Stripped Trump Card, the Clown Kneeling in the Snow and Ice

Inside the Royal Enclosure, the Shrek Academy tent was thick with the pungent scent of medicinal herbs.

Tang San lay on a cot, his eyes staring blankly at the patterns on the tent ceiling. Yesterday's crushing defeat felt like a rusty saw, grinding repeatedly against his self-esteem. Losing to Meng Yiran, being scorned by public opinion, and being humiliated in public by Yu Tianyu—each incident made him feel as though he were trapped in an inescapable nightmare.

"Little San, drink your medicine."

Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang walked in carrying a bowl of pitch-black decoction, his stiff face forcing a look of comfort.

"Teacher..." Tang San's voice was hoarse and dry. "Am I useless? I couldn't even beat Meng Yiran, and I had to resort to a sneak attack with the Clear Sky Hammer..."

"Nonsense!"

Grandmaster interrupted him sharply, slamming the bowl onto the table. "That was an accident! That bizarre lightning ability Meng Yiran used was definitely not something she cultivated herself. Someone must be pulling strings in the shadows—it might even be that Yu Tianyu manipulating things behind the scenes!"

At the mention of Yu Tianyu, a flame of resentment ignited in Tang San's eyes.

"It's him again..."

"Little San, listen to me." Grandmaster sat on the edge of the bed, pressing his hands onto Tang San's shoulders with a look of Fanaticism. "Your current setback is only temporary. You possess Twin Martial Souls; you are the chosen one. Yesterday's failure was merely due to a lack of intelligence."

Grandmaster took a deep breath and cast the bait he had carefully prepared—the next "hope" for Tang San.

"In the next match, our opponent is Tianshui Academy."

"Every member of Tianshui Academy is a Spirit Master with ice and water attributes. This might be troublesome for others, but for you, it is a god-given opportunity."

Tang San froze for a moment, then reacted, a light suddenly igniting in his dim eyes.

That's right!

He had consumed the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and the Blazing Apricot Delicate, long ago forging a body of steel that was impervious to water and fire, and immune to all poisons.

Ice-attribute attacks? To him, they were nothing more than a tickle!

"Teacher means..." Tang San sat up straight, clenching his fists.

"Exactly." Grandmaster nodded, his eyes flashing with wisdom. "Since they made you lose face in the last match, you will use this match to secure an absolute victory and slap them hard in the face! Make those who mocked you shut up!"

"You must not only win, but win beautifully—win in a way that leaves your opponents in despair."

"Before the medicinal power of those two immortal herbs, Tianshui Academy's control and attacks will be completely ineffective against you. You only need to stand there, let them attack you, and then strike back like a king. That kind of visual impact will be enough to restore your reputation!"

Listening to his teacher's analysis, Tang San's broken heart began to beat once more.

That's right, I still have the protection of the immortal herbs!

Yu Tianyu might be able to cheat for Meng Yiran, but could he cheat for everyone in Tianshui Academy? No matter how strong Yu Tianyu was, he couldn't change the absolute law of attribute suppression.

"I understand, Teacher."

Tang San's eyes burned with renewed confidence, even carrying a hint of the pleasure of impending revenge. "In the next match, I will make everyone shut up."

He had grasped this straw of hope.

But what he didn't know was that the other end of this straw was held firmly in the hands of that devil.

The qualifying tournament continued.

But before Tang San could take the stage, there was another highly anticipated duel.

Kamikaze Academy versus Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Or more accurately, Feng Xiaotian versus Yu Tianyu.

Ever since he saw the goddess of his heart, Huo Wu, wearing a maid outfit and peeling grapes for Yu Tianyu, Feng Xiaotian's mentality had completely collapsed. That proud Huo Wu, who never gave him the time of day, was actually as docile as a cat in front of that man?

This was more painful than death.

"Yu Tianyu! I want to duel you!!"

On the arena, Feng Xiaotian's eyes were bloodshot as he pointed at the youth who was still lounging in his chair. "If you're a man, get up here! If I win, you stay away from Huo Wu!"

The entire arena was in an uproar. This was nothing short of a desperate charge for love.

Yu Tianyu slowly stood up, brushed some non-existent dust off his hem, and smiled at Huo Wu beside him.

"Look, your suitor is quite infatuated."

Huo Wu bit her red lip, a flash of pity crossing her eyes, but it was mostly helplessness. She had witnessed Yu Tianyu's terror; Feng Xiaotian's behavior was no different from suicide.

"Don't hold back; it's better to let him give up," Huo Wu whispered.

"As you wish."

Yu Tianyu flickered, and the next second, he appeared on the arena.

He didn't release his Martial Soul, and he didn't even take his hands out of his pockets.

