However, Dai Mubai on the other side spoke bluntly, frowning as he said, "Then, wouldn't that make our victory meaningless?"
"Since when have we been so desperate to win at all costs?"
"Boss Dai, watch your tone!" Ning Rongrong ignored Huo Wu's matter and looked displeased. "Tianyang must have his reasons for doing this."
"Besides, whether we wins or loses the match, what does it matter to him?"
"Who is he doing this for? If others don't understand, shouldn't you?"
Ma Hongjun quickly stepped in to mediate. "Rongrong, Boss Dai didn't mean anything by it. He just misunderstood."
Then, he winked at Xiao Tianyang, as if urging him to speak up.
"Ahem, actually, you're all jumping to conclusions. I hadn't even finished speaking before you cut me off." Xiao Tianyang shrugged helplessly. "It's only natural that Huo Wu would gain the upper hand early on."
"After all, she's the attacker, and Xiao San is the defender." He then turned to Tang San. "You'd know this best, right?"
"At first, I was truly at a disadvantage. Even at the last moment, I barely managed to regain some ground."
Tang San shook his head regretfully. "The opponent's fourth spirit ability was indeed overwhelmingly powerful."
"It's not an issue with the skill itself, but rather the sheer enhancement the opponent's martial soul grants to their flames."
After correcting the misunderstanding, Xiao Tianyang continued, "But don't be discouraged. I believe you'll still win in the end. Do you know why?"
Tang San instinctively asked, "Why?"
"Because your soul power is of higher quality, and your level is slightly superior."
Xiao Tianyang smiled. "And there's one more crucial factor—your Eight Spider Lances."
Tang San was taken aback, a trace of doubt flashing in his eyes. "I understand the first part, but what does that have to do with the Eight Spider Lances?"
"Why wouldn't it?"
Xiao Tianyang explained, "The smartest move isn't to attack directly with them, but to use them as a shield."
"First, it can help absorb some of the damage. Second, it gives you the foundation to switch from defense to offense."
"As for these two points, I shouldn't need to spell them out—you've probably already figured it out, right?"
The others looked puzzled.
Only Saber and Tang San himself fully grasped the meaning.
The former, due to her vast combat experience.
The latter, because he had lived through the battle firsthand.
Xiao Tianyang's point was simple.
Though Tang San's martial soul might be at a disadvantage, his external spirit bone—the Eight Spider Lances—could serve both offense and defense.
For example, an umbrella can shield from rain when open, but what if it's closed?
If sturdy enough, couldn't it be used as a weapon?
The answer, according to Xiao Tianyang, was yes.
The Eight Spider Lances followed the same logic.
Even Tang San hadn't considered this until now.
But this realization wouldn't change the outcome of the battle.
Xiao Tianyang was certain of this, which was why he had divided his explanation into two parts.
Of course, the interruption in the middle had disrupted the flow.
Still, Xiao Tianyang knew Dai Mubai meant no harm.
After all, their perspectives simply differed.
For Xiao Tianyang, victory was paramount—so long as it didn't cross his moral boundaries.
But for Dai Mubai and the others?
Only a triumph achieved through overwhelming strength counted as a true win.
Was there a difference?
Yes, and it was a significant one.
At its core, Xiao Tianyang prioritized tangible gains.
Dai Mubai and the others, however, valued honor and pride above all.
Neither approach was inherently superior—they were simply different, like comparing apples to pork.
"I'm sorry, Brother Tianyang. I shouldn't have doubted you." Tang San apologized sincerely.
"I didn't take it to heart." Xiao Tianyang then glanced at Dai Mubai. "No need to apologize either. You didn't do anything wrong."
"Stick to your principles. As long as they're just, there's no harm in holding firm."
Hearing this, everyone sighed in relief.
Especially after Ning Rongrong apologized to Dai Mubai, the misunderstanding was fully resolved.
But then, Saber—who had been silently smiling—suddenly spoke up.
"The next match is Team Whitebeard versus Godwind Academy. Aren't you interested?"
"Right! And it's Edward fighting!" Xiao Wu snapped to attention, tugging at Tang San's sleeve. "Brother, let's hurry! If Godwind Academy gets instantly wiped out, there'll be nothing left to watch!"
"What's so special about it?" Dai Mubai frowned in confusion.
"You really don't know?!" Xiao Wu stared at him as if he were an alien. "Edward crushed Blazing Academy ruthlessly. And Godwind Academy has Feng Xiaotian—who, by the way, is pursuing Huo Wu!"
"So?" Dai Mubai still didn't get it.
Xiao Wu's explanation skills were… lacking.
"Feng Xiaotian is in love with Huo Wu. Do I need to spell out the drama that's about to unfold?"
"That's all? What's the big deal?" Dai Mubai was unimpressed.
"Oh, but there is a show to watch!" Ma Hongjun nudged Oscar beside him. "This is a classic second male lead versus the main lead!"
"Exactly!" Oscar grinned. "But Feng Xiaotian has no idea he's walking into a wall. I'd say his fate boils down to two outcomes."
"Which are?" Ning Rongrong leaned in curiously.
"If he's lucky, he walks away bruised. If not… well, let's just say it'll be a bloodbath." Oscar shook his head. "With Edward's strength, even if you burrow underground, he'll drag you out."
"True! Edward specializes in crushing flashy tricks." Ma Hongjun chimed in. "And I bet Feng Xiaotian will provoke him the moment he steps on stage."
"Now that's the fun part!"
As the group chatted and walked away, Xiao Tianyang quietly slipped off toward another rest area.
"Thankfully, Saber reminded me in time. I almost forgot I still have a match."
He chuckled to himself. "Seems like it's not just women who need reliable men—men need reliable women too..."
Losing wasn't the worst thing.
But failing to show up for the match without notice? Now that would be embarrassing.
…
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