Civil War / Fighting Wounds with Wounds
It's utterly incomprehensible that six Soul King and one Soul Emperor were defeated in the very first round!
However, Qian Renxue knew clearly that Tian Yue and the others had already done their best.
Then I became even more frustrated...
Qian Renxue glanced furtively at Qian Xunji's battle arrangements and immediately bristled. Her eyes widened, and she slammed her hand on the table, demanding, "Why are the Spirit Hall First Team and second teams grouped together?"
Isn't this instigating a civil war?
"Xiao Xue, you don't know, people outside are questioning whether the Spirit Hall's lottery was rigged. This is the only way I can clear my name, and besides..."
Qian Xunji spoke, he raised his bright golden eyes and looked at Qian Renxue, asking, "Furthermore, Xiao Xue, tell me, with the current strength of Team Two, is it possible for them to win the championship?"
Qian Renxue opened her mouth, but couldn't bring herself to say anything against her will. She recalled the previous internal competition, where Team Three, with Tian Yue as their Soul Emperor, was still stronger than Team Two, and Team Three had already been defeated. Although Hu Liena, Xie Yue, Yan, and others from Team Two were exceptionally talented and had excellent teamwork, their chances of winning against the Star Luo Team, which possessed two pairs of Martial Soul Fusion Skill, or the Heaven Dou Team, which hadn't yet used its full strength, were indeed slim.
"Judging from the current trend, they have no chance of winning the championship, let alone finishing in the top three. You know, in the previous internal competition, the third team was stronger than the second team." Qian Xunji Qian Renxue.
Qian Xunji's voice was cold and rational, "Therefore, letting the Spirit Hall battle is the best choice. It will not only prevent the second team from losing to other teams again and bringing shame to the Spirit Hall, but it will also dispel the rumors that the Spirit Hall's draw was rigged."
Qian Xunji looked puzzled. "Xiao Xue, isn't this a bad idea?"
This purely rational decision made Qian Renxue uncomfortable, "But..."
Qian Renxue's voice trembled slightly, tinged with a hint of stubbornness. "Hu Liena, Feng Xiaotian, and the others... how much effort have they put in for this competition? They knew they couldn't possibly beat us, yet they still trained and prepared with all their might! How... how can we so easily negate all their hard work and sweat because of this 'reasonable' reason?"
Qian Xunji glanced at the crying child and threw the pen in her hand at him.
"You are the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall, so the decision is yours."
"Huh? Me?!" Qian Renxue subconsciously caught the pen that was thrown to her, and after listening to Qian Xunji's words, she pointed at herself in a daze.
Chapter 232 Civil War
When that heavy pen was actually hanging in front of her, Qian Renxue's anger and impulsiveness quickly cooled down, replaced by a heavy sense of responsibility.
She is the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall, and every decision she makes can have far-reaching consequences; she must take responsibility for it.
The image of Hu Liena and Xie Yue training with sweat pouring down their faces and determined eyes flashed through her mind. Qian Renxue took a deep breath, her fingertips twitched slightly, and she shook her head firmly.
She looked at Qian Xunji, her gaze clear and unwavering. "I will use my own hands and the strength of my team to protect the glory of the Spirit Hall with honor. There's no need to prove it by sacrificing the efforts and opportunities of my comrades."
She still chose to avoid arrangements for a civil war.
"Heh." Upon hearing this, Qian Xunji let out a soft, ambiguous laugh. He put down his pen, his tone carrying an almost sarcastic calmness, "Deliberately avoiding Team Two from Team One, letting them face other perhaps 'weaker' opponents, isn't that itself a form of cheating and unfairness? Is it fair to the other teams that might encounter Team One earlier?"
Qian Renxue choked, opened her mouth, but couldn't find the words to refute. Qian Xunji always had the ability to accurately find contradictions in everyone's words.
She subconsciously looked up, wanting to glare at her father, but unexpectedly met his bright golden eyes.
At that moment, she no longer saw her father, who was usually playful and full of "whimsical ideas," but rather an inhuman, absolutely rational being stripped of all emotion.
