Amid the ruins, Xiao Tianyang and Tang San stood facing each other, neither in a hurry to make the first move.
"Did you know from the start that I wouldn't ruin your plan?" Tang San asked.
Xiao Tianyang replied solemnly, "But you should also understand—if I were even slightly more serious, what you hope to achieve would be nothing more than flowers in the water, the moon in the mirror—an illusion beyond reach."
"Yet you didn't act in the end." Tang San remained calm, a faint smile on his lips. "From the moment we first crossed paths, I knew you were a man of pride—one who disdains underhanded tricks."
"That's why I wagered you wouldn't interfere, even if you noticed something. Because you haven't changed."
"Do you think you've seen through me?" Xiao Tianyang's tone was steady, though the corner of his mouth curled imperceptibly.
"I wouldn't dare claim that. I'm merely exploiting an opportunity." Tang San shook his head politely. "Still, I must admit—even now, I'm no match for you."
Xiao Tianyang feigned ignorance. "Just to avoid losing too disgracefully?"
"Perhaps." A bitter smile flickered across Tang San's face. "As Brother Tianyang once told us—this is nothing but pride. In truth, it's all rather meaningless..."
"He's right." Xiao Tianyang praised himself shamelessly before adding, "Let's end this quickly."
Tang San gave a slight nod. Behind him, countless strands of Blue Silver Grass erupted from the ground, writhing like serpents.
The vines coiled around the scattered boulders Dai Mubai and the others had piled up, weaving them together into massive, spherical formations.
Then, dozens of thick Blue Silver Grass vines intertwined, forming sturdy tendrils that hoisted the stone spheres aloft.
With calculated precision, the vines swung the boulders through the air—weight, centrifugal force, and trajectory all factored in.
If these strikes landed, the outcome could only be described in one word: devastation.
But would Xiao Tianyang simply stand by and let Tang San execute his plan?
The audience's eyes turned to him once more—only to find him standing motionless, neither evading nor attempting to interrupt.
"Is he planning to block it head-on?" At the VIP seating, Emperor Xue Ye raised an eyebrow in surprise. "This is the first time I've seen such an arrogant young man."
From the beginning, doubts had lingered about Xiao Tianyang's true age. Yet bone age couldn't lie—his physique matched the tournament's requirements.
Besides, hadn't the Spirit Hall's main roster this year included two Soul Emperors? Though older, their presence proved this generation was brimming with prodigies.
As for their origins? No one knew.
Like bamboo shoots after rain, these talents had emerged without warning. Even the Spirit Hall couldn't trace their roots—so what could others do?
Over time, the matter was set aside. Emperor Xue Ye was no exception.
A ruler understood balance. While Edward (Xiao Tianyang) posed a threat, his aloof, detached demeanor suggested he wouldn't act unless provoked.
Even if the Heaven Dou Empire couldn't rival the Spirit Hall under Emperor Xue Ye's rule, the losses were manageable.
Moreover, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe had brought favorable news: Edward's attitude toward them was amicable.
This was why the emperor halted his investigations.
Little did he know—his beloved prince was none other than Qian Renxue of the Spirit Hall, and "Edward" was merely Xiao Tianyang's disguise.
Together, they had woven the illusion before Emperor Xue Ye's eyes.
"Why speculate when the outcome is already decided?" Beside him, Salas smirked. "But the more arrogant he is, the more dangerous he will become."
"Oh?" Emperor Xue Ye turned. " Can you explain."
"Your Majesty recalls Miao Zhenshan, don't you?"
The emperor frowned. "Who hasn't heard of one of the few remaining Super Douluo on the Douluo Continent?"
Salas countered, "Consider how many enemies such arrogance earned him in his youth. Yet he remains unharmed, even now—boldly seeking challenges. Does Your Majesty believe such a man is merely proud?"
"Aren't your words overly harsh?" Ning Fengzhi interjected smoothly, his tone light. "That senior challenged many, yet never harmed—let alone killed—a single soul. Though prideful, his actions embody chivalry."
He paused, then added meaningfully, "Rumors say he even saved those who clashed with the Spirit Hall. I wonder if that's true?"
His words were a veiled warning to Emperor Xue Ye: Salas serves the Spirit Hall. His words may be deceptive.
Ning Fengzhi had observed that Xiao Tianyang sought only the Spirit Hall's attention, leaving other factions untouched. Salas, however, was clearly trying to drag the Heaven Dou Empire into conflict.
Though it seemed excessive to mobilize such forces against a single youth, Ning Fengzhi suspected Xiao Tianyang's cunning might render their efforts futile.
Yet such thoughts couldn't be spoken aloud—only hinted at.
The three men exchanged glances, each understanding the subtext.
Emperor Xue Ye chuckled, defusing the tension. "Youth is meant for boldness. We, too, were once so unbridled. There's no harm in it."
To Salas, he added dismissively, "Let's focus on the match. Perhaps Tang San will surprise us all."
His words were mere diplomacy. In truth, none present believed Tang San stood a chance.
Xiao Tianyang had consistently outshone Shrek Academy—whether through sheer dominance or unbroken records like his seven consecutive solo victories.
Even if Shrek fought with everything, they couldn't close the gap.
Some legends were simply unbreakable.
…
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