Chapter 258: Tactics and the Battle Begins – Grandpa Once Said…
"No need to bother with these trivial matters, Tai Long. They're just a bunch of losers."
Tang San calmly took a step forward, positioning himself in front of Tai Long and facing those seven pairs of eyes that burned with rage.
Tai Long was now his subordinate.
And those standing before him? They were nothing more than inferior weaklings.
What right did they have to be angry?
Were they resentful that Tai Long had abandoned them? Ridiculous.
If they had worked harder, would they have ended up stuck in Lanba Academy?
Did they really not want to enter Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?
Or was it simply because their talent and strength weren't enough?
Who else could they blame but themselves?
"You're right, Third Young Master."
Tai Long, who had initially felt a slight unease about facing his old teammates, suddenly found his courage surging after receiving Tang San's support.
His grandfather had made the right choice for him.
Since joining the Royal Battle Team, he had realized just how weak his former teammates were in comparison.
Tang San's new squad wasn't particularly friendly, but in terms of talent and power, they were far superior.
Especially Tang San himself
A week ago, Tang San had defeated him effortlessly without even activating his martial soul.
Such a powerhouse was truly worthy of following.
Tai Long straightened his back, determination flashing in his eyes.
"Let's crush them completely so they can see reality for themselves."
In the air above, the announcer had just finished hyping up the audience, and the cameras shifted to the stage.
The referee, satisfied with the intense standoff between the two teams, stepped forward.
"Both sides, bow and prepare for battle."
Neither team was particularly eager, but since they had stepped onto the stage, they had to follow the rules.
With forced politeness, they exchanged brief bows.
The referee then looked toward both teams and raised his hand.
"Heaven Dou Spirit Master Tournament, Preliminaries – Round One, Match One… Begin!"
After announcing the match, he swiftly retreated to the side
And both teams immediately took their positions.
Like in normal Spirit Arena battles, each team was given one minute to activate their martial souls
An opportunity meant to enhance the spectacle for the audience.
Gazing coldly at the opponents, Tang San extended his right hand and commanded
"Brothers, unleash your spirits!"
Yes because of his identity, Tang San was the true captain of this team.
With Dai Mubai's status as a prince of Star Luo, it was impossible for him to take the leadership role.
That was simply not allowed.
As both sides released their martial souls simultaneously, the moment their soul rings appeared
The entire arena erupted with gasps of shock.
At the very front of the formation
Tang San's body flared with soul power, revealing:
Two Yellow, One Purple, One Black
Four dazzling soul rings!
"A ten thousand year fourth ring?!"
On the VIP stand, Emperor Xue Ye's eyes widened in shock before his expression turned ecstatic.
His voice rang out in astonishment
Then, he immediately turned toward Xue Qinghe.
Then toward the Three Education Commissioners behind him.
Seeking answers.
Xue Qinghe shook her head slightly she had no idea.
But she was certain of one thing:
Han Li definitely knew.
And yet he hadn't told her.
"I'll have to settle this with him later."
For now, she had no choice but to shift her gaze toward the Education Commissioners.
Dream God Machine, feeling the heavy weight of their stares, looked just as confused.
"I have no idea either!"
According to the report Flender submitted a month ago, Tang San had only just broken through to Rank 37.
"How did he suddenly become a Soul Ancestor?"
"And with a ten thousand year fourth ring, no less?"
"If I had known, I would've reported this immediately I know exactly what this means!"
What he didn't know was
Flender had actually planned to use this opportunity to gain favor
But now…
That thought had completely vanished from his mind.
With no other choice, Dream God Machine forced himself to respond:
"Your Majesty, Your Highness I am not entirely sure of the details either. Before the competition, they only mentioned they had a surprise prepared. I did not expect… this kind of surprise."
"Your Majesty, regardless of the details, this is undoubtedly great news."
Education Commissioner Bai Baoshan quickly interjected to ease the situation.
"After all he belongs to our academy. Just look at how the audience is reacting! Perhaps… we should observe first and have Tang San explain after the match?"
Xue Ye pondered for a moment.
Then, his gaze subtly shifted toward three figures
Ning Fengzhi.
Yu Yuanzhen.
Han Li.
The first two the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect Master and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan Leader
Both deep in thought, eavesdropping with interest.
The third Han Li
Still smiling placidly, his expression unreadable.
After a moment of deliberation, Emperor Xue Ye shook his head.
"No need to summon him after the match."
"Let them focus on the competition."
"Since this is meant to be a surprise, we'll wait until the preliminaries are over."
"Until then protect him."
"Do not allow anyone to approach him."
The Three Education Commissioners froze for a moment.
Then their eyes subtly flickered with understanding.
This command…
Clearly applied to everyone present.
Including their allies.
They nodded, already planning to personally stand guard as soon as the match ended.
What they didn't realize was that
Among all the individuals present
The only one truly interested in Tang San was Yu Yuanzhen.
Salas?