Those eyes seemed to belong to a deity high above the heavens, indifferently scrutinizing all the rules and balances of the world, exuding a chilling, divine aura.
"You must understand, Xiao Xue," Qian Xunji's voice was calm and even, yet carried an undeniable authority, "That absolute fairness in this world is itself the greatest injustice."
Or perhaps it's due to their innate, god-level Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul; the very existence of the Spirit Hall's Qian Clan Spirit Hall inheritance, is itself a form of injustice.
These words, like an icicle, instantly pierced Qian Renxue's psychological defenses, leaving her feeling a strange chill and a sense of guilt. Under the gaze of those eyes, she felt that her thoughts, based on emotions and loyalty to her companions, seemed so naive and insignificant.
However, just as Qian Renxue felt the pressure increasing and was almost suffocating, the cold divine aura around Qian Xunji receded rapidly like a tide. The bright golden light in his eyes softened, regaining its usual clarity and wisdom, and even taking on a hint of warmth.
Qian Xunji changed the subject, gently stroking Qian Renxue's hair, his tone becoming gentle and supportive. "However, since this is your decision, Xiao Xue, Dad supports you. Do whatever you want. As long as you're happy."
This sudden change caught Qian Renxue off guard. The immense pressure vanished instantly, replaced by a warm sense of security. Seeing her father back to "normal," the grievances and tension in her heart instantly transformed into gratitude and joy.
"Yes!" Qian Renxue nodded vigorously, a relieved smile on her face. "Thank you, Dad!"
She secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This dad, who might be a little unreliable at times, but would ultimately support her, was the best. His behavior just now was truly terrifying.
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The results of the second round of draws were quickly made public under the arrangement of the Spirit Hall. Perhaps it was Qian Renxue's "willful" decision that had an effect, as this round of draws seemed much more "normal".
Top seeded teams like the Spirit Hall First Team, the Star Luo Royal Team, and the Heaven Dou Royal Academy First Team did not have any more "unexpected" first-round matches against strong opponents. Instead, they faced relatively weaker opponents, making their path to the next round seem smooth.
However, there are always less fortunate teams. Canghui Academy, the academy that has come this far with its unique Seven-in-One Fusion Skill "Asura Illusion", has drawn a tough nut to crack this time - the Exotic Beast Academy.
Upon seeing the outcome, the eldest prince of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Weisi, frowned almost imperceptibly, seemingly not entirely satisfied with the arrangement. Zhu Zhuyun, standing beside him, keenly sensed his emotions.
"What's wrong? Is something the problem?" Zhu Zhuyun asked in a low voice.
Dai Weisi glanced at the match list, his tone calm yet sharp. "Although Canghui Academy's illusions are troublesome, they probably have little chance of winning against that support Soul Master named Cai Wenji from the Exotic Beast Academy."
He had watched the Exotic Beast Academy's matches and was deeply impressed by Cai Wenji's almost freakish healing abilities, terrifying physical attributes, and the "accessory" Yao on her head that provided purification effects. Canghui Academy's illusionary attacks were essentially mental in nature, and the combination of Cai Wenji and Yao—one with near-limitless Soul Power and a formidable physique, and the other with top-tier purification abilities—perfectly countered this fighting style that relied on control and deception. Moreover, the Exotic Beast Academy also Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuyue's Martial Soul Fusion Skill, Hell White Tiger, as a strong offensive point.
In Dai Weisi's view, there is little suspense in this game, and the chances of the Canghui Academy advancing are very small.
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Unlike Dai Weisi's calm analysis, Shi Nian, the teacher in charge of the Canghui Academy, showed a hint of regret on his face after seeing the draw results, but then quickly regained his composure.
In the previous qualifying rounds, the Exotic Beast Academy had already fought against the Canghui Academy, so they could be considered acquaintances.
He had naturally watched and studied the battles of the Exotic Beast Academy and knew all too well the challenges his disciples faced.
That auxiliary purification Soul Skill greatly reduced the threat of the Seven Asura Illusion Realm.
"What a pity..." Shi Nian sighed softly, thinking to himself. If they had drawn another team, with the suddenness and powerful force of the Seven-in-One Fusion Skill, they might have gone even further.
