Chapter 189: Defeating Tianshui Academy with One Move
Tianshui Academy was known for its young and talented all-girls team, a group that prided itself on both skill and beauty. So popular were these young women that fans called them the "Tianshui Girl Group." Their massive fanbase was filled with fervent admirers, especially among male supporters.
However, the team from Auckland Academy was no less popular. As the tournament's current frontrunner with an undefeated record, Auckland had amassed countless fans as well. Given the perceived strength gap between the two teams, most expected the outcome of this match to be predictable.
But Tianshui Academy didn't see it that way.
Preliminary Round 26.
With Auckland's winning streak still unbroken, their matches were now featured as the tournament's headliners each day.
The audience watched intense battles unfold, and in the break area, a group of young girls all focused their gazes in one particular direction: where Auckland Academy was stationed.
"Big Sis, look! Dai Yao from Auckland Academy is so cool!" exclaimed a girl with a delicate oval face and short blue hair, looking barely past her teens. Her features were animated with excitement, her eyes following Auckland's team intently.
The girl in question, clad in a blue team uniform, was one of Tianshui Academy's main players. The other young women surrounding her shared the same uniform; they were Tianshui Academy's team members, Auckland's next opponents.
A girl with bangs teased her, "Since when did you become such a fangirl, Seven?"
"Alright, you two, calm down," came the soothing voice of another girl, who was noticeably more composed. Though she wasn't the eldest of the group, her presence commanded respect among the other six players. This was Shui Bing'er, Tianshui Academy's captain. With a beauty and strength that set her apart in a team full of remarkable young women, she was universally admired.
Feeling a gaze directed at him, Dai Yao looked up and met Shui Bing'er's eyes. Sensing the fierce fighting spirit in her gaze, Dai Yao offered a slight nod and a faint smile of acknowledgment. Shui Bing'er was momentarily caught off guard but returned his smile with one of her own.
"Captain, you and Dai Yao are really locking eyes over there. Don't tell me you're interested in him!" Shui Yue'er teased, covering her mouth as she chuckled.
"Don't say such things," Shui Bing'er replied, gently reproving her. She looked around at her teammates, her expression serious. "Auckland Academy is the strongest opponent we've encountered in this tournament."
"They defeated the Elephants, Blazing, Thunder, and Wind teams—all four of the Elemental Academies. Now, we're the only ones left. Especially in their match against Wind Academy, Dai Yao used his ten-thousand-year soul skill for the first time, turning the battlefield upside down with a single attack, defeating Wind Academy, which had previously been seen as the top team."
"Since that day, no team has managed to force Dai Yao to use his ten-thousand-year skill again," Shui Bing'er continued. "My guess is that while his fourth soul skill is powerful, it must take a long time to charge and drain an immense amount of energy."
"If we can interrupt him before he can unleash it, then without that incredible skill, although Dai Yao is formidable, his teammates aren't at quite the same level as we are. That levels the playing field."
"And this is a crucial battle to secure our spot in the qualifying rounds. Auckland Academy or not, we need to go all out! Are you all with me?"
"Yes!" the other six girls shouted in unison. Though youthful and delicate in appearance, their fierce spirit rivaled that of any male warrior.
Auckland wasn't the only team under the spotlight; many other academies glanced at them, wearing expressions of awe, fear, or both. Among them was the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon instructor from Thunder Academy, who scowled as he watched Dai Yao from afar.
"Our Thunder Academy's progress has been practically destroyed by this kid. Now we're hanging on the edge of the qualifying rounds. It's infuriating!" he muttered. "And that Shi Nian—useless! A soul sage who failed to kill a mere soul elder, and then just disappeared. If I find him, he'll get what's coming to him."
While many teams kept wary eyes on Auckland, none were as tense as Shrek Academy. Having experienced the brutal losses Auckland had inflicted on other teams, Shrek was already bracing for their own upcoming match against them. The Shrek students looked sullen, and Grandmaster, noticing this, offered some comforting words:
"You've all done well so far. And you still have a chance to make it to the qualifying rounds. Though you might lack the power of the tournament's top teams, you are all far younger than most of your competitors," he reminded them. "Given your age, it's actually unfair that you're in this tournament at all. The next tournament is where you'll truly shine!"
