Tang San paid no attention to her and turned toward the Beast Academy's rest area, beckoning with a flick of his hand. "Who's next?!"
Meng Yiran returned to the rest area in a huff, but her gaze remained fixed on Tang San on the stage.
Seeing this, the Unrivaled Dragon-Snake couple revealed a satisfied smile.
No matter how Meng Yiran felt about Tang San, as long as he held a place in her heart, the next steps would be easier to handle.
After all, flirtatious banter during matches wasn't uncommon.
---
In the Seven Treasures Team's rest area
Ning Tianchen stroked his chin and analyzed, "Tang San used Meng Yiran."
Ke Jie picked up the conversation and continued, "Exactly. After several earlier battles, Tang San's stamina was greatly depleted. With that opening exchange, he provoked Meng Yiran into losing her composure, causing her attacks to become chaotic and uncoordinated."
"Tang San took this opportunity to recover some of his stamina. Next, he'll probably attempt a one-against-seven sweep."
Ning Tianchen had to admit that Tang San was quite skilled at manipulating people. Meng Yiran had been completely played by him without even realizing it.
The following match should have been without suspense, but for some reason, the captain of the Beast Academy team, upon stepping onto the stage, fought like a man possessed, launching frenzied attacks at Tang San.
Unlike Meng Yiran, he didn't lose his cool. Every strike forced Tang San into a defensive position.
Initially planning to conserve his energy, Tang San had no choice but to fight back when faced with such aggression.
With a heavy swing of the Hao Tian Hammer, the stage—unsurprisingly—was shattered once again.
The referee clutched his chest, nearly choking on his breath.
---
"One against six," Ning Tianchen muttered.
However, having his plans disrupted by the Beast Academy captain, Tang San on the stage was now nearing exhaustion. For the final match, he could only emulate Feng Xiaotian and use a high-year soul skill, attempting to defeat his opponent in a single blow.
But the remaining member of the Beast Academy team was a forty-two-level Soul Ancestor. To "one-shot" him would be unrealistic.
"Tang San probably doesn't have a chance," said Feng Xiaotian, who had completed a one-against-seven sweep himself and was all too familiar with Tang San's condition.
"But at this point, I doubt he'll give up easily. Let's see how it plays out," Ning Tianchen remarked.
Inside the Shrek Academy's rest area
Flender quickly said, "Xiaogang, Xiao San's soul power and stamina are both heavily depleted. Call him back. In his current state, achieving a one-against-seven sweep is practically impossible."
Liu Erlong also didn't hold much hope for Tang San.
After some thought, Yu Xiaogang walked to the edge of the stage and said, "Xiao San, you've done well enough. Completing a one-against-six sweep is already fortunate—don't push yourself for a one-against-seven."
But Tang San wasn't willing to give up!
Panting heavily, he said, "Teacher, I've come this far—I can't back down now. Even if I lose, I'll fall in the seventh match."
If he overexerted himself and sustained serious injuries, Tang San wouldn't be able to participate in subsequent matches.
There were no healing-type soul masters in the Royal Hunting Grounds, and Zhu Jiangzhu's healing abilities alone wouldn't be enough to restore him quickly.
Yu Xiaogang frowned and sternly said, "Xiao San, are you ignoring my advice? If you force yourself and your body gets injured, what will you do for the upcoming matches?"
While the teacher and student were discussing, the instructor of the Beast Academy team finally realized that six members had already gone on stage and hurriedly reported the situation to the Unrivaled Dragon-Snake couple.
Meng Shu was stunned. "Tang San eliminated six of our members consecutively?"
Earlier, his attention had been entirely on Meng Yiran, neglecting to closely follow the match.
Though Tang San was now at the end of his strength, the Hao Tian Hammer martial soul was known for creating miracles.
Dragon Duke didn't dare gamble—if the Beast Academy was swept one-against-seven, they'd forever be nailed to the pillar of shame.
Although Meng Shu valued Tang San, he wouldn't risk his academy's reputation.
He waved his hand and said, "Concede."
The instructor nodded and immediately conveyed their request to the referee.
The arguing master and disciple were utterly dumbfounded.
However, Yu Xiaogang felt somewhat relieved.
If Tang San had insisted on continuing the match, it was very likely that the clash of soul powers within him would worsen, potentially leading to his death from a burst body on the spot.
Tang San clenched his fists angrily, feeling deeply frustrated.
As the match ended, he had no choice but to leave the stage.
Without any surprises, the referee once again paused the competition, citing the need to repair the stage.
---
After the match, many teams began discussing fervently.
"The strength of Shrek Academy is just too terrifying."
"Indeed. Tang San first completed a one-against-five sweep, and today he achieved a one-against-six. If we face him, I doubt we'd fare better than the Beast Academy."
The participants in these discussions were from teams whose strength wasn't particularly high.
Faced with Shrek Academy's overwhelming power, they couldn't think of any way to win!
Meng Yiran didn't join the discussion but instead quickly left the rest area and confronted Tang San.
Hands on her hips, she angrily said, "Tang San, you're despicable! How dare you kick me—"
Suddenly clutching her chest, Meng Yiran's face flushed red, but she didn't finish her sentence.
After six matches, Tang San was severely depleted and was lying on a chair, silent.
"Hey hey hey, what do you mean?! Can't beat him on the stage, so you come to our rest area to throw a tantrum?" Xiao Wu pointed at her, clearly annoyed.
Yu Xiaogang smiled calmly and said, "Meng Yiran, a loss is a loss. If you want revenge on Xiao San, you can bring your teammates to challenge us in the finals."
"Right now, coming to Shrek Academy's rest area—isn't that a bit inappropriate?"
"Xiao San needs to rest. You should go back. Train hard, and Shrek Academy will be waiting for your revenge in the finals."
Meng Yiran was momentarily speechless, stamped her foot, and quickly ran out of the rest area.
Xiao Wu coldly said, "Hmph, a thirty-eight-level Soul Emperor wanting revenge on Third Brother—doesn't she know her place?"
"That's right. She even tried to snatch our soul rings back then. Doesn't she have a mirror to check if she's worthy?" Ma Hongjun arrogantly added.
Dai Mubai pinched his ear and scolded, "You fatso, why bring up those traitors!"
Tang San sat up straight, his face pale with exhaustion. "Alright, everyone stop messing around. The day after tomorrow, our opponent is the Beast Academy. It's going to be a tough match—we need to carefully plan our lineup."
Facing the Beast Academy, Tang San didn't dare boast about achieving a one-against-seven sweep.
After all, the opponent had high-level Soul Ancestors and top-tier martial souls.
Who would emerge victorious was still uncertain!
"The Beast Academy—they're a formidable opponent."
Yu Xiaogang pondered and said, "Xiao San, your strength is unmatched. You'll have to guard the final position."
---
In the Beast Academy team's rest area, they were busy analyzing intelligence on the Shrek Team.
By this point in the tournament, the approximate rankings of the various teams had already been determined.
Among them, Seven Treasures Academy was undoubtedly in first place, while second place would be decided between the Beast Academy and Shrek Academy.
If they could defeat Shrek Academy, the Beast Academy would rightfully claim second place.
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