But he quickly came to terms with it. There were just too many dark horses in this tournament. The Spirit Hall First Team was full of monsters, the Star Luo Empire and Heaven Dou Empire teams were numerous and strong, and there was also the Skywater Academy with its heaven-defying Martial Soul Fusion Skill. The fact that Canghui Academy was able to get through the first round with its unique fusion technique had exceeded many people's expectations and achieved his basic goal set before the tournament.
"Alright, let the kids give it their all. They've already done their part to be proud," Shi Nian thought to himself. He didn't dwell too much on the outcome of the draw, because luck has limited effect in the face of such a significant difference in strength. Witnessing so many geniuses and powerful tactics was a valuable experience in itself for the students of the Canghui Academy.
His gaze fell upon his teammates, and seeing the seriousness on their faces, but even more so, the eagerness to fight, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. Victory or defeat was important, but what was even more important was the courage to draw one's sword in the face of a formidable enemy.
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The game unfolded almost exactly as Dai Weisi and other astute observers had predicted, and even ended faster and more decisively.
As soon as the referee announced the start, the seven members of the Canghui Academy immediately took their positions as if they had practiced countless times. Their Soul Power surged, and the dazzling gem lights began to intertwine, attempting to construct their proud Seven-in-One Fusion Skill — the Asura Illusion.
However, the Exotic Beast Academy acted even faster!
Just as the Canghui Academy team members' Soul Skill were not yet fully formed, a petite green figure rushed out like Gui Mei! It was Cai Wenji! She didn't even wait for Yao's possession; relying solely on her terrifying physical attributes enhanced by various amplifying Soul Skill, she reached extreme speed.
To the relatively weak Gem Soul Master of the Canghui Academy, all they saw was a blur before a blurry figure was already approaching!
"Oh no!" Shi Nian exclaimed from the sidelines, but before the words could fully escape his lips—
"Bang!" "Bang!" "Bang!"
Several dull thuds of flesh colliding rang out in succession!
Cai Wenji didn't even use many Soul Skill. Relying solely on pure speed and strength, she appeared precisely beside or behind each member of the Canghui Academy, like a tiger among sheep. A chop to the neck or a simple charge would strike them precisely at the back of the neck or the key points of their Soul Power circulation.
These gem-wielding Soul Master, focused on mental illusions, were already far inferior in physical strength to Battle Soul Master of the same level. How could they withstand the onslaught of Cai Wenji, this humanoid Ferocious Beast?
Before they could even scream, several Canghui team members felt a sharp pain in the back of their heads or necks, their vision went black, and they lost consciousness, collapsing limply to the ground. Their carefully prepared fusion technique was forcibly interrupted before it could even display one-tenth of its power.
The entire battle, from start to finish, may not exceed five seconds.
On the arena, only the seven members of the Exotic Beast Academy and the only member of the Canghui Academy who was fortunate enough not to be "taken care of" immediately because he was positioned a little further away were still standing. That member froze on the spot, looking at his teammates who had fallen to the ground in an instant, and the blonde girl opposite him who clapped her hands as if she had done something insignificant. His face was filled with fear and confusion.
The referee was stunned for a moment before rushing forward to check and confirming that several members of the Canghui Academy were unconscious and unable to continue fighting. He then loudly announced:
"Match over! Exotic Beast Academy wins!"
The entire audience erupted in uproar, followed by a heated discussion.
This match ended way too quickly! It caught everyone off guard!
It also explained to all spectators in the most direct and brutal way an ironclad rule of the Soul Master World: Soul Master focuses on a single Ultimate Attribute will be defeated faster than imagined once he encounters an opponent who completely counters him in terms of attribute or tactics.
Canghui Academy has placed all its bets on the mental illusion, leaving their individual defense and melee capabilities virtually nonexistent. Once the illusion is broken, or if, like today, they are forcibly defeated at close range without even having a chance to use it, they will be utterly powerless to fight back.
The Exotic Beast Academy seized upon this point, using the simplest and most brutal method—extreme speed and power—to achieve a crushing victory.
