At this moment, Tang San appeared to have lost his composure entirely. His hands had turned white from clenching his fists so tightly, and his eyes burned with determination to continue the Spirit Duel, despite the obvious danger.
However, Blazing Academy's strategy had already proven successful. They had masterfully coordinated their attack, using Huo Wu's Spirit Ability alongside several other Spirit Masters to completely disrupt Shrek Academy's formation. This tactical maneuver had created the perfect opportunity for two support-type Spirit Masters to assist Huo Wu in charging her devastating Fourth Soul Skill: Fire Dance, Sun's Radiance.
The situation had become dire for Shrek Academy. Under the coordinated containment of four Blazing Academy members, Tang San and his three remaining teammates found themselves completely unable to interfere with Huo Wu's preparation for her final, overwhelming attack. Defeat seemed not just possible, but inevitable.
Yu Xiaogang stood at the sidelines, his gaze shifting between the fierce Huo Wu and his beloved disciple Tang San. His weathered face showed clear signs of internal conflict, as if he couldn't decide how to proceed. Throughout their time together, he had always trusted Tang San's judgment above all others. In his eyes, his exceptional student had never made a critical error in battle.
The atmosphere in the arena became suffocatingly tense. The entire venue fell into an eerie silence, with even the spectators holding their breath. Even the referee, who typically maintained strict control over the proceedings, said nothing at this critical moment, seemingly as captivated by the unfolding drama as everyone else.
As Huo Wu's massive Fourth Soul Skill began its descent, it resembled a miniature sun falling from the heavens. The Fire Dance, Sun's Radiance covered nearly the entire arena with its devastating attack range. The stage seemed to explode with a tremendous, earth-shaking sound that reverberated throughout the entire venue. In response to this overwhelming assault, Tang San and his teammates unleashed their strongest Spirit Abilities in a desperate final stand.
When the blinding light finally faded and everyone could clearly see the battlefield again, the scene was devastating. Tang San and his three teammates lay motionless on the stage, blood trickling from the corners of their mouths. It was painfully obvious that each of them had sustained serious injuries from the massive explosion.
However, standing at the edge of the stage was Yang Xiong, his entire body transformed into what appeared to be a silver giant. His clothes had been completely destroyed in the blast, with only the tattered remains of his pants providing any modesty. Despite this, his entire physique gleamed like cast silver and iron, displaying not only terrifyingly powerful muscles but also an aura of incredible strength and resilience.
Even Huo Wu, despite being on the opposing side, couldn't help but swallow nervously as she stared at him in disbelief. "Yang Xiong," she called out, her voice filled with amazement, "even though you controlled the power and direction of that final attack, how is it possible that you weren't injured by such a massive explosion?"
The audience collectively gasped in awe. Although Hu Yanli was widely known throughout the Spirit Master world as a pure defensive-type Spirit Master, it was now clear from witnessing that last devastating blow that Yang Xiong's defensive capabilities were probably far superior to even Hu Yanli's renowned abilities.
Yu Xiaogang and Flender quickly moved toward the edge of the stage, their faces filled with concern for their injured students. However, they were immediately and angrily reprimanded by the referee, who shouted, "The match is not yet over! Unauthorized personnel are strictly forbidden from approaching the stage, or the team will be ruled as having forfeited the match!"
Yu Xiaogang's face flushed with anger as he rebuked the official. "They're not engaging in a proper Spirit Duel anymore—they're trying to kill each other! According to the official competition rules, intentionally injuring or permanently disabling an opponent is strictly forbidden. I demand to file a formal complaint against Blazing Academy!"
The referee responded coldly, his voice cutting through the tension. "That young woman over there clearly notified your team in advance of her attack and even held back significantly at the last moment. Your students chose to withstand her Spirit Ability of their own free will. Injuries sustained under these circumstances do not violate any competition rules."
Yu Xiaogang found himself speechless upon hearing this explanation. Although he had studied the Soul Master Competition rules extensively, it seemed he hadn't examined them thoroughly enough to anticipate this particular situation.
At this crucial moment, the referee turned his attention to Yang Xiong. "Heaven Dou Royal Academy Second Team still has one member remaining. Do you wish to continue this match?"
