Mmph…!"Tang Ya broke free from Xu Cheng's hand and glared at him unhappily.
"So, our Tang Clan…"She flipped her ponytail, but then remembered she had completely offended Tang San. She huffed and turned her head away, falling silent.
"Heh, you should thank me."Xu Cheng grinned. "With the God of Destruction sheltering you, Tang San didn't dare make a move. Otherwise, if he 'helped' you, he might've just killed you."
"Ugh, you're so annoying!"Tang Ya gritted her silver teeth, clearly wanting to sink them into Xu Cheng's neck.
"Today, there are two watchable matches,"Juzi said, adjusting her glasses like a proper secretary while keeping her eyes on the arena.
Since there were multiple arenas, the preliminary rounds were held four at a time. This was to save time. After the elimination round, the format would merge into one arena at a time.
Today's matches—
It was mostly weaklings pecking at each other, or overwhelming victories. Very few were truly entertaining to watch.
"Clear Sky Sect versus Mingyu Sect.""Snow Demon Sect versus Star Luo Sect."
"Didn't expect this matchup on the very first day…"Meng Hongchen sighed.
Although Cain wasn't around, most of the people here were on good terms, part of the same faction, and regarded each other as allies.
As for Xu Jiujiu… she was naturally under the Sun Moon Empire's umbrella.
"Ah Cheng, your thoughts?"Meng Hongchen asked, surprised.
"Nothing. It's fair and impartial."Xu Cheng spread his hands. He was also surprised they met this early in the eliminations.
"Just do our best. Tang San of the Clear Sky Sect is only a divine consciousness projection, but even so, wielding a divine weapon, his Title Douluo strength is enough to rival a Super Douluo. Cain won't be able to beat him…"Xu Cheng said thoughtfully.
As for the Star Luo Sect—although Xu Jiujiu had Soul Douluo-level power, she was primarily a support type. Her team was far too weak and couldn't stand against the Snow Demon Sect. So, winning or losing didn't really matter in her case.
In the Shrek Rest Area
Xuanzi smiled with satisfaction. Dai Huabin hadn't let them down. With his arrogant personality and overwhelming strength, he embodied exactly what Shrek needed.
They used to keep a low profile because everyone already knew how powerful Shrek was.
But now… if they didn't show some arrogance, these third-rate teams would start treating them like soft targets.
"The Sun Moon Empire is still hiding their hand,"Xian Lin'er frowned slightly.
Just now, the Sun Moon Empire had sent only four reserve members, yet easily defeated their opponents. The team leader didn't even reveal their martial soul.
Even under pressure from both the Clear Sky Sect and Shrek Academy, the Sun Moon Empire remained mysterious, not revealing their strength.
"Heh, just a delaying tactic,"Xuanzi sneered.
"They're probably panicking internally, but they don't dare show it. That's why they're holding back."
"Doesn't matter. With Beibei here, and the new soul tools our department developed that are compatible with Class 9 soul devices, no one can stand against us!"Xian Lin'er said with confidence.
On the Arena
"Clear Sky Sect vs. Mingyu Sect!"
With the referee's call, both teams entered the arena.
Leading the Mingyu Sect was naturally Cain. With her graceful figure and deep purple veil, she stepped calmly onto the stage, followed by disciples like Ade.
On the Clear Sky side, Tang San took the lead, bringing half the main team and half reserve members.
Clearly, they came prepared—but not overly so.
"Cain, your Mingyu Sect helped the Sun Moon Empire during the Battle of Mingdu four years ago. Am I wrong?"Tang San's eyes narrowed with a glint of killing intent.
"Hmph, and what if we did?"Cain snorted coldly.
"Then we are enemies… mortal enemies."Tang San's lips curled slightly. "And I don't show mercy to mortal enemies."
He clenched his fists. The killing intent flowed from him without restraint.
"Oh?"Cain raised an eyebrow.
"All Sun Moon Empire teams are mortal enemies of the Clear Sky Sect. We won't show mercy—unless you surrender on your own."
As the referee blew the whistle—
Tang San stuck one hand in his pocket and casually waved the other.
"Better be careful. I won't hold back later…"
"Sis, he's so arrogant! Even more than brother-in-law…"Ade muttered quietly.
Smack!
"Ouch! What was that for?"Ade rubbed the back of his head, looking wronged.
"Your brother-in-law's not arrogant—he's just naturally that way."Cain stared him down as she said each word slowly and clearly.
Ade: "…"
"Young sect master, we can't win…"Xue Bing said gravely.
"I know we can't. But if we can probe his strength, even just a little, it'll be worth it. Mingyu Sect can't just surrender without a fight."Cain replied calmly.
"Yes!"A flash of excitement passed through Xue Bing's eyes.
He was also a Soul Sage.
Three years ago, he had followed Cain into a hidden realm for intense training. Riding her coattails, he had grown strong enough to make a name for himself.
"Enough talk. Match… begin!"
As both sides took their positions—
The referee called for the match to start.
"Charge!"
The elimination round had only one event: Team Battle.
Tang San narrowed his eyes, staring at Cain. Normally, for a no-name team like the Mingyu Sect, he wouldn't have shown up personally. Just sending some main team members with the reserves would've been more than enough.
But… from that purple-veiled girl, he sensed a faint but real threat.
"Charge!"
Ade shouted excitedly, waving his hand.
Alongside Xue Bing, they used either flying soul tools or flying martial spirits to launch themselves toward the Clear Sky team.
"Blue Silver Bind."
Tang San said calmly, walking leisurely.
A black spirit ring flashed beneath his feet.
Countless golden-streaked blue vines burst from the ground, roaring toward the sky.
"What the hell… that fast?"Ade's face twisted.
He was immediately ensnared by vines at his legs, arms, and abdomen.
The Mingyu disciples had no time to react. Nearly all were captured midair and locked in place.
"Paralyzed…"
Tang San smirked.
Pssht!
As the vines tightened, Ade felt sharp stings—like needles jabbing him. His control over his body started to weaken. His entire arm was going numb, and the feeling spread fast.
His eyelids drooped slightly. He transformed into several bats and darted toward Cain, dodging the swarming vines.
Xue Bing coughed up blood, broke free of the vines with great effort, and clutched his stomach as he regrouped with Cain.
As for the rest, Tang San subdued them in the first round.
With the paralyzing vines tightening, they stopped struggling.
"Too weak…"
Tang San grinned.
With a casual squeeze of his hand—
One of the trapped Mingyu Sect disciples exploded in midair, blood spraying in every direction.
"You!!!"Ade roared in fury.
"…"
But Cain raised her hand to stop him.
"Every minute that passes, I will kill one of you. Let's see how many you can save."Tang San swept his gaze over the enraged Mingyu disciples, a chilling smirk playing at his lips.
"Nice!!!"
"Young Sect Master is awesome!"
"Glory to Clear Sky Sect!"
(End of Chapter)