Chapter 150: Yu Xiaogang Prepares for the Prison Raid
"You must have heard the rumors about Yu Xiaogang practicing forbidden techniques," Luo Ling said slowly, his tone calm but measured.
The very whispers he had deliberately spread back in Nuoding City had now become the truth.
"You mean… Yu Xiaogang plans to raid the prison to fuel his cultivation?" Qian Renxue's eyes narrowed. As the heir of the Spirit Hall, she was certainly familiar with evil Spirit Masters who strengthened themselves through devouring human flesh and blood.
"Exactly."
"And you know this, yet you're telling me not to stop him?" she challenged, frowning deeply.
Luo Ling only smiled faintly. "That's right. I want the young lady to make things… easier for him."
"Let Yu Xiaogang take those prisoners. All I ask is that you observe. And when the time comes, you'll testify that he has been cultivating through such abominations."
Qian Renxue studied him quietly, the faintest glimmer of confusion flickering in her eyes. "What exactly are you planning?" she asked finally.
"My revenge," Luo Ling replied simply with a shrug. "As I said, that man values his reputation above all else. If I can expose his hypocrisy in front of the entire continent, ruin him utterly, it will be far more satisfying than killing him outright."
His tone was calm, almost indifferent, but something in it made chills run down Qian Renxue's spine.
…
After entrusting Qian Renxue with the matter of monitoring Yu Xiaogang's raid, Luo Ling left the Crown Prince's residence. Qian Renxue, still in her disguise as Xue Qinghe, dared not hold him for long.
Three days later, the first round of the tournament ended, and the second round officially began.
When Luo Ling entered the arena, the crowd immediately erupted in cheers.
His unmatched strength—and the shocking fact that he was a fifteen-year-old Soul King—had already made him a legend in Heaven Dou City.
Although Heaven Dou Royal Academy already had a reserved qualification spot for the finals, it didn't stop the spectators from idolizing Luo Ling like a hero.
By contrast, the Shrek team was met with sighs and murmurs of pity.
Yet any true expert could see it wasn't that Shrek had been weak—they had simply run into Luo Ling, whose power was overwhelming.
With three Soul Ancestors among their ranks, Shrek's strength was still formidable.
…
In Heaven Dou's academy rest area, the instructor was briefing his team about their next match.
Their opponent this round: the Blazing Academy, a team composed entirely of fire-element Spirit Masters.
They had shown fierce capabilities in the previous matches and would not be easy opponents.
"Brother Ling, how are we going to approach this one?" asked one of the former second-team members eagerly. The entire group clustered around him, their expressions a mix of anticipation and flattery.
Luo Ling merely glanced at them briefly before waving a hand. "You'll handle it yourselves. Have Yanyan lead you this time."
He turned toward the window, his eyes sharp with focus. Outside, a murder of black crows circled the sky above Heaven Dou City. Through their shared vision, he saw Flender and Zhao Wuji had already returned and were preparing to strike—the royal family's underground prison was about to come under attack.
He hadn't expected Yu Xiaogang to act so quickly. If he hadn't decided to check in on his "followers" that morning, he might have missed the grand show entirely.
It was now afternoon.
Shrek's match against the Elephant Armored Academy was beginning soon, followed by Heaven Dou Royal Academy's match with Blazing Academy.
Both would end around nightfall.
Since the emperor himself, Xue Ye, would be attending, Luo Ling realized Yu Xiaogang had chosen his timing perfectly.
"Brother Ling, you're not fighting?" some of the second-team members asked in shock.
Even the instructor, Sun Buyu, and Dugu Yan looked at him in surprise.
Luo Ling gave an easy shrug. "I have something to take care of later. You'll have to manage without me."
Sun Buyu opened his mouth to protest but stopped himself. He knew the truth—Emperor Xue Ye had given direct orders to accommodate Luo Ling's every request.
The first match had been meant to showcase Luo Ling's power and elevate the academy's prestige. That goal had been achieved. Now, it was time to let the others grow stronger through experience. Heaven Dou Royal Academy couldn't rely on a single prodigy forever.
"Enough chatter!" Sun Buyu said, standing. "If Luo Ling has other matters, that's fine. Yanyan, you'll lead today's match. Everyone else, focus on improving your teamwork! You can't expect him to carry you forever!"
The second-team members groaned quietly but obeyed, dispersing to make preparations.
Dugu Yan stepped forward. "I'll take the field with Shi Mo. We're both Soul Ancestors, and the Blazing Team has two as well. It'll be a fair match."
Sun Buyu nodded in agreement.
Luo Ling glanced at her, his expression calm but his tone serious. "Don't underestimate them. If you want to win, eliminate Huo Wu as fast as possible."
Dugu Yan blinked, frowning slightly. "Xiao Ling, do you think I can't beat Huo Wu?" she asked, half offended.
Luo Ling sighed. He wasn't insulting her—just warning her. As someone who knew how the "story" was supposed to go, he also knew exactly how dangerous Huo Wu could be.
"Huo Wu has a secret technique," he explained patiently. "Her fourth ring can merge with the others to release a fusion-like strike called Blazing Sun Dance, powered by her entire team's energy. Don't let her use it."
Once he'd spelled it out, Dugu Yan's expression softened into embarrassment. "Oh. I see. I thought you were underestimating me."
"Just… be careful," Luo Ling muttered, shaking his head. He turned his gaze once more toward the window.
Through his crows' eyes, he could see Flender, Zhao Wuji, and Yu Xiaogang approaching the city's underground prison—they were ready to move.
"I'll leave it all to you, then," he said casually. "Good luck."
Without another word, Luo Ling stood, walked toward the exit, and disappeared down the corridor.
As he passed the Shrek team's resting area, he glanced briefly inside.
None of them noticed the flicker of amusement in his eyes.
Within moments, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy members were whispering in confusion.
What could possibly be more important than the Continental Tournament itself?
With the fame he'd gained from yesterday's victory, just one more appearance in the arena would have elevated his reputation even higher.
But to Luo Ling, the tournament was merely a backdrop—one stage in a much larger play.
He didn't care about fame or applause.
Outside, the crows took flight.
And as they soared toward the city's prisons, Luo Ling followed, smiling faintly.
The true performance was about to begin.
(END CHAPTER)
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