"You think you're qualified to set conditions for me?" Yu Tianyu looked at Feng Xiaotian indifferently. "But since you want to play, I'll play along. Make your move; you only have one chance."

"Ahhhhh! You look down on me!!"

Feng Xiaotian roared, his Gale Twin-Headed Wolf Martial Soul manifesting, and the wings behind him flapped violently.

"Thirty-Six Consecutive Slashes of the Gale Demon Wolf!!"

This was his self-created ultimate technique, using momentum to build power. Each strike was heavier than the last, and by the thirty-sixth slash, the power was enough to shake a Spirit Emperor.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Feng Xiaotian transformed into a cyan whirlwind, descending from the sky with wings like blades, hacking fiercely toward Yu Tianyu.

The first slash, the second slash, the third slash...

He was building momentum, he was accelerating.

However, just as he was about to unleash the tenth slash.

"Too slow."

Yu Tianyu shook his head.

He extended a single finger, just one index finger, and tapped lightly against the sky full of cyan blade shadows.

There was no earth-shattering explosion, nor any brilliant glow of a Spirit Skill.

There was only a crisp—"Ding."

That was the sound of Yu Tianyu's finger tapping the tip of Feng Xiaotian's wing.

In that instant, time seemed to stand still.

Immediately following.

BOOM!!

Feng Xiaotian's originally unstoppable momentum halted instantly, and an indescribable, terrifying force surged through his wings and throughout his entire body.

"Pfft!"

Feng Xiaotian spat out a mouthful of blood, his entire body like a punctured balloon, flying backward ten times faster than he had arrived.

He slammed heavily into the ground outside the arena, creating a deep crater, and passed out without even letting out a scream.

One finger.

One-hit kill.

The entire arena was deathly silent.

This was the gap. It was not a gap in spirit power, but a gap in dimensions.

Tang San, waiting for his turn off-stage, watched this scene, and the confidence he had just built up developed another crack.

Feng Xiaotian's Thirty-Six Consecutive Slashes were something even he would have to go all out against, perhaps even using the Clear Sky Hammer, to withstand. Yet, in front of Yu Tianyu, they couldn't even get past a single finger.

No... don't panic.

Tang San desperately comforted himself in his heart, He is a Power Attack type, it's normal for him to have great strength. But the next match is against Tianshui Academy, which is a Control type. As long as my attributes provide immunity, I will be invincible!

He was gambling, gambling that Yu Tianyu could not interfere with the rules.

Finally, it was Shrek Academy's turn to face Tianshui Academy.

"San, go. Remember, remain as immovable as a mountain." Grandmaster gave his final instructions.

Tang San took a deep breath and strode onto the arena.

When his figure appeared in the crowd's line of sight, the spectators, who had still been discussing the divine power of Yu Tianyu's finger just moments ago, instantly changed their tune.

"Look, that sore loser is back up there again."

"Is he going to try to kill someone again this time?"

"Boo-- get off!"

The sky-filling boos surged forward like a tide.

Tang San remained expressionless, a cold sneer even curling the corners of his mouth.

Boo all you want, curse all you want. In a moment, when you see my performance, you will know who the truly ignorant ones are.

On the Tianshui Academy side, a stunningly beautiful young girl walked up.

Shui Bing'er.

She had long, water-blue hair, skin so fair it was almost translucent, and she radiated an icy temperament that kept others at a distance.

As the captain of Tianshui Academy, she not only possessed the top-tier Ice Phoenix spirit, but also possessed an extremely keen combat intuition.

"Shrek Academy, Tang San." Tang San bowed slightly, striking a pose of unfathomable depth.

"Tianshui Academy, Shui Bing'er." Shui Bing'er replied coldly.

Following the referee's command, the match began.

"First Spirit Skill: Ice Seal!"

Shui Bing'er didn't waste any words, instantly casting her control-type Spirit Skill.

A blast of cold air instantly locked onto Tang San, and the ice on the ground spread toward him like a venomous snake, attempting to freeze him in place.

Facing this swift and fierce attack, Tang San stood his ground, not moving an inch.

He didn't even release his spirit.

He was waiting, waiting for the moment the frost covered his entire body.

Crack!

Hard ice instantly encased Tang San, turning him into an ice sculpture.

The entire audience was stunned. Was it over already? He didn't even try to dodge?

Shui Bing'er also frowned slightly; she did not believe that someone capable of reaching the qualifying tournament would be this weak.

Sure enough.

The next second.

"Break."

A soft shout came from within the ice sculpture.

BOOM!

The solid ice covering Tang San shattered instantly, turning into a sky full of ice powder.

Tang San stepped out unscathed, not even a speck of frost clinging to his body. He brushed off his shoulders, looked at Shui Bing'er, and said indifferently:

"Your ice is too cold. But in front of me, it's not enough."

