After hearing from Xiao Hongchen that Jiang Shengyu was only humoring Wang Dong'er, Meng Hongchen finally breathed a sigh of relief—yet her expression still grew a little strange.
"How long has it been, and already one shows up! And there are still three years ahead… who knows how many more will appear!"
"How many more of what?" Xiao Hongchen tilted his head in confusion at his sister's muttering.
Meng Hongchen waved her hand dismissively, not bothering to explain further.
On the stage, Elder Zhuang had been waiting. Once Meng Hongchen returned, he announced that the friendship match against the Inner Court representative team was about to begin.
The news immediately suppressed the gossip about Beibei's relationship drama. The students in the audience stretched their necks toward the stage, unwilling to miss a single moment of the exciting battle.
Among Jiang Shengyu's group, none were Soul Emperors. But the Inner Court's team was led by a Soul Emperor!
Everyone believed this time, they would surely be able to defeat Jiang Shengyu's squad of four and restore Shrek Academy's reputation. Yet they seemed to overlook one small fact: whether a Soul Emperor defeats a Soul King or not, Shrek's face is already lost.
If the Soul Emperor wins—well, that's only natural.
If the match ends in a draw or, Heaven forbid, a loss—then Shrek loses face even further.
The moment this "friendship match" was announced, Shrek Academy's dignity was already hanging in the air.
But while the students fantasized about venting their frustrations in victory, the higher-ups led by Xuanzi only wanted to test Jiang Shengyu. Winning or losing didn't matter to them at all.
No one cared whether a Soul Emperor versus Soul King match was "fair." After all, in previous Continental Soul Master Tournaments, Shrek had often fielded Soul Emperors against Soul Kings anyway.
On stage, Dai Yaoheng stood before Ling Luochen, Chen Zifeng, and Xi Xi, declaring:
"Back during the Soul Master Tournament, due to unforeseen circumstances, we handed over Shrek Academy's millennium-long glory! This time, we will wash away that shame in blood!"
Both Chen Zifeng and Xi Xi, who had not participated in that tournament, had long regretted it. Now, both were itching for battle. Chen Zifeng said eagerly:
"Captain, just give the word! We'll beat these exchange students from the Sun–Moon Empire until they cry for their fathers and mothers!"
Seeing their fighting spirit, Dai Yaoheng nodded in satisfaction.
Then he turned toward Ling Luochen and asked:
"Ling Luochen, you're sure you can handle it? Jiang Shengyu's attribute is the Ultimate Ice. If you can't withstand him, stay behind us."
Ling Luochen glanced at Jiang Shengyu across the stage, then shook her head.
"No need. To face an Ultimate Ice attribute soul master is my honor. Who knows—perhaps through this battle, I might achieve my martial soul's evolution."
Dai Yaoheng said nothing more at that, merely nodded.
Meanwhile, Jiang Shengyu led Xiao Hongchen and the others back onto the stage. The audience collectively held their breath, focusing intently on the two teams. When Dai Yaoheng finally brought out the Inner Court squad, they were greeted by thunderous cheers from the entire Soul Dueling Area.
The contrast in treatment was blatant, but Jiang Shengyu showed no sign of anger. Even Xiao Hongchen seemed calmer than before.
Cheer, then. Rejoice, while you can.
Because soon enough, there will be nothing left to cheer about.
"Meeting again, Young Master Jiang," Dai Yaoheng greeted, standing on the opposite side of the arena and fixing his eyes on him.
Behind him, Chen Zifeng and Xi Xi both cupped their hands in thanks toward Jiang Shengyu.
"Thank you for saving our lives back in the Mingdou Mountains," they said. "But gratitude aside, in this match, we won't be showing any mercy!"
Jiang Shengyu smiled and nodded.
"Of course. Neither will I."
Elder Zhuang, listening, nearly spat in irritation.
"You brats, what nonsense are you spouting? 'No mercy'? This is a friendship match! Just exchange pointers and stop there! Stop making life harder for us old folk!"
Dai Yaoheng quickly put on a smile and reassured him:
"Elder Zhuang, don't be angry! This is just our usual pre-battle banter, we're not really going to go all out…"
"Hmph, that's more like it." Elder Zhuang snorted, then announced the start of the match before stepping down from the stage.
Jiang Shengyu's gaze then shifted to Ling Luochen.
"Classmate Ling, are you sure you want to fight? With your attribute, you'll likely be completely suppressed by me. Maybe you should let someone else take your place?"
"Thank you for your concern."
Ling Luochen felt a warmth in her heart but still replied firmly:
"I truly wish to experience the strength of the Ultimate Ice for myself. Don't worry about me."
At her words, Xiao Hongchen frowned, a sense of unease tugging at him. Why do I feel like I've stumbled onto something big again?
He shot Jiang Shengyu a suspicious glance, muttering under his breath:
"What's with this guy… when did this happen?"
"Hm? Junior, what did you say?" Aicao, standing nearby, looked at him in confusion.
"Ahem! Nothing, nothing at all." Xiao Hongchen coughed quickly, glancing over at Meng Hongchen to check her expression. Seeing no change, he finally relaxed.
Up on the main platform, the old foxes were also observing.
Elder Song suddenly said:
"Could it be… that Ling Luochen has feelings for this boy?"
"The Ultimate Ice holds a natural allure for all ice-attribute soul masters. Besides, the Jiang boy isn't bad-looking, and his talent is extraordinary. If Ling Luochen harbors some feelings, that's only natural. In fact, it saves us the trouble of arranging anything."
Xuanzi chuckled, clearly pleased by this turn of events.
If Ling Luochen pursued him of her own accord, then there was no need for them to force anyone on Jiang Shengyu to keep him tied to Shrek.
Du Bushi gave Xuanzi a sidelong glance. Though he said nothing aloud, inwardly he was full of disdain. Since when did Shrek Academy stoop to this level? Truly… beyond words.
On the stage, Jiang Shengyu, still smiling, addressed Ling Luochen:
"My apologies, but this time, I won't be able to let you witness the power of the Ultimate Ice."
"Hm?"
Everyone froze at his words.
Could it be… that he wasn't going to use the Ultimate Ice?
But in Dai Yaoheng and the others' eyes, Jiang Shengyu's greatest reliance was precisely his Ultimate Ice. If he abandoned it, how could he possibly stand against them?
Even Ling Luochen couldn't help blurting out:
"Jiang Shengyu, you don't have to hold back on my account! It's alright, truly."
"No… this isn't because of you."
Jiang Shengyu shook his head, still smiling.
"Even without the power of the Ultimate Ice… I am more than enough to deal with all of you."
The arrogant words left Dai Yaoheng unable to restrain himself.
"Jiang Shengyu, you're too confident. Confidence is fine, but push it too far… and it becomes arrogance."
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