At this moment, Tang San seemed almost crazed. His hands had turned white, clearly still intent on continuing the Soul Battle.
However, Blazing Fire Academy's tactics had already taken effect. Using Huo Wu's soul skill and the coordinated efforts of several soul masters, they disrupted all of Shrek's formations. They seized the opportunity to have two support-type soul masters assist Huo Wu in charging up her fourth soul skill, Blazing Sun Dance.
With the other four being held off, Tang San's group was unable to interfere with Huo Wu's final attack, making their defeat appear inevitable.
Yu Xiaogang stood to the side, watching both Huo Wu and Tang San, clearly unsure of how to respond. He still chose to trust Tang San's judgment; in his eyes, Tang San had never made a wrong decision.
The atmosphere on the scene reached its peak tension, and the entire audience fell silent—even the referee said nothing.
As the massive Blazing Sun Dance descended like a giant sun falling to the earth, its range covered nearly the entire arena. The explosion shook the stage, and Tang San and the others unleashed their strongest soul skills in response.
When the dust settled and everyone could see the arena again, Tang San's group of four were all lying flat on the ground, blood trickling from the corners of their mouths, clearly gravely injured. Yang Xiong stood at the edge of the platform, his body like a silver giant. His clothes were torn to shreds, with only half a pair of pants remaining, but his physique looked as though cast from molten silver, muscular and imposing.
Even Huo Wu couldn't help but gulp. "Yang Xiong, even though I controlled the force and direction of that last attack, you came out of that explosion completely unharmed?"
Spectators also swallowed nervously. Though Hu Yanzhi was known as a pure defense-type soul master, based on that last attack, Yang Xiong's defensive strength might even surpass his.
Yu Xiaogang and Flender rushed toward the stage, but the referee shouted sternly, "The match isn't over yet. Unauthorized personnel must stay away from the stage or face disqualification."
Yu Xiaogang yelled, "This isn't a Soul Battle, it's attempted murder! According to the tournament rules, deliberate maiming is forbidden. I'm filing a complaint."
The referee replied coldly, "That girl warned them beforehand and even held back at the last moment. They chose to take the hit. Injuries under such circumstances do not violate the tournament rules."
Yu Xiaogang was left speechless. Although he had studied the rules, it seemed not thoroughly enough.
The referee looked at Yang Xiong. "Heaven Dou Imperial Academy Second Team still has one person. Do you wish to continue?"
Huo Wushuang spoke up, "Your defense is impressive. Looks like you're the strongest among the Shrek group. Are you going to keep fighting?"
Yang Xiong withdrew his martial soul and soul rings and shook his head. "No need. Though you've consumed quite a bit of energy, there are seven of you and only one of me. We concede."
Hearing this, the referee finally announced the result, "Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's Shrek Team versus Blazing Fire Academy, Blazing Fire Academy wins."
Yu Xiaogang and Flender ignored the loss and quickly carried Tang San and the others off the stage. Substitute Jiang Zhu immediately began treatment, and several other healing-type soul masters also rushed over.
One healing soul master approached Yang Xiong and examined him with surprise. "That explosion was enormous, and though you're slightly burned, you've recovered so fast. Your body is extraordinary."
Yang Xiong quickly changed into a new outfit and responded flatly, "Thanks, but I'm fine. Please focus on my teammates."
Ning Rongrong remained by Yang Xiong's side, puzzled. "Xiongzi, your body is amazing. Your defense might even surpass that big guy Hu Yanzhi."
Yang Xiong smirked slightly. "Hu Yanzhi? He's just a brute."
After giving Tang San's group a Super Recovery Sausage using the last of his soul power, Oscar approached Yang Xiong with heartfelt thanks. "Brother Xiong, thank you. If you hadn't told Rongrong and me to get off the stage, we'd both be seriously injured now. We're just support-types, with the weakest defense and stamina."
Yang Xiong looked at Oscar and Ning Rongrong with helplessness. As support-type soul masters, they appeared utterly drained, likely having spent all their soul power during the battle.
"This was just a regular Soul Battle. There's no need to risk your lives over victory or defeat. Huo Wu's Blazing Sun Dance isn't something you can endure at this stage."
The two nodded in lingering fear.
Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, or rather, the royal family, reacted swiftly. A healing-type Soul Emperor was brought in to treat Tang San and the others. The large burns on their bodies healed rapidly, leaving no scars behind.
Yu Xiaogang asked anxiously, "Sir, how are Tang San and the others?"
The Soul Emperor replied with a hint of anger, "Their injuries are no longer serious. They should recover fully in two or three days. But during that time, they must avoid Soul Battles. They're just children, there's no need to fight so desperately. If that girl hadn't controlled her power, they might have ended up crippled."
