As a teacher, Flender's actions were admirable.
Almost all the competitors present were deeply moved.
Healing-type soul masters from various teams rushed over to help, but their efforts proved futile.
"What should we do? Should we save him?" Chen Huayu looked toward Ning Tianchen.
He knew that Ning Tianchen possessed several precious healing medicines, which might be able to save Ma Hongjun.
But was it worth it?
"Kid, I can also keep him alive until a healing-type soul master arrives. But whether or not to save him is your decision," Dugu Bo transmitted his voice from the shadows.
Save Ma Hongjun?
Ning Tianchen had never considered it. He wasn't some saint—how could he save just anyone?
However, this incident involved the Beast Academy and even the Snow Mountain Sect.
If he saved Ma Hongjun, the Snow Mountain Sect would owe him a favor. In the future, he could use this as leverage to forge a deep bond between the two sects.
Moreover, perhaps the calamity that awaited the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect in the future could be averted because of this.
But having Dugu Bo save an outsider would mean owing him a favor.
Furthermore, Ma Hongjun's current condition required at least a near-immortal-grade medicinal herb to heal. Ning Tianchen only had two such herbs in his possession. If he used one now, how would he restore Jiandao Chenxin's arm in the future (assuming the worst-case scenario)?
Ke Jie noticed what Ning Tianchen was thinking. Before leaving, he patted the latter on the shoulder and said, "Tianchen, don't feel pressured. The Patriarch has already made a decision—just watch."
With that, he quickly left the arena and rushed back to the sect.
On the high platform, under Ning Fengzhi's instructions, Gu Rong waved his hand, and a surge of soul power lifted Flender to his feet.
Next, Ning Fengzhi summoned the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect martial soul, with seven soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black—shining beneath his feet.
"The Seven Treasures emerge with Glazed Tile light; the Seven Treasures have names, and the seventh is the True Body of the Seven Treasures!"
The dazzling seven-colored light illuminated the entire arena.
Gentle soul power flowed into Ma Hongjun's body, stabilizing his life force.
"Thank you, Patriarch Ning," Flender knelt spontaneously and bowed deeply toward the high platform.
Ning Fengzhi had no intention of forming ties with Shrek Academy and ignored the gratitude. Instead, he turned to Xue Qinghe and said, "Qinghe, if you have the ability to lend a hand, you must extend it. After all, making more friends will make the road ahead smoother."
Xue Qinghe inwardly grumbled: Isn't this just about coveting the Snow Mountain Sect's strength? Why make it sound so noble?
Nevertheless, he smiled and agreed outwardly.
---
"Patriarch Ning can only sustain him for so long. Once his soul power runs out and no healing-type soul master arrives, I'll step in," Dugu Bo continued transmitting his thoughts to Ning Tianchen.
Ning Tianchen naturally understood Ning Fengzhi's intentions.
Since they had already acted, there was no reason to stop halfway. After some thought, he agreed to Dugu Bo's proposal.
On the other side, Tian Chao called Xue Ao back into the lineup and quietly reminded him, "This isn't your fault. If the referee asks, insist that your intention was only to eliminate the opponent. You didn't expect his flying ability to be so poor that he couldn't adjust his posture before landing, leading to this misunderstanding."
Xue Ao listened attentively, like a child who had made a mistake.
Tian Guocheng, known for his fiery temper, angrily cursed, "That chicken, his flying ability was clearly lacking, yet he insisted on flying into the sky. This isn't Xue Ao's fault."
"Say less and don't escalate the situation. Don't mention the sect's name," Captain Tian Chao sternly reminded them.
The Beast Academy team's instructor was no stranger to human relations.
Since Ning Fengzhi had stepped in to smooth things over, it was only right for them to meet with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. However, specific arrangements would depend on how things developed.
---
Dai Mubai leaned over to Tang San and whispered, "Xiao San, fatty's life is safe for now. Should we avenge him in the upcoming matches?"
Tang San pulled him aside and calmly replied, "This was entirely fatty's fault. If he hadn't mocked his opponent before the match, why would the opponent strike so hard? Besides, given his physique, his third soul skill's flying ability was significantly weakened, yet he still flew into the air. If something happens, it's his responsibility to bear."
"I hope this match teaches fatty a lesson. His recent behavior has been far too arrogant."
Tang San had little personal connection with Ma Hongjun and naturally wouldn't speak up for him.
Influenced by Tang San's words, Dai Mubai also decided not to seek revenge for Ma Hongjun. Moving forward, they would simply perform normally in the matches.
Flender possessed the Owl martial soul, giving him heightened perception beyond the ordinary. Even though Tang San had pulled Dai Mubai aside to talk, Flender could hear everything clearly.
Though his heart sank, Ma Hongjun indeed needed discipline.
As the saying goes, "If a child is not taught, it is the father's fault; if teaching is not strict, it is the teacher's laziness." Flender rarely disciplined Ma Hongjun's behavior, and thus bore significant responsibility for today's incident.
About an hour later, Ning Fengzhi had expended most of his soul power when Ke Jie arrived with two Soul Emperor-level healing-type soul masters from the sect.
Ma Hongjun was only a Soul Ancestor. With Soul Emperor-level healers stepping in, his life was secured.
However, they had no personal ties with Shrek Academy. They merely stabilized Ma Hongjun's condition and did not fully heal him.
Afterward, the referee announced a temporary suspension of the match and took Xue Ao away for investigation.
Seeing that Ma Hongjun was no longer in mortal danger, Flender decided not to pursue further blame against the opponent.
Since Ning Fengzhi had personally intervened and brought healing-type soul masters, it was clear he didn't want the matter to escalate. Owing him a favor, Flender couldn't continue pursuing it.
About half an hour later, the referee announced, "Considering that contestant Xue Ao from the Beast Academy did not act with malicious intent, but the fact remains that he severely injured his opponent. The ruling is as follows: Xue Ao is banned from participating in the next two matches. For this match, he is eliminated."
"The match will continue. Both sides, please send out your next contestants."
Yu Xiaogang's lips curled into a faint smile. "This outcome works in our favor. At the very least, we haven't lost tactical initiative. For the next match, we'll focus on probing the opponent's strength. Tai Long, you go first and test their capabilities."
The following matches proceeded without being affected by the earlier incident. On the stage, both sides fought fiercely, neither gaining the upper hand.
The sixth member of the Beast Academy team to step onto the stage was Tian Guocheng. After defeating Yu Tianxin, Tang San ascended to the stage.
"Tang San, it's up to you now," Yu Tianxin said with a bitter smile and a shake of his head.
In the second match, Tai Long had been defeated. Later, Tang San forfeited a match on Xiao Wu's behalf to ensure her safety, increasing the pressure on everyone else.
Yu Tianxin had done his best, eliminating Tian Wenjing and engaging in a prolonged battle with Vice-Captain Tian Guocheng.
"Don't worry, everyone. Taking on two opponents consecutively is still within my grasp," Tang San said, patting Yu Tianxin on the shoulder before stepping onto the stage.
---
Against Tian Guocheng, Tang San expended about twenty percent of his soul power and successfully won the match.
The twelfth match—the showdown between the strongest members of both sides—was about to begin.
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