead up; Ma Hongjun with Ning Feng; Rong Rong with Zhu Zhuqing; and Oscar with Dai Mubai.
The Grandmaster entered as they all were waiting. In his hand were masks. He threw one toward each of them. "Wear them. Talk little on stage, do nothing that would reveal your age. During the group battles, you will be Shrek's eight devils."
"Nine," Xiao Wu interrupted. "We cannot forget Tang Yin. She is also one of Shrek's Devils, even if she isn't here right now."
"Shrek's Nine Devils then," the Grandmaster corrected himself. "I have also figured out nicknas for each of you. Use those nas to register; the Arena will not know who you are."
"What will be our nicknas?" Oscar jumped up with excitent.
"Dai Mubai will be Evil Eyes White Tiger. You will be a Sausage Seller.
San will be Thousand Hand Silver Plant. What do you think?"
"No," Xiao Wu objected. "That isn't cool at all. We need sothing cool."
"Then what should he be called?" the Grandmaster asked them as they looked around.
Dai Mubai rose. "Tang San may appear calr than anyone else, but when angry, he is more fearso than anyone. How about Thousand Hand Asura?"
The Grandmaster humd in agreent when he turned to Tang San.
"San, what do you think?"
"You decide, master," he said, and the Grandmaster nodded.
"Then you shall be nad Thousand Hand Asura." Then the Grandmaster turned to Ma Hongjun. "Hongjun, you will be nad Evil Phoenix."
"That sounds nice, thank you, Master."
"What am I called?" Xiao Wu asked excitedly.
"Charming Bunny," he said and smiled. Xiao Wu mused for a second before smiling and agreeing with the na.
"Ning Rong Rong, Zhu Zhuqing, you two are most defined by your martial spirits. Rong Rong, you will be called Seven Treasures and Zhu Zhuqing, Nether Cat," he said and then turned. "Ning Feng, you will be called Treasured Glass."
"Y-Yes," she nodded and then took a deep breath. Now it was ti to prove that she could fight, that she was to be one of the best so day that she was not the weakling from one that needed to be protected but soone that could protect herself and those important to her.
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