"Begin the match!"
With Xiao Tianyang having already discarded his weapon, the referee promptly announced the start of the battle.
The moment the announcement was made, a brilliant light erupted from the Blazing Team's side.
In stark contrast, Xiao Tianyang's calm demeanor seemed almost out of place—as if he were merely a spectator rather than a participant.
Yet, rather than angering Huo Wushuang, this behavior only heightened his vigilance. Under normal circumstances, such blatant disrespect would have sent him into a rage, cursing at his opponent without hesitation.
But Saber's earlier display had proven one thing: every member of the Whitebeard Team was a freak—a terrifyingly powerful freak. Underestimating even the slightest of their actions would be a fatal mistake.
After all, hadn't Bai Xue once stood motionless, only to bring down an entire team the moment she revealed her spirit rings?
"Brother, what are you waiting for?"
Huo Wu's sharp voice snapped Huo Wushuang out of his thoughts.
Huo Wushuang's expression hardened. "Execute the second combat plan—now!"
With his martial soul unleashed, his body surged with power. His hair danced like flickering flames, and his arms swelled, now covered in a layer of fine dragon scales.
Behind him, the twin brothers also activated their martial souls, moving not toward Xiao Tianyang head-on but flanking him from both sides—preparing for a sneak attack.
Meanwhile, the two auxiliary soul masters of the Blazing Team channeled their spirit abilities, amplifying the team's flame-based attacks.
Huo Wushuang's second spirit ring ignited as he lunged forward like a cannonball.
The moment his soul skill activated, a crimson glow enveloped his dragon claws. The scorching heat distorted the air, even producing a faint buzzing vibration.
"Interesting," Xiao Tianyang mused under his mask. "This soul skill resonates with the air, much like my spirit bone ability. But if this is all you've got… how boring."
Huo Wushuang's fist was already upon him.
"You arrogant bastard!" he roared, incensed by Xiao Tianyang's apparent indifference.
Yet, in the next instant—
"Thud!"
Xiao Tianyang's left hand shot up, effortlessly catching the flaming fist in his palm. With a mere squeeze, the flames were snuffed out instantly.
The entire arena fell into stunned silence.
Even Tang San and the others, who had some understanding of Xiao Tianyang's strength, were shocked.
"That was a full-powered strike from a level 42 assault-type Soul Master!" Ma Hongjun gasped. "How was it blocked so easily?"
"Not just blocked," Tang San muttered grimly. "Huo Wushuang's flames were forcibly extinguished. It's as if Edward has an ability that specifically counters soul power."
"Then what chance do we have?" Oscar groaned. "If he can suppress martial souls, we might as well forfeit!"
Though his phrasing was odd, the sentiment was clear. A wave of unease spread through the group.
Noticing their dismay, Yu Xiaogang interjected calmly, "If he could suppress all martial souls, the Spirit Hall would never allow someone like him to compete. Therefore, his ability must be limited—likely only effective against certain types, such as flame-based martial souls."
Relief washed over them—except for Ma Hongjun, whose face twisted in dismay.
"Why target only fire types? What did I ever do to him?"
No one laughed. After all, Ma Hongjun's weakness was now the team's weakness.
Back on the stage, Huo Wushuang's face paled as his flames dissipated under Xiao Tianyang's grip.
"What kind of monstrous ability is this?!"
"My turn." With a slight tug, Xiao Tianyang sent Huo Wushuang crashing onto his back.
"BOOM!"
The impact reverberated across the arena.
"Don't engage him directly—attack from range!" Huo Wu swiftly took command. "Auxiliary units, reinforce their (twins) flames!"
The two support soul masters ignited their spirit rings, channeling their soul power into the Fire Crane martial soul. The already blazing flames intensified, their heat distorting the air.
With a synchronized leap, the two unleashed their thousand-year soul skills—twin jets of fire streaking toward Xiao Tianyang.
"Their combined strength rivals even Ma Hongjun's," Xiao Tianyang noted inwardly. "Their teamwork is impressive."
Casually retracting his hand, he ignored Huo Wushuang—still embedded in the ground—and instead clenched both fists.
Then, with a casual swing—
"CRACK!"
The air itself splintered like glass.
The shockwave collided with the flames, snuffing them out as effortlessly as blowing out a candle. The residual force struck the two Soul Masters, sending them hurtling backward.
Only the referee's swift intervention saved them from a brutal landing.
Their fight was over.
"I refuse to believe one man can take on seven!" Huo Wu's eyes burned with defiance. "Use the combination skill—Hellfire Surge!"
One of the support soul masters hesitated. "But that's our trump card for the finals! The captain said even if we lose—"
"Are you questioning my orders?" Huo Wu's voice turned icy. "Use it. Now."
Swallowing their protests, the two complied.
After all, defying Huo Wu never ended well.
…
[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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