Chapter 68: Tang San – "We Can’t Lose Again"

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Shui Bing'er, Huo Wushuang, and the others were shocked.

"Tian-ge, are you saying all the damage on the field was caused by Tang San alone?"

"But why would he harm his own teammates? He doesn't look good himself—he's barely standing," Huo Wushuang said, noticing how pale and unsteady Tang San appeared.

Feng Xiaotian grinned. "The injuries on Shrek's seven members were intentional."

"I've told you before, don't underestimate Tang San just because he's a teenager. His methods are far more ruthless than you think.

"The Continental Advanced Academy Soul Dueling Tournament clearly forbids disabling or killing opponents. How else would he create the illusion of suffering backlash from the enemy's spirit ability if they didn't injure themselves? This way, they can fool everyone and retaliate against Canghui Academy for past grievances."

Hearing Feng Xiaotian's explanation, the girls felt a chill run down their spines.

Huo Wu scoffed, "The Shrek team's tactics really are brutal. In the first round, they severely injured several members of Tian Dou Royal Academy's second team, and now they've done the same to the seven from Canghui Academy."

Shui Yue'er added softly, "Yes, and this time Tang San went even further. It looks like the members of Canghui might be crippled."

Shui Bing'er nodded. "Tian-ge, I finally understand your thinking now. If we face them, we'll forfeit. I'm not willing to risk my teammates' safety."

Feng Xiaotian responded, "With your strength, Tianshui Academy could hold its own, but it's better to stay far away from someone that ruthless. Don't get involved with him."

"Got it."

The scene on the central platform was horrific.

Even the referee was at a loss for how to handle it.

After several expert Spirit Masters evaluated Canghui Academy's team, they concluded that their injuries were due to the backlash from their own spirit technique.

The referee then announced the result: Shrek Academy had won.

Canghui Academy's members were carried off the platform, left with no choice but to accept their fate.

On the Shrek side, Oscar, Ning Rongrong, and Ma Hongjun rushed to their injured teammates.

Tang San stopped Ning Rongrong from using her support skills, ensuring she didn't reveal her true strength. Supporting each other, the Shrek team walked off the stage together.

The audience gasped in astonishment.

They had thought Canghui Academy was performing a seven-in-one spirit fusion skill, and Shrek was doomed. But to everyone's surprise, Shrek emerged victorious.

Seeing the audience's reaction, Huo Wushuang sneered. "Tian-ge, you were right. That Tang San is truly ruthless. The injuries were all their own doing. Ning Rongrong from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan could have amplified their power, but she didn't. It was clearly premeditated."

Shui Bing'er, curious, asked, "Tian-ge, the seven-in-one fusion technique is supposed to be quite powerful. How did Tang San break through it?"

"They were using the Seven Asura Illusion, which consumes a lot of spirit power. But they're not strong enough to fully control it, and Tang San had a way to counter it. That's why they failed."

"I see. Tang San really is something."

Shui Yue'er asked, "With such ruthless tactics, aren't they worried about an investigation by the inspection team?"

"Without evidence, how can there be an investigation? As you saw, Tang San and his team were also injured. Besides, Ning Rongrong's father, Ning Fengzhi, is a guest invited by the Xue Ye Emperor. This matter will likely be dismissed, and Canghui Academy will have to accept their misfortune."

Feng Xiaotian knew that the seven members of Canghui Academy would be left in a poor state, and the investigation results wouldn't affect Shrek Academy in the slightest.

The following two days of matches continued.

Feeling guilty, and using the injuries of their members as an excuse, Shrek Academy announced their withdrawal from the next two matches.

Coincidentally, their opponents for these two days were Godwind Academy and Thunder Academy.

This allowed them to perfectly avoid facing the two top teams.

After Shrek Academy's return, they wouldn't face Godwind Academy or Thunder Academy again. When matched against weaker teams, they performed very strongly.

Time flew by, and with only the final round of matches remaining, the month-long preliminary round was coming to an end.

As it stands, the top teams in the preliminary rankings are:

1. Godwind Academy: 26 matches, 26 wins, maintaining a perfect record.

2. Thunder Academy: 26 matches, 25 wins, their only loss to Godwind Academy.

3. Tianshui Academy: 26 matches, 24 wins, losing to Thunder Academy and Godwind Academy.

4. Blazing Academy: 26 matches, 23 wins, losing to Tianshui, Godwind, and Thunder Academies.

5. Shrek Academy: 26 matches, 23 wins, losing to Blaze, Thunder, and Godwind Academies.

6. Xiangjia Academy: 26 matches, 21 wins, losing to Shrek, Thunder, Tianshui, Blaze, and Godwind Academies.

With only one round left, the teams advancing have essentially been determined:

1. Godwind Academy

2. Thunder Academy

3. Tianshui Academy

4. Blazing Academy

5. Shrek Academy

Godwind Academy and Thunder Academy have secured the first and second positions.

Since 26 rounds have already been completed, there's no need for a draw for the final round; the opponents have been determined.

Blazing Academy's final opponent is not strong, so they are expected to win.

Shrek Academy will face Tianshui Academy in the final match.

If Shrek Academy wins, they will match Tianshui and Blaze's record of 24 wins and 3 losses.

Although the outcome of this match does not affect advancement, it does influence the final ranking in the preliminaries.

According to the rules, teams with the same record will draw lots to determine the final ranking.

If Shrek Academy defeats Tianshui Academy, they will have a chance to secure the third position through the draw.

If they lose, they will be placed fifth.

The night before the match, Yu Xiaogang gathered the Shrek Academy team.

"Tomorrow is the final round. You all know our opponent is Tianshui Academy, who have already achieved 24 victories.

"If we win, we'll share the same record as Tianshui and Blaze, with a chance to claim the third spot. If we lose, we'll be fifth.

"However, even if we defeat Tianshui Academy, there's no guarantee of securing third place, as there's only a one-third chance.

"So, my suggestion is to forfeit, conserve our strength, and prepare for the knockout stage. What are your thoughts?"

Tang San and Dai Mubai exchanged glances, understanding each other's thoughts.

After their defeat to Blazing Academy, they had been frustrated.

Later, by injuring Canghui Academy's seven members, they had voluntarily forfeited matches against Thunder and Godwind Academies.

Now, facing the formidable Tianshui Academy, they were unwilling to forfeit.

(End of Chapter)