Ma Hongjun and Oscar's faces lit up with understanding, and a faint smile returned to their expressions. But for newer members like Jiang Zhu and Tai Long, the reassurance didn't quite erase their anxiety; they were too old to compete in the next tournament and wouldn't get a second chance.
Dai Mubai, however, still appeared troubled, his evil eyes narrowing as he cast a solemn look at the Grandmaster. "Master, you're right. But… Dai Yao is younger than any of us in the Seven Devils…"
Dai Mubai's words made Grandmaster hesitate, and he exchanged a look of reluctant acknowledgment with Liu Erlong and Flender. With a heavy sigh, he added, "Children, there's no need to compare yourselves to Dai Yao. He's… beyond the ordinary. If you're monsters, then he's a monster among monsters."
"But don't lose heart," he continued with encouragement. "Each of you is among the best of your generation, and in time, you'll all carve out your own place in the world of soul masters."
"As for tomorrow's match, just do your best. Don't worry too much about the outcome."
The team members nodded, though they all felt an invisible weight settle over them. Auckland's power—no, Dai Yao's power—was simply overwhelming.
Seeing that his words didn't have the desired effect, the Grandmaster looked toward Tang San, who appeared deep in thought, and asked, "Xiao San, what are your thoughts on tomorrow's match?"
Tang San replied confidently, "Teacher, I think we still have a chance tomorrow."
The Grandmaster smiled in approval. It seemed his student was thinking along the same lines as he was. "Oh? Why do you think so?"
Tang San exhaled slowly, explaining, "Since Auckland Academy's match against Wind Academy, they haven't encountered any strong opponents. They've been able to crush the other teams by simply using precision tactics and decapitation strategies. No team has managed to force Dai Yao to use his ten-thousand-year soul skill again."
"Dai Yao's ten-thousand-year soul skill is certainly terrifying," Tang San continued, "but judging from the single instance we've seen, it's likely not easy to execute."
"For such a powerful skill, he must rely on a combination of 'timing, environment, and readiness.' All of these factors have to align. In their match against Wind Academy, the atmospheric conditions were ideal for a lightning-based skill. Without those conditions, it's doubtful he could unleash a soul skill of that magnitude."
"Additionally, it requires significant charge time—the longer the charge, the stronger the power."
"Lastly, the energy expenditure for a skill of that caliber must be enormous. After using it, Dai Yao likely has no chance of performing it a second time."
After listening to Tang San's analysis, the Grandmaster's smile deepened, and the rest of the Shrek team gazed at Tang San with admiration. Once again, Shrek's "brain" had proven his analytical prowess, deriving so many details from a single instance of Dai Yao's technique.
Grandmaster nodded, "There's no need to feel overly defeated. In this final battle, we still have hope. Let's see how far Tianshui Academy can push Auckland today."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Tang San glanced at Dai Yao over in Auckland's resting area, his gaze hardening as he clenched his fists. He sensed that his future would inevitably collide with Dai Yao's, and a powerful feeling of urgency gripped him. Tomorrow's match was one he had to win.
A loss would mean more than just defeat—it would be the beginning of an endless fall into a dark abyss.
Moreover, if Shrek lost tomorrow, their place in the qualifying rounds would be uncertain, and they might even face elimination. For Tang San, winning wasn't just about pride; it was a necessity. His breathing quickened as he wrestled with his thoughts, and finally, his left hand glowed with a faint black light, his resolve solidifying in his eyes.
Just then, the announcer's booming voice filled the arena through the amplification soul device, signaling the start of today's final match.
With the announcer's introductions, the two teams took the stage one by one.
Each time a member of Tianshui Academy stepped forward, the crowd erupted with cheers. Beauty, after all, was universally celebrated. After Tianshui Academy's lineup was introduced, it was Auckland Academy's turn to enter.
Auckland's members were well-known to the audience, and each player's appearance prompted a wave of cheers. However, their applause couldn't match the deafening ovation that followed Tianshui's female lineup.
But when Auckland's final player stepped onto the stage, the 80,000-strong arena resounded with an overwhelming roar of excitement.
