Saber did not answer vaguely. Instead, she carefully considered her words before replying, "I don't know the specifics, but one thing is certain—Tianyang's current strength is such that as long as a peak Soul Saint doesn't activate their Martial Soul True Body, he can handle them."
As soon as she finished speaking, the expressions of all the girls shifted.
Even though she had braced herself, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but exclaim, "So you're saying… when facing an ordinary Soul Saint, he even has a chance to defeat—or even kill—them?"
"It is possible to injure them by surprise if they don't use their Martial Soul Avatar," Saber answered with precision.
After the initial shock, Ning Rongrong's eyes sparkled with excitement. "With Tianyang, our path to the championship is secured!"
Of course, she was more concerned about something else—the rules of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
The stronger Xiao Tianyang was, the more capable he would be in protecting her.
Saber hesitated for a moment before adding a reminder, "I don't mean to dampen your spirits, but Tianyang isn't planning to continue competing, especially in the finals."
"Why?" Ning Rongrong asked quietly. "Doesn't he want Shrek Academy to win the championship?"
"To quote him: 'The Shrek Seven Monster are you. I am me.' "
Worried her words might be misunderstood, Saber quickly elaborated, "Besides, if he fought at full strength, it would be unfair to all of you."
"How is it unfair?" This time, it was Xiao Wu who spoke up.
"Because the opponents would assume you only won by clinging to his coattails," Saber replied seriously. "You all know Tianyang's situation. It's not that you lack brilliance—it's just that he outshines everything."
"Any genius—myself included—would be eclipsed beside him."
Silence fell over the group.
Saber did not press further. Her meaning was clear enough.
If Ning Rongrong and the others still couldn't grasp it, there was nothing more she could say.
But judging by their expressions, they had understood—they just didn't want to admit it.
Because while this arrangement might be fair to them , what about Xiao Tianyang?
The outcome still wouldn't be the same…
…
Their discussion did not disturb Xiao Tianyang.
In fact, the moment they reached their conclusion, he announced— "Two-minute rest is over!"
"Start trembling, my dear students!"
With a wicked grin, Xiao Tianyang lunged forward like a tiger descending upon sheep. The flames around his body melted into magma, dripping onto the ground.
"Fourth Soul Skill: Soul Flame Magma!"
The molten mass morphed into a snarling canine head, jaws gaping wide as it charged toward Tang San and the others with razor-sharp fangs!
"Not this again!" Ma Hongjun yelped.
This very move had tormented them in the first round, leaving everyone scorched by splattering magma.
But the true terror wasn't the direct impact—it was the splash damage .
"Fatty!" Tang San barked a warning.
Ma Hongjun snapped to attention. Two spirit rings lit up on his body as he unleashed his first and soul skill.
"Second Soul Skill: Bathing Fire Phoenix!"
"First Soul Skill: Phoenix Fire Line!"
Whoosh!
Thick streams of fire collided with the magma fist in midair—only to be torn apart in less than two seconds.
Yet Dai Mubai and Tai Long were already moving in, their reinforced fists swinging in tandem.
To guard against the heat, Tang San had wrapped their arms in Blue Silver Grass.
Though magma was fire blended with earth, and even enhanced Blue Silver Grass couldn't fully negate the searing Soul Flame Magma—forged from Emperor Flame's essence.
"BOOM!"
The combined force of the two powerhouses finally halted Xiao Tianyang's advance.
"You think blocking me means your backline is safe?" Xiao Tianyang smirked. Raising his left hand, magma surged.
"Meteor Volcano!" With a sharp whistle, blazing orbs of molten rock shot skyward—then vanished.
Tang San's face paled. He recognized this technique.
The magma wasn't gone—it would rain back down like meteors, with devastating force.
"All-out assault! Now—then retreat! " Tang San ordered.
Blue Silver Grass erupted from the ground, weaving into armor for the boys (a design courtesy of Xiao Tianyang himself).
Almost instantly, the others swarmed—led by Tang San.
His right fist swelled with soul power, shattering the magma barrier. Using the momentum, he pivoted—left leg whipping toward Xiao Tianyang's head!
"BOOM!"
Tang San blocked with his right arm, left hand locking onto the ankle. Planting his stance, he yanked .
"Controlling Crane Catching Dragon?" Xiao Tianyang's eyes flickered in surprise.
With no leverage midair, he was easily dragged forward—until Tang San abruptly slammed him downward.
"Think you can kick me with one leg? Watch me." Xiao Tianyang snarled, swinging his other foot—
Only for Tang San to twist his grip and fling him into the ground.
"NOW!" Tang San roared.
A barrage of attacks followed:
"Fourth Soul Skill: Blue Silver Prison!"
"Fourth Soul Skill: White Tiger Meteor Shower!"
"Fourth Soul Skill: Phoenix Roar Air Strike!"
"Earth-Splitting Fist!"
"Bone Crusher!"
"Immortal Brick!"
The last three shout, of course, came from Oscar.
For five glorious seconds, they unleashed their pent-up frustration from earlier beatings.
"Fall back! Scatter!" Tang San hurriedly commanded.
They bolted.
Oscar was the fastest.
He knew that brick toss would enrage Xiao Tianyang—and he had no intention of being the first victim.
Though, for a fleeting moment, he had fantasized about pinning Xiao Tianyang down and pummeling him.
Amid the settling dust, a voice colder than glacial ice cut through: "Oscar… you've truly made me remember your guts."
…
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