Following the rules of the competition, even if his combat power had improved, the hot-tempered Huyan Li was thrown out of the field on the spot.
Before he could even process what had happened, Huyan Zhen, seated in the stands, stood up with a dazed expression.
Had the Elephant Armored Academy's team really been defeated like this?
Nearly everyone shared the same thought as Huyan Zhen—it wasn't that they were weak, but that their opponent was simply too strong!
First, absolute power shattered their formation. Then, in the blink of an eye, the battle was over.
Now, aside from the one still lying on the stage, all six members—including Huyan Li—were sprawled on the ground...
This scene only proved one undeniable fact: Xiao Tianyang was beyond outrageous!
That's right. It wasn't that the Shrek team was overwhelmingly powerful—it was that one person had single-handedly turned the tide.
Anyone with a discerning eye could see that Xiao Tianyang was the key to this crushing victory.
Had it not been for that one kick, even if the Shrek team had won, the battle wouldn't have been nearly as effortless.
But while some were dismayed, others were delighted.
For instance, Ning Fengzhi gazed at Xiao Tianyang with growing satisfaction. Even Gu Rong acknowledged his strength.
As for Emperor Xue Ye in the center, his face was ashen.
A sudden realization struck him—Prince Xue Xing had rejected this once-in-a-generation genius!
If Xiao Tianyang had been nurtured by the royal family, even if he didn't become their pillar of support, his mere presence would have been an immense advantage. At the very least, they wouldn't have been so restrained by the Spirit Hall!
But now? Nothing remained. Worse still, they might have even earned his enmity.
"Heh, Sect Master Huyan, there's no need for such despair. After all, this wasn't your fault—nor can you blame your disciples."
Ning Fengzhi smiled faintly. "Besides, you saw it yourself. This was the result of him not even taking action seriously. If Xiao Tianyang had truly gone all out..."
He didn't need to finish. The outcome was obvious to anyone watching.
And soon, everyone fully understood—Xiao Tianyang's earlier declaration was no exaggeration.
The Comprehensive Department truly represented mastery in all fields!
Xiao Tianyang had the qualifications to claim that title.
Once again, it all came back to that one kick. Without it, the result would never have been so devastating.
This was also why Huyan Zhen couldn't refute Ning Fengzhi's provoking words.
Even so, he couldn't just sit there and accept the humiliation.
"This time, our team was countered. If there's a next time, the outcome won't be the same!" With that, he turned and left.
His team had lost. What was the point of staying? Arguing with Ning Fengzhi?
In a battle of words, he stood no chance.
…
As the match concluded, Xiao Tianyang and the others exited the arena.
The moment they returned to the rest area, Ma Hongjun slung an arm around Tai Long's shoulders, grinning.
"Damn, you sly dog! Didn't expect you to hide your strength like that—breaking their formation in one move!"
"Honestly, it wasn't me or Huang Yuan." Tai Long scratched his head sheepishly. "The real credit goes to Tianyang's kick. Without it, those two wouldn't have been taken down so easily."
"Yeah, I felt the same." Huang Yuan nodded. "When I landed, I didn't even realize what happened. Next thing I knew, I was standing right in the middle of their formation."
"Tianyang," Yu Xiaogang sighed, walking over, "didn't we agree you wouldn't interfere?"
"I didn't do anything!" Xiao Tianyang smirked. "Grandmaster, did you actually see me take action?"
Even the usually stern Yu Xiaogang could only smile wryly and shake his head.
"...Not exactly."
After all, Xiao Tianyang hadn't used his hands—just his foot.
"Zhuqing and Xiao Wu cooperated flawlessly, and the training objective was achieved." Xiao Tianyang waved dismissively. "As for the process... there's no need to dwell on it."
Tai Long frowned. "Hey, what about us?"
They'd fought too—was it so hard to give them some recognition?
Xiao Tianyang tilted his head, feigning ignorance.
"Who are you again? Do I know you?"
Tai Long: "..."
The entire group burst into laughter.
"Grandmaster, I have some matters to attend to. I'll take my leave first." Xiao Tianyang winked.
"Go ahead." Yu Xiaogang understood his intentions and nodded. "Best of luck."
"Thanks you."
As Xiao Tianyang turned to leave, Ning Rongrong suddenly hopped in front of him.
"Tianyang! Wherever you're going, I'm coming with you!"
Xiao Tianyang raised a brow. "Even if I'm heading to the restroom? Can you handle that?"
Ning Rongrong's face flushed. "If it's just the restroom, why did Grandmaster say 'best of luck'?"
"I think he's blessing me in case I get constipated" Xiao Tianyang chuckled. "If everything goes smoothly, wouldn't that be better? What do you think?"
"Ugh, whatever! I'm not talking to you!" As a proper young lady, Ning Rongrong certainly couldn't engage in such a shameless conversation in public.
Still, she couldn't help feeling a pang of jealousy watching Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Tianyang fight side by side on stage.
…
Unhindered, Xiao Tianyang slipped out of the rest area and into a secluded corner.
After changing into Edward's attire, he made his way toward the Whitebeard team's waiting zone.
Saber was already there, her expression serious the moment she spotted him.
"Your match is about to start. Hurry." Saber treated battles with utmost gravity. Even with Xiao Tianyang, she maintained this unwavering discipline.
Off the battlefield, she was gentle as water—a devoted partner. But in combat, she was the most reliable ally one could ask for.
And Xiao Tianyang adored this side of her.
"On my way." As he passed the rest area, he greeted Zhou Cheng and Fei Xue—only to find them utterly engrossed in the Rubik's Cubes he'd given them, barely sparing him a glance.
Shaking his head in amusement, Xiao Tianyang strode into the arena—just in time.
The announcer had already begun introducing his (Edward's) background.
Unlike Xiao Tianyang, whose mysteries were palpable yet elusive, Edward was an enigma wrapped in shadows.
Only two details were disclosed: His Martial Soul: Scythe of Judgment (Xiao Tianyang's third martial soul).
And his Level: 45 (thanks to a little "creative" concealment during registration).
Beyond that? Nothing.
…
[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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