Chapter 82 The Unexpected Start of the Finals
Chapter 82 The Unexpected Start of the Finals
"Is it over?"
The entire stadium erupted in uproar. No one could have imagined that the semi-final would end so quickly.
Although the students present saw Zhu Zhuqing's fierce attack, Xiao Yan, who was standing to the side, remained unmoved, which was not interesting at all.
"Xiao Yan didn't do anything, so why did that girl admit defeat?" Dugu Yan asked, puzzled.
"Xiao Yan is different from Tang San. If Zhu Zhuqing's opponent were Tang San, even if she couldn't break through his defense, she would still have enough soul power to accumulate and launch another attack. I'm even curious whether Tang San's invincible Blue Silver Grass could keep up with such a frequency of attacks. It's a pity."
Ye Lingling replied casually that although her captain, Yu Tianheng, possessed the powerful offensive martial soul, the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex, he might not be able to break through Tang San's defenses, who was essentially a plant.
"Xiao Yan is even more different. His battle with Shrek Academy that day already demonstrated the offensive nature of his martial soul and the domineering power of his flames. At that time, the only way everyone could think of to deal with him was to attack his physical body. But now, with his third soul skill, his defense is comparable to that of the Shi brothers. Zhu Zhuqing naturally surrendered wisely." Yu Tianheng also analyzed for Dugu Yan, who was feeling bored.
"But Yan Yan, you're bored, right? Then how about we—"
Standing on the stage, Xiao Yan scratched his head helplessly. Although Zhu Zhuqing was indeed weaker without the Netherworld White Tiger, her indomitable spirit was always admirable.
This is also why Xiao Yan negotiated with the other party. He thought he could have a story of becoming friends after a fight, but he didn't expect that the other party would leave without looking back after the battle.
"Your Highness, Xiao Yan relied on the defensive measures amplified by his third soul skill to resist that student's attack," Bai Baoshan said, bowing to Xue Qinghe on the other side of the platform.
"Thank you for clearing up my doubts, Instructor Bai. But isn't Xiao Yan's martial soul an offensive external martial soul? Why does his third soul skill have such a strong defensive effect?"
"This..." Bai Baoshan had only meant to offer a brief explanation because the semi-final match ended too quickly. As for why it had such a remarkable effect, he wanted to ask Xiao Yan. As a defensive-type Soul Master, the effect of each Soul Ring was just enough to amplify the Martial Soul, but Xiao Yan's third Soul Ring was completely independent.
"This must be thanks to Master Yanxiao," Xue Qinghe said with a smile.
"Ah, yes, yes, yes." As a member of the academy's teaching committee, Bai Baoshan knew that if he couldn't answer the questions posed by the Tian Dou royal family, especially the Crown Prince, it would affect the academy's funding for the following year. Fortunately, His Highness Xue Qinghe answered his own questions.
"What is that person trying to do?" Xue Qinghe suddenly narrowed his eyes and looked down at the two people in his line of sight.
Bai Baoshan quickly looked over and saw that Yu Tianheng had somehow managed to sneak onto the Soul Fighting Platform.
"Yu Tianheng, why are you in such a hurry to come up? It seems like our battle isn't until two days from now. Besides, are you really that confident that you can make it to the semi-finals?" Xiao Yan asked with a smile. He didn't have much ill will towards Yu Tianheng, just thought he was a simple-minded and straightforward guy. Apart from the time he gave him a thumbs up that day, which made him a little arrogant, he was nothing special.
It's normal for young people to have a temper; just put it out.
"My Yan Yan said your fight was too boring. Xiao Yan, you don't seem to have suffered much loss of soul power, so how about we move the final match forward?"
The students on the stage, who had just gotten up from their seats, immediately sat back down upon hearing Yu Tianheng's words, clearly eager for some excitement.
"Besides, if your semi-final opponent can surrender, so can mine," Yu Tianheng said, raising his head and glancing at the audience.
"Brother Yu, we admit defeat!" Upon hearing this, before Yu Tianheng could even look at them, the two Shi brothers pulled their teammates to their feet.
After all, in their view, the draw was indeed unfavorable, and they were certainly no match for Yu Tianheng. If they were to face Xiao Yan or Zhu Zhuqing's team, then the champion and runner-up spots would be decided within their own Tiandou class.
"See, Xiao Yan, in that case, we're going to be opponents in the finals. Or are you worried about something and afraid to fight?" Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling, who had slowly walked off the stage, stood behind Yu Tianheng.
