After being lectured by Yu Xiaogang, Flender also realized that his offerings were too meager and would be embarrassing to present.
However, he didn't agree with Yu Xiaogang's reasoning.
A favor was still a favor, especially since it was he who had asked Ning Fengzhi for help. If he were to break his word, how could he stand tall in the future?
Flender resolved that if he ever got the chance, he would properly repay Ning Fengzhi for today's life-saving act.
Seeing that Flender had "come to his senses," Yu Xiaogang immediately said, "By the way, in a few days, we'll face the Seven Treasures Academy team. In this match, the kids will likely get injured. Flender, go out and bring back a few healing-type soul masters just in case."
After the previous donation drive, Shrek Academy's account had received several thousand gold spirit coins. This amount was more than enough to hire healing-type soul masters.
---
Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was the second-to-last day of the promotion round.
Today, Shrek Academy's team would face off against the Seven Treasures Academy team.
Both academy teams had yet to suffer a single loss, and this match would decide who would take first place in the promotion round.
Of course, most people believed that the Seven Treasures Team would win, but Tang San's revelation of the Hao Tian Hammer martial soul added a bit of suspense to the match.
---
In the Seven Treasures Team's rest area
"Shrek Academy owes our sect leader a favor. If they concede this match, wouldn't that be boring?" Chen Huayu sneered.
Ning Tianchen shook his head. "They won't. Shrek Academy isn't the type to repay favors."
This wasn't just speculation on his part.
In the original timeline, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had helped Tang San multiple times, even saving his life.
But after the final battle, Tang San not only reclaimed the hidden weapons from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect but also didn't allow Ning Rongrong to leave behind any descendants before urging her to ascend to the godly realm, leaving the sect to fend for itself.
Whether it was Tang San or Yu Xiaogang, favors meant nothing to them.
They might even counter-question, "Did I ask you to help me?"
"Isn't Principal Flender different?" Having witnessed Flender's actions a few days ago, Ning Rongrong's opinion of him had improved. At this moment, she even defended him.
Ning Tianchen shook his head again. "Flender is Flender. The true leader of Shrek Academy's team is Yu Xiaogang. That guy isn't the type to repay favors."
Yu Xiaogang had stolen countless pieces of knowledge from the Spirit Hall and collected monthly subsidies as a soul master. Yet, when it came time to eliminate the Spirit Hall, he didn't hesitate one bit.
Ke Jie clapped his hands. "Our match against Shrek Team is in the last round. You have plenty of time—discuss your tactics carefully."
Feng Xiaotian chimed in, "Why don't I take the lead? With my strength, eliminating three or four members of Shrek Team shouldn't be a problem."
Ning Tianchen thought for a moment and said, "Xiaotian, do you know that fifty years ago, the Seven Kill Sword was once the number one tool-type martial soul on the continent?"
Feng Xiaotian nodded slightly. "I remember—one of the Seven Kill Sword's experts was defeated by Tang Chen, the master of the Hao Tian Sect. From then on, the title of the number one tool-type martial soul fell to the Hao Tian Hammer."
"Of course, the power of the Seven Kill Sword was still recognized by everyone, so it was given the title of the number one offensive tool-type martial soul."
Ning Tianchen sneered. "The title of the strongest offensive tool-type martial soul is ultimately inferior to the number one tool-type martial soul. I'm about the same age as Tang San, and as the current inheritor of the Seven Kill Sword, I intend to let the world know that the Seven Kill Sword will reclaim its former glory in this duel."
The fated confrontation between martial souls was of great significance.
Feng Xiaotian thought for a moment and volunteered, "Before the match, let's communicate with Shrek Academy and arrange for Tang San to go first. On our side, the captain will go first, and I'll guard the final position. As for the order of the others, the captain can decide."
Ning Tianchen nodded firmly. "After me will be Fatty and Huang Wu. The rest of the lineup will remain unchanged. The outcome of this match will determine whether we get a bye in the finals. Therefore, we must ensure victory at all costs."
---
In Shrek Academy's rest area
Ning Tianchen sent word, hoping to settle the score with Tang San in the first round of the promotion round.
This match against the Seven Treasures Academy was crucial, so Tang San didn't dare to be overconfident. "Teacher, please handle the arrangements for this match."
Yu Xiaogang took over. "Xiao San, what are your thoughts on this? Ning Tianchen's strength is no joke. Your soul ring configuration doesn't lag behind his, but there's a three-level gap in soul power."
"If you fight him directly, your chances of winning are only forty percent. Moreover, you're the strongest among the eight core members of Shrek Academy. If you're eliminated, Tianheng and the others may not be able to handle Feng Xiaotian."
Tang San clenched his fists.
Wasn't the purpose of cultivating the Hao Tian Hammer martial soul to defeat Ning Tianchen? If he couldn't fight personally, what was the point of training with the Hao Tian Hammer?
"Teacher, I'll follow your arrangements, but I must face Ning Tianchen."
Dai Mubai agreed. "That's right, Master. Among us, only Xiao San can stand up to Ning Tianchen. If we don't let Xiao San face him, no one else has a chance."
Yu Tianxin added, "As for the twin sisters of the Seven Treasures Team, Tianxin and I are confident in defeating them, but only if we aren't overly drained by others beforehand."
After careful consideration, Yu Xiaogang said, "Alright, Tai Long will go first. With your powerful physique, you should be able to drain at least twenty to thirty percent of Ning Tianchen's soul power. After that, Xiao San will take the stage and have a chance to defeat him."
"Hongjun has only just recovered, so it's not advisable for him to participate in this match. Huang Yuan will replace him."
"Remember, our goal is to secure first place in the promotion round. Once we reach the finals, we'll have a bye and won't need to worry about being surrounded by the Three Elements Academy and the Seven Treasures Academy."
Xiao Wu couldn't help but interject, "Master, Ning Tianchen has issued a challenge to Xiao San. Wouldn't it be inappropriate to not let Xiao San go first?"
If their opponent had set a tactic and they chose to avoid it, wouldn't they lose the upper hand in terms of morale?
Yu Xiaogang sneered. "A challenge? Only a fool would issue a challenge. In warfare, deception is key. As long as Xiao San can defeat him, what use is this challenge? It's just Ning Tianchen's wishful thinking."
"Unfortunately, he only obtained my theories on soul masters back then and didn't receive my personal guidance. It's no surprise that he's acting so foolishly."
Tang San agreed. "Teacher is right. If Ning Tianchen had become your disciple, his strength and cultivation might be even greater than they are now. It's a shame he missed such a great opportunity for advancement."
Xiao Wu reluctantly retreated to the side and stopped talking.
She always felt there was something wrong with Yu Xiaogang's mindset. Under his tutelage, Tang San was no longer the same Tang San from before.
But Xiao Wu chose not to say anything, as she had also witnessed Tang San's significant improvement in strength.
Flender interjected, "Children, don't worry about this match. I've already arranged for Soul King-level healing-type soul masters to treat your injuries."
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