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The moment Yu Tianxin stepped onto the stage, Ning Tianchen's eyes snapped open. "Come on!"
Having come this far, if he didn't give it his all, he would surely regret it for the rest of his life!
The match began, and Ning Tianchen no longer held back, choosing to take the initiative.
Meanwhile, inside Shrek Academy's tent
The healing-type soul master hired by the academy had exhausted all their soul power but finally managed to pull Xiao Wu back from the brink of death.
Afterward, Jiang Zhu took over and successfully treated Xiao Wu's injuries. However, she remained unconscious and had not yet awakened.
Tang San let out a sigh of relief. Seeing that Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin had not returned to the tent for a long time, he guessed, "It seems either Tianheng or Tianxin managed to eliminate Ning Tianchen. But I wonder how much chance we still have in this match."
Dai Mubai interjected, "Xiao San, I just heard cheers coming from the direction of the arena. Unfortunately, our tent is too far from the stage, so I don't know if Tianheng eliminated Ning Tianchen."
Shrek Academy had repeatedly offended Emperor Xue Ye, and their reputation in the Tiandouou Empire was quite poor.
At the start of the promotion round, they were placed as the last team to enter. As a result, they had to settle for the leftover tents.
This location was far from the stage, surrounded by bushes and practically infested with mosquitoes.
Their living conditions were rather harsh.
"Young Master San, should I go check?" Tai Long volunteered.
Tang San thought for a moment, then shook his head. "No need. Let's just wait here for everyone to return."
Dai Mubai hadn't played any significant role before being eliminated, and neither had he defeated Ning Tianchen.
It was hard for them to win this match.
Rather than watching their teammates lose, they might as well stay in the tent and lie down.
---
Ning Tianchen's condition was poor; he couldn't unleash his full strength. The match against Yu Tianxin fell into a stalemate.
This situation was extremely unfavorable for Ning Tianchen—he didn't have the stamina to drag things out.
About two minutes later, he seized an opening made by Yu Tianxin and used his sword qi to forcefully push him back.
Immediately after, he unleashed all his remaining soul power to activate his fifth soul skill.
After this strike, he wouldn't have any soul power left to continue fighting.
By using his fifth soul skill, he was also gambling that Yu Tianxin would be knocked out of the stage.
However, Yu Tianxin seemed to have anticipated his fifth soul skill.
Yu Tianxin's body was pushed back to the edge of the stage, but at the last moment, he managed to stop himself from falling off.
"Ning Tianchen, you have no more chances." Yu Tianxin's heart raced, his breathing quickened.
This was the first time he had directly defeated Ning Tianchen.
Regardless of the opponent's condition, he had ultimately won.
Ke Jie sighed helplessly. "What a pity. If Tianchen had a bit more soul power left to unleash the second phase of his fifth soul skill, he could've had a chance to eliminate the opponent."
Unfortunately, there were no "ifs."
Ning Tianchen's soul power was completely depleted. He was barely standing on the stage through sheer willpower, without any strength left to continue.
Yu Xiaogang let out a slight sigh of relief.
At the cost of six teammates, they had defeated Ning Tianchen. Though the losses were significant, the outcome was good—it had humbled Ning Tianchen's arrogance.
"Is this where it ends?" Ning Tianchen bitterly laughed to himself.
Yu Tianheng's approach had been too steady, forcing Ning Tianchen to expend too much soul power in the previous match.
When facing Yu Tianxin, he clearly felt powerless.
Just as he was about to surrender, he was surprised to find Yu Tianxin standing on the crumbling edge of the stage.
The stage had been wrecked by Tang San earlier, leaving no intact spot to stand on.
Moreover, the stage was elevated above the ground. With Yu Tianxin at the very edge, if the ground collapsed, he would fall out of bounds.
Yu Tianxin didn't rush to attack.
After all, Ning Tianchen posed no more threat.
"Ning Tianchen, do you know how long I've waited for this day? Defeating you with my own hands will wash away the shame from before."
Ning Tianchen ignored him—or rather, he didn't want to waste any more energy on verbal sparring.
Down below, Yu Xiaogang wanted to urge Yu Tianxin to act but remembered he had already received one warning. If he interfered again, Yu Tianxin would be disqualified, turning the match into Ning Tianchen's personal 7-0 sweep showcase.
Seeing it unfold but unable to intervene, Yu Xiaogang could only feel helpless.
