Chapter 62: Tang San: I'm Sorry, I Was Wrong

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Blazing Academy managed to secure their victory thanks to Feng Xiaotian's guidance. From the start, they disrupted Shrek Academy's rhythm, leaving Tang San unable to employ his usual tactics, like Binding and Blue Silver Prison. His mind was too unsettled to properly utilize his techniques.

Since the competition began, Tang San hadn't even used his trump card, the external spirit bone Eight Spider Lances, let alone the mighty Haotian Hammer.

Feng Xiaotian was convinced that if Tang San had unleashed his full potential, Blazing Academy wouldn't have stood a chance.

"I've told you before, Tang San has a trump card. He won't use it unless he absolutely has to. You were lucky to win this match."

"True. If they had fought with their full strength, we might not have won," another student agreed.

Feng Xiaotian nodded and then turned his gaze to the girls from Tianshui Academy.

"Bing'er, in the upcoming matches, if you're drawn against Shrek Academy, I advise you to forfeit."

The girls were surprised.

"Why?"

Feng Xiaotian explained, "Tang San is a strong-willed person. After this defeat, when they face a formidable opponent again, they're likely to hold nothing back and will probably field their full team. If that happens, Tianshui Academy doesn't stand much of a chance. You might end up fighting to a draw at best, and that could lead to injuries. It's not worth the risk."

Huo Wushuang glanced at Xue Wu with concern. "Feng Xiaotian is right. Tang San is a vengeful person. If they decide to use the same strategy against us, targeting our support-type soul masters, Xue Wu could be in serious trouble."

Shui Bing'er paused, looking at Xue Wu and Shui Yue'er beside her. They exchanged nods, understanding each other without speaking.

"Alright, we'll follow Brother Feng's advice."

"That's the best course of action. As long as we advance, the rankings don't matter," Feng Xiaotian remarked.

"Agreed."

Feng Xiaotian then turned to Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang and warned them, "Tang San doesn't let grudges go easily. He'll definitely remember this defeat. There's still some time before the advancement rounds, so use it to train and improve your skills. Who knows? You might get a rematch."

"Understood," they both replied.

Feng Xiaotian knew very well that in a one-on-one duel, neither Huo Wushuang nor Huo Wu could match Tang San. However, a bit of encouragement and a reminder to be prepared wouldn't hurt.

Meanwhile, Tang San, Xiao Wu, and the others were helping Jing Ling out of the competition area.

At that moment, Yu Xiaogang arrived with the rest of the team.

"Jing Ling, how are you holding up?"

"I'm alright. Jiangzhu has treated me, so I'll recover with some rest," Jing Ling replied weakly.

Though Jiangzhu was a healing-type soul master, her abilities were limited. She could handle minor injuries, but more severe wounds were beyond her capabilities.

Jing Ling had taken a direct hit from the Explosive Seven-Star Bomb. It would take him at least ten days to half a month to fully recover.

Seeing the dried blood at the corner of Jing Ling's mouth, everyone felt both heartache and anger.

Ma Hongjun fumed, "Those bastards from Blazing Academy went too far! If I face them again, I'll make them pay!"

Dai Mubai, feeling guilty, said, "Teacher, everyone, I'm sorry. It's all my fault! I was too impulsive, too focused on taking down Huo Wushuang, and fell into their trap."

Tang San quickly added, "And I was too distracted…"

"No! It's my fault. I underestimated their abilities and didn't plan our strategy well, allowing them to gain the upper hand."

As Tang San spoke, a hint of self-reproach and disappointment crept into his voice.

The members of Shrek Academy had never seen Tang San so despondent. It was clear that today's events had taken a heavy toll on him.

Yu Xiaogang patted Tang San and Dai Mubai on their shoulders, offering comfort:

"Alright, there's no need for either of you to blame yourselves. Before you went on stage, I mentioned that sometimes, giving up is also a viable strategy. You're still young, and it's only natural to encounter various challenges as you grow. This experience will serve to temper you, and facing adversity will help you mature into formidable soul masters."

Hearing Yu Xiaogang's words, everyone felt a bit more at ease.

Yu Xiaogang then instructed, "The next match features Tianshui Academy, but there's no need for you to watch it. Go back and rest. Take this time to adjust and prepare for tomorrow's match."

The group left the Grand Spirit Arena together.

Suddenly, Yu Xiaogang called out to Tang San.

"You all go ahead. I'd like to have a private word with Tang San. Tang San, come with me."

"Alright."

After Dai Mubai and the others departed, Yu Xiaogang led Tang San to a quiet spot.

"You lost the match today, and I know you're feeling down. But you've likely learned quite a bit from this defeat, haven't you?"

"Teacher, I was too confident—no, I was arrogant. I underestimated them, completely overlooking the extent of their preparation."

"You're right. They were even more prepared than we anticipated. They exploited your weaknesses and disrupted your rhythm from the very beginning, which is why your performance today was so different from what we're used to seeing."

Tang San nodded in agreement.

"Teacher, you're right. This is something I didn't expect. What surprised me the most was that they knew my Blue Silver Grass was immune to their fire."

"What?!"

Yu Xiaogang was shocked.

"Even Tai Long and the others didn't know about that. How could the people from Blazing Academy have found out?"

"Teacher, I find it strange as well. This was my secret, one of the key strategies I planned to use against Blazing Academy. That's why I was confident enough to bring only two main fighters, Boss Dai and Xiao Wu. But I never expected this…"

Yu Xiaogang pondered for a moment but couldn't come up with an explanation.

"This situation is indeed puzzling. Since they've already discovered it, there's no point in dwelling on how it happened. Focus on preparing for the upcoming matches. If you draw one of the other three elemental academies—Godwind, Tianshui, or Thunderclap—don't underestimate them. Treat them as real opponents."

"Understood, Teacher."

Yu Xiaogang then reminded him:

"And one more thing—no matter what happens on the battlefield, you must stay calm. If I hadn't called off the match today, you might have resorted to using the Eight Spider Lances or even the Haotian Hammer. My concern isn't just about revealing your strength; it's about keeping you safe. Do you understand?"

Tang San nodded. He fully understood Yu Xiaogang's concern.

His father, Tang Hao, hailed from the Haotian Sect and had a complicated history with the Spirit Hall. Salas, the platinum bishop of the Spirit Hall, was sitting in the VIP section during the match.

Both Tang Hao and Yu Xiaogang had warned him not to reveal the Haotian Hammer until he was strong enough to protect himself. Once that tool spirit was exposed, his true identity would be revealed, putting his life in grave danger.

(End of Chapter)