In the audience, Yu Xiaogang analyzed Tang San and the others: "What the Tianshui Academy team did wasn't just to create a favorable fighting environment for Shui Bing'er."
Xiao Wu asked curiously, "Besides that, is there something else?"
"Didn't you notice the solid ice on the stage?" Yu Xiaogang's expression turned solemn. "Aside from weapon martial souls and beast martial souls, there's another category—elemental martial souls."
"This type of martial soul shares one common trait: they possess similar attributes. Under the right conditions, their combat power can more than double."
"There's also another factor—using soul power to manipulate changes in the surrounding environment."
"For example, with the fire attribute, one can control the size of flames within a certain range. The same applies to wind, ice, and thunder."
At this point, Yu Xiaogang didn't need to explain further—everyone already understood Tianshui Academy's strategy.
On one hand, they were creating an advantageous battlefield. On the other, they were directly enhancing Shui Bing'er's combat effectiveness!
With this double-layered boost, if she still couldn't defeat Edward, then defeat was inevitable.
Of course, even with this enhancement, Tang San and the others didn't believe Shui Bing'er stood any real chance of victory.
This might just be their last-ditch effort.
Still, the technique was worth noting for future reference…
…
A long while later, Shui Bing'er stepped onto the stage, her beautiful gaze fixed firmly on Xiao Tianyang.
"I'm curious—why did you let us proceed after seeing through our plan?"
"Because no matter what you do, you can't change the outcome," Xiao Tianyang replied calmly before adding, "But that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the effort."
A faint smile graced Shui Bing'er's lips, warm and sincere.
"Last time, Feng Xiaotian told me you were an extraordinary person. Hearing these words from you now, spoken with such sincerity, proves he wasn't exaggerating."
Xiao Tianyang was momentarily taken aback, nearly blurting out, 'That guy actually knows how to praise people?'
Of course, he held back and simply said, "Let's begin. The sun is high—delaying further won't do you any favors."
Shui Bing'er's expression turned solemn, her smile fading into quiet determination tinged with heroic resolve.
"In that case, I won't hold back." As soon as she finished speaking, four soul rings rose from beneath her feet—yellow, yellow, purple, purple!
No flashy techniques—just the full power of her fourth soul ring!
"Fourth Soul Skill: Ice Phoenix Storm"
This was likely her final move.
Countless ice spikes erupted, the air temperature plummeting instantly. In the blink of an eye, the sky above the arena was nearly blotted out by the frozen onslaught!
"One strike to decide the match—go!"
The ice spikes rained down like a furious storm!
Xiao Tianyang merely lifted his head, raised his right hand, and threw a single, effortless punch.
Crack!
The air shattered. A shockwave roared forth like a curtain of force, colliding head-on with the descending ice!
The outcome was never in doubt.
The frigid air and the solid ice beneath their feet shattered—yet the arena itself remained untouched.
"Such immense power, yet controlled with such precision…" Salas couldn't help but inwardly gasp. "If this boy becomes an enemy, he'll be a big problem in the future!"
Although Qian Renxue had intervened to save Xiao Tianyang last time, upon returning, Salas learned it had been her own decision—not an order from above.
This meant the higher-ups had delegated authority to him.
In other words, Xiao Tianyang's fate now rested in Salas's hands.
If Salas were a righteous man, he would do everything to recruit Xiao Tianyang—or at least ensure they didn't become enemies.
But Salas was neither hero nor villain.
His sole concern was the future interests of the Spirit Hall.
Even if personal motives crept in, the greater cause took precedence.
And so, in his mind, Xiao Tianyang was already marked for death.
A genius like this, if not under their control, had to be eliminated.
Otherwise, he would become another variable like Miao Zhenshan—an uncontrollable force lurking beyond their grasp.
The Spirit Hall couldn't afford another super Douluo running loose, especially one who had once been part of their ranks.
Salas refused to let history repeat itself.
His resolve was now absolute.
…
Unaware of Salas's thoughts—or perhaps indifferent to them—Xiao Tianyang remained focused.
His dazzling performance was deliberate, meant to draw attention and provoke action.
The Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament was too significant an event.
The Spirit Hall wasn't the only player.
Shrek Academy, Blazing Fire Academy, Tianshui Academy—each had their own rising stars.
If the Spirit Hall intended to suppress them all this time…
Then Xiao Tianyang had no choice but to shine brighter than the rest, forcing them to focus solely on him.
As for why he'd take such a selfless role?
Truthfully, if not for the mission he'd received the day before, Xiao Tianyang wouldn't have bothered.
Host has triggered the main mission: [Target].]
Objective: Make the Spirit Hall fixate entirely on you!
Reward: Random 10,000-year soul bone ×1!
Failure Penalty: Soul power level decreased by one!
This was, without a doubt, the most absurd mission Xiao Tianyang had ever seen.
Not only was he essentially playing the role of a human shield, but failure carried a penalty!
Was this his golden finger—or a curse?
After a night of deliberation, Xiao Tianyang had settled on this approach.
The key was balance—he had to push just enough without overdoing it.
If he went too far, attracting the attention of five Titled Douluo at once… well, that would be a disaster.
…
Back on the stage, Xiao Tianyang looked at the dazed Shui Bing'er and spoke plainly.
"You lose."
Shui Bing'er snapped out of her trance and nodded. "As expected."
Xiao Tianyang hadn't anticipated her composure.
But he couldn't afford to say more—any slip might reveal his intentions.
With a slight nod, he turned and left.
Shui Bing'er lingered for a moment, watching his retreating figure before finally stepping down.
Truthfully, Tianshui Academy's overall strength was formidable.
Even without their elaborate strategy, Shui Bing'er was among the top contenders in this tournament.
But facing Xiao Tianyang in the very first match?
That was simply misfortune.
Others, however, had even worse luck.
Because whether it was Blazing Fire Academy or Godwind Academy, their strength was nothing short of terrifying.
Huo Wu's performance, for instance, was jaw-dropping.
Despite being a control-type soul master, she fought toe-to-toe with an attack-type—even forcing her opponent to the edge of the ring before finishing them off with a ring of fire!
Her tactics were nearly unstoppable.
Huo Wu became the third competitor, after Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Tianyang, to single-handedly defeat seven opponents.
Yet, compared to Xiao Tianyang's overwhelming display, her feat didn't stir as much shock.
After all, the audience had already been primed for such brilliance.
Even Salas could only grudgingly admit—Huo Wu was impressive… but not enough to unsettle him.
…
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