The next day arrived.
After the initial rounds of competition, it was finally time for the Whitebeard Team to face Shrek Academy.
Yet, when Tang San and the others arrived in the audience, they didn't seem overly tense.
This wasn't because they were confident in dealing with Edward—perhaps it was simply because they had grown accustomed to such battles.
The three distinguished figures remained seated in the VIP section.
However, they had spoken little recently. After each match, they would part ways, rarely exchanging words during the games.
This was especially true for Salas, who had once been quite fond of Ning Fengzhi.
No matter what the other said, he would always find a way to retort.
But now, he had grown quieter. His eyes occasionally darkened, and his entire aura had shifted.
It was clear—if not due to some drastic personal change, then because of something he was preparing to do.
Ning Fengzhi had noticed this but couldn't discern the reason.
The only clue pointed toward one person: Xiao Tianyang.
Yet, even Ning Fengzhi couldn't fully grasp the meaning behind Xiao Tianyang's high-profile actions.
A few days prior, even Sword Douluo had considered quietly questioning Xiao Tianyang.
But Ning Fengzhi, taking into account Xiao Tianyang's shrewdness and meticulous nature, had refrained from interfering.
Moreover, with Miao Zhenshan backing him, there was no need for haste. Why should they be anxious?
This was precisely why Ning Fengzhi could afford to be so composed—another person in his position might have been far more restless.
After all, Xiao Tianyang's behavior was akin to slapping a label on himself: "I am strong. Come at me, Spirit Hall!"
As blunt as that.
"Some say the Whitebeard Team is like an unstoppable beast, unrivaled among this generation's competitors," Salas suddenly spoke into the silence.
"Yet Shrek Academy is hailed as the dark horse. I wonder what will happen when this beast clashes with the dark horse."
Ning Fengzhi frowned at his words.
A thought flickered in his mind, but it vanished before he could grasp it.
Meanwhile, Emperor Xue Ye responded with keen interest: "Shrek Academy is indeed a dark horse. Whether in individual strength or teamwork, their execution is textbook-perfect."
"As for Team Whitebeard… if Edward remains the only one on the arena, then this match may prove unpredictable."
Setting aside his scattered thoughts, Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly.
"It's difficult to pit one against ten, especially against a team as formidable as Shrek Academy."
"But someone as prideful as Edward probably wouldn't bother rotating another member."
His words were deliberately provocative.
Ning Fengzhi was a master of subtle manipulation.
Though he didn't fully understand Xiao Tianyang's intentions, he didn't mind giving him a nudge—within limits, of course.
Ning Fengzhi would never take unnecessary risks, especially when he stood neither to gain nor lose.
"Oh? So you believe Edward has the upper hand?" Emperor Xue Ye smiled.
"Then I truly look forward to seeing new techniques from him."
His words carried a double meaning.
On the surface, he referred to Xiao Tianyang's seemingly limited combat style.
But beneath that lay the implication that Xiao Tianyang was holding back—that his true strength had yet to be revealed.
Ning Fengzhi had spoken with purpose.
As for Emperor Xue Ye… only he knew his true thoughts.
But to Salas, their exchange carried a different weight.
A cold glint flashed in his narrowed eyes.
…
In the arena, both teams sent out their members.
To Xiao Tianyang's surprise, the one who stepped forward was Zhu Zhuqing!
"Did she volunteer… or are they trying to stall?" Xiao Tianyang mused.
"As expected of Tang San—even in defeat, he insists on making it look good."
"A shame though. Under normal circumstances, I'd humor him. But not today."
The referee signaled the start—yet neither moved.
Xiao Tianyang remained still out of habit, while Zhu Zhuqing focused on steadying her breathing.
Others might not know, but Zhu Zhuqing was aware—the man before her was Xiao Tianyang.
She didn't know the full extent of his abilities, but one thing was certain: His speed was no match for hers or so it seems.
If Xiao Tianyang struck first, she could seize the initiative.
But simply waiting like this? Unrealistic.
Given Edward's persona, passivity was out of character.
As the saying goes: "Still as a mountain, swift as thunder."
With a deafening crash, Xiao Tianyang's overwhelming strength shattered the stone beneath his feet, launching him forward like a cannonball!
His fist tore through the air with a thunderous roar.
BOOM!
The shockwave rippled outward, gouging a deep trench into the arena. Jagged stone spikes erupted on either side, and dust billowed above the arena.
Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened—but she reacted instantly.
In the next breath, she split into multiple afterimages, darting away in evasion.
Her speed was truly exceptional—so much so that Xiao Tianyang couldn't track her with his naked eye.
Part of this was due to sheer velocity.
But another factor was her martial soul.
Nether Moon Envoy.
Xiao Tianyang had studied this martial soul before.
It possessed two defining traits.
First: Deathly Aura.
A complex concept—essentially, the Nether Moon Envoy drew power from death energy, converting it into a living, wrathful force.
Contradictory? Perhaps. But the two coexisted seamlessly.
Second: The Obscuring Mist.
A faint, spreading black fog that masked her presence.
A perfect tool for stealth—one Xiao Tianyang had confirmed firsthand.
After all, Zhu Zhuqing had demonstrated it quite willingly.
Not that he lacked a way to counter it.
But doing so would require the Ancient God's Eye—a move he deemed excessive for this fight.
Moreover, while Miao Zhenshan was a reclusive soul master, his reputation among Titled Douluo was formidable.
The Body Sect was a small but elite faction known for pushing physical limits.
One or two oddities might go unnoticed—but another body-type martial soul?
That would raise too many questions.
This was just a match. He sought to make a statement, not reveal his full hand.
So he would bide his time.
No need to end things too quickly.
Besides, if Zhu Zhuqing couldn't force his hand, it would only make him seem weak.
At least, that's what he believed.
…
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