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Chapter 118 - Xiao Tian — I Want to Quit Shrek!

The roar of clashing soul skills died down, leaving only a sharp hush as dust and spirit light settled.

Ye Lingling staggered back, pale face stiff, as Xiao Tian's blade hovered inches from her throat. The gleaming sword intent pulsed against her skin like a cold river threatening to slice her soul in two.

His voice was faint, calm, without cruelty—yet wrapped around her ears like iron.

"Will you… step down yourself, or shall I escort you off?"

Her fingers clenched. Gritting her teeth, she refused to nod. She was the healer—the last line, the guardian of her team's lives. How could she surrender so soon?

But then—

Whoosh—!

From three sides, killing winds erupted. Yu Tianheng, Oslo, and Yufeng launched at once, soul rings flaring, disregarding protection in their frenzy to reach him. From left, the Ghost Leopard streaked like a shadow blade. From right, the Wind Chime Bird sliced from the sky. And front—blue lightning roared, tearing cracks into the stone.

They came for Xiao Tian's back, blades thirsting for blood.

Yet his sigh was almost disappointed.

"Alas. This is just an 'arena game.' Otherwise, Ye Lingling… you'd be dead already."

His left palm opened. Aura condensed like mist, then pushed. A gentle invisible wave struck her stomach—not sharp, but firm. In the blink of her startled eyes, she was lifted softly, then carried outside the ring.

Gasps echoed.

She landed unharmed, lowered gently by his intent, her body intact.

She blinked furiously, heart thumping wild. He… spared me? He even softened his blow?

For the first time in her short life as a Soul Master, Ye Lingling felt something faint—alien—bloom in her chest. Admiration? Or… something scarier?

Xiao Tian turned, expression soured. So. They abandon even their healer to strike rashly? Reckless nobility. Do they treat comrades as nothing because this is 'only competition'? Still… to me it reeks of carelessness. A battlefield kills such men swiftly.

His eyes hardened.

"First Soul Skill, Qingmu Soul Condensation!"

"Sword Control Art—Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Origin!"

Above him, forged from Fifteen's intent, thousands of blades shimmered, their edges glittering like stars in a storm. Sword shadows split the air, descending torrents aimed at Yu Tianheng and his allies mid‑charge.

Instant killing oppression slammed them. Their hair whipped, their breaths froze. If this rained upon them—they'd be shattered beyond crawl, even with Begonia healing.

The stands erupted with gasps, many screaming in awe and dread.

Above, in the reserve seating, Yu Xiaogang and Flender realized instantly. Their hearts jumped.

"No! Xiao Tian—stop!!"

Unthinking, they shouted his real name.

The crowd stirred, surprised. Xiao Tian? Human Emperor has a name?

Yu Xiaogang suddenly panicked, voice cracking, "Tianheng! Withdraw! I am your uncle—listen to me! Admit defeat! You cannot withstand this!"

Yu Tianheng's head snapped up mid‑clash. His pupils trembled. Across the crowd, in black robes, he saw him: Yu Xiaogang, the estranged disgrace of the clan.

"Uncle…?" he breathed. His pride twisted, conflicted fire burned, but self‑preservation screamed louder. He bit back his fury.

Voice raw, he shouted toward Director Ao: "We admit defeat! Royal Team yields!"

The arena's electric roar collapsed into stunned quiet.

First whispers stirred among the shocked masses.

"Did you hear? The Shrek master… called him Tianheng's uncle?"

"So Yu Tianheng, Blue Lightning Clan heir, has ties here?!"

"And that Human Emperor boy—he's Xiao Tian, not code name at all!"

"Scandalous! Revelation!"

From gossip to shouts, within seconds the arena buzzed, thrilled by sudden melons.

Director Ao hurried forward, heart hammering, soul power surging to shield the three nobles. His heart clenched as he scanned the raining blades.

Then—

His pupils constricted wide.

All the sword rain…was gone.

Vanished. Vanished like smoke dissipating into nothing.

The crowd exhaled ragged, gasping.

Ao swallowed. Incredible… He, who had called himself a Soul Sage, knew better than most—the rule of combat: "Arrows once loosed cannot be recalled; a blow once cast cannot be pulled." Control in such chaos was impossible. Yet this youth whisked away a thousand swirling killing blades… as though blowing out a candle.

