The match between Shrek Academy and Blazing Fire Academy had begun!
The battle was thrilling, so much so that even Xiao Tianyang's eyes lit up with interest.
However, there was one thing most spectators might not have realized—despite the fierce clash between the two sides, were they truly fighting at full strength?
At least in Xiao Tianyang's eyes, neither side had unleashed more than 60% of their true combat power!
Huo Wu took the stage first, defeating Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Zhu Zhuqing in quick succession, stunning the audience!
Yet, the battles against these three were noteworthy.
First, Huo Wu's third soul skill Defying Flame Ring was practically a magical skill—especially against close-combat fighters, it was nothing short of a nightmare.
Whether it was Dai Mubai, renowned for his melee prowess, or Zhu Zhuqing, famed for her swift assassinations, neither stood a chance.
This didn't necessarily determine who was stronger overall, but it highlighted the elemental suppression at play.
As for Ma Hongjun? He might as well have been delivering himself on a platter.
During this match, Huo Wu's martial spirit underwent two upgrades—the first could be called an evolution, while the second was a sublimation.
In terms of martial souls, the Evil Fire Phoenix stood at the pinnacle of fire-attribute spirits.
However, Huo Wu's Fire Shadow was even more domineering than Ma Hongjun's.
While Ma Hongjun's flames were sticky and persistent, Huo Wu's had the terrifying ability to assimilate all fire.
Thus, in the end, Ma Hongjun was defeated by his own flames.
As the third combatant, he had hoped to end the fight swiftly by overwhelming Huo Wu.
Yet, the moment he unleashed his abilities, Huo Wu countered with Defying Flame Ring and her first soul skill, Flame Veil, leaving him helpless.
Combined with her flame assimilation, Ma Hongjun was essentially setting himself on fire!
Even Xiao Tianyang couldn't help but feel a little sorry for him—this loss was just unfair.
Shrek Academy's final hope, Tang San, stepped forward.
But Huo Wu was even more ruthless this time, immediately deploying Defying Flame Ring and Brilliant Sun!
This combination drained her soul power completely—but it also succeeded in forcing Tang San off the stage.
At this point, Tang San and the others saw no reason to continue and conceded defeat.
Surprisingly, they harbored no resentment—after all, they had already made their decision beforehand.
Huo Wu had showcased the full potential of a Control-Type Soul Master, with every move reinforcing her Defying Flame Ring.
Coupled with the flame amplification of her second soul skill Fire Burst, it was an almost unbeatable combo.
Even Xiao Wu's teleportation would be rendered useless.
So, in truth, Tang San and the others didn't lose unjustly—they were simply hard-countered by this strategy.
Watching from the stands beside Xiao Tianyang, Fei Xue couldn't help but grumble: "Brother, look at the mess you've made. Everyone's become ridiculously strong… and terrifying!"
"You're one to talk," Xiao Tianyang chuckled. "Besides, while Huo Wu's strategy seems unbeatable, there are actually three ways to break it."
"Really?" Fei Xue's curiosity was piqued. "But with her Flame Amplification, her attacks become unavoidable, doubling in intensity. Combined with the Defying Flame Ring, how is that even counterable?"
"Just because others can't do it doesn't mean I can't," Xiao Tianyang replied casually before turning to Saber.
"I'm sure you've already figured it out, right? How about we write our answers down and compare?"
Saber found the idea amusing and nodded with a smile. "Alright, though I doubt I'll have as many solutions as you."
"Just write what you can—this isn't a competition," Xiao Tianyang said before glancing at Fei Xue. "Pay attention and learn."
Fei Xue huffed and turned her head away, but Xiao Tianyang ignored her.
The two wrote their thoughts on paper, then exchanged notes with knowing smiles.
Saber scanned Xiao Tianyang's answer and couldn't help but laugh.
"Your method is effective… but it relies too much on sheer strength. Most people wouldn't be able to replicate it."
"Let me see!" Fei Xue craned her neck to look.
Xiao Tianyang's three strategies were simple yet profound:
Overwhelm with absolute power, outmaneuver with skill or strike first, strike fast.
"Overwhelm with power?" Fei Xue mused. "You mean brute-forcing through the Defying Flame Ring?"
"Either that,"* Xiao Tianyang added, "or interrupting her soul skill before she can activate it."
"And 'outmaneuver with skill'?" This time, Saber asked.
"To counter the Defying Flame Ring, you need to understand its two weaknesses."
"First, its source—the Red Flame Molten Turtle."
"I know that soul beast!" Fei Xue interjected. "They dwell in magma zones, rarely surface, and are notoriously tough. Many fire-attribute soul masters covet them."
"Exactly," Saber nodded. "Their defensive power is extreme, but their offensive capabilities are lacking."
In essence, the Defying Flame Ring was a soul skill derived from a high-defense, low-offense soul beast.
This meant that to break it, one would need to be at least 10 levels above Huo Wu—a near-impossible feat for most.
But Saber continued: "However, this skill has a flaw—when first activated, the Defying Flame Ring is at its weakest."
"So the first key is keen perception—seizing that moment to strike with full force."
"It won't guarantee victory, but it can reduce the level gap by 5 levels."
Fei Xue's eyes widened. "That's still impressive!"
"Better than needing to be 40 levels higher, at least," she added cheekily.
Xiao Tianyang rolled his eyes. "Seems like your brain's frozen from staying too long in the Extreme North."
"That summary deserves zero points."
Fei Xue stuck out her tongue. "Then enlighten me, oh wise senior brother!"
"Hmph. Seems I've been too lenient lately if you've forgotten to address me properly." His voice carried a dangerous edge.
Fei Xue shivered, recalling his brutal training methods, and quickly backtracked: "Brother, I was wrong! You're the most brilliant and mighty senior brother!"
"That's more like it." Xiao Tianyang's tone softened, satisfied.
Saber shook her head in amusement. "Since she asked, why don't you explain the last strategy? After all, you're the one who devised it—you'd explain it best."
…
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