Strategic Contempt, Tactical Respect

Just as Dugu Yan was momentarily stunned, Jun Xuehan moved. The silver spear in his hand struck Dugu Yan's abdomen, and the tremendous force sent her flying straight off the Competition Stage.

Before Dugu Yan could hit the ground, Yu Tianheng quickly stepped forward and caught her, asking, "Yanzi, are you alright?"

Dugu Yan covered her abdomen with one hand. "Tsk, that kid really doesn't hold back. But how did he break through my Jade Phosphor Snake Venom?"

Yu Tianheng set Dugu Yan down and said softly, "As long as you're alright, nothing else matters. We've already lost two matches. We absolutely cannot lose the remaining three."

Yu Tianheng turned his gaze toward Jun Xuehan, his eyes brimming with fighting spirit. In response, Jun Xuehan merely gave him a cold, emotionless look.

In the spectator stands, Xue Qinghe asked in surprise, "Senior Poison Douluo, the current situation seems rather different from what you said earlier."

Xue Qinghe's words were like a slap across Dugu Bo's face. Dugu Bo had spoken with absolute certainty just moments ago, yet the outcome of the match was completely contrary to his claims.

"He used wine and phosphorus powder. Phosphorus powder ignites upon contact with fire, and with the wine, the flames burned even more fiercely. But that boy actually broke Yanyan's Jade Phosphor Snake Venom with such a simple method." Dugu Bo stared at Jun Xuehan, an inexplicable glint flashing through his eyes.

Ning Fengzhi watched what had just happened and nodded slightly. His fingers lightly tapped the armrest of his chair, and a gentle smile appeared on his face, as though he were deep in thought.

Xue Ye, seated in the place of honor, did not look very pleased either. However, with the outcome still undecided, he did not say anything.

Prince Xue Xing rose directly to his feet, found the three education committee members from Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and asked, "Send out the academy's Soul Ancestors and Soul Elders. Heaven Dou Royal Academy absolutely cannot lose the next three matches."

The three committee members looked troubled upon hearing this. "Your Highness, the academy's Soul Elders and Soul Ancestors were organized into a Training Journey half a month ago. Even if we summoned them back now, it would be too late."

Prince Xue Xing frowned slightly. "They were sent out for training? How did I not know about this?"

He had always been in charge of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, yet something like this had happened without his knowledge. Prince Xue Xing found it quite strange.

"We received orders from above. We could only comply." The three committee members exchanged looks and shook their heads slightly, indicating that they did not know much either.

"Orders from above?" Prince Xue Xing's gaze discreetly shifted toward Xue Ye. The only person who could bypass him and influence Heaven Dou Royal Academy seemed to be Xue Ye.

As for Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, although he had a certain foundation in the Imperial Court, it was basically impossible for him to bypass Prince Xue Xing and influence matters within Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

After thinking for a moment, Prince Xue Xing lightly waved to the three committee members and returned expressionlessly to his seat. He did not intend to ask about the matter. Since Xue Ye had done this, he naturally had his reasons, and now that it was already settled, there was little meaning in asking or not asking.

Watching Prince Xue Xing return empty-handed, Xue Qinghe merely smiled inwardly while outwardly remaining seemingly unfazed.

Yu Tianheng stepped onto the Competition Stage, looked at Jun Xuehan, and released his Martial Soul. "We meet again. This time, I won't lose."

Hearing Yu Tianheng's voice, Jun Xuehan narrowed his eyes slightly and raised the corners of his mouth. "Have we met?"

Of course, he remembered Yu Tianheng. He was merely saying it on purpose. The reason was simple: when people were angry or enraged, they automatically overlooked certain things. In such circumstances, they could unconsciously reveal flaws, making victory come faster and even more easily.

"You don't remember me? Three Months ago, we fought at the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena!" Seeing his disdainful expression, Yu Tianheng felt anger gradually begin to burn within him.

Three Months ago, at the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena, Jun Xuehan had worn that same expression. He had barely even looked at Yu Tianheng properly. Now that they had met again, Jun Xuehan actually did not remember him at all.

As the most dazzling genius of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, when had Yu Tianheng ever been treated with such contempt? And by someone so much younger than himself, no less—someone who even looked down on him.

"Oh? No impression." Jun Xuehan's words were incomparably calm, but he did not relax in the slightest. He had improved tremendously over Three Months, and Yu Tianheng could not possibly have remained stagnant.

Simply put, strategically despise the opponent, but tactically take the opponent seriously.

"It doesn't matter if you don't remember. As long as I remember you, that's enough." Yu Tianheng suppressed the anger in his heart and released the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul. After Martial Soul Possession, two yellow soul rings shone around him.

Although Yu Tianheng was angry, once bitten, twice shy. He still took Jun Xuehan very seriously. After all, he had suffered greatly at Jun Xuehan's hands back then.

Their bodies moved almost simultaneously. The Silver Dragon Spear collided with an attack crackling with lightning, producing a series of bangs.

Jun Xuehan unleashed Dragon Spear Wind and Rain. Several spear shadows appeared around him, and as the Silver Dragon Spear swept out, they stabbed toward Yu Tianheng almost at the same time.

The First Soul Ring beneath Yu Tianheng's feet lit up as he used his First Soul Skill: Thunder Dragon Claw. While blocking the thrusting silver spear, he seized the opportunity to throw a punch at Jun Xuehan. Jun Xuehan clenched his left hand and met Yu Tianheng's fist head-on.

Their fists collided, and both Jun Xuehan and Yu Tianheng were forced back at the same time. Jun Xuehan shook his somewhat numb and aching left hand before continuing his attack on Yu Tianheng.

Although the exchange appeared evenly matched, Jun Xuehan had actually suffered a slight hidden loss. Yu Tianheng's hand carried lightning, and clashing with it head-on was still quite painful.

Yu Tianheng merely felt a slight numbness in his hand. After recovering a little, the two charged at each other again and became locked in close combat. Spear shadows flashed, lightning flickered, and continuous bangs rang out across the Competition Stage.

As they continued to exchange blows, Yu Tianheng noticed that he was gradually suppressing the Silver Dragon Spear, and he could not help sneering inwardly. Using the same old trick, he once again employed the Upward Slash that sent opponents flying. Would I fall for the same move a second time? You're still too naive.