Mountain and Sea Clash Again · Soul-Shattering Flute (5)

Li Xuanshu stood blankly on the arena platform, the flames on the Sky Phoenix Halberd in his hand having gone out at some point. He looked at Li Longyue below the stage, his face livid yet silent, then at Whale Fall and Wu Xinlan opposite him, battered but united in presence. A cold sense of powerlessness tangled with fury rose within him. He knew that with Brother Long Yue unexpectedly knocked from the stage, he had no chance of defeating the two opponents alone—especially Wu Xinlan, whose Soul Power seemed depleted but whose gaze remained deeply unsettling. Continuing would achieve nothing but humiliation, perhaps even injury.

The referee was stunned for several seconds before recovering from the dramatic reversal. He hurried forward, confirming that Li Longyue had indeed landed outside the arena and had no intention of immediately returning—nor did the rules permit it. Taking a deep breath to suppress his shock, he announced loudly:

"Li Longyue of the Li Family has touched outside the arena and is disqualified!"

Just as he was about to declare the Sea Shark Gang victorious—

"We concede."

Li Xuanshu's hoarse but clear voice rang out first, interrupting the referee. He put away the Sky Phoenix Halberd, its tip dropping to the ground with a light clang. Without looking at his opponents again, he turned and walked heavily toward the edge of the arena before leaping down and landing steadily beside Li Longyue. Raising his head to look at Li Longyue's grim profile, he said softly, "Brother Long Yue, let's go. We'll settle this debt in the team battle."

Li Longyue withdrew his gaze and took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the rage and resentment churning in his chest. He nodded. Without another word, he turned with Li Xuanshu and silently strode back toward the