Xiao Hongchen naturally had no idea that Shrek had already studied him inside and out and come up with a counterstrategy.
Even if he had known, he probably would have just smiled.
Don't slap a label on me so quickly. I'm not just a long-range Soul Engineer, you know.
He strolled back over to the Sun Moon Team. Meng Hongchen had already come to greet him, looking proud of him as she raised a hand for a high five.
"Awesome, Xiao!"
"You took on seven in a row and gave those Star Luo fools a real slap in the face."
"Meng, what's gotten into you? You still care about that sort of thing?" Xiao Hongchen glanced at her.
"I don't care, of course," Meng Hongchen said confidently. "But isn't it better to get that off our chests?"
"Brother Xiao—"
Xu Tianzhen came over from the side, her eyes sparkling as she tapped her index fingers together in front of her chest. Her tone held a hint of eager anticipation.
"Tianzhen wants to compete too."
Xiao Hongchen glanced around at everyone waiting for him to say something, then spoke.
"You'll all get your chance. I probably won't compete again before the finals, so the spots are yours. Give it your best and don't bring shame on our academy."
His gaze passed over Ye Guyi, Nana, and Lan Xiu, then finally settled on Ma Rulong.
"Brother Ma, you can arrange the matches from here on out. Meng and I won't be competing."
Ma Rulong thumped his chest, looking full of confidence.
"Leave it to me. I guarantee we'll win every match."
"Good." Xiao Hongchen nodded, then raised his voice. "If you're heading back to the hotel, come with me. There's nothing worth watching at the other academies. We'd be better off going