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"Whoa—"
The four remaining teams in Sector 49 watched, stunned, as Zhao Kai's trio was effortlessly dismantled. Their understanding of Chen Junting's team's strength sharpened instantly. Swallowing hard, they felt a creeping urge to withdraw.
For them, losing one round-robin match didn't matter.
Elimination was decided by total wins across ten matches. Better to conserve energy for weaker opponents and secure victories elsewhere.
Unaware of their thoughts, Chen Junting simply stepped down with Qin Lan after the referee declared their victory, preparing for the next bout.
"I won't fight in the rest of the round-robin," Chen Junting said, scanning the other four teams. Their soul power fluctuations were even weaker than Zhao Kai's group—diminishing his interest further.
He turned to Qin Lan. "Gao Ming will fully support you. Go all out—it's a rare chance to have actual combat training. By the elimination rounds, you'll showcase Agility Attack's true brilliance. The academy will take notice."
"…If the opportunity arises," he added.
"Understood, Brother Chen," Qin Lan replied tersely—but his confusion lingered over that last remark.
In the matches that followed, he finally understood. Chen Junting only fought once or twice. The other teams forfeited immediately, using the chance to rest. Even the referees couldn't object.
By the third day, they'd secured ten straight wins—Advancing smoothly to the elimination rounds.
"This is… underwhelming," Qin Lan muttered, unsettled by yet another forfeit.
"They're smart," Chen Junting said, clapping his shoulder. "This isn't about honor for them. Staying at Shrek to keep learning—that's their goal."
"No wonder you said that…" Qin Lan grumbled. "You knew all along."
Chen Junting waved it off, then—as he'd done these past three days—headed toward other sectors. Qin Lan and Gao Ming didn't follow. They knew he was scouting talent for the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Their presence would only complicate things.
So they returned to the dorm together.
But before parting—
"Do you think… we could join the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?" Gao Ming suddenly asked.
Qin Lan froze. He hadn't expected his shy roommate to voice this. After a pause, he countered, "Don't you want to enter the Inner Academy?"
Gao Ming shook his head, dejected. "I'm not confident. The Inner Academy's too tough—and dangerous, they say. I don't dare risk it. Besides…" He lowered his voice. "I've heard the sect's treatment is exceptional. As commoners, you understand what I mean."
"Maybe," Qin Lan said noncommittally—but Gao Ming's words planted a seed.
Meanwhile, in Sector 33—
"Martial Soul Fusion Skill… impressive."
Chen Junting stood at the edge of the arena, exchanging a nod with Instructor Wang Yan before refocusing on the match.
Huo Yuhao's team faced Huang Chutian's squad—and the battle had escalated fiercely.
The Lan sisters, Lan Susu and Lan Luoluo, had activated their fusion skill. A deluge of azure hair surged like a net, engulfing Huo Yuhao's trio.
'The Lan sisters should be commoners,' Chen Junting mused, cross-referencing noble families of the Three Great Empires. No prominent Lan clans/families…
Their talent was undeniable—70–80% chance of reaching Title Douluo.
And a Martial Soul Fusion Skill between two Title Douluos?
Even a Level 91 Title Douluo would make the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect salivate.
"Add them to the list."
A flash from his ring produced a roster already filled with names:
Xie Huanyue (Class Two), Cao Jinxuan (Class Ten), Zhou Sichen (Class Ten)…
Mostly commoners or minor nobles.
Some were even destined for elimination—future mid-tier sect recruits, to be scouted later by Jiubao Pavilion in Shrek City.
Just as he finished writing—
"Oh, the match is over."
He spotted Dugu Xin's soul ring flare—signaling the climax.
The next second, venomous thorns shot out one after another!
The sisters' hair-net, upon contact, corroded instantly. The venom raced up their scalps!
"Aah—!"
Huang Chutian, despite being flung aside by Wang Dong, yelled, "Teacher, we forfeit!"
Wang Yan immediately severed the sisters' hair, halting the toxin's spread.
When he turned back, Huo Yuhao's team was already approaching the white-haired youth at the sidelines.
Wang Yan hurried over.
Meanwhile—
"Ten wins, ten victories—you did well," Chen Junting praised. Huo Yuhao beamed; even Wang Dong's proud lips curved into a smile. Only Dugu Xin remained impassive, as if the result meant little.
'Interesting,' Chen Junting thought, sensing something unspoken.
But now wasn't the time to probe.
"Since the round-robin's done, let's eat in Shrek City. Xiao Tian and Wu Feng should've finished their last match too. But stay sharp tomorrow—the elimination rounds will bring stronger opponents."
Huo Yuhao nodded earnestly. Wang Dong, ever arrogant, declared, "As long as we don't face a monster like you, with me leading, we'll bulldoze through!"
Before Huo Yuhao could respond, Dugu Xin deadpanned, "Yes, 'bulldoze'… just hope you don't get eliminated in the first round. That'd be 'embarrassing'."
"Hey! Can't you be optimistic?!"
Chen Junting chuckled silently—then noticed Wang Yan approaching.
"Teacher, may I ask if you need something?"
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