Huo Wushuang from the opposing team suddenly spoke up, his voice filled with genuine respect. "I didn't expect your defensive abilities to be so formidable. It seems you are truly the strongest among these Shrek Academy members. Do you still wish to continue fighting?"
Yang Xiong calmly retracted his Spirit and spirit rings, shaking his head with practical wisdom. "There's no need to continue. Although you've consumed a considerable amount of spirit power, you still have seven members standing, while I have only myself. We concede this match."
Upon hearing Yang Xiong's decisive words, the referee immediately announced the official match result. "Heaven Dou Royal Academy Shrek Academy Team versus Blazing Academy—Blazing Academy is declared the winner!"
Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and the other Shrek Academy members, upon hearing this announcement, no longer cared about the outcome of the competition. They quickly rushed onto the stage to help Tang San and the other injured students. Jiang Zhu, who had been waiting as a substitute, immediately began treating the four wounded team members, while several other healing-type Spirit Masters came forward to provide additional assistance.
A skilled healing-type Spirit Master approached Yang Xiong to examine him, but after careful observation, he expressed surprise. "You sustained only minor scorching from that enormous explosion, and you've already recovered so quickly. Your physical constitution is quite extraordinary indeed."
Yang Xiong simply changed into a fresh set of clothes, his expression remaining indifferent as he replied, "Thank you for your concern, but I'm perfectly fine. Please focus your healing efforts on treating my teammates quickly."
Ning Rongrong stayed close by Yang Xiong's side, her curiosity clearly piqued. "Yang Xiong," she said, using his proper name with obvious amazement, "your physical constitution is incredible. Your defensive capabilities are probably even better than that big brute Hu Yanli's."
Yang Xiong finally allowed a hint of a smile to cross his features. "What's so special about Hu Yanli? He's nothing more than a simple-minded brute with no finesse."
Oscar, after forcefully using his remaining spirit power to provide each of the four injured teammates with a Super Recovery Sausage, also approached Yang Xiong's side. His voice was filled with genuine gratitude as he spoke. "Brother Yang, thank you for what you did back there. If you hadn't told Rongrong and me to get off the stage when you did, we both would have been seriously injured. This is especially true since we're only support-type Spirit Masters with much poorer physical constitution and defensive capabilities."
Yang Xiong looked at both Oscar and Ning Rongrong with a hint of helplessness in his expression. These two were indeed only support-type Spirit Masters, and they now appeared extremely weak and exhausted, having likely depleted almost all of their spirit power during the intense battle on stage.
"This was just an ordinary Spirit Duel match," Yang Xiong explained with calm rationality. "There's absolutely no need to focus so intensely on winning or losing, and there's certainly no justification for risking your lives over it. Huo Wu's Fourth Soul Skill, Fire Dance, Sun's Radiance, is simply something that neither of you could withstand at your current level of development."
Both Oscar and Ning Rongrong felt a lingering sense of fear after hearing this sobering assessment of their situation.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy, or more accurately, the Heaven Dou Royal Family, reacted with remarkable speed to the situation. A healing-type Spirit Emperor soon arrived on the scene to provide advanced treatment for Tang San and the other three seriously injured students.
The four team members, who had suffered extensive burns across large areas of their bodies, began recovering at an extraordinarily fast rate under the Spirit Emperor's expert care. Remarkably, they healed without even leaving permanent scars behind.
Yu Xiaogang anxiously approached the healing expert. "Elder, how serious are Tang San and the other three's injuries? Will they make a full recovery?"
The healing-type Spirit Emperor was clearly somewhat angry about the entire situation. "Their injuries are no longer considered serious," he explained with evident frustration. "They should fully recover within approximately two to three days. However, before that time has passed, they absolutely should not participate in any Spirit Duel matches. Doing so might cause hidden health problems that could affect them permanently."
The Spirit Emperor's voice grew more stern as he continued. "They are just children! Don't encourage them to fight so desperately on the stage. If that young woman from the opposing team hadn't controlled her power at the last moment, these four might have been severely injured or permanently disabled."