Standing below the Shi Nian, watching his disciples being quickly carried off the stage, the last trace of hope vanished from his face, leaving only bitterness and helplessness. He shook his head, said nothing more, and silently led his team away. This was the competition; this was reality.
This swift victory further cemented the terror of the Exotic Beast Academy and Cai Wenji in the minds of all potential rivals.
It's not just because of their individual strength, but also because their combination makes them a support-type Soul Master duo.
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Next comes the draw for the next round of matches.
It's inevitable that strong teams will meet.
The Martial Soul Hall Second Team encountered Thunder Academy and fought with all their might, but they were still defeated and eliminated.
The Spirit Hall First Team eliminated an academy from the Star Luo Empire.
The draw, like a twist of fate, brought the civil war of the Star Luo Empire to a head. When Dai Weisi saw the words "Star Luo Royal Team" versus "Exotic Beast Academy" on the screen, he took a deep breath, his eyes becoming incredibly sharp. Although his younger brother Dai Mubai's Exotic Beast Academy had been a dark horse all along, far exceeding expectations, and even possessing an illogical monster like Cai Wenji, Dai Weisi's strong confidence remained unshaken.
He had absolute confidence in his team's strength—the dual Martial Soul Fusion Skill (Hell White Tiger and Light-Dark Holy Tiger), the top-tier offensive and agile Soul Master Dongfang Yao, the ultra-long-range sniper core Baili Shouyue, and the mirror tactical system built by the support Soul Master Li Yang. In his eyes, the team's configuration and teamwork were already the pinnacle of the younger generation of the Star Luo Empire, and they were even worthy of any opponent.
The two teams stepped onto the ring under the watchful eyes of the crowd, and the atmosphere instantly became tense. As is customary, the captains of both teams walked to the center of the ring and bowed to each other at the referee's signal.
Dai Weisi was tall and imposing, and as a prince of the Star Luo Empire, he naturally exuded an aura of authority. However, when he looked at Cai Wenji, the blonde girl who walked up to him and was not even as tall as his chest, carrying a magnificent Hujia Qin, his face showed no disdain, but rather a solemn expression.
He had personally witnessed how this seemingly delicate, doll-like girl transformed into a humanoid tyrannosaurus once she entered battle mode, smashing powerful opponents like sandbags. The stark contrast in power was both impressive and terrifying.
After exchanging polite nods, both sides quickly retreated to their own half of the field and set up their formations.
On the Exotic Beast Academy side, the familiar formation remained: Cai Wenji and Yao were at the forefront, with Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuyue following closely behind, ready to merge at any moment, providing agile attacks from the flanks, and control and support from the rear.
The actions of the Star Luo Royal Team elicited a murmur from the audience. Instead of spreading out like a typical team, the seven of them quickly gathered around Li Yang, the support-type Soul Master.
"They're going to go straight into the mirror!" Those who had witnessed the Star Luo Team's matches immediately realized.
As expected, Li Yang unhesitatingly activated his Martial Soul to the fullest extent, Reflecting Mirror was larger and more solid than ever before appeared in front of the seven people. Dai Weisi, Pei Qinhu, Dongfang Yao, Baili Shouyue and the others did not hesitate at all. With a flash, they disappeared into the mirror one after another and vanished from the arena!
Chapter 233 Trading Injuries for Injuries
This was also Dai Weisi's strategy. They knew Cai Wenji's unreasonable physical attack power and terrifying recovery ability. If they stood outside and fought a conventional battle, they would only get beaten up in close combat and be worn down to death by the opponent's trade of injuries. The only advantage was to use the special characteristics of the Mirror Space to conduct asymmetrical warfare.
On the arena, only the seven members of the Exotic Beast Academy and the huge mirror that stood alone, reflecting their figures, remained.
Cai Wenji tilted her head, looking at the mirror. Her small face was expressionless. She simply stretched out her fair and delicate fingers and gently tapped the Hujia Qin in her arms.
"Hidden?" she murmured to herself, then a barely perceptible smile curved her lips. "Then... let's smash the mirror."
Just as the members of the Exotic Beast Academy were warily watching the mirrors scattered around the arena and pondering how to deal with this strange tactic, a sudden change occurred!