Successive Forfeits, Gu Yue's Question

The youth tournament had only just reached its second round, yet the atmosphere throughout the arena had already completely swung to one side.

Every time the Shrek Seven Monsters appeared in the contestants' tunnel, they drew the attention of the entire venue. At their side, the adult Tang Wulin still followed quietly. His presence was overwhelming, yet he never spoke much, merely protecting them in silence.

The young Tang Wulin had grown used to the steady figure beside him. Every time he looked up and saw him, he felt a little more at ease.

Soon, the matchups for the next round were announced.

When the mentor called out their opponents' names, the members of the team that had been chosen instantly turned pale.

They merely glanced up and met the adult Tang Wulin's indifferent yet immensely imposing gaze. Their entire bodies stiffened.

The captain took a deep breath, walked straight onto the stage, and cupped his hands toward the referee.

"We forfeit."

The referee was already used to this and simply nodded as he recorded it.

Xie Xie was dumbfounded. "Another forfeit? That's already the third one!"

Xu Lizhi hugged his buns and muttered softly, "We don't even have to fight. This is way too easy..."

Ye Xinglan frowned slightly, clearly finding this unsatisfying. There was no opportunity to temper themselves through actual combat.

Yuanen Yehui, Le Zhengyu, and Xu Xiaoyan all wore equally helpless expressions.

The young Tang Wulin looked at the adult Tang Wulin beside him, somewhat embarrassed. "Senior, it's all because of you. No one dares to fight us anymore."

The adult Tang Wulin raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone calm.

"They don't dare provoke us not because they're afraid of me, but because they're afraid of breaking the rules and hurting innocent people."

"If it comes to real combat, there will naturally be people willing to step up later."

The moment he finished speaking, a clear voice rang out from the elevated platform.

"A bunch of spineless cowards. You forfeited without even fighting. You've disgraced Shrek."

Everyone looked up.

A group of students with even more formidable auras stood at the edge of the VIP seating. Their leader wore white, his soul rings shining brilliantly. They were none other than the White Night Squad, seed competitors from the inner court and runners-up in the previous tournament.

Every member of the team was at the peak of Soul Elder rank, half a step into Soul Ancestor rank. Their strength far surpassed that of ordinary upperclassman teams.

Bai Ye's gaze was sharp as it fell directly on the Seven Monsters, finally stopping on the adult Tang Wulin. Yet he showed no sign of backing down.

"I don't care what kind of powerhouse you are. A tournament is a tournament. If you want the championship, defeat us with your real strength."

The entire arena instantly fell silent.

At last, someone dared to confront them head-on!

Xie Xie immediately perked up. "Perfect! I've been wanting a real fight for ages!"

Tang Wulin's eyes narrowed as fighting spirit rose within him. "We accept the challenge."

But Gu Yue did not look at Bai Ye. Instead, she turned her head again and stared at the adult Tang Wulin beside her.

Over the past few days, the more she looked at him, the more familiar he seemed.

Those golden eyes, his familiarity with the Golden Dragon's power, his understanding of her Silver Dragon aura, and the tacit understanding he showed toward every one of the Seven Monsters' personalities...

She finally could not hold back any longer. While everyone's attention was focused on the White Night Squad, she lowered her voice and asked him alone.

"Who exactly are you?"

"What is your relationship with me and Tang Wulin?"

The adult Tang Wulin lowered his head and met her starry silver eyes.

The breeze drifted gently past. He fell silent for a moment, then spoke so softly that only the two of them could hear.

"I am... the future."

Gu Yue froze. "The future?"

"Yes."

The adult Tang Wulin's gaze passed over her before settling on the young Tang Wulin, carrying a tenderness that transcended time.

"I came from the future you haven't reached yet."

Gu Yue's pupils suddenly contracted.

The elemental power at her fingertips trembled faintly out of control.

It was not as if she had never considered it, but when the answer truly came from his lips, the shock still made her heart race beyond control.

From the future...

He looked exactly like Tang Wulin...

His identity was already obvious.

She opened her mouth, wanting to ask more, but the referee on the elevated platform had already announced loudly.

"The next round: Shrek Seven Monsters versus White Night Squad! No forfeits are permitted this round!"

The entire venue erupted into thunderous cheers.

At last, a true clash of titans was about to begin!

The young Tang Wulin turned back to Gu Yue. "Are you ready?"

Gu Yue suppressed the storm raging in her heart, nodded, and returned her attention to the arena.

But when she looked at the adult Tang Wulin again, the look in her eyes had completely changed.

There was shock, realization, a trace of unease, and a hint of... heartache that even she had not noticed.

The adult Tang Wulin slowly walked to the most conspicuous spot at the side of the arena and stood there, his gaze fixed on the battlefield.

This time, there would be no more accidents.

He would watch his younger self claim this victory with true strength, openly and honorably.

Tang Wulin took a deep breath and raised a hand to signal his companions.

"Seven Monsters, formation!"

Seven figures instantly took their positions, their coordination as solid as iron.

And at the side of the arena, the Dragon Emperor from the future stood silently, becoming their most steadfast backing—one no one dared shake.

A great battle was on the verge of erupting.