Tang San's final persistence remained unshaken by Dai Mubai.
Moreover, he didn't execute this move on the ground—but in midair.
Clad in rattan armor, his Eight Spider Lances spread wide behind him, forming an umbrella-like shield in front. At the same time, layers of Blue Silver Grass coiled around him, reinforcing his defense.
"Boom!"
At that moment, it was as if a flash bomb had exploded in the sky.
Every spectator, including soul masters below a certain level, found themselves unable to open their eyes. Even without seeing it directly, they could feel the overwhelming surge of soul power—like tidal waves crashing against each other.
They could only imagine the sheer intensity of the collision.
Just as Xiao Tianyang had predicted—mutual destruction.
Some teams even began rejoicing. After all, these were two powerhouse teams. No matter which side lost, it would improve their own chances of victory. But if both teams suffered heavy losses…
As the blinding light faded, the audience gradually regained their vision. Yet, those most anxious about the outcome weren't the spectators—but the competing teams.
When they finally saw the scene on stage, many rubbed their eyes in disbelief.
"Who is that guy?" someone blurted out.
"It's him!" Another voice rang out, pointing at the figure standing on the stage. "He's from Shrek Academy—that monster who fought against the Elephant Armored Academy's team!"
On the arena, Huo Wu remained dazed, her beautiful eyes fixed on the man who held her in a princess carry. Her mind was still reeling.
"Even though I'm handsome, you don't have to stare at me like that, do you?" Xiao Tianyang tilted his head, feigning embarrassment. "But if you're asking me out, I suppose I could reluctantly agree."
"Wha—?!" Huo Wu's cheeks flushed. She squirmed slightly. "Put me down!"
Though the man before her was undeniably attractive, she wasn't so lovesick that she'd lose her senses. The real reason for her trance was the blinding light earlier—she'd braced herself for severe injuries. Yet, just as the surge of soul power threatened to engulf her, he had swept her into his arms.
And for a fleeting moment… his silhouette had reminded her of that person.
"You sure?" Xiao Tianyang raised an eyebrow.
"Of course! How long do you plan to hold me in front of everyone?!" Huo Wu shot him an indignant glare.
"Alright then." With a shrug, he released her.
"Ah—!"
Huo Wu yelped as she hit the ground with a soft thud.
"Is this how you treat girls?!" Rubbing her sore backside, she scowled.
"Actually, I treat everyone equally." Xiao Tianyang smirked. "Besides, you're the one who told me to let go."
Huo Wu: "…"
Was this guy actually an idiot, or he is just pretending?
"If it hurts that much, I could always rub it for you." His grin turned devilish. "Unless you'd mind?"
"Get lost!" Finally snapping, Huo Wu's face burned crimson as she glared at him.
"Hah! Now that's more like you." Xiao Tianyang chuckled. "Why bother acting all prim and proper earlier? It's much better when you're honest."
With a playful wink, he turned and waved. "See you around!"
Huo Wu watched his retreating figure, that familiar back view stirring her thoughts again. But his personality…
"Hmph. A typical playboy. It can't be him."
Yet despite her denial, her gaze lingered.
Just then, a shout erupted from the stands.
"You're not even on the roster for this match! How did you get on stage?!"
The speaker wasn't a referee—but a student from Canghui Academy.
"Your team leader's already down, and you still have the nerve to pick a fight?" Xiao Tianyang mused internally before replying with a smile, "Saving someone is like putting out a fire—ever heard of it?"
The Canghui student sneered. "But by interfering, you've disrupted the match's outcome! How should this be decided?"
His words were clearly meant to stir conflict.
Both teams had staked everything on this final clash—even at the cost of severe injury.
And now, an outsider had tipped the scales.
Since Xiao Tianyang was from Shrek Academy, his intervention naturally favored them. Would the Blazing Academy team accept this?
This would only deepen the rift between the two sides.
As for why this student was making trouble?
It was very simple.
They were like sour grapes.
The referee hesitated, glancing between Xiao Tianyang and Huo Wu, uncertain how to proceed.
"Referee, no need to deliberate." Xiao Tianyang's tone was calm. "Shrek Academy concedes this match."
"When I intervened earlier, I saw the situation clearly. Though it seemed evenly matched, Blazing Academy's held the advantage."
The referee frowned. "Are you sure?"
His question wasn't just about the outcome—but whether Xiao Tianyang had the authority to speak for Shrek Academy.
"Referee, announce the result." Tang San, having risen from the ground, dusted himself off and stated firmly, "He represents Shrek Academy."
"See? I'm an honest, brave, and dashing Shrek student. Would I lie?" Xiao Tianyang huffed, feigning offense.
The referee merely rolled his eyes before preparing to declare the result—
"Wait."
Huo Wu stood abruptly. "I admit defeat."
Xiao Tianyang turned, amused. "Miss, this isn't a game of pretend. Wins and losses aren't decided by whims."
"When you saved me, my mind went blank—but I still know who had the upper hand." Huo Wu met his gaze stubbornly. "Besides, if you had fought, we'd have stood no chance."
"That's a fair point." Xiao Tianyang nodded, then grinned at the referee. "In that case, please revise the announcement."
Referee: "…"
Audience: "…"
Canghui Academy: "…"
'Was this a competition or a courtesy contest?!'
'Since when were wins and losses negotiable?!'
…
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