Slightly surprised by the ten thousand year soul ring, but ultimately unconcerned.
To the high ranking members of Spirit Hall, this was nothing new.
Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo?
They already knew Tang San's background so they harbored no ill intentions.
At most, they were wondering if they could trade something with Tang Hao to acquire the method.
As for Han Li and Qian Renxue?
Zero reaction.
Thus, in the VIP seats
These rival factions, each with their own hidden agendas, were strangely at peace.
Meanwhile
On the battle stage
Aside from Xiao Wu and Tai Long, who had already known
Not only did the students of Lanba Academy look stunned
Even Ning Rongrong and the others were frozen in shock.
"When the hell did Tang San reach Rank 40?!"
No wonder Tang San had stopped engaging in team drills lately. Even when they gathered, they only discussed tactics, never practicing actual combat. He was hiding his strength.
Dai Mubai's eyes flashed with a fiery intensity.
He had also broken through to Soul Ancestor.
If Tang San was willing to share his method could he also obtain a ten thousand year fourth soul ring?
His body trembled with excitement.
If he succeeded, then even with his notoriously bad reputation, as long as he defeated Davis, perhaps his father would still choose him.
As long as he could keep that secret buried.
"Enough. It's just a soul ring," Tang San said, suppressing his emotions.
"We'll talk about it later. For now, according to plan destroy them."
He felt the astonishment from his teammates, his opponents, and even the audience.
A slight smirk curled his lips.
He enjoyed this feeling.
But this was only the beginning.
Across from them, the Lanba Academy team snapped out of their shock.
"So what if he has a ten thousand year fourth soul ring?"
They already knew they were outmatched.
Being slightly more powerful wouldn't change anything.
At the front of their lineup, Jing Ling and Huang Yuan exchanged a glance, gritting their teeth.
Turning back, they instructed their teammates:
"There's nothing to fear. Stick to the plan we'll hold them off. Jiang Zhu, we're counting on you."
"As for the rest of you focus all your attacks on Tai Long!"
Their teammates nodded in silent agreement.
This was their only chance.
A crisp whistle rang out.
The battle officially began.
"Advance!"
Tang San roared as he charged forward, flanked by Dai Mubai and Tai Long.
At the rear, Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda shone brightly, sending three buffs onto the advancing trio.
Beside her, Oscar sighed helplessly, retracting his soul rings.
Xiao Wu and Ma Hongjun did not deactivate their martial souls but also did not charge forward.
Instead, they remained near the rear guard, ensuring no enemy slipped past.
This was their battle strategy devised by Tang San and Flender.
Their opponents weren't strong, and Tai Long had already explained all of their soul skills.
In their eyes, the enemy only had three real threats Jing Ling, Huang Yuan, and Jiang Zhu, the healer.
More precisely, only two of them posed an actual danger.
As long as Jing Ling and Huang Yuan were eliminated, the rest would collapse.
With just three attackers and one supporter, they were already giving their opponents too much respect.
In the stands, the audience gasped in shock.
"Wait… wasn't their captain a Control Type Soul Master?"
"Why is he charging in like a front liner?!"
"And only three of them? Are they underestimating their opponents?"
Onstage, the Lanba Academy team first felt anger.
Then delight.
"They look down on us?"
"Perfect."
"They'll pay for that."
Their twisted smiles revealed their warped satisfaction.
"Jiang Zhu!"
Jing Ling shouted, prompting Jiang Zhu to act immediately.
Her three soul rings flashed, and her Healing Staff embedded itself into the ground
An orange yellow wave of healing energy spread across the battlefield, strengthening Jing Ling and Huang Yuan.
At the same time
Both Jing Ling and Huang Yuan activated all of their soul skills, knowing they couldn't afford to hold back.
"Foolish."
Tang San sneered.
The enemy had only sent out two fighters.
Perfect.
He would crush them with overwhelming power and send a message.
Today's goal
Absolute domination.
He didn't activate Blue Silver Grass.
The shock value of his ten thousand year soul ring would be far more useful if it remained a mystery.
As long as he never revealed his soul skills, every opponent would be forced to account for it.
Even in battle, they'd have to waste energy staying cautious.
A hidden smirk crept onto Tang San's face.
With his hands coated in Blue Silver Grass and soul power, he unleashed Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon, diverting Jing Ling's Bone Blade away from him.
To his left
Huang Yuan's Wolf Martial Soul clashed with Dai Mubai's Tiger Claws.
Both were forced back a step before lunging at each other once more.
"Tai Long! This is yours now! Show these failures your true power!"
Tang San easily dodged Jing Ling's attacks, still having time to command Tai Long.
"Yes, Third Young Master!"
Tai Long's Gorilla Martial Soul roared as he charged into the enemy's backline.
He knew them too well.
With Jing Ling and Huang Yuan occupied, no one else could stop him.
"I never expected my first match to be such a perfect opportunity to prove myself."
"Grandpa was right following Third Young Master is the best path forward."
(End of Chapter)
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