---
Not long after, Yu Tianxin finished delivering his victory speech and was about to end the match when he saw Ning Tianchen muster the last of his strength to throw the Seven Kill Sword at his feet.
"Ho ho, you don't even have the strength to throw your sword—aren't you going to surrender?" Yu Tianxin mocked with a grin.
Seeing that Ning Tianchen ignored him, he took a step forward.
As soon as he lifted his right foot, the entire weight of his body shifted to his left foot. The already broken stage could no longer bear the strain and collapsed entirely.
The sudden turn of events caught Yu Tianxin off guard. He lost balance and fell backward, tumbling out of bounds.
"This—"
In an instant, the entire arena fell into an eerie silence, almost deafening in its stillness.
A moment later, the referee gleefully announced, "In this match, Yu Tianxin went out of bounds, so Ning Tianchen wins. The entire match is over, and Seven Treasures Academy's team emerges victorious. Let's congratulate Ning Tianchen for completing the second 7-0 sweep in this year's tournament in the Tiandouou Empire division!"
"This match will be recorded in the tournament's history for future teams to study..."
Tang San had destroyed the stage and successfully "buried" Yu Tianxin. Truly, karma works in mysterious ways, and one reaps what one sows.
The referee was in excellent spirits—even if they had to set up ten new stages consecutively, they wouldn't break a sweat!
The members of Seven Treasures Team quickly rushed forward to help Ning Tianchen off the stage.
"Boss, that was epic!" Chen Huayu gave a thumbs-up.
Feng Xiaotian patted his shoulder. "Now it's clear—you won this bet fair and square. I'm convinced."
Shrek Academy's team was ranked second in the promotion round, far superior to Balak Academy's team. Feng Xiaotian naturally accepted the outcome.
Ning Tianchen didn't have the strength to argue. He quickly retrieved two Dragon Ganoderma leaves from his spirit tool to restore his condition.
Oscar and Ning Rongrong weren't idle either, swiftly aiding Ning Tianchen's recovery.
However, Yu Xiaogang simply couldn't accept Yu Tianxin's dramatic elimination.
Based on his knowledge of the rules, he immediately raised an objection. "Referee, I demand an appeal. The tournament rules never stated that a contestant falling out of bounds due to stage collapse results in disqualification! I request that this match continue."
Even if Ning Tianchen consumed Oscar's sausages and other restorative treasures, he wouldn't regain the ability to fight in a short time.
If the match continued, Yu Tianxin would still have a chance to win!
From the high seats, Gu Rong frowned in displeasure. "After all, Fengzhi saved the lives of Shrek Academy's members. Is this how Yu Xiaogang repays us?"
Ning Fengzhi sneered and said nothing further.
This time, the referee didn't consult Xue Qinghe but directly retorted, "Teacher Yu of Shrek Academy, you're correct. But the rules also don't state that a match must continue if a contestant falls out of bounds due to stage collapse."
"Since there's no such rule, according to the existing regulations, 'leaving the stage boundaries results in immediate disqualification.' Yu Tianxin's elimination is rule-bound. Therefore, your appeal is invalid, and the referee committee will not entertain it."
"No, I refuse to accept your ruling. I demand the organizing committee revisit and revise the rules!" Yu Xiaogang's forehead veins bulged, his face contorted in rage as he shouted loudly.
The surrounding teams began murmuring among themselves.
"What kind of person is Shrek Academy's team leader? A twenty-nine-level Great Soul Master dares to make such a fuss? Anyone present could beat him senseless!"
"Ho ho, allowing a Soul Grandmaster to serve as the team leader—it's no wonder they got swept 7-0."
"If I remember correctly, before today, Shrek Academy was also trying to complete a 7-0 sweep. Too bad, they not only failed but ended up getting swept themselves."
"Brother, it doesn't matter whether it was intentional or not. Just tell me—did Shrek Academy achieve a 7-0 sweep?"
"They truly did."
Hearing the sarcastic comments around him, Flender sighed deeply but ultimately didn't step in to bail Yu Xiaogang out.
These matters were all Yu Xiaogang's doing. As adults, they should bear the consequences of their actions.
---
As the noise from the crowd gradually subsided, Xue Qinghe stood up and gestured for silence.
Without the aid of a sound-amplifying spirit tool, his voice was louder than usual, ensuring everyone could hear him clearly.
