"Damn, did these guys grow up eating protein powder?" At first, Xiao Tianyang didn't pay much attention. After all, he had heard about the Elephant Armored Academy's team and was mentally prepared.
But now, standing on the stage, he realized just how exaggerated the so-called "burly men" Ning Rongrong had described truly were!
Each of them stood over 1.9 meters tall, their faces thick with muscle, shoulders broad and solid, arms as thick as Tyrone's thighs!
They didn't even need to release their aura—just standing there made them seem like an immovable fortress!
"What's protein powder?" Xiao Wu couldn't help but ask curiously.
"Something that doesn't taste good. You wouldn't like it," Xiao Tianyang replied dismissively, shaking his head.
Hearing that it wasn't tasty, Xiao Wu immediately lost interest.
But Zhu Zhuqing, standing nearby, asked, "How should we fight them?"
"Wait a second. They're definitely going to play defensively, so we only have two options." Xiao Tianyang paused before continuing, "First, we brute-force our way through their formation, then use two assault units to break their ranks. You'd be responsible for picking them off one by one and clearing the field."
Zhu Zhuqing frowned. "I'm not sure that's feasible."
As she spoke, she glanced back at the Elephant Armored Academy's team.
"Even if I can force an opening, Tai Long and Huang Yuan might not be able to break through their formation and disrupt their positioning."
Xiao Wu chimed in, "Yeah! And they're so huge—how are we supposed to kick them off?"
"Then we're left with the second method: lure them out and take them down one by one." Xiao Tianyang shrugged. "Despite their size, their teacher must've drilled caution into them before they stepped onto the stage. So, I'd recommend the first approach over the second."
"If you're not going to do it, then stop suggesting it!" Xiao Wu rolled her eyes.
"Why don't you two try it first? With your speed, you've got plenty of room for trial and error." Xiao Tianyang then turned to Tai Long and Huang Yuan. "You two stay on the sidelines for now. No point rushing in just to get wrecked."
Tai Long: "..."
Huang Yuan: "..."
Though speechless, neither dared to argue.
After all, they had witnessed Xiao Tianyang's ruthless side firsthand.
The so-called "Devil Training Plan" from the previous night had left them physically and mentally drained.
And the consequences of disobeying Xiao Tianyang's orders? Unthinkable.
If he decided to increase the intensity of their training without adjusting the rewards…
Just the thought sent a chill down their spines. Resistance was out of the question.
…
The host proceeded to introduce both teams.
The Elephant Armored Academy was already well-known—their sect was nearby, and they frequently competed in this arena, making them familiar to the crowd.
As for Shrek Academy's team? After a month of buildup, they had become a sensation.
The first four members introduced were recognized immediately—Zhu Zhuqing and the others had fought before.
But when it was Xiao Tianyang's turn, the audience was stunned.
"Wow! This Xiao Tianyang has the highest cultivation here—Level 46!"
"Martial Soul: Emperor Flame. I heard he's an all-arounder!"
"Do you know what that means? It means he's basically a jack-of-all-trades!"
"So this is the Shrek team? No wonder they dared to challenge the Elephant Armored Academy with just five members!"
After the host's exaggerated introduction, Xiao Tianyang's face reddened from the praise.
"Tch, I wanted to keep a low profile, but the host just had to spill everything."
Everyone: "..."
In the VIP seats, Prince Xue Xing whispered something into Emperor Xue Ye's ear.
The emperor frowned. "To withstand a Title Douluo's soul power pressure at his level… Impressive."
On the other side, Huyan Zhen scoffed. "No matter how talented someone is on this continent, nobody dares call themselves a true all-arounder. 'Jack-of-all-trades'? More like a show-off!"
"Then let's wait and see," Ning Fengzhi said with a faint smile.
His daughter was part of Shrek Academy—of course he'd support them.
Offending Huyan Zhen? Not a concern.
With Sword Douluo Gu Rong by his side, what was there to fear?
Besides, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was one of the Top Three Sects. Did he really need to hold back?
Huyan Zhen merely snorted and turned away—not out of fear, but reluctant compromise.
…
As the referee gave the signal, both teams erupted into action.
Soul rings lit up, their radiance intertwining into a dazzling display.
But then—gasps filled the arena.
Xiao Tianyang's soul ring configuration was absurd!
Purple, black, black, black!
And within the last black ring, a faint trace of red pulsed.
"What in the world…?"
"No wonder rumors spoke of a peerless genius hidden in Shrek Academy. If there's no mistake, it must be him!" Salas muttered, his aged eyes widening.
Even Huyan Li, the opposing captain, was momentarily stunned. But as a leader, he quickly regained composure.
"Ignore them! Form up!" Huyan Li shouted.
His six massive teammates snapped to attention, encircling him in a defensive formation.
Then—their Diamond Mammoth martial spirits erupted, their bodies swelling even further!
Their average height surpassed two meters, their frames expanding like Hulks, growing horizontally!
Yet Xiao Tianyang remained unfazed.
Flames wreathed half his body as he pressed a hand to the ground—his first soul ring flared.
"Let's see how much you've improved."
"First Soul Skill—Myriad Transformations Fire!"
Twin serpents of fire streaked across the ground, coiling around Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu's feet.
The next instant—pillars of flame engulfed them!
The audience nearly panicked. Was this friendly fire?!
But before their cries could escape—
Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu emerged, clad in blazing armor, their eyes sharp with battle intent.
"An… auxiliary soul skill?" Gu Rong murmured in surprise, glancing at Ning Fengzhi for answers.
Ning Fengzhi could only smile wryly. "I asked Rongrong about Xiao Tianyang's abilities, but she refused to say a word—even accused me of plotting against him! Really…"
He wanted to grumble about daughters being impossible to listen once they grew up.
But with Gu Rong beside him, he wisely held his tongue.
…
[I've just launched a new fanfiction project titled Protagonist's Mother Is My Wife.
First 30 Chapters: Available for free to everyone.
From chapters 31: Exclusive to Patreon paid members.]
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