As a violent surge of heat erupted around Lin Xi, it was the sixth-level soul tool shield, specially designed against high-temperature flames, that saved him—something Huo Yuhao had prepared for in advance.
Under Huo Yuhao's instructions, every member of the Sun and Moon team had not only brought an Invincible Shield but was also equipped with one of these sixth-level soul tool flame-resistant shields, designed specifically to counter Ma Xiaotao's terrifying firepower.
At that moment, each Sun and Moon team member silently thanked Huo Yuhao. Without his warning, they might have lost Lin Xi, and more teammates could have perished in the matches to come under Ma Xiaotao's hellfire.
Feeling both relieved and increasingly hostile toward the Shrek team, the Sun and Moon team reorganized their formation and launched a more synchronized and fierce offensive.
Gradually, the Shrek team began to realize just how troublesome this battle had become. They found themselves trapped in a tug-of-war against soul engineers with greater endurance.
Especially troublesome was Xiao Hongchen. His special metallic martial soul allowed him to equip more soul tools than any ordinary soul engineer—his firepower alone rivaled that of three opponents. Even worse was his fighting style: he kept moving along the edges of the arena, firing cannons and beams while taunting his opponents with phrases like, "I, Xiao Hongchen, am invincible!"
What made matters worse was that the opposing team seemed almost prophetic, as though they had already anticipated Shrek's every tactic.
Each time a Sun and Moon team member clashed with Shrek, their thoughts echoed the same sentiment:
"Damn, Huo Yuhao predicted this exactly!"
"This really is how they're fighting?"
"If we hadn't known in advance, we'd be finished. Thank you, Brother Hao."
Shrek Academy steadily fell into a more precarious position. He Caitou ran out of soul power and had to withdraw. Bei Bei was heavily injured and forced to retreat. Wang Dong also withdrew due to injuries. The remaining three core team members—Soul Kings and Soul Emperors—were beginning to feel the drain as well.
"Shrek Academy concedes the team battle."
Seeing that the Sun and Moon team had shifted their strategy from balanced offense and defense to an all-out attack—seeking both victory and to severely weaken Shrek's remaining main fighters—Wang Yan decisively announced their surrender to the referee.
Heavenfiend Douluo nodded and said, "Finals of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, first team battle: victory goes to Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy. Cease battle immediately."
The team leader holds the right to final judgment and can directly concede.
The two Soul Emperors and one Soul King on stage had clearly been caught up in the heat of battle. Dai Yueheng's eyes gleamed with rage as he glared at Wang Yan, while Ma Xiaotao stormed off the stage, grabbed Wang Yan by the collar, and shouted furiously:
"You! Why did you concede?!"
Wang Yan replied with a blank expression, "You're already at a disadvantage. Do you really want to keep fighting a battle we have no hope of winning and waste the fighting strength of our main members, throwing away any chance we have at winning the championship?"
Meanwhile, from the stands, a timely eruption of booing and insults began as fans—furious over Shrek's first-round defeat—lashed out.
But instead of calming down, Ma Xiaotao became even more enraged and screamed, "Bullshit! I could've burned every single one of them to ash! And you, some damn outer court nobody—what gives you the right—"
Before she could finish, Ling Luochen released her icy aura, forcibly calming the rampaging Ma Xiaotao. She pulled her back from Wang Yan, locked eyes with her bloodshot, dark-red gaze, and said firmly, "That's enough. Teacher Wang Yan is right."
"Hmph!" Ma Xiaotao snorted coldly. Once she regained her composure, she turned away without even glancing at Wang Yan and walked off.
Dai Yueheng also descended the stage in silence, face grim. He had wanted to show off in front of his father, but instead had lost to the Star Luo Empire's greatest enemy. Wordlessly, he passed Wang Yan, his silence betraying his discontent.
At that moment, Wang Yan kept a stoic expression, but Ma Xiaotao's insult—"outer court nobody"—had cut deep, wounding his already fragile and pride-starved heart.
Shrek's morale had plummeted to rock bottom.
Though disheartened, Wang Yan still wanted to fight for a sliver of hope. Shrek Academy might still have a shot at the championship. "There are still two matches left. There's still a chance."
Unless absolutely necessary, he would never give up on his dream of entering the Sea God Pavilion's secret archive.
In contrast to the gloom on Shrek's side, the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy was full of joy.
Though he hadn't fought, every team member agreed that Huo Yuhao had earned the lion's share of the credit for this victory.
Lin Xi, in particular, looked like he was about to kneel in front of Huo Yuhao. "Brother Hao, you saved my life! I'll never forget it!"
Huo Yuhao just smiled and shook his head. "You're all my friends and comrades. How could I not look out for your safety?"
His warm response, paired with his still-youthful face, struck a chord in the hearts of his teammates. Mika even said outright, "Yuhao, how about you marry me?"
The comment earned him a solid kick from Meng Hongchen, cheeks puffed with anger, and the waiting area erupted in laughter.
When it came time for the individual elimination rounds, the referee had just asked both sides to submit their lineups when Ma Rulong stepped forward with nothing in hand and declared loudly:
"Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy forfeits this match."
The entire arena erupted into chaos. Forfeit without a fight? Were they scared? Shrek's diehard fans exploded with jeers and mockery toward the Sun and Moon Academy.
Yet Shrek's faces didn't look any better. Ma Xiaotao stomped her foot in frustration and muttered curses under her breath.
Wang Yan's expression darkened. Compared to the team match, Shrek Academy had a much greater advantage in individual combat due to their superior personal strength.
The referee announced the result, "After confirmation, the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy has forfeited the individual competition. Shrek Academy wins this match. Both teams will rest for one minute. After that, the two-two-three format will begin."
With only three reliable core fighters left, the three-out-of-five series—where each round had fixed participants like a relay race—would be extremely difficult for Shrek. Even their backup Soul Elders were too badly injured to fight.
Realizing this dire truth, Wang Yan could feel his heart pounding rapidly with anxiety.
"Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, you two will fight the first round. The other side will definitely send Ma Rulong first—he's their strongest in both strength and cultivation. This gives us the best chance of winning."
"Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, you'll be the second match. Even though you're both Soul Elders, your martial soul fusion technique gives you a much higher chance of winning."
"If we're tied one-to-one after the first two matches, then Ling Luochen, you'll lead Jiang Nannan, who hasn't competed yet, and the injured Wang Dong in an all-out final match."
"Understood?"
Wang Yan restrained every ounce of emotion, issuing his optimal plan like a cold, precise machine.
Each team member clenched their fists and nodded silently.
Damn, I forgot to update this morning… damn it…
(End of Chapter)
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