The next match was hardly worth watching.
In fact, yesterday's battle had been the last one where Xiao Tianyang participated as "Edward."
Not because he had won—but because no one dared to face him as an opponent.
After all, in that match, the Elephant Armored Sect team had focused entirely on defense!
And this time, they had learned from their sluggishness during their previous encounter with the Shrek Seven Monsters.
The moment the match began, they immediately summoned their martial souls and arranged their formation.
But it was useless.
Xiao Tianyang shattered their illusions with a single punch.
Because no mortal body could withstand the force of vibrating air!
At least, Huyan Li and his team certainly couldn't.
The scene was like a gale flattening grass—utterly one-sided.
This defeat was the final straw for the remaining teams, crushing whatever fighting spirit they had left.
It wasn't that they lacked courage—it was that they were powerless.
Just like Tang San's dilemma during their earlier discussions…
Xiao Tianyang had no weaknesses.
They couldn't even devise a strategy to close the distance, let alone formulate a battle plan.
Thus, over the next two days, every team that faced Xiao Tianyang immediately forfeited before even stepping onto the field.
After all, losing one match only meant they couldn't advance with a perfect record.
And for some teams, that was an acceptable outcome.
Otherwise, Huyan Zhen wouldn't have remained so composed after his team's defeat.
It was like the difference between scoring full marks and 99 points.
Of course, after losing to Xiao Tianyang, their opponents' scores dropped to zero, so Huyan Zhen's mood was far from pleasant.
…
Rest Area
As the referee announced the results of the next match without either team even competing, Ma Hongjun couldn't help but sigh.
"What kind of karma did that Team accumulate to face Edward twice in a row—and forfeit both times?"
"I'd love to know just how traumatized they are right now."
Oscar shot him a look. "Stop gloating. One day, it might be our turn." Then, he turned to Tang San. "How many forfeits is this now?"
"The seventh," Tang San replied helplessly. "But it's understandable. The way Edward crushed the Elephant Armored Sect was… unforgettable."
"No soul skills, no effort—just raw power. No weaknesses, no counters, no teamwork… Every one of those is a nightmare for the competing teams."
"Don't be so grim," Xiao Tianyang interjected, walking over. "At least you haven't faced him yet, right?"
He pointed toward the arena. "Besides, we're lucky today—we get to watch Tianshui Academy's match."
Everyone turned their attention to the stage—even the three girls.
There, seven graceful young women stood in light blue uniforms, their every movement exuding charm.
Each had a unique allure, and their mere presence was enough to captivate the audience.
"Hmph! They just have numbers on their side," Ning Rongrong huffed, noticing Xiao Tianyang's gaze.
She promptly pulled Zhu Zhuqing and Saber in front of him, blocking his view. "Especially you—stop staring!"
Xiao Tianyang raised an eyebrow. "What about Xiaosan and the others? They're men too, aren't they? Besides, you three are practically ogling Dai Mubai yourselves!"
Ning Rongrong faltered, then quickly recovered with a sly grin. "We're responsible for your strength and image here. If you act like a lecher, won't we lose face?"
"Where did you even learn that word?" Xiao Tianyang sighed. "Besides, 'fair ladies, gentlemen admirers'—is it wrong to appreciate beauty? Should I stare at men instead?"
Ning Rongrong was momentarily speechless, but she refused to back down. "Fine, look if you must—but no funny business!"
"Do I look like that kind of person?" Xiao Tianyang scoffed.
Zhu Zhuqing shot him a dry look. "You don't look like it—but the word 'lust' is practically written on your face. Do you need a reminder?"
Xiao Tianyang: "..."
Ma Hongjun snickered. "Ah, the wildflowers always smell sweeter. And with Tianyang's looks, the Tianshui girls might not hold back unless he rejects them first."
"Bam!"
Xiao Wu smacked him on the head. "Shut up, you fatso! Don't give him bad ideas."
"I'm not! I'm just warning Zhuqing and Rongrong to be careful!" Rubbing his head, Ma Hongjun wisely retreated.
Even Jiang Zhu, usually quiet, chimed in. "Actually… he isn't wrong. This year's Tianshui team is the strongest in history—and very… proactive."
That last word carried weight.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged glances, now on high alert.
Only Saber remained unfazed—perhaps due to emotional detachment.
But she understood her own feelings clearly.
She had noticed the shift in Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing's attitudes toward Xiao Tianyang.
If they could accept it, why not a few more rivals?
Besides, she trusted Xiao Tianyang's restraint.
Sure, he flirted sometimes—but he never crossed the line.
A rogue at heart, perhaps, but harmless.
Of course, if Saber knew about Xiao Tianyang and Qian Renxue's escapade in the Star Forest, she might reconsider.
To Xiao Tianyang, it was simply a matter of timing…
"Hey, look over there." Oscar suddenly gestured toward another rest area, smirking. "Isn't that the guy who picked a fight with us and got wrecked by Bai Xue from the Whitebeard Team?"
He was referring to Canghui Academy.
Strangely, despite their earlier provocation, this time, Oscar's taunt was met with silence.
Dai Mubai frowned. "Ignore them. They'll be eliminated soon anyway. No need to stoop to their level."
"That's true." Oscar nodded, dropping the subject.
But Xiao Tianyang sensed something—malice, emanating from that direction.
'If it's not the students… then it must be…' His expression darkened briefly before easing into a smile.
'Come if you dare. Let's see if you make it back alive.'
…
[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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