The reason was simple: Dai Yao.
The matches between Auckland and the Elemental Academies had been immensely popular with the audience. Despite today's high ticket prices, seats were still sold out.
As Dai Yao and his teammates reached the stage, Shui Bing'er, Tianshui Academy's captain, noticed something odd about Auckland's lineup and frowned slightly.
Once again, Auckland had only fielded two Soul Elders, Dai Yao and Feng Qianli, clearly withholding the rest of their strength. Being underestimated was irritating, and Shui Bing'er clenched her fists, her anger simmering.
At the referee's cue, both teams lined up and greeted each other.
To Dai Yao's surprise, Shui Bing'er stood directly opposite him. Normally, as the captain, she should have matched up against Feng Qianli, but instead, she chose him as her opponent.
"She's stunningly flawless," he thought as he briefly met Shui Bing'er's gaze.
He was no stranger to beautiful women. Zhu Zhuqing, Feng Wutong, and Dugu Yan were all remarkable in their own ways. But Shui Bing'er's beauty stood apart, her piercing gaze reminding Dai Yao of the calm, refined women he had admired in his previous life.
However, his thoughts were interrupted as he sensed two cold stares directed at his back. Without looking, he knew they came from Zhu Zhuqing and Dugu Yan. Quickly averting his eyes from Shui Bing'er, he stated his rank and title to show his respect.
"Auckland Academy Vice-Captain, Dai Yao, Rank 44 Assault-type Battle Soul Master."
"Tianshui Academy Captain, Shui Bing'er, Rank 43 Control-type Battle Soul Master," she replied, her calm demeanor betraying none of the anger simmering beneath the surface. Despite Dai Yao's respectful gesture, Shui Bing'er fixed him with a steely gaze.
"Are you underestimating us?"
"Hmm?" Dai Yao blinked in surprise. "No, not at all."
"Then why did you only bring two Soul Elders?" Shui Bing'er pressed, not letting the matter drop.
Dai Yao suddenly remembered that Shui Bing'er wasn't just some secondary character from a book, but a proud, fierce young woman whose competitive spirit was every bit as strong as Huo Wu's. Smiling faintly, he replied, "Actually, I think I could handle this by myself."
Shui Bing'er's eyes widened in disbelief before her lips tightened, and she bit back her retort. "Arrogant," she replied, a hint of challenge in her voice. "We'll make sure you pay for underestimating us."
As the two captains exchanged words, a clear, youthful voice cut in.
"Shui Yue'er, Rank 36 Agility-type Battle Soul Master."
The girl standing next to Shui Bing'er, who had previously shown interest in Dai Yao, took the initiative to introduce herself.
Dai Yao was momentarily stunned—this didn't happen in the original storyline! Wasn't Shui Yue'er supposed to be interested in guys like Dai Mubai? He quickly realized, however, that his own powerful presence could easily eclipse someone like Dai Mubai. With him here, Shui Yue'er's attention was naturally drawn his way.
Shui Bing'er also seemed a bit surprised. Shui Yue'er's sudden interjection during the conversation between the two team leaders felt somewhat out of place. Noticing this herself, Shui Yue'er's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, though she remained unreserved in her interest in Dai Yao, gazing at him with open admiration.
Now, if it had been Dai Mubai, he probably would have embraced such attention from a beautiful soul master. But Dai Yao was different. Although he might be interested in having a harem, he was aware that Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing were watching him intently from the stands, leaving him too self-conscious to act in any way out of line.
Just as Dai Yao felt a bit uncomfortable, Feng Wutong stepped forward, her phoenix-like eyes meeting Shui Yue'er's gaze coldly. She announced, "Feng Wutong, Rank 38 Assault-type Battle Soul Master."
Noticing Feng Wutong's piercing and slightly hostile look, Shui Yue'er initially wanted to brush it off, but something in Feng Wutong's presence made her involuntarily tense. The intensity in Feng Wutong's eyes sent a chill down her spine, instilling a faint sense of fear and awe.
