Why? The gaze of Bibi Dong fixed on them.
Her eyes held a suffocating, oppressive force.
Because...!
"Because surrender is our right, isn't that right, Your Holiness?" Lin Xuan interrupted Yu Xiaogang's words, speaking up.
If Yu Xiaogang had truly answered that way, it would have likely resulted in a lot of backlash.
Lin Xuan speaking up wasn't to defend Yu Xiaogang; he was simply on the verge of completing a system task. He didn't want to cause any trouble, and since he had just spoken with Bibi Dong, everyone knew that he had a Title Douluo backing him.
So, for Lin Xuan to say those words was just perfect.
"Indeed, surrender is your right. It was an unnecessary question from me," Bibi Dong replied, her gaze still fixed on Lin Xuan for several seconds.
"Why did he defend me?" Yu Xiaogang, who was initially going to respond firmly to Bibi Dong, now hesitated, feeling the weight of all the piercing eyes around him.
Seeing this, Feng Xiaotian bowed slightly to Bibi Dong and said, "Your Holiness, the Wuhun Hall Academy is powerful, and Shenfeng Academy knows it cannot win. They have voluntarily entered the loser's bracket."
Bibi Dong nodded. "In that case, Wuhun Hall Academy advances to tomorrow's final. Shenfeng Academy and Shrek Academy will compete this afternoon for the remaining spot in the final."
"Go back," Bibi Dong said, then turned and entered the main hall.
Lin Xuan and the others had no choice but to leave and return to the hotel.
Back at the Holy Hall, Hu Liena was confused. "Teacher, isn't Lin Xuan a Soul King? Why did he voluntarily forfeit before the draw?"
Bibi Dong calmly explained, "They are clever. They realized that the individual competition would be a two-on-one situation. If they fought, they would exhaust their stamina and soul power, which might not fully recover by the afternoon."
"So, they chose to forfeit to preserve their strength and fight for the last spot in the final through the team battle."
Hu Liena nodded in realization. "So, they had this plan from the beginning."
Back at the hotel, Yu Xiaogang gathered everyone and said, "In the afternoon's team battle, although we've defeated both Shenfeng and Chihuo before, the combined strength of the two academies is still unknown. We haven't faced them together yet."
"New Shenfeng, with fire assisting wind and wind boosting power, we've all seen how strong they are. Therefore, even with Lin Xuan on our side, we must not be careless with the others."
Dai Mubai spoke up, "Master, we understand. Will we stick with the original team for the match?"
Yu Xiaogang didn't respond to Dai Mubai immediately. Instead, he turned to Lin Xuan and asked, "Lin Xuan, do you think fighting New Shenfeng will affect you tomorrow?"
"New Shenfeng's combination of power has indeed increased, but it's not enough to prevent me from recovering fully by tomorrow," Lin Xuan replied calmly.
Yu Xiaogang nodded in relief. "Alright, you'll continue playing this afternoon, and we'll keep the same team composition from the previous two matches."
Then, Yu Xiaogang turned to Tang San with a somewhat helpless tone. "Xiao San, in the afternoon, Talon will replace you. Your Blue Silver Grass can't block their fire attacks."
Tang San nodded. "Okay, teacher. I understand."
Though Tang San said this, his voice carried a hint of regret. He wouldn't be able to personally take part in the final battle.
It was easy to imagine how disappointed Tang San felt inside.
"I'm still too young. If I could use the Haotian Hammer, Lin Xuan wouldn't even have a chance," Tang San thought angrily to himself, not realizing that if he used the Haotian Hammer, he would draw Wuhun Hall's full attention.
With Tang San's words, the roster for the afternoon team match was finalized. Talon, a power-type Soul Master, would replace Tang San.
After all, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass was vulnerable to fire, and there was no point in him going out there. Talon, though slightly weaker in soul power, could act as a tank for the team and at least help to wear down the enemy's soul power.
"Then, Lin Xuan, you'll lead the team this afternoon," Yu Xiaogang instructed.
"Yes, Master!" Dai Mubai and the others agreed without hesitation.
By now, they had all come to accept Lin Xuan's strength. They knew that the reason they had made it this far was due to Lin Xuan.
Lin Xuan didn't say anything in response.
Yu Xiaogang then told everyone to go to their rooms and meditate, keeping themselves in top condition. After lunch, they would rest until 2 PM.
At 2:30 PM, they gathered again at the square outside the Holy Hall.
"Losers' Bracket Final: Shenfeng Academy vs. Shrek Academy, to decide the final spot in the championship," announced Hess.
"The winner will face Wuhun Hall Academy tomorrow at 10 AM for the grand final."
"Now, please welcome both teams to the stage."
Lin Xuan and Feng Xiaotian each led their teams into the arena, where they stood facing each other.
"Lin Xuan, we've finally met. Today, we will defeat you," Huo Wu said arrogantly.
"That's right. The last spot in the final is ours," Feng Xiaotian said confidently.
"Let's see whose strength truly prevails," Lin Xuan replied with a cold smile.
"Hmph, your soul skill attacks are indeed impressive, but I have the Fire Resistance Ring. Let's see if your soul skills will be effective," Huo Wu retorted coldly.
Huo Wu had done her homework on Lin Xuan, and they planned to use Huo Wu's Fire Resistance Ring to nullify Lin Xuan's soul skills, with Feng Xiaotian as their powerhouse attacker.
"Both sides are ready. Let the match begin!" Hess announced.
"Martial Soul Possession!"
"Third Soul Skill: Gale Wings!" Feng Xiaotian immediately activated his third soul skill, preparing for his self-created soul technique.
"Third Soul Skill: Meteor Shower!" Two support-type Soul Masters assisted Feng Xiaotian.
Meanwhile, Huo Wu stood in the middle of the formation, doing nothing.
"Sister, do you think Lin Xuan will end this match with a single strike, like he did with the Xingluo Royal Team?" Xie Yue asked curiously.
"If Huo Wu's plan works, it'll be very difficult for Lin Xuan to win," Hu Liena replied. She had learned from Bibi Dong that Lin Xuan only had two offensive soul skills.
"Ning Rongrong, boost me fully," Lin Xuan called out.
"Understood," Ning Rongrong responded, standing behind him and immediately releasing her Martial Soul to enhance Lin Xuan.
Dai Mubai and the others stood alert, ready to defend against Feng Xiaotian's onslaught.
"First Soul Skill: Final Strike!" Lin Xuan immediately activated his soul skill.
A massive crimson sword energy surged forward.
"First Soul Skill: Fire Meteor!" The support-type Soul Masters immediately assisted Huo Wu.
At the same time, Huo Wushuang did not attack but instead stood behind Huo Wu, placing his palm on her back to channel his soul power.
With the combined soul power of three, Huo Wu activated her third soul skill: "Fire Resistance Ring!"
A giant fire pillar erupted, scattering Lin Xuan's blood-red sword energy.
Originally, just Huo Wu alone wouldn't have been able to nullify Lin Xuan's attack with the Fire Resistance Ring, but with the assistance of the three others, she managed to do it.
Huo Wu had studied the critical threshold of Lin Xuan's Final Strike and knew exactly how to counter it.