Is Xiao Tianyang Really Trying to Win People Over?
The answer is undoubtedly yes.
The reason is simple.
These individuals may not seem particularly remarkable now. Compared to the powerhouses standing at the pinnacle of the Douluo Continent, they might even appear as insignificant as ants.
But what about the future?
That will be their stage!
And this Tournament—even if called the "Era of Rough Jade"—would not be an exaggeration!
Whether it's the Shrek Seven Monsters, Blazing Academy, Tianshui Academy, or Godwind Academy, each has produced extraordinary geniuses.
Some have already revealed their talents, while others remain hidden.
Blazing Academy could be considered a dark horse, not because they had any hidden cards of their own, but because Huo Wu's transformation changed everything.
However, based on investigations, Tianshui Academy and Godwind Academy still have secrets yet to be unveiled.
Xiao Tianyang didn't know the specifics, but he was certain their trump cards weren't people—they were soul skills.
As for why? He couldn't say. It was just intuition.
To be honest, Martial Soul Fusion Skills weren't rare this year.
Take Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing, for example—though they hadn't used theirs yet.
Then there were Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang, the siblings who openly admitted to possessing one.
And finally, there was another Martial Soul Fusion Skill duo—known only to Xiao Tianyang and themselves: Shui Bing'er and Shui Yue'er from Tianshui Academy.
In the future, the lowest achievement these individuals would reach was Soul Sage (Soul Saint).
Even if they couldn't help Xiao Tianyang now, owing him a favor would prove useful later.
Moreover, if he nurtured these relationships properly…
The Spirit Hall would grow even more wary of him—yet at the same time, find it increasingly difficult to act against him.
Because if they did, they'd essentially be pushing all the geniuses of this competition into his camp!
As for threats or bribes? Those might work on a few, but the majority would refuse.
First, their numbers were large enough that they wouldn't fear the Spirit Hall's direct suppression.
Second, their pride wouldn't allow them to submit.
And that was Xiao Tianyang's true goal.
Even if he were to truly oppose the Spirit Hall, there would be no room for reconciliation once they turned hostile.
But let's be real—with Xiao Tianyang and Edward's combined identities…
Unless they willingly submitted to the Spirit Hall, the organization would never tolerate a genius they couldn't control.
So from this moment on, Xiao Tianyang had already begun laying the groundwork for his future.
…
"It's hopeless! Edward's strength keeps growing—it's like he's completely unrestrained now!" Ma Hongjun wailed in despair. "If this continues, forget the seven of us—even Tianyang might not be his match!"
"That is indeed a problem we can't ignore." This time, Tang San didn't evade the issue. He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "But saying that even Brother Tianyang can't defeat him? I don't quite believe that."
"Exactly! Don't spout nonsense, Fatty!" Ning Rongrong glared at Ma Hongjun. "Tianyang's own strength aside, just his first soul skill's support can drastically boost the entire team's combat power!"
Saber chuckled. "Not to mention, he's an all-around soul master—close combat, ranged control, you name it. With him, any team's weaknesses are covered."
Zhu Zhuqing added coolly, "And while Edward's moves were called 'unbreakable,' that just means you can't get close to him. But for Tianyang? That's not an issue. He could even preemptively disrupt Edward's concussive force before it's unleashed."
What surprised the others wasn't Xiao Tianyang's strength—but his popularity with the girls.
Good grief. Including substitutes, the Shrek team had five female members.
Aside from Xiao Wu (who was already spoken for) and Jiang Zhu (who was too new to join in), every other girl*seemed to have their heart set on Xiao Tianyang.
Their confidence in him was absolute—and their familiarity, staggering.
Tang San, however, paid no mind to this.
Though others might assume he was just ignorant since he already had Xiao Wu.)
Instead, he continued seriously, "Saber and the others are right in their analysis. But there's one thing you've all forgotten—Brother Tianyang hasn't fought seriously in a long time."
Seeing the stunned looks around him, Tang San pressed on. "No one knows how strong he's become now. Or if he has new trump cards up his sleeve."
"So instead of jumping to conclusions here, why don't we just ask him… or test it out ourselves?"
If they were surprised before, they were horrified now.
Ma Hongjun flailed his arms. "Xiaosan, are you trying to get us killed?! Do you know how hard Tianyang hits?!"
Oscar rolled his eyes. "Fight him? 'Test it out'? More like get beaten into questioning our life choices!"
"Oh? So you've been discussing me?"
At some point, Xiao Tianyang had appeared at the edge of their rest area, watching them with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Tang San suddenly realized how unwise his earlier suggestion had been.
"AHH! Tang San, you've doomed us!" Ma Hongjun howled.
Dai Mubai covered his face in despair.
They were all geniuses. When sparring with Xiao Tianyang, they could tell he held back—yet they still got thrashed.
But if he went all out?
Just the thought made their scalps tingle.
Sure, they'd be healed afterward—but that wasn't the real issue.
The real punishment was having to pay for the privilege of being his training dummy!
Or as Ma Hongjun put it: "Human punching bags."
And as the easiest target, Ma Hongjun was especially doomed.
"Today's match was boring. Let's head back early—settle our 'business' quickly so you have more time to prepare for tomorrow." Xiao Tianyang waved at them cheerfully.
His smile was handsome , but to Tang San and the others, it looked downright demonic .
"Well? Are you coming or not?" Xiao Tianyang eyes narrowed slightly, and an oppressive aura rolled over them.
Dai Mubai sighed. "Let's just go."
Oscar patted Ma Hongjun's shoulder. "Look on the bright side, Fatty. 'No one escapes death'—whether it's sooner or later."
With that, they all trudged after Xiao Tianyang, not daring to delay.
After days of his brutal training, they'd seen his merciless side.
And none of them wanted to find out what would happen if they angered him further ...
…
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