Afterward, Dai Mubai finally understood the meaning behind Ma Hongjun's glance.
'So that's why Xiao Tianyang has been acting so strangely.'
But more importantly, he had just learned about the "Super Devil Training Plan" that Xiao Tianyang had arranged for them.
'Is Tianyang so lazy with naming now that he just slaps "Super" in front of any plan?'
"Did he come up with this on the spot?" Dai Mubai muttered, exasperated.
"Who knows?" Oscar shrugged helplessly beside him. "Either way, we're in for a rough time ahead."
"Ugh, I knew telling Xiao Wu about this yesterday was a bad idea. But I didn't expect it to backfire this hard." Dai Mubai sighed even deeper.
Of course, training was just exhausting—nothing unbearable. Besides, Dai Mubai wanted to grow stronger. If anything, doubling his efforts was a good thing.
But that didn't make the process any easier.
Still, as Xiao Tianyang had once said: "Only through hardship can one become a powerhouse!"
If he wanted to rise above his family's control, how could he afford to be weak or idle?
Moreover, in terms of physical endurance, aside from Tang San, he was the strongest among the Shrek Seven Monsters.
'What's there to fear?'
…
The moment Xiao Tianyang stepped onto the stage, freshly changed, his eyes gleamed with interest.
'No surprise here—the Tianshui Academy team is even more striking up close than from afar.'
Their confidence was palpable, their deep, unwavering gazes striking.
Yet they had to know—they were facing Edward, the undefeated legend who hadn't even gone all out yet.
Sure, Tianshui had been on a winning streak, even defeating Shrek Academy. But no matter how much they conserved their strength, they couldn't dominate their opponents as overwhelmingly as he did.
'Every. Single. Time.'
This was why other teams dreaded facing Xiao Tianyang (Edward).
It wasn't that they lacked the will to fight—it was that there was simply no hope.
For them, rather than exhausting themselves for hollow pride, it was better to hold back and shine in the next match.
Even if such tactics left a stain on their hearts, they had no choice.
Their academy's reputation mattered more than individual glory.
After all, very few academies—like the Five Elemental Academies or Shrek Academy—dared to fight recklessly without fear of losing.
Then again, perhaps that was what made them exceptional.
That unyielding will was a hallmark of true strength.
"We meet again," Shui Bing'er said with an elegant smile. "Though it's a shame no one's dared to challenge you since our last encounter."
"Are you… complimenting me?" Xiao Tianyang blinked.
"What else would my sister be doing besides praising you?" Shui Yue'er huffed beside her. "You're impossible to track down off-stage, you know. Really, what's your deal?"
Xiao Tianyang frowned. "Is something wrong?"
Despite his casual tone, he had no clue what his relationship with these two was.
Had they met before?
'Probably not.'
A sly glint flashed in Shui Yue'er's eyes. "Heh, nothing much. It's just my sister—"
"Yue'er!" Shui Bing'er clamped a hand over her sister's mouth, her fair cheeks flushing.
Xiao Tianyang's eyes widened.
'Wait… did I actually meet her before? Why is she blushing?'
Shui Bing'er said nothing more, but the evasion in her gaze only deepened his confusion.
He was certain his memory was intact—he'd never blacked out drunk.
So why couldn't he recall her?
'Am I overthinking this?'
He reassured himself: 'Yeah, must be.'
Before he could dwell further, the referee announced the match's start.
It was then that Xiao Tianyang witnessed Tianshui Academy's true terror.
Or rather, the terror of their trio:
Captain Shui Bing'er, a Level 43 Soul Ancestor, commands the team with her powerful Martial Soul, the Ice Phoenix.
Serving at her side is Vice-Captain Xue Wu, a Level 44 Soul Ancestor whose Martial Soul, the Snowbloom, grants her both elegance and strength in battle.
Rounding out the core members is Shui Yue'er, a Level 42 Soul Ancestor, whose unique Martial Soul, the Jade Dolphin, adds an unexpected but formidable edge to the team's icy synergy.
But their levels and Martial Souls weren't the frightening part—it was their aura.
A flawless, natural fusion, as if the three were one entity split into bodies.
'No wonder even Xiao San struggled despite being prepared. This won't be easy…'
Xiao Tianyang felt a flicker of relief.
At least he was sure he'd never met Shui Bing'er before.
He'd never wronged her.
Because being targeted by three women like this?
It sure is not necessarily a good thing.
Before he could ponder further, Tianshui Academy struck.
"Second Soul Skill—Ice Armour!"
Shui Bing'er's demeanor shifted instantly—from serene noblewoman to battlefield commander.
Her voice, though still soft, carried steel.
"Ha!"
Yu Hairou, the team's power attacker (Martial Soul: Coral Barracuda | Level 41 Soul Ancestor), lunged.
Unlike brutish transformations, her physique retained elegance—only her muscle tone sharpened, her pupils slit vertically, and her canines lengthened slightly.
As Xiao Tianyang observed, a whistling projectile shot from his left!
He tilted his head lazily, letting the glowing orb graze past his ear.
The attacker was another assault-type Soul Master—a mid-to-long-range specialist like Ma Hongjun.
Her Martial Soul, the Hexagonal Starfish, was mid-tier at best, its strength dependent on the wielder.
And judging by that strike? She'd mastered it well.
Meanwhile, Shui Bing'er's transformation was mesmerizing.
Ice-crystal wings unfurled as snowflakes swirled around her.
A phoenix's cry echoed—then the snowflakes shattered, morphing into a barrage of icy spikes!
The attack was visually overwhelming—enough to crush an average fighter.
But Xiao Tianyang wasn't average.
With a light tap of Cong Yunqie, the stage fractured, sinking ten centimeters.
He raised his left hand slowly, forming a fist.
Shui Bing'er's breath hitched.
Every time, opponents fell to that deceptively simple punch.
There wasn't any flashy spectacle—just pure, devastating force.
Compared to that, even her most dazzling technique felt… inadequate.
…
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