As the match concluded, the audience couldn't help but burst into applause, everyone whispering and discussing the brilliance of the battle. This fight had made the students of other academies realize the vast gap between themselves and the likes of Feng Xiaotian and Tang San. Judging by the shockwaves from their final clash, these two were undeniably the strongest in individual combat. Even against a Soul Emperor, the two standing on the stage would have the strength to put up a fight.
A sense of helplessness rose in the hearts of teachers and students from other academies. Tang San and Feng Xiaotian were terrifying, and knowing they had both held back meant they could continue to dominate the Promotion Competition, adding even more pressure to their rivals.
However, there was one exception. The Seven Treasure Academy remained calm. Gu Xuan sat amidst his team, watching Feng Xiaotian and Tang San with a faint smile. He looked at Dugu Yan beside him and whispered, "What do you think? Still want to keep hiding?"
Dugu Yan rolled her eyes at him. "Right now, all eyes are on Tang San and Feng Xiaotian. Why should I go up and steal the limelight?" She let him play with her hand, continuing, "The rankings in the Promotion Competition are useful, but we don't need them. Let Zuo Yan and Ma Bao go up and get some practice."
Ning Rongrong, sitting on Gu Xuan's right, said indignantly, "Hmph! It's a pity I'm a Support Type, otherwise, I'd go up there and show off too!"
Gu Xuan gave her a playful flick on the forehead. "Always wanting to show off. Aren't you afraid of being targeted by bad people?"
"Ouch!" Ning Rongrong rubbed her forehead, pouting. "But I have you to protect me! Stinky Gu Xuan, if you flick my forehead again, I'll stop liking you!"
Gu Xuan chuckled at her antics and turned to Ye Lingling. "Lingling, come with me to the Godwind and Shrek areas later. We'll give those two boys some treatment and build some goodwill."
Ye Lingling nodded with a smile. "Sure."
Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong exchanged a glance. Didn't that mean those two would be alone together? "Hmph! I didn't think you were that kind of girl, Lingling!" Ye Lingling simply smiled back. Since the three of them had made their feelings clear, these daily "skirmishes" had become a fun part of their lives.
While the other academies were worried, Emperor Xue Ye was beaming. So many geniuses emerging from the Heaven Dou Empire meant great glory for him, especially since they would soon represent the Empire on the continental stage. Ning Fengzhi also wore a smile; as an elder of the world of spirit masters, he was glad to see such talent. The only one with a dark face was Platinum Bishop Salas, who stared at Tang San with eyes like deep, cold water.
As the second day ended, the academies retreated to prepare. In the subsequent matches, the Seven Treasure Academy performed exceptionally well. They were the only team in the Heaven Dou division where every member was a Soul Ancestor. While they lacked a Soul King like Feng Xiaotian or a "monster" like Tang San, they were the most balanced team in group combat.
Each day, the Seven Treasure team secured victory after victory. Though Dugu Yan and Ning Rongrong did not participate, the other members were outstanding:
Ma Bao (18): Martial Soul: Blazing War Horse, Rank 48 Power Attack Type. His style was explosive and magnificent. Even Huo Wushuang of Blazing Academy stood no chance against him.
Zhan Yu (18): Martial Soul: Steadfast Shield, Rank 47 Defense Type. His defense was unrivaled; not a single person in the Promotion Competition managed to break through his guard.
Yang Pojun (18): Martial Soul: Soul Breaking Spear, Rank 47 Power Attack Type. A descendant of the Breaking Clan, his spear was lethal, carrying the true legacy of Yang Wudi. His combat power surpassed even the Rank 48 Ma Bao. He was currently the strongest active member of the team; without Dugu Yan, he could solo most opponents.
Li Li (14): Martial Soul: Man-Faced Demon Spider, Rank 43 Control Type. Her talent was terrifying, and she was considered the strongest individual in control combat.
Zuo Yan (16): Martial Soul: Phoenix God's Wings, Rank 45. Since seeing Feng Xiaotian's technique, he had been researching his own self-created soul skills. Interestingly, he and Shui Bing'er had become quite close, often seen whispering together when not competing.
These five alone managed to "sweep" (1v7) several other academies, keeping Seven Treasure in the top tier alongside Shrek and Godwind.
After the previous battle, Gu Xuan had taken Ye Lingling to treat Tang San and Feng Xiaotian. This revelation had stunned both geniuses: Ye Lingling was a Soul King! They had always viewed Gu Xuan as their primary rival, but they hadn't expected another Soul King—especially a Support Type—hidden in the team.
Experiencing the terrifying purity of her healing, Tang San and Feng Xiaotian felt complicated. If the Grand Finals focused on team combat, how could they defeat a team with such a healer? Gu Xuan had effectively sent a message: work harder, or you won't even be able to compete with me.
Finally, the Promotion Competition neared its end. The schedule had placed the most anticipated matches for the last two days: Seven Treasure vs. Shrek and Shrek vs. Godwind.
In Seven Treasure vs. Shrek, Li Li stepped out first. Tang San's fame now came from his hammer, making people almost forget his Blue Silver Grass. Li Li's goal was to challenge his control. Even though Tang San was Rank 49, Li Li had an advantage because Tang San's grass had not yet "awakened."
"Thirteenth Round, Sixth Match: Shrek's Tang San vs. Seven Treasures' Li Li. Begin!"
Both released their martial souls with two yellow, two purple soul rings each. Man-Faced Demon Spider vs. Blue Silver Grass. When Li Li possessed her martial soul, eight two-meter spider legs extended from her back, making her look heroic rather than grotesque. This wasn't the Eight Spider Lances—which are three meters long—but simply her Martial Soul's manifestation.
Tang San didn't dare be careless. He activated his first soul skill, sending a flood of vines at her. Li Li didn't even use a soul skill; she simply used her spider legs to shred every incoming vine with ease. Tang San remained composed. He knew Li Li was a top-tier control expert who also excelled in poison and melee. If they were the same rank, he would have no chance with just his blue silver grass.
But Tang San had Tang Sect techniques! The severed vines left seeds on her body.
"Second Soul Skill: Parasite!"
Vines erupted around Li Li, binding her and her eight legs instantly. Tang San smiled, his Rank 49 soul power making the binding incredibly strong.
However, Li Li's second soul ring lit up. Her arms transformed into massive purple-black scythes. "Second Soul Skill: Slaying Demonic Scythe!" She slashed through the vines in an instant, freeing herself. Tang San was already closing in with his third skill.
"Third Soul Skill: Spider Web Restraint!"
Li Li smirked. "Third Soul Skill: Spider Web Restraint!"
She had absorbed her ring from a 2,000-year Man-Faced Demon Spider right in front of Tang San back in the day. Tang San's ring only came from a 1,500-year-old spider. Although his soul power was higher, Li Li's soul skill was of a higher quality and perfectly matched her martial soul.
The two webs collided in mid-air. Li Li's web actually began to envelop Tang San's, gaining the upper hand. The audience gasped. A Rank 43 was suppressing a Rank 49 in a soul skill clash! This proved how much Tang San relied on the Clear Sky Hammer and how "wasteful" the Blue Silver Grass truly was without awakening.
This only served to reinforce Tang San's belief that adding rings to his second Martial Soul was the correct path.
(End of Chapter)
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