"Mr. Yu Xiaogang, to amend the tournament rules requires the presence of representatives from the Tiandou Imperial Family, the Star Luo Imperial Family, and the Pope of the Spirit Hall. Only under these circumstances can additions, deletions, or changes to the rules be discussed."
"Even if I were to bring this up, His Majesty may not agree. The Star Luo Imperial Family and the Pope certainly wouldn't consent. Moreover, I witnessed the match clearly—the stage was shattered by Tang San, and Yu Tianxin's elimination due to the collapsing stage is ultimately your own fault. You can't blame others."
"It's already late, everyone. Rest early and don't miss tomorrow's final matches."
With that, the representatives on the high seats began to leave one by one. Even Salas didn't speak up for Yu Xiaogang.
The competing teams regarded Yu Xiaogang as nothing more than a clown.
"Uncle Xiaogang, let's head back," Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin urged simultaneously.
With the three representatives of the organizing committee having left, continuing to argue would yield no results.
Reluctantly, Yu Xiaogang made his way back to Shrek Academy's tent.
---
Half an hour later, inside Seven Treasures Academy's tent
Teams from the Three Elements Academy and Beast Academy came to offer their congratulations.
The promotion round lasted fifteen days, with each team playing fourteen matches. Tomorrow, Seven Treasures Team had no opponents and could rest for the day.
Seeing the teams arrive to congratulate them, they warmly welcomed everyone into the courtyard of their tent.
Ke Jie announced, "Tonight, to celebrate Tianchen completing a 7-0 sweep and to thank all our friends for their support, we'll hold a bonfire party."
This feast was essentially a celebration for Seven Treasures Academy securing first place in the promotion round.
Tian Chao of Beast Academy rubbed his stomach. "Friends of Seven Treasures Academy, we have big appetites. Since you're treating us, we won't refuse."
During the promotion round, the food rations for each team were provided by the Tiandouou Empire.
The meal quotas for each team were fixed. For teams like Beast Academy, they often went hungry.
After some rest, Ning Tianchen had recovered a fair amount of his strength.
Standing before the crowd, he announced, "Everyone, rest assured. We've sent people to the city to purchase ingredients. Tonight, we'll ensure everyone eats to their heart's content."
"However, I must clarify one point. You all have matches tomorrow, so manage your time wisely."
---
In contrast to the lively atmosphere in Seven Treasures Academy's tent, Shrek Academy's tent was eerily silent.
Before the match, they had confidently vowed to defeat Seven Treasures Academy. Now, not only had they lost the match, but Ning Tianchen had completed a 7-0 sweep.
For a moment, it felt as though their fighting spirit had been utterly crushed.
Flender and Liu Erlong watched the team's morale and didn't know how to console them.
This match had dealt a heavy blow to the Shrek Seven Monsters. If they couldn't recover in time, they would undoubtedly crumble in the finals.
After an unknown amount of time, Tang San heard Tang Hao's voice in his ear. "Xiao San, come out for a moment."
A hint of joy appeared between his brows, but seeing the team's demeanor, he quickly composed himself and excused himself under the pretense of "using the restroom."
Not far from Shrek Academy's tent, Tang Hao had been waiting for some time in the bushes.
Tang San approached, lowered his head, and said, "Father, I've disappointed you. Despite your guidance, I still couldn't defeat Ning Tianchen. This failure is entirely my fault."
Tang Hao sighed.
Even someone as proud as him had to admit that this generation's inheritor of the Seven Kill Sword was truly formidable.
Setting aside his thoughts, he touched Tang San's forehead and smiled. "Xiao San, this isn't your fault. Back then, I only briefly taught you the Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer Technique while in the village. After so many years, you've managed to bring the technique to this level based on mere fragments of knowledge. That alone proves your talent."
"Do you understand where you fell short compared to Ning Tianchen?"
Tang San started to speak but hesitated, then shook his head.
He felt Ning Tianchen was strong, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly why.
Tang Hao continued, "Ning Tianchen has been trained in swordsmanship by Chen Xin since childhood. His mastery of the Seven Kill Sword is unparalleled. Chen Xin didn't hold back, teaching him many of the sword techniques."
"Most of the moves Ning Tianchen used in your battle came from the Seven Kill Sword Manual. This manual is something only the most talented inheritors of the Seven Kill Sword lineage are qualified to learn."
"And the Hao Tian Hammer has similar techniques. Up until now, you've always used Blue Silver Grass as your martial soul and never truly explored it."
"The disparity in techniques is the main reason you lost to him."