"I understand that you want glory in the tournament and hope to become famous, but you must also prioritize the children's safety. If something truly tragic happened, I wouldn't be able to help."
Yu Xiaogang and Flender exchanged awkward glances. Though Yang Xiong had conceded, Tang San insisted on continuing. Huo Wu, under the pressure of two support-type soul masters, failed to hold back fully, leading to the injuries.
Once everyone returned to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Yu Xiaogang personally cared for Tang San while Ma Hongjun looked after Dai Mubai. Jiang Zhu and Qin Shuang took care of the two girls.
Meanwhile, Yang Xiong met privately with Flender in his office. Liu Erlong stayed with Yu Xiaogang.
After a moment of silence, Flender spoke. "What happened on the stage today, on behalf of Tang San and Yu Xiaogang, I apologize. Your decision was the correct one."
Yang Xiong replied coldly, "Dean, you should understand why I'm here. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan will not tolerate any harm to Ning Rongrong. She is not only the clan leader's daughter but also the next successor."
"If we get hurt due to our own incompetence, that's understandable. But in a situation like today, I expect everyone on the team to have the same understanding, not to act recklessly over a moment of pride."
Flender was silent for a while, then said, "I understand. I'll talk to Yu Xiaogang and Tang San personally. Your safety and future are what matter most."
Yang Xiong nodded. "Thank you, Dean. But I hope you'll be more cautious in the future. Many of the Shrek members have powerful backgrounds. If something were to happen to Dai Mubai or Zhu Zhuqing, there would be serious consequences."
Flender chuckled. "You're a sharp one, maybe too sharp. I've been in the soul master world for decades. You don't need to teach me that."
"Still, thank you for pulling Oscar and Ning Rongrong off the stage in time. I would've felt terrible if they were injured."
Yang Xiong smiled faintly. "You're a good man, Dean, just a little too sentimental."
Even after transferring to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, they all continued calling Flender "Dean", a sign of respect.
In the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo sat together.
Ning Fengzhi sighed, "Uncle Bone, assigning Yang Xiong to stay close to Rongrong was the right move. Otherwise, she might've been badly hurt today."
Bone Douluo nodded. "That boy did well. He prioritized Rongrong's safety immediately, makes our efforts in training him worthwhile."
Sword Douluo, usually calm, was shocked. "Fengzhi, what did you just say? Rongrong was in danger? I'm going to check on her!"
Bone Douluo quickly stopped him. "Old Sword, calm down. Rongrong is fine. The enemy's soul skill was powerful, and someone on her team acted recklessly. Luckily, Yang Xiong got her off the stage in time."
Sword Douluo didn't care what they said. He rushed off on his sword. "Even if she's just scared, I want to see her with my own eyes."
Watching him fly off, Ning Fengzhi turned to Bone Douluo. "Uncle Bone, do you think he's really worried about her... or just looking for an excuse to see her?"
Bone Douluo snorted. "That old sword... trying to sneak out under the pretense of concern."
After a moment of silence, Ning Fengzhi continued, "Uncle Bone, don't you think Yang Xiong's defensive abilities are beyond expectations? Maybe we should make a decision soon."
Bone Douluo actually showed rare admiration. "You've underestimated him. Not only is his defense impressive, but I suspect his offensive power is even greater. In the entire Heaven Dou region, no one might match him in both offense and defense."
Ning Fengzhi was puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Bone Douluo sighed. "Yang Xiong is smarter than either of us imagined. He's hiding his strength. Compared to the flashy students, he knows how to conceal his power."
"I'd bet he's holding back at least thirty percent of his real ability, maybe more. If we hadn't been monitoring him secretly, who would've known he has a top-tier external soul bone? Probably not even his family."
Bone Douluo was right, Yang Xiong had been hiding much more than thirty percent. As a defense-type soul master, he hadn't revealed much so far. No one had witnessed his offensive power, his teleportation or his upgraded Rasengan, which had grown so strong that even he couldn't fully control it.
It wasn't until evening that Tang San finally woke up. He felt sore all over, as though his skin was burned and his bones were shattered.
Yu Xiaogang said quickly, "You're awake at last. The doctors said you need at least two days of rest, don't move around."
Tang San endured the pain and asked, "Teacher, how's Xiao Wu? Is she seriously hurt?"
Yu Xiaogang replied, "She's been treated already. She woke up about an hour ago but fell asleep again. Her injuries are lighter than yours, but she also needs to rest."
Tang San let out a sigh of relief and asked, "What was the result of the match?"
Yu Xiaogang sighed, "Tang San, I know how much you care about Xiao Wu, but sometimes you're too stubborn. I'm still not sure if that's a strength or a flaw."
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