Chapter 178: The Broken Heart of Shrek
Inside a room at Shrek Academy, the students and the Golden Iron Triangle were gathered.
The atmosphere in the room was heavy. The students had their heads down, lost in thought after their defeat in the competition.
The one with the darkest expression was Dai Mubai. His eyes were empty, as if he had lost all passion for everything in life.
He couldn't understand how a woman from the Zhu family, who he used to easily control, had disappeared for two years and come back as someone he could only look up to.
Over the past two years, with the encouragement of Flanders and the Great Master, he had reignited his fighting spirit, started practicing seriously, and hoped that he could win back Zhu Zhuqing's heart at the Soul Master Competition. With their Martial Soul Fusion skill, he thought they might even have a chance to resist Dai Weisi.
Now, it seemed like he was nothing more than a complete joke.
Tang San's expression wasn't much better. He had even lowered his pride and used the embarrassing Soul Bone technique, but not only did victory slip away, he had gained the title of the "Fart King."
He didn't even have enough of his "death wish" book to keep up with all the insults.
The only thing that comforted him was that the physical pain he had been enduring every day had disappeared completely after this release.
The Iron Triangle, watching the demotivated little ones, also looked upset.
They could only say that they were terribly unlucky, drawing the strongest team in the first round.
None of them doubted that Tiandou Royal Academy's second team had the strength to challenge Spirit Hall's team and even defeat them head-on.
Although only Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing had fought in this Soul Battle, their Soul King levels and the soul rings beyond their years made it clear to everyone just how terrifying this team was.
Just the fact that Xiao Wu had yet to reveal her cultivation made them hesitate to even imagine what would happen, considering she had only been a Soul Sect two years ago.
In the end, it was the Great Master who spoke and interrupted the heavy atmosphere in the room.
"I'll report to the organizing committee tomorrow and tell them that Shrek Academy will withdraw from the competition."
The Great Master's words not only made the students look up, but even Liu Erlong and Flanders, who were standing beside him, looked at him in surprise.
"Xiao Gang, this..."
Flanders was about to say something, but the Great Master raised his hand to stop him.
"No need to say more. Do you think with their current mindset, it's necessary to continue participating?"
The little ones all showed displeasure, clenching their fists tightly, but they didn't refute the Great Master's words. They were indeed feeling disheartened.
Being beaten by their peers, seven against one, had really crushed their spirits.
"Tch, whatever."
Dai Mubai, who had been staring blankly at nothing, slowly stood up and walked toward the door, not wanting to hear any more of these people's complaints.
Looking at Dai Mubai's back, Yu Xiao Gang sneered.
"I think there's no need for you to go out and clear your mind. You might as well just tie yourself up and go back to Xing Luo to wait for death."
As soon as the words were out, a surge of soul power emanated from Dai Mubai, and the White Tiger appeared behind him.
Dai Mubai, with bloodshot eyes, glared at the Great Master.
"If you dare say another word, I'll kill you first!"
"Mubai!"
Flanders and Liu Erlong instantly stepped in between them. Flanders looked heartbroken, while Liu Erlong was visibly angry.
"Did I say anything wrong? When the heart dies, there's no hope left."
Dai Mubai reluctantly withdrew his Martial Soul, his whole body seeming to sag in defeat.
"What else can I do? Don't even talk about Dai Weisi, I can't even defeat a woman now."
After saying this, Dai Mubai chuckled bitterly.
"I still say it, the worst outcome is that you go back to Xing Luo and get crippled."
"And if you keep trying, there's still a little hope left."
"Heh, what hope? Do you think Dai Weisi will show mercy?"
The Great Master's gaze became deeper, as if entering his most comfortable domain.
"You only see how that woman's strength has increased, but if you can win back her heart, wouldn't she become your greatest ally?"
Dai Mubai sneered and casually looked at the Great Master.
"Tch, it's easy to say. The way she looks at me now, it's like she's looking at garbage."
"I've said it before, there's still a chance if you try. The worst outcome is already in front of you."
"Do you really think there's a woman who would like someone weaker than herself...?"
Dai Mubai was about to mock the Great Master, saying no woman would like someone weaker than herself, but then seemed to think of something and stopped himself.
His eyes heated up as he glanced back and forth between Liu Erlong and the Great Master.
At that moment, he finally understood why the Great Master was called the "Great Master." No longer did he harbor any disrespect, but instead felt endless admiration.
"Great Master, I understand now. I hope to receive your guidance going forward."
Seeing that Dai Mubai had regained his fighting spirit and was now looking to the Great Master for leadership, the Great Master nodded in satisfaction, silently thinking that this child could be taught.
Next, it was time for his own disciple's psychological build-up.
"Xiao San, this failure is mostly due to my negligence. I didn't investigate the members of Tiandou Royal Academy's second team in advance, so this is not your fault."
"But I've told you before, never lose the ability to think critically in any situation. You've disappointed me on this."
"From the moment their Soul Rings were revealed, you all lost your fighting spirit."
The students showed guilty expressions, as they had indeed become intimidated.
"I understand, Master. I'll stay clear-headed for the next battle!"
Tang San just wanted a way out of the blame. Since the Master had already taken the bulk of the responsibility, a few minor flaws were easier to accept.
Seeing that Tang San had recovered from the shadow of failure, the Great Master clapped his hands and looked at all the team members.
"Alright, don't be too hard on yourselves. Our current goal is to make it through the preliminaries. As long as we make it to the top five, we'll be fine."
"After my investigation, I can tell you that Tiandou Royal Academy's second team is in a league of their own. We shouldn't be ashamed of losing to them. Other teams that face them will be in for a crushing defeat as well."
Flanders saw that the students had regained their fighting spirit and took up Yu Xiao Gang's words.
"Exactly. From now on, we just need to gather more points from the other teams. I believe this won't be too difficult for you."
"Forget about today's defeat. Get a good night's rest and leave Tiandou Royal Academy's second team behind. We'll focus on tomorrow's matches!"
The students all nodded in agreement, and only the Fatty, rubbing his hands together, stepped forward.
"Dean, don't you think you should treat us to a big meal to soothe our wounded spirits?"
Flanders's face immediately darkened. Where did this scoundrel come from, trying to cut into my profits?
"With the way you were taken down in one round, you still have the nerve to ask me to treat you?"
"Well, you should comfort my wounded soul! If we don't eat something good tonight, we might carry this mood into tomorrow, and that would affect your recruitment business, wouldn't it?"
The Fatty said, winking at Oscar, who immediately understood.
"Hey, Fatty, I didn't go into the arena, but I'm still feeling the pain inside. It's impossible to feel better without a meal at the Drunken Immortal Restaurant."
(END CHAPTER)
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