"I understand that you want the glory that comes with success in the Soul Master Competition, and you want your students to make names for themselves. However, you must also pay careful attention to these children's physical well-being. Otherwise, if something truly unexpected happens, there will be nothing I can do to help them."
Yu Xiaogang and Flender exchanged meaningful glances upon hearing this sobering warning. Yang Xiong had already conceded the match wisely, but Tang San had insisted on continuing the fight against overwhelming odds. Huo Wu had somewhat lost control of her Fourth Soul Skill under the assistance of her two support teammates, which led to the devastating attack. Otherwise, no one would have been seriously injured.
After everyone returned to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, the injured team members were carefully tended to. Yu Xiaogang personally took responsibility for caring for Tang San, Ma Hongjun devoted himself to looking after Dai Mubai, and the two female team members were taken care of by the dedicated Jiang Zhu and Qin Shuang.
Yang Xiong, meanwhile, followed Flender alone into the dean's private office for what appeared to be an important conversation, while Liu Erlong remained by Yu Xiaogang's side to assist with Tang San's care.
Flender looked at Yang Xiong intently and remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking. "Regarding what happened on the stage today, I want to personally apologize to you on behalf of Little San and Xiaogang. Your decision at that critical moment was absolutely correct."
Yang Xiong's lips curved into a cold, knowing smile. "Dean Flender, some matters are indeed for you to handle, but you should understand my primary purpose for attending this academy. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan does not allow Ning Rongrong to suffer any harm whatsoever. She is not only the Sect Master's precious daughter but also the designated next Sect Master."
"If we were injured due to our own overestimation of our abilities, then I would have nothing to complain about, and the Sect Master would accept that outcome. But you witnessed the situation today with your own eyes. I sincerely hope that everyone within our team develops a better understanding and coordination, at least enough not to act recklessly for the sake of a momentary victory or to avoid a temporary defeat."
Flender remained silent for a moment, carefully considering Yang Xiong's words before responding. "I understand your concerns completely. I will have individual conversations with both Xiaogang and Tang San about this matter. You are all valuable students, and your safety and future development are the most important considerations."
Yang Xiong nodded appreciatively. "Thank you for your understanding, Dean. However, I believe you should also pay closer attention to this issue going forward. Many members of the Shrek Team have extraordinary backgrounds and family connections, whether it's Dai Mubai or Zhu Zhuqing. If anything serious were to happen to any of them, it would be extremely difficult to explain to their respective families and organizations."
Flender smiled with genuine warmth. "You clever young fellow, sometimes your rationality is almost frightening. I've been involved in the Spirit Master world for half my lifetime—I don't need you to teach me these fundamental principles."
His expression softened further as he continued. "Thank you for making Oscar and Ning Rongrong leave the stage early today. If they had been seriously injured, I would feel tremendously guilty."
Yang Xiong returned the smile. "Dean, you are fundamentally a good person. It's just a bit unfortunate that circumstances sometimes put you in difficult positions."
Even after leaving the original Shrek Academy and joining Heaven Dou Royal Academy, everyone still respectfully called Flender 'Dean,' which was a clear sign of their deep respect and affection for him.
Inside the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's main headquarters, Ning Fengzhi and the two legendary Douluo, Sword and Bone, sat together in serious discussion.
Ning Fengzhi spoke with evident emotion in his voice. "Uncle Bone, it was indeed the absolutely correct decision to arrange for Yang Xiong to stay by Rongrong's side. Otherwise, Rongrong might have been seriously injured in today's match."
Bone Douluo nodded in agreement. "This young man performed admirably in that crucial aspect, immediately knowing to prioritize Rongrong's safety above all else. Our considerable efforts and investment in him certainly weren't wasted."
The usually calm and composed Sword Douluo's expression suddenly changed to one of surprise and alarm. "Old Bone, Fengzhi, what exactly are you talking about? Is Rongrong in some kind of danger? I need to go see Rongrong immediately!"
Bone Douluo quickly tried to calm his old friend. "Old Sword, Rongrong is perfectly fine. It was just a routine Soul Master Competition match. The opponent's Spirit Master simply had a quite powerful Spirit Ability, and someone on their team was somewhat overconfident and wanted to face it head-on. Thankfully, Yang Xiong had the wisdom to make her leave the stage early."
