Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin, on the other hand, looked perfectly at ease, leaning back in their chairs as if today's match had nothing to do with them.
A middle-aged teacher walked over, his gaze settling on Tang San.
"Student Tang San," he began, his voice unhurried. "You're the esteemed disciple of Young Sect Master Yu Xiaogang. You'll be the first to take the field today."
"Me...?" The corner of Tang San's mouth twitched.
"That's right." The teacher continued, "Be sure not to tarnish your teacher's reputation."
At that, Tang San was a thousand times unwilling, but he took a deep breath and said through gritted teeth, "I'll do my best."
"Not your best." The teacher's voice suddenly turned stern, his gaze sharp as a blade. "You must! Otherwise, where will that leave your teacher's pride?"
"If word gets out, how will he ever be able to show his face?"
The corner of Tang San's mouth twitched even harder. What pride did his teacher have to speak of?
Who didn't know he was a useless good-for-nothing?
But he couldn't say that.
Just then—
"Both contestants, please come up!"
The referee's voice rang out from the arena, clear and loud.
The teacher lifted his chin in indication. "Go on, Student Tang San."
"Be sure to win back some pride for your teacher. Understood?"
"Understood." Tang San gritted his teeth and steeled himself as he left the rest area.
Behind him, Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin exchanged glances, their eyes brimming with schadenfreude.
Xiao Wu was already standing in the middle of the arena.
Today, she wore a pink outfit suited for combat, her long hair tied up in a high ponytail. She looked spirited and dashing, with a touch of girlish charm.
Tang San stepped onto the arena and looked