At this moment, Tang San felt he looked incredibly cool.

This was the power of the immortal herbs! This was his capital for a comeback!

Seeing this scene, a wave of exclamations erupted from the spectator stands.

"How is that possible? Shui Bing'er's Ice Seal is instantaneous, and the temperature is extremely low!"

"He actually tanked it head-on?"

Listening to the shift in the crowd's sentiment, the vanity in Tang San's heart was greatly satisfied. He looked toward Yu Tianyu on the high platform, his eyes filled with provocation: Do you see? This is my trump card! Can you break it?

On the high platform.

Yu Tianyu watched Tang San's smug, petty display, the smile at the corners of his mouth deepening.

"A very interesting performance."

He swirled the wine glass in his hand, watching the scarlet liquid within.

"Since you like playing with ice so much, I'll let you have your fill."

Yu Tianyu closed his eyes slightly, his powerful spiritual energy instantly communicating with the Ice Dragon King essence within his body.

As the existence who inherited the divine cores of the two great Dragon Kings, all ice and fire energy in this world had to bow before him.

Even those two immortal herbs were merely byproducts that grew in the place where the Ice and Fire Dragon Kings had fallen.

In other words, they were the Dragon Kings' gifts.

Since they were gifts, I can take them back.

"Go... to sleep."

Yu Tianyu chanted silently in his heart, and an invisible pressure, which only those with top-tier dragon bloodlines could sense, instantly enveloped the entire arena, piercing precisely into Tang San's body.

At this moment.

Tang San, who was feeling smug on the arena, suddenly felt his heart contract violently.

The two red and blue currents that had been circulating within him to resist external heat and cold suddenly curled up as if they had encountered some terrifying natural predator!

And at that very instant.

The "Ice and Fire Immunity" constitution granted to him by the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and the Blazing Apricot Delicate failed.

On the arena.

Shui Bing'er looked at the unscathed Tang San, a glimmer of competitive spirit flashing in her eyes.

"Immune to ice? I don't believe there is such a thing as absolute immunity in this world!"

"Second Spirit Skill: Ice Ring Armor!"

"Third Spirit Skill: Resisting Ice Ring!"

Shui Bing'er shouted, her spirit power erupting fully. Snow began to fall from the sky.

That was the prototype of her innate domain—Ice and Snow Fluttering.

Countless sharp ice shards mixed with terrifying cold air transformed into an Ice Tornado, sweeping toward Tang San once again.

Facing this even fiercer offensive, Tang San maintained his arrogant posture.

"It's useless. I said it, I am the bane of ice."

Tang San even put his hands behind his back, preparing to tank this blow again, then counterattack in the most dashing way possible to completely shatter Shui Bing'er's psychological defenses.

The cold air reached his body.

The smile was still hanging on Tang San's lips.

However, the next second, his smile froze.

Cold.

Bone-chilling cold.

It was a terrifying chill that felt as if it would freeze even his soul, instantly piercing through his skin and burrowing into his bone marrow.

"Wh... what is happening?!"

Tang San discovered with horror that the fiery, vigorous blood he prided himself on had vanished; his body began to stiffen, and his hands and feet lost all sensation in an instant.

"No! This is impossible!!"

He screamed frantically in his heart, Where are my immortal herbs?! Where is my golden body?! Why am I cold?!

But reality was cruel.

That Ice Tornado swallowed him without the slightest obstruction.

Crack, crack, crack, crack!

Thicker, harder Blue Ice formed in an instant.

This time, Tang San was no longer standing as easily as he had been a moment ago.

Due to the extreme cold, his body curled up instinctively, his knees went weak, and his entire person assumed an incredibly humiliating posture—

He knelt on the ground, arms wrapped around his chest, shivering, his face still frozen in that ridiculous, stiff, confident smile.

Then, he was completely frozen solid.

A lifelike ice sculpture was born.

The person inside the ice sculpture knelt before Shui Bing'er, looking as if he were repenting, or perhaps begging for mercy.

The entire arena fell into dead silence.

Everyone widened their eyes, staring at the comical ice sculpture in the center of the ring.

One second, two seconds, three seconds.

The shattering that had occurred just moments ago did not happen.

The ice sculpture remained an ice sculpture, only the face of the Tang San inside had turned a bruised purple, clearly on the verge of losing consciousness from the cold.

"Is... is this the 'nemesis' he was talking about?"

It was unclear who laughed out loud first.

"Hahahaha! I'm dying of laughter! He acted so tough just a moment ago, only to end up kneeling in one shot?"

"This is too ridiculous! Is this posture supposed to be him kneeling to propose to the beauty?"

