Strolling Through the Hair Net, Advancing to the Finals

As the referee's words, "match start," fell, Xue Lingyun remained where he stood.

His hands were still tucked into his school uniform pockets, and he had not even changed his stance. His aura was as steady as a bottomless lake, without the slightest ripple of Soul Power escaping.

Huang Chutian did not charge forward. Neither did Lan Susu or Lan Luoluo.

The three stood opposite him in a triangular formation, their eyes wary. None of them intended to make the first move.

Huang Chutian clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. The aura of his Great Strength God Ape Martial Soul faintly leaked out, and a layer of iron black sheen surfaced beneath his skin. His muscles were taut like a fully drawn bow, yet he seemed nailed to the ground, unable to take even a single step forward.

His breathing was heavy, his chest rising and falling as his eyes remained fixed on Xue Lingyun, as if waiting for an opportunity to attack—or perhaps, a reason not to.

Lan Susu stood behind him to the left. Her long hair had already begun to drift upward slightly, and her fingertips gripped a strand until it was stretched taut. Her vigilant gaze remained locked on Xue Lingyun's footsteps, but she did not rashly release her Martial Soul.

Lan Luoluo stood behind him to the right, her eyes darting about rapidly. One moment she glanced at the dean on the platform, and the next she looked at Xue Lingyun. Her footsteps unconsciously shifted half a step behind her sister, and even her breathing grew quieter.

All three of them looked extremely nervous.

After waiting two breaths, Xue Lingyun raised an eyebrow. "Not coming?"

Huang Chutian gritted his teeth but did not answer.

Lan Susu and Lan Luoluo exchanged a glance, their