"What are you afraid of, Brother Xiao? Let's do it!" Xiao Yan heard Xiao Wu's impatient voice, smiled and turned around. Tang San was pulling Xiao Wu, while Xiao Wu looked fearless and was about to rush onto the fighting platform.
Xiao Wu's impulsiveness is more boundless than a rabbit's.
"Outrageous!" Bai Baoshan on the stands was immediately anxious. Fortunately, the Emperor was not here on this snowy night. If he saw the academy students behaving so recklessly, what kind of order would that be?
"Xiao Qin, go down and control the situation. If we let them run wild like this, won't the students be in complete chaos?"
"Wait a minute." Just as Qin Ming was about to leave the stage, Xue Qinghe interrupted him, "Aren't both Education Committee members Meng Shenji and Zhilin at the academy today?"
"Yes, Your Highness." Qin Ming thought for a moment and nodded in response.
"Recently, our spies have said that people from Star Luo have been loitering around our Heaven Dou City, and we don't know what they're up to. His Majesty told me that he won't be attending the finals in person. If the students here really agree, we might as well move the competition forward to today. Look at the weather, it's perfect, and there's still plenty of time."
"Your Highness, you..." Bai Baoshan hesitated. Logically speaking, even if Emperor Xueye did not attend the final, many nobles from Tiandou would come to the school to watch the grand event.
If the event were held earlier, even the students present would be sparse.
"Understood, Your Highness. Please allow Qin Ming to inquire about the intentions of both sides."
Qin Ming placed his right hand in front of his chest, bowed slightly, and then hurried towards the stage.
Xiao Yan did not respond to Yu Tianheng's question; he simply focused his gaze on Qin Ming, who was slowly approaching.
"Teacher Qin, the semi-finals are over, how about we hold the finals today?" Yu Tianheng greeted his former teacher warmly as he approached.
"Tianheng, don't be ridiculous. The academy's selection competition is a big deal. Not to mention reporting to Emperor Xueye, there are so many noble families in Tiandou City, and many of them sponsor the academy's fund. How can we not inform them?"
"I understand, teacher. It was Tianheng who was reckless." Yu Tianheng hesitated for a moment, then lowered his head to admit his mistake, but he still wanted to show off a little more in front of his lover.
"But teacher, look at the other team, they are clearly very interested in bringing the finals forward."
This was naturally referring to Xiao Wu, who stood with her hands on her hips, looking ready to fight at any moment. Tang San was still bending over, explaining the pros and cons to her, while only Xiao Yan looked at Qin Ming with extreme calmness.
Qin Ming also knew that among the three, Xiao Yan was the core.
"Xiao Yan, what are your thoughts?"
"Teacher Qin, I would like to know His Highness the Crown Prince's opinion." Xiao Yan bowed to show his respect.
"His Highness Xue Qinghe said that Emperor Xue Ye would not be participating in the finals of this selection, and he would be handling it on his behalf. If both of you are interested, it is not impossible to bring the competition forward."
"Yay!"
The students in the stands erupted in cheers when they heard their teacher, Qin Ming, speak. They had thought they wouldn't be able to cause any trouble, but to their surprise, the teachers actually agreed.
However, Xiao Yan shook his head, indicating his refusal.
"Teacher Qin, I'd like to temporarily withdraw from this match on behalf of my team. It should be fine tomorrow. The reason is..."
"It's because of me. The Soul Battle a while ago caused some hidden injuries to my body, but I should be fine after resting until tomorrow," Tang San explained, coughing as he spoke.
"So I have no objection to today's final, but since it's a team competition, I need to consider my teammates' physical condition. Please inform the teacher that the final should be rescheduled for tomorrow," Xiao Yan continued.
"In that case, we have no choice but to do so. Tang San, you should get some rest." Qin Ming said, stepping forward with a concerned expression and patting him on the shoulder.
So the students in the stands all burst into boredom and scoffed, and the good show just ended like that.
Yu Tianheng nodded. His uncle had a grudge against Xiao Yan, but the only opponent he could deal with was one who went all out.
So he didn't say much and left with Dugu Yan. Before leaving, he turned back and reminded her, "Xiao Yan, I know your flames are powerful, but my Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus's electricity is no less formidable. Think carefully about how you can beat me tomorrow."
Xiao Yan smiled but did not answer. However, as he stepped off the stage, he gave Tang San a thumbs-up in response to his impromptu reaction.
N-A-A