"Team Battle!"
The entire Clear Sky Sect took the stage.
But Tang San alone was absent.
Outside, a light rain still fell. The arena, however, remained relatively dry. The finals had to be completed within a single day and determine the winner. Even with heavy rain outside, few were willing to leave. Raincoats or hastily bought umbrellas sufficed.
"..."
Noticing Tang San hadn't entered the field, Xu Cheng simply stayed in the rest area as well.
Their eyes met briefly, then quickly turned away.
Xu Cheng could clearly see the smirk tugging at Tang San's lips. As for the Clear Sky Sect disciples below, they showed no unusual reactions. Clearly, Tang San was preparing for a classic "comeback from behind."
The team battle could be sacrificed.
Then, through the individual elimination matches, with overwhelming personal strength and the final 2-2-3 format, Tang San could turn the tides and showcase his dominance.
But even if they won the individual elimination round, that would only bring the score to 1–1—a tie. The real decider would be the final 2-2-3 format battle. Even a top-tier ace like Tang San could only control one match. The remaining two? Those still depended on the overall strength of the team.
Xu Cheng hesitated, then had a moment of clarity.
From Tang San's slightly cold gaze—tinged with bloodlust—it seemed likely that during the individual elimination round, he had no intention of holding back. Perhaps he intended to seriously injure the Sun and Moon Empire students... or even kill?
But... something still didn't feel right.
As Xu Cheng frowned in thought—
With a loud "Begin!" from Jing Hongchen, the match kicked off.
Both teams swiftly changed formation and clashed in an instant.
Something's wrong.Xu Cheng furrowed his brows.
He watched the intense skirmish on the field.
Xiao Hongchen looked bored. With Tang San not playing, he casually gave up his spot to Nan Qiuqiu. As such, the Sun and Moon team had only four Titled Douluos, two Soul Douluos (Jiang Nannan and Ning Tian), and one Soul Sage (Nan Qiuqiu).
But judging by the opponent's formation, shouldn't this be a one-sided fight?
Yet those Clear Sky Sect disciples were displaying astonishing momentum, holding their own against the Sun and Moon Empire team without falling behind at all.
Xu Cheng glanced at Tang San and saw the smile still playing on his lips—clearly, he had anticipated this outcome all along.
"No!"
Xu Cheng's pupils suddenly contracted.
A vast, ocean-like wave of spiritual power surged outward, filling the entire arena and continuing to expand. His perspective climbed higher and higher—covering Mingdu, hundreds of miles, most of the Sun and Moon Empire... even reaching into the sky!
Finally, at the limits of his spiritual reach—
A faint figure emerged into view.
Amid the clouds, a short-haired woman stood proudly, holding aloft a Nine-Tiered Glazed Tower. The powerful aura radiating from her even had a slight effect on Xu Cheng.
"Hmm? You can actually sense me?"
The woman spoke with surprise. With a wave of her jade-like hand, Xu Cheng's spiritual power trembled violently and was forcibly withdrawn back into his body.
"As expected!"
Xu Cheng slowly opened his eyes.
He looked over at Tang San, whose expression now showed clear shock. Their eyes met, filled with disbelief—Tang San hadn't expected Xu Cheng to detect Ning Rongrong's presence.
"Damn, what a cheat…"Xu Cheng muttered under his breath.
But he didn't seem too surprised.
He should've seen it coming.
Still, he didn't feel angry. If anything, their side was the real group of cheaters. Back in the day, even the protagonist squad from Tang San's original world didn't pull stunts like this.
That Tang San had managed to summon Ning Rongrong? Xu Cheng would grumble a bit but had no real complaints.
"Third Brother, he noticed me."
A gentle voice rang in Tang San's ear.
"I know. Thank you."Tang San glanced toward Xu Cheng, slightly narrowing his eyes. He had already suffered at Xu Cheng's hands several times. Even now, he couldn't quite grasp the depths of Xu Cheng's capabilities.
Even when facing his true body, it was the same.
"But it's fine. They all think I gave up the team match... but I want them to lose utterly."Tang San let out a cold laugh.
As he looked out at the stunned spectators, a trace of smug satisfaction flickered across his face.
"No problem. Should I ramp it up? I've only used half of my divine power,"Ning Rongrong said with a light laugh.
"Yeah. Let's end this quickly."
Tang San chuckled.
He could hardly wait to see the Sun and Moon Empire team lose in disgrace.
Then in the individual elimination match, even without Ning Rongrong's divine boost, he could still easily crush every opponent—including the mysterious Xu Cheng.
"Alright…"
As Ning Rongrong's voice fell—
The Clear Sky Sect disciples seemed to enter a berserk state. Their speed, strength, and the power of their soul skills all skyrocketed by multiple levels.
The Sun and Moon team was forced into constant retreat.
"Damn it! How are these guys cheating?!"
Xiao Hongchen looked visibly anxious, brows furrowed, eyes filled with confusion.
He knew the opponents must be cheating, but even he couldn't detect how…
"Hey."
Xu Cheng pointed upward.
"Huh?!!"
Xiao Hongchen froze."There's someone helping from above? Who? I scanned all of Mingdu and didn't find a single clue."
"To let a group of Soul Sages and Soul Douluos power up to Titled Douluo level, silently, without leaving a trace—who do you think could do that?"Xu Cheng crossed his arms and smiled faintly.
"Wha—A god?!!"
Xiao Hongchen finally realized—his face filled with shock.
His gaze toward Tang San now carried utter disbelief.
You've gotta be kidding me, man! This is just a Continental Soul Master Academy Tournament, right? You're bringing in a god-level support... Is that really necessary?!
(End of chapter)