Shu Ru and co did not have enough time to debate and come to a decision. The fight between the three dwarves and the young monks was heating up and if they don't use this opportunity to launch an ambush, another team surely will.

"Our targets are the dwarves so let us not unnecessarily fight the Buddha team. We must execute this swiftly then leave or else we'll become their primary target."

Ardor voiced his thoughts while grabbing his sword, ready to engage. Cristina, Ho Qing, and Bora all did the same while Rosea and Shu Ru opted to remain at the back in case other participants decide to do something.

"Bora, can you hit the dwarf with the number over his head?"

"Definitely."

"Then, on my mark, you shoot."

Ardor raised his hand, his eyes fixated on the Dodir, the dwarf wielding two one-handed black axes. He was simultaneously battling two monks, his Godspirit manifesting itself above his head and unleashing roars that split the ground and periodically protected him.

"Ready…"

Two bald young monks attack from the left and right of Dodir, their wooden staffs sweeping horizontally. The short and bearded Dodir spun around, unleashing a burst of black aura.

"Shoot!"

When Ardor dropped his hand, signaling his friend, Bora, who had ample time to prepare, shot an arrow fully made of silver material. The strings of the greatbow shook intensely just as the projectile was shot.

The arrow traveled at a high-velocity, emitting no sound whatsoever and, in just a breath, it hit its target, going through Dodir's shoulder and blowing him dozens of meters away.

Right at the same time, both Cristina and Ardor showed themselves. The former leaping high-up in the air then, with her spear pointed downwards, descended on the injured dwarf like a dragon. As for Ardor, he wasn't as flashy as his teammate, but he was definitely faster.

He moved with a commendable speed, his figure blurring like a phantom. A well-condensed arc of sword essence shot from his sword, hitting Gradir, the mace-wielding dwarf.

Upon seeing his companion get ambushed, Gradir leapt away from the monks, wanting to provide assistance, however, he was blocked by Ardor. Just like Dodir, Gradir invoked his Godspirit, which actually was a gigantic crimson warhorn that released a deep, whale-like sound.

The dwarf and Ardor clashed with each other, causing violent shockwaves and even pushing the swamp waters away.

Last but not least, Ho Qing rose into the air, a phoenix cry echoed before a wave of flames hit the Buddha team and Dodir. Without any hesitation, the red-haired youth rushed at the fallen dwarf and touched the number above his head, making it instantly change owners.

However, though the acquisition of the number was smooth, the battle was far from over. Sandir, the hidden bow-wielding dwarf shoots a rain of arrows, aimed at none but Ho Qing, though before they could hit him, a wall of crystalline pink ice surged from the ground.

The wall blocked some of the arrows but was eventually destroyed, not by Sandir's arrows but a large illusory golden silhouette.

One of the monks, a youth with green eyes, showed his Godspirit and attacked Ho Qing. The Godspirit had eight golden arms and was sitting cross-legged like Buddha. Its hand moved at a speed that none of the people participating could fathom.

Apart from the first hit, which was blocked by Rosea's ice, Ho Qing wasn't able to block the rest, his body was crushed under the mountainous force of the golden palms.

He was all-bloody and clearly not fit to fight anymore so the green-eyed bald monk stopped his bombardment and, with one step, appeared next to Ho Qing.

Just as he was about to touch the number '7', there was an abrupt explosion that filled his vision with orange flames. A flaming fist struck the monk's chest, sending him flying like a kite, leaving a trail of blood behind.

*****

"Too careless."

Although, from anyone's point of view, the ambush of the MoonStar team was successful. Arthur wasn't pleased with his disciples' cooperations. They seem to be doing well and helping each other but it still isn't enough, at least not for him.

"Give them a break. They can do it."

Lucy softly smiled and nodded her head, approving of the six youngsters.

"I'm not saying they won't. Just that they can do better."

"Oh, Arthur, come on! Your team already caught the attention of everyone. I mean, just look at those phoenix flames… I did not know that young man had Phoenix blood in him."

Isadore Malfront chuckled, his eyes gleaming with excitement as they reflected the sea of flames that spread around Ho Qing.

*******

The four monks surrounded their wounded friend, raised their staff above their heads and mumbled incomprehensible gibberish. Within a couple of breaths, the ground started shaking then it split open, revealing a bottomless ravine from which a beast-like creature showed itself.

A distance away, Ardor managed to overpowered the dwarf, going as far as slicing his mace in half, however, the dwarf didn't seem to mind as he took out a brand new one with an identical appearance and aura.

Ho Qing, with the support of Bora, who repeatedly shot his arrows, successfully backed away from the battle area. Obviously, it was high time for them to retreat, were it not for Cristina's stubbornness, which, unsurprisingly, complicated things.

The arrogant girl, after having her attack blocked by the monks, refused to leave before retaliating appropriately. She tightly held the black spear and, like a bullet, shot at the golden and massive beast.

The relatively minuscule girl clashed with the beast, her spear piercing its body and causing it to angrily roar and shake.

Admittedly powerful, Cristina's recklessness caused her to fall into the ambush of another team.

A black fog filled her view before three shadows shot from the nearby cluster of trees. The girl pulled her spear from the beast and stabbed it on the ground while using it to support herself and spin around, kicking all three assailants at the same time.

They were weaker than her and just her kicks made them stagger to the back, however, the golden beast summoned by the monks did not sit still. It disregarded the black fog and crashed into the unprepared Cristina, blowing her all the way to the swamp.

Fortunately, Rosea turned the water into ice so Cristina ended up rolling over a dozen times before laying there, seemingly unconscious.

Upon a closer view, the unknown attackers turned out to be the Dark Blade Team. Seeing the beast block them from reaching Cristina, they shifted their attention to the closest MoonStar Team member, Ardor.

The youth was busy fighting Gradir but when Cristina's assailants charged at him, he somersaulted and slashed the air multiple times. Several white bursts of lights fell from above, precisely around the three participants.

Surprisingly, Ardor's technique wasn't an offensive one, it was only meant to trap them for a short time. The one who finished them off was Rosea, who literally dropped a massive boulder made of pink ice right at them.

In a futile attempt to destroy it, the three youngsters unleashed their techniques but the boulder was just too resistant.

In the end, they were knocked unconscious and their bodies were wrapped by dark flames, signaling that they were officially out of the competition.

********

Arthur, who was quietly watching the unfolding events, suddenly twitched and looked East. He felt a domineering yet familiar presence closing in on the city.

It wasn't only him who felt this, Lucy also followed his gaze, a cold smile forming on her face.

"You are finally here but… why do I sense a woman close to you? She has your imprint too."

Arthur faked a few coughs and dared not meet her gaze, he just inwardly cursed his copy, who was foolish enough to bring a woman with him.