The concept of time is the hardest to grasp.
Thoughts belong to others—even if Xiao Tianyang wished to control them, it would be nearly impossible.
Moreover, Bibi Dong was the one orchestrating everything. This woman, whose influence loomed over the entire Spirit Hall, held all the cards.
But there was still room to maneuver—through Miao Zhenshan.
Perhaps it was because of Xiao Tianyang. Maybe, in order to better protect the disciples by his side, Miao Zhenshan might also come to Shrek Academy.
And with the rapid expansion of this force, the Spirit Hall would hesitate to act recklessly without a flawless plan.
After all, this might be their final adversary on the continent.
And the most troublesome one at that. However, this situation had its pros and cons.
Once things escalated to this level, it would undoubtedly draw the Spirit Hall's heightened vigilance—possibly even triggering a premature conflict.
And if the process could not be halted, the ultimate victor would still be the Spirit Hall.
In terms of resources alone, the combined strength of these forces could not match even half of the Spirit Hall's might.
The sheer number of soul masters under the Spirit Hall's banner was incomparable.
As Xiao Tianyang's mentor, Miao Zhenshan would undoubtedly be targeted.
Even as a Super Douluo, standing at the pinnacle of power on the continent, the old saying held true: "Two fists are no match for four hands."
Moreover, if Bibi Dong personally intervened, she would undoubtedly manifest her godly power.
Even as a demi-god, though she might not kill Miao Zhenshan in a single strike, eliminating him with the aid of others would not be difficult.
Throughout all this, Xiao Tianyang never let his guard down.
But could he simply stand by and do nothing?
The answer was no!
Thus, there were many factors to consider, and Xiao Tianyang—knowing all this in advance—had to make preparations early.
Otherwise, wouldn't such foresight be wasted?
…
A Few Days Later – Heaven Dou City
The city buzzed with excitement.
The Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament had officially begun!
This city was not just a competition venue—it was also a display of the royal family's majesty.
Alongside the grand opening ceremony, a team composed entirely of soul masters maintained order—a subtle flex of the royal family's strength to outsiders.
It was as if they were declaring: "Though overshadowed by the Spirit Hall, our foundation is still beyond ordinary forces."
But none of this concerned Xiao Tianyang.
He and Saber blended in with the Shrek Academy team, setting off like ordinary students.
As for Fei Xue and Zhou Cheng, they would arrive just before the matches began.
Xiao Tianyang and Saber would then disguise themselves and join the fray.
…
Despite his preparations, when Xiao Tianyang saw Tang San's uniform, he couldn't help but cringe.
"Dean, I must say—your taste is... quite unique," Xiao Tianyang remarked beside Flender, giving a half-hearted thumbs-up.
The garish green fabric was eye-searing enough, but the bizarre advertisements plastered across it made Tang San and the others flush with embarrassment.
Thankfully, due to their special status, Xiao Tianyang and Saber were spared from wearing them.
Of course, the real reason was that Xiao Tianyang had another identity to uphold for the competition.
Yu Xiaogang had raised this concern to Flender, who reluctantly agreed.
After all, in terms of appearance alone, Xiao Tianyang would have been the perfect poster boy.
'What a shame...'
"You brat, you don't handle the finances—you don't know the cost of firewood, rice, oil, or salt!" Flender stroked his beard, grinning. "Besides, Tang San and the others gained fame before the competition. If we don't capitalize on that, how else will we fund the academy?"
Xiao Tianyang raised an eyebrow.
This was unexpected.
Shrek Academy had only recently entered the circle of elite soul master academies. Logically, Tang San and the others shouldn't have had much recognition yet—meaning sponsors wouldn't pay much for them.
But this was the original timeline.
Flender claimed their early fame was thanks to Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.
Somehow, she had uncovered the Shrek Seven Monsters' past achievements and publicized them! Though she omitted critical details like their martial souls and soul rings.
When Xiao Tianyang asked her motives, she remained tight-lipped.
Regardless, Flender had secured sponsors in advance—and judging by his glee, he'd made a fortune.
"Dean, this isn't fair!" Oscar whined, glancing back at Xiao Tianyang's sleek outfit. "Even if they're not competing, Tianyang and Saber are still part of the team! Why don't they have to wear these?"
Flender glared. "This is mental training! If you can't handle a little embarrassment now, how will you face real pressure later?"
Xiao Tianyang chuckled. "Xiao Ao, the dean's right. Besides, why rely on looks when your skills speak for themselves?"
"Crush your opponents swiftly, and you'll earn far more respect. The lower the expectations, the greater the impact when you defy them."
Even Dai Mubai found this reasoning sound.
Bolstered, the team lifted their heads proudly, meeting the crowd's stares with defiance.
Flender nodded in satisfaction. "See? A few words from you convinced them. I'd have struggled for hours."
Xiao Tianyang smirked. "So even you admit these uniforms are hideous?"
Flender coughed. "Nonsense! My design is impeccable!"
"Then why aren't you wearing one?" Liu Erlong sneered.
Flender spluttered, but under her withering gaze, he quickly lost the argument.
Yu Xiaogang had to step in before it escalated into a brawl.
Xiao Tianyang quietly slipped away, joining Saber to discuss the upcoming matches.
With their strength, they hardly needed a full team of four.
And given their aggressive fighting styles, they'd likely bulldoze through opponents in record time.
But this wasn't just strategizing—Xiao Tianyang was also buttering her up in advance.
Saber was… difficult to persuade when battlelust took over.
In daily life, she was dignified, gentle, and poised—but in combat, she transformed into a glorious, unstoppable knight.
This contrast—her innocence in repose, her indomitability in battle—was what Xiao Tianyang loved most.
Yet now, this very trait was giving him trouble.
…
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