Who is this boy? His command over intent defies common sense.

Xiao Tian lowered his sword, face expressionless, though his eyes were dark with shadow.

Not because his attack failed—but because of the betrayal in his ears.

Yu Xiaogang's voice still echoed in his mind—favoring Yu Tianheng, urging his concession, naming his blood in open audience. Choosing clan blood over his current students.

So. He reveals my name, exposes his ties, and undercuts me publicly… all in one breath. Truly, Master and Dean—you've given me my excuse.

"The match is over! Winner—Shrek Team!"

Director Ao shook his head, weary. His voice carried official tone, but his heart sighed. He exited swiftly, unwilling to linger in the coming storm. He glanced one last time between Xiao Tian's storm‑cold eyes and Yu Xiaogang's strained face.

This night will not end quietly. A teacher who defends nephew above disciple sows his own storm to reap.

Sure enough, as Shrek filed out, the spectators stirred in fever.

"Human Emperor—his real name is Xiao Tian!"

"Remember it. He who rides flying swords!"

"He broke the Royal Team—and yet his 'teacher' defended his nephew?Haha! Drama like this, only in Soto!"

Gossips followed them out, some trailing to watch.

Outside city gates, Xiao Tian, still silent, gathered Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing around him. His lips never moved, but his voice curled in their minds through spirit thread.

"This is perfect. Opportunity has ripened. Have you all decided? If we leave Shrek now—there is no returning."

Xiao Wu's face was taut, playing stern—yet her transmitting voice trembled with joy.

"Brother… you don't know how long I've waited for you to say this!"

Her eyes brimmed both fierce and tender light.

Ning Rongrong bit her lip, standing closer than usual, nodding hard though not skilled in sound transmission. Her nod alone blazed answer.

Xiao Tian's attention turned lastly to Zhu Zhuqing. Of the three, she still bound to her fiancée, her clan, her silent pride.

"This is your last chance. Understand: once you join me, all shackles are cut. Think well."

But her gaze lifted, ice sharp—her nod was immediate, resolute.

"I… will follow you."

Her voice was cold, but her heart surged with newfound freedom. Dai Mubai… after tonight, you're nothing to me.

Satisfied, Xiao Tian strode forward. Now begins the break.

But Shrek's staff were behind, chasing them: Yu Xiaogang, Flender, the other students—and unexpectedly, the Royal Fighting Team.

They met steps outside the city gates.

"Dean!"

Qin Ming rushed forward, eyes filled with reverent light. "Dean Flender—it's me! Qin Ming! So many years… To see you again, I—"

He bowed like a grateful child. "I also… thank the Dean and Teacher Xiaogang for showing mercy to my students, asking your team to hold back. Truly, Shrek lives up to its legend! Our Royal Team is far behind…"

His words made several Royal Team members bristle, offended. So we lost, but must be mocked too?

Before fury exploded forth, Xiao Tian cut the hall with his voice.

"Master. Dean. One thing plain. I—Xiao Tian—declare now: I quit the Shrek Academy."

His voice clanged like a sword against the earth, sharp enough to silence wind.

And then—three more voices, clear, unwavering:

"Us, too."

Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing stepped up, one to each side of him, standing shoulder to shoulder, their gazes hard.

"As of today… we follow Xiao Tian."

The courtyard froze.

Gasps.

Flender's eyes bulged, his breath ragged. That declaration meant four at once—half their elite team. Without them, Shrek Academy would crumble overnight. His voice broke into fury:

"Why?! Why must you throw everything away? Don't you see—without you four, Shrek dies!"

Xiao Tian didn't flinch. His eyes met Flender's blazing without a ripple of doubt.

Nearby, the Royal Team members glanced amongst themselves, stunned by the unfolding drama. Qin Ming himself froze mid‑bow. His "merciful Shrek" was… splitting?

Even Dugu Yan's eyes lingered on Xiao Tian's unshaken form. Is this really just… a teenager?

The first crack had widened into a chasm.

And Xiao Tian had chosen—his blade cut ties.

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