"As for why Ning Tianchen managed to sweep seven opponents, it ultimately comes down to your team's arrangement. Xiao Wu and Huang Yuan weren't strong enough. In their matches against Ning Tianchen, he recovered a lot of his condition. If Dai Mubai, Yu Tianheng, and Yu Tianxin had gone up after you, Ning Tianchen would've surely been defeated by one of them."
Tang San forced a bitter smile. "Father, a loss is a loss. You don't need to comfort me like this."
Tang Hao shook his head. "You must remember, the Hao Tian Hammer is the strongest weapon-type martial soul in the world. Standing at this height, the Hao Tian Hammer must have its reasons for being so powerful. Up until now, you've never truly encountered the peak techniques of the Hao Tian Hammer , which is why you think this way."
"In the future, when I teach you, you'll have a fair fight with Ning Tianchen. At that time, you'll understand that the Hao Tian Hammer will always surpass the Seven Kill Sword."
Father and son talked for a long time, and Tang San gradually emerged from his defeated state.
"Xiao San, go back and comfort your classmates. On the finals stage, they'll be your left and right arms. In their current state, they won't perform well in the upcoming matches."
Tang San nodded firmly.
Tang Hao didn't remain idle. After Tang San entered the tent, he immediately transmitted a message to Yu Xiaogang, calling him out.
"Your Majesty Tang, about this match..." Yu Xiaogang assumed Tang Hao wanted to hold him accountable and began admitting his mistakes.
Tang Hao waved his hand. "Master, let the past be the past. Besides, failure is only temporary. There will always be opportunities to win in the future."
Yu Xiaogang let out a sigh of relief and then asked, "May I ask what arrangements Your Majesty Tang has for me?"
Tang Hao knew that Bibi Dong possessed twin martial souls and that Yu Xiaogang had once shared a romantic history with her. He hoped Yu Xiaogang would visit the Spirit Hall to seek training methods for dual martial souls for Tang San.
Of course, even without Tang Hao mentioning it, Yu Xiaogang would have gone anyway.
Tang San had revealed his Hao Tian Hammer martial soul. Given the relationship between the Spirit Hall and the Hao Tian Sect, they might attempt to assassinate Tang San.
Tang Hao was confident that once Bibi Dong saw Yu Xiaogang, she would rekindle their past feelings. At that time, both matters could be resolved simultaneously.
"Your Majesty Tang, rest assured. After the promotion round ends, I'll set out ahead of time. I'll do my best to secure everything Tang San needs by the time he arrives at Spirit City."
Tang Hao still wasn't reassured and reminded him, "Master, the Elder's token I gave you—only use it as a last resort."
"After all, it's a token issued by the Spirit Hall. I'm not sure if it's been marked. Someone in Spirit City will likely be able to detect it. If Bibi Dong learns that you and I are closely connected, it could put you in danger."
Yu Xiaogang, however, wasn't concerned.
If the token had been marked, wouldn't Salas have recognized it?
Thus, there was no need to worry.
"Master, if Xiao San can resolve the issue of training dual martial souls, the Tang family owes you a great favor." Tang Hao spoke solemnly.
Yu Xiaogang quickly waved his hand and politely replied, "Having Xiao San as my disciple is my fortune. As his teacher, it's my duty to help him overcome difficulties."
---
As the two conversed, they were unaware that they had been spotted by Dugu Bo in the distance.
Tang Hao's perception was sharp, so Dugu Bo didn't dare approach and thus didn't overhear their conversation.
But Tang Hao's presence here proved many things.
Without giving it much thought, Dugu Bo immediately left to find Ning Tianchen.
By now, the bonfire party was nearing its end.
Blazing Academy, which had a match early the next morning, had already departed. Godwind Academy and Skywater Academy had successively bid farewell.
Only Beast Academy stayed until the very end.
"Friends, see you on the finals stage." As he left, Tian Chao laughed and said.
Ning Tianchen smiled in response. "I'm also looking forward to a thrilling team soul battle with you all on the finals stage."
Tian Chao waved. "The Soul Master Tournament isn't the main focus. Remember to visit us in the Extreme North someday."
After the party ended, Ning Tianchen led the Seven Treasures Team in cleaning up the tent area.
Not long after, Dugu Bo appeared at the edge of the tent and transmitted a message to Ning Tianchen. "Tang Hao just appeared at Shrek Academy's tent. During the match, it's highly likely he was secretly guiding Tang San."
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