"What kind of genius? He's just a clown who only knows how to talk big!"

Roars of laughter erupted like a tsunami, even more piercing and hurtful than the boos from before.

On the high platform.

Yu Tianyu finally couldn't help himself and burst into loud laughter.

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!"

He took the lead in applauding, his clapping carrying across the entire arena with the aid of his soul power.

"To entertain everyone, contestant Tang San didn't even hesitate to sacrifice his own dignity to perform this special skill called 'Instant Kneel.' Such professional dedication is truly moving!"

Yu Tianyu's words were like a handful of salt, ruthlessly rubbed into Tang San's wounds.

Inside the ice sculpture.

Although his body could not move, a sliver of Tang San's consciousness remained.

He heard the mockery around him, heard Yu Tianyu's sarcasm, and felt that cold that seeped deep into his marrow.

Why...

Why is it that every time I am given hope, it ends in such despair?

My immortal herbs... my luck... where did it all go?

"Break!"

At the final moment, in order to save his life, Tang San had no choice but to forcibly circulate his Mysterious Heaven Skill, shattering the ice layer at the cost of damaging his meridians.

But he no longer had the strength to stand up again.

Covered in ice shards, he lay trembling on the ground, his lips blue, lacking even the courage to look up at Shui Bing'er.

"I... concede..."

Those three words were more painful than death itself.

Shui Bing'er looked down at the prostrate Tang San, a flash of disappointment and disdain crossing her eyes.

"This is the so-called genius with Twin Martial Souls?"

"He doesn't even understand the properties of his own martial soul; he is nothing but arrogant."

Shui Bing'er snorted coldly, turned around, and walked off the ring, leaving Tang San with nothing but a haughty back.

Late at night.

The camp of Shrek Academy was shrouded in gloom.

Tang San was wrapped in three thick layers of quilts, yet he was still shivering. It was not a chill of the body, but a coldness of the heart.

He had lost again.

And he had lost even more miserably than last time, looking even more like a joke.

"I won't compete anymore... I want to withdraw from the tournament..."

Tang San's teeth chattered as he spoke incoherently, "I want to go back to the Clear Sky Sect... I want to find my dad... This place is hell..."

His Dao heart had completely shattered. He did not want to see Yu Tianyu ever again, nor did he want to hear those mocking voices.

"San! You cannot give up!" Grandmaster was sweating profusely with anxiety, "If you leave now, you are truly finished!"

Just then.

The curtain of the tent moved without a breeze.

A black shadow appeared silently at the entrance of the tent.

It was a person wearing a black robe and a mask (a clone or confidant of Yu Tianyu).

"Who is it?!" Flender and Zhao Wuji immediately stood guard in front of Tang San with alert expressions.

The man in black did not speak; he simply tossed an Image Recording Spirit Guidance Device onto Tang San's bed.

The Spirit Guidance Device lit up.

An image appeared inside.

It was a dilapidated blacksmith shop, and a slovenly middle-aged man was drinking.

It was Holy Soul Village! It was Tang Hao!

Although the footage lasted only a few seconds, Tang San recognized his father at a single glance!

Then, the scene shifted.

The magnificent sight of the Pope Palace of Spirit Hall appeared, along with countless Judgment Knights ready for battle.

The cold voice of the man in black rang out, devoid of any emotion:

"My master said."

"Tang San, you may withdraw from the tournament, or you may run away."

"But as long as you dare to step half a step outside this enclosure, or miss a single match."

"This intelligence regarding the hiding place of the Clear Sky Douluo will immediately appear on the desk of Pope Bibi Dong."

"When that happens, it won't just be you who dies, but also your alcoholic father, and... the entire Holy Soul Village."

Boom!

Tang San's mind went blank.

A threat! A naked, blatant threat!

That person... had actually investigated his background in Holy Soul Village so thoroughly?! He even knew where Tang Hao, who had been missing for years, was hiding?!

"What... what exactly does he want?!" Tang San roared hysterically, tears of despair streaming from his eyes.

The man in black sneered and turned to melt into the darkness.

He left behind only one sentence that plunged Tang San into an endless hell:

"My master said."

"A toy should have the self-awareness of a toy."

"He hasn't had enough fun yet, so how could you possibly leave?"

"Remember to show up on time for tomorrow's match. My master has arranged a new 'program' for you."

The tent fell into a deathly silence.

Grandmaster slumped to the ground, his face ashen.

Flender clenched his fists, yet felt a profound sense of powerlessness.

Tang San clutched his head and let out a desperate whimper.

He could not die even if he wanted to, and he could not escape even if he tried.

He was like a puppet held by invisible strings, forced to perform the play called "Despair" over and over again in the palm of that demon.

Until... he was completely broken.