Chapter Sixty-Five: Discussing Tactics

Mu Yang’s soul skill left Wang Yan momentarily stunned. It was undeniably a powerful ability, capable of yielding unexpected results in battle. However, the fact that it caused harm to its user was a significant drawback. Without a healer nearby, employing such a skill could indeed inflict casualties upon the enemy, but it might also leave the user with irreversible injuries. (Note: At this point, Wang Yan was unaware of Mu Yang’s formidable regenerative powers.)

In the subsequent matches, Ling Luochen had recovered, and Huo Yuhao’s Ultimate Ice greatly enhanced her capabilities, leading Shrek to a decisive victory in the next round.

Wang Yan let out a long breath, a sense of overwhelming relief washing over him, almost to the point of exhaustion. With Ling Luochen’s return, Shrek Academy had finally regained its form as a powerful team, and the heavy burden on Wang Yan’s shoulders had been lifted considerably. Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yaoheng were also about to rejoin the team, making the remainder of the round robin far less daunting.

Meanwhile, Xue Di watched Ling Luochen’s control over ice and snow and shook her head. The use of soul skills was impressive enough, but the expenditure of soul power was far too reckless. Although this approach sufficed against the current opponents, if Xue Di herself were to use the same soul skill, she could have conserved at least half of her energy.

The Shrek Academy team did not linger after the match, swiftly leaving the arena to return to their hotel. Ling Luochen’s stunning display of ice-based control had temporarily overshadowed Mu Yang’s soul skill, and now, strategies for countering her became the hottest topic of the day.

As the fourth round of the round robin commenced, the tournament had entered its middle stages. Shrek’s group consisted of only eight teams, each needing to compete in seven matches to complete the cycle.

Over the next three matches, Shrek Academy encountered no opponents capable of threatening them, and they continued their winning streak with great momentum. Through two solo elimination rounds and one team battle, they defeated their adversaries one after another, ultimately claiming first place in their group with an undefeated record of seven victories, advancing to the brutal knockout stage ahead.

“The bracket for the knockout stage has been announced,” Wang Yan said in a grave tone, having just returned from the Stellar Empire’s palace where the draw had taken place, immediately summoning everyone for a meeting.

“Our opponent in the round of sixteen is an old rival: Douling Empire’s First Academy, the Douling Royal Academy. This time, I have one more requirement for you—Mu Yang is not to participate. Though his soul skill can easily secure victory, its effectiveness has already waned since its first appearance. Now, the only way to counter it is by obstructing Mu Yang’s line of sight, and there are few ways to deal with it otherwise; so, unless absolutely necessary, we should refrain from using it.”

Wang Yan then went over some of the round robin’s rules with Mu Yang and the others, and finally sought to offer some words of encouragement to Huo Yuhao’s team.

At that moment, suddenly, the conference room door was knocked upon.

Wang Yan frowned and called out sternly, “Didn’t I say that hotel staff were not to disturb us?”

A melodious female voice sounded from outside. “I’m sorry for the interruption. I’m not hotel staff—I’m from the Starlight Auction House.”

Starlight Auction House? The voice sounded familiar, and Wang Yan paused in surprise. Beibei, who was seated closest to the door, stood up and glanced at Wang Yan for approval. Receiving a nod, Beibei proceeded to open the door.

At the threshold stood a woman in a long black dress, appearing about twenty-eight or twenty-nine years of age—the very picture of mature elegance tinged with youthful vibrancy.

It was none other than the auctioneer “Qingya” from the previous event.

Qingya’s gaze fell directly on Wang Yan. She smiled faintly and offered a courteous greeting. “Good day, Teacher Wang. I apologize for the abrupt intrusion.”

…

Please vote and add to your favorites!