Seeing this, Shui Bing'er quickly stepped between them, a flash of alarm crossing her gaze. Although her spirit, Condensed Water Luan, was a high-level beast spirit, it was actually an Ice Phoenix. Compared to Shui Yue'er, Shui Bing'er's top-tier beast spirit made her more sensitive to Feng Wutong's energy. It was clear to her: this was the aura of a ruler among birds.
While Dai Yao had a commanding presence, Feng Wutong's aura compelled a deeper, involuntary submission.
"A mere Soul Elder... but she can exert such a powerful pressure on me," Shui Bing'er thought in amazement, "It shows just how vastly superior her spirit is to mine."
"How many more secrets is Auckland hiding?"
At that moment, the referee appeared and called out, "Teams, prepare!"
Hearing this, both teams instinctively stepped back to form their respective battle formations.
"Thanks for stepping in, Wutong," Dai Yao said as they moved back.
"It's my duty to help the Young Master avoid such uncomfortable situations," Feng Wutong replied with a knowing smile.
The referee's voice then echoed through the arena, "Release your spirits! Begin!"
In response to the referee's call, the arena filled with the radiant glow of spirit rings. Waves of powerful spirit energy spread out, and the crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch.
Dai Yao and Shui Bing'er locked eyes and raised their heads simultaneously.
Golden light burst from Dai Yao's gaze as he unleashed a wave of fierce energy. Shockwaves erupted around him, expanding outward in a powerful display of spirit power.
Yellow, purple, purple, black.
The four spirit rings materialized around him once again.
The oppressive force he radiated hit Tianshui Academy's seven members hard. Although they had expected him to be strong, the sheer intensity of his unleashed spirit caused a momentary hitch in their breathing.
Both teams activated their spirits nearly simultaneously, showcasing Tianshui Academy's true strength.
Among them, Shui Bing'er and the support-type spirit master Xue Wu were both Soul Elders, as was the powerful Assault-type girl standing at the front. The remaining four were all top-tier Soul Elders with powerful beast spirits.
Meanwhile, on Auckland's side, only Dai Yao activated his spirit, while his teammates did not release theirs. In fact, they all retreated to the edge of the stage, leaving Dai Yao standing alone at the center.
This action puzzled the spectators.
"What is Auckland trying to pull?"
Similar questions echoed through the crowd and among the other teams.
Watching Auckland's unusual setup, Shui Bing'er's expression grew serious. She instructed her team to adopt a defensive formation, not knowing what tricks Auckland had planned. It was the first time Auckland had ever used such a strategy.
Yet, anger simmered within her. Did Auckland look down on them? Did they think Dai Yao alone would be enough to defeat them?
She was determined not to let Dai Yao complete the charge-up required for his ten-thousand-year skill.
As Tianshui Academy took a defensive stance, Dai Yao exchanged a knowing glance with his teammates, a subtle smile appearing on their faces.
"So, you're going defensive? I'll be interested to see if you can keep it up."
In an instant, his fourth, black spirit ring began to glow, and the crowd's response was a tidal wave of astonished shouts. Dai Yao's fourth skill was a ten-thousand-year spirit ring—he'd wiped out an entire team from Wind Academy with this very technique. Were they about to witness such power again?
"Stop him!" Shui Bing'er ordered sharply.
With a wave of her hand, ice quickly spread across the stage. The Assault-type Soul Master charged forward, and the two Agility-types on either side shot forward like arrows, creating a piercing whistle as they cut through the air.
As Dai Yao's spirit ring activated, Tianshui Academy immediately unleashed their strongest offensive in an attempt to counter him.
But the instant the ice formed and the Agility-type Soul Masters took their first step, a forest of thunder erupted across the stage.
Bolts of silver lightning split the sky and struck the ground in dazzling brilliance. The air filled with a deafening roar as the immense force of the lightning left Shui Bing'er's face tingling with a numbing sensation.
Her urgent words caught in her throat as she stared at Dai Yao in shock.
There he stood, one hand raised toward the sky, his palm outstretched. Around him, streaks of violet lightning twisted and coiled as if obeying his every command.
Gazing across the nearly 100 meters that separated them, Dai Yao met Shui Bing'er's stunned gaze and smiled.
"So... do you still want to fight?"
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