Sword Douluo didn't seem to care what Bone Douluo was saying, anxiously preparing to fly away on his sword. "According to what you're telling me, Rongrong must have been terrified by the experience. I absolutely must go see Rongrong immediately, otherwise I won't be able to rest easy."
Watching Sword Douluo quickly fly away on his legendary sword, Bone Douluo and Ning Fengzhi exchanged knowing glances. Finally, Ning Fengzhi swallowed nervously and spoke. "Uncle Bone, do you think Uncle Sword is genuinely worried that Rongrong was scared, or does he simply want any excuse to go see Rongrong?"
Bone Douluo snorted coldly with obvious amusement. "That old Sword is actually quite cunning, playing such transparent tricks and trying to sneak away from the clan just to visit Rongrong."
Ning Fengzhi could only remain speechless at this observation.
After a period of contemplative silence, Ning Fengzhi continued their previous conversation. "Uncle Bone, don't you think Yang Xiong's defensive capabilities are somewhat beyond all our previous expectations? His cultivation in the Way of Defense is probably more naturally gifted than we initially thought. Perhaps you should make a definitive decision about his future sooner rather than later."
Bone Douluo rarely showed such clear appreciation in his expression. "Fengzhi, I believe you're mistaken about something important. This young man Yang Xiong is not only exceptionally strong in defense, but his attack power should actually be even more formidable. In the entire Heaven Dou Empire region, purely in terms of combined attack and defensive capabilities, there is probably no one among his peers who could match him."
Ning Fengzhi showed a hint of confusion. "Uncle Bone, what exactly do you mean by that assessment?"
Bone Douluo sighed deeply. "Fengzhi, this Yang Xiong is much more intelligent and strategic than either you or I initially imagined. Compared to those students who constantly seek to be in the spotlight, he understands how to conceal his true abilities much more effectively."
"I would dare to wager that he has deliberately hidden at least thirty percent of his actual strength, and quite possibly even more than that. Consider this carefully—if we hadn't sent our people to observe him secretly over time, who would ever know that he also possesses a top-tier defensive external Spirit Bone? Even his own family probably doesn't know the full extent of his capabilities."
Indeed, Bone Douluo's assessment was remarkably accurate. Yang Xiong had indeed hidden a significant portion of his strength, though it was actually much more than just thirty percent.
Since Yang Xiong had been specifically arranged to serve as a defensive-type Spirit Master for the team, he hadn't had many opportunities to display his full range of abilities in matches so far. No one had ever witnessed Yang Xiong's true attack power in action. Neither his Teleportation ability nor his evolved Spiral Pill technique had been demonstrated publicly. This was especially significant since after the Spiral Pill's secondary development and enhancement, its destructive power had increased dramatically, to the point where even Yang Xiong at his current stage of development couldn't fully control its devastating potential.
It wasn't until evening that Tang San finally regained consciousness, but at this moment he felt intense soreness throughout his entire body. His skin was filled with a persistent burning sensation, and even his bones felt as if they were on the verge of shattering from the residual damage.
Yu Xiaogang quickly moved to his bedside with obvious relief. "Little San, you're finally awake. The doctor said you need to rest properly for at least two full days. Don't attempt to move around or exert yourself during this recovery period."
Tang San endured the severe pain wracking his body and struggled to speak clearly. "Teacher, how is Xiao Wu? Please tell me she wasn't seriously injured in the battle."
Yu Xiaogang's expression softened with reassurance. "Xiao Wu has also received proper treatment. She regained consciousness about an hour ago but is sleeping again now. Her injuries are considerably lighter than yours, but the doctor has also advised her not to move around for the next two days."
Tang San finally allowed himself to breathe a sigh of relief, but after thinking carefully about the events, he asked with obvious concern, "Teacher, what was the final result of this match?"
Yu Xiaogang sighed deeply, his voice carrying a mixture of disappointment and concern. "Little San, I understand that your feelings for Xiao Wu run very deep, but sometimes your stubborn determination can be problematic. I honestly don't know whether this particular aspect of your personality will prove to be beneficial or detrimental in the long run."
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