A True Hard Battle, the Dragon Emperor Only Watches, Not Protects

As the referee's announcement fell, the atmosphere on both sides of the arena suddenly tightened.

The young Tang Wulin stood with the Shrek Seven Monsters, while the older students' team across from them radiated a heavy, solemn presence. Soul rings lit up one after another; they were clearly preparing to give it everything they had.

The stands erupted in commotion.

Everyone wanted to see just how far this freshman team, protected all this time by a mysterious powerhouse, could go once they were no longer under his protection.

The adult Tang Wulin slowly stepped back to the edge of the arena, his gaze settling on the center of the field.

There was no pressure, no intention to intervene. He merely watched in silence.

Tang Wulin took a deep breath, then turned and nodded to his companions.

"Do it the way we practiced."

"Alright."

Gu Yue's elements quietly swirled, Xu Xiaoyan's starlight drew inward, Xie Xie's figure had already become elusive, sword energy gathered at Ye Xinglan's fingertips, Yuanen Yehui's aura was as heavy as a mountain, Le Zhengyu's light gently rippled, and Xu Lizhi clenched the freshly steamed buns in his hands.

The opposing team did not waste a single word. The moment the match began, all of them charged forward, their soul skills roaring toward the Seven Monsters.

For a time, soul power surged across the arena as fierce winds swept through it.

The Seven Monsters immediately formed their formation, switching smoothly between offense and defense.

But their opponents' cultivation was higher, and their experience greater. After several waves of fierce attacks, the group gradually fell into a disadvantage, their breathing becoming unstable.

Seizing an opening, the enemy launched a fierce soul skill straight at Tang Wulin.

"Wulin!" Gu Yue cried out.

Every gaze in the arena snapped toward the adult Tang Wulin at the edge of the field.

Everyone thought he would intervene.

But he did not.

He simply stood there, his golden eyes as calm as ever.

In that instant, Tang Wulin tensed his entire body. Golden Dragon Power surged forth as he crossed his arms and blocked the attack head-on.

Boom—

He was blasted back several steps, a trace of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

"Wulin!" Gu Yue's elements instantly lost control, and a wild gale rose.

"Don't panic." Tang Wulin raised his head, his gaze becoming even more resolute. "We can do this ourselves."

He remembered what the adult Tang Wulin had taught him—

It was not about suppressing power, but controlling it.

Golden light flared again, more condensed and steadier than before.

"Seven Monsters, together!"

At his command, Yuanen Yehui confronted the enemy head-on, Ye Xinglan's sword light broke through their formation, Xie Xie harassed their rear, Le Zhengyu's light empowered them, Xu Xiaoyan's starlight locked down the field, and Xu Lizhi threw out his last few enhancement buns.

Gu Yue took a deep breath as the four great elements condensed in her palm to their utmost limit.

Golden and silver light resonated and intertwined between Tang Wulin and Gu Yue.

"Attack!"

A dazzling pillar of light swept out.

The opposing team's expressions changed drastically. They hastily raised their defenses, but they were still crushed by the single blow.

The referee froze for a moment before loudly announcing:

"Shrek Seven Monsters, victory!"

The arena instantly erupted.

The Seven Monsters panted as they looked at one another, each of them revealing a smile of genuine relief.

This time, they had won on their own.

Only then did the adult Tang Wulin step forward. Gentle golden light swept over them, causing their wounds and exhaustion to fade away together.

"Senior..." Tang Wulin smiled somewhat sheepishly.

"You did very well." The adult Tang Wulin looked at him, faint approval in his eyes.

Gu Yue stood beside them, her silver-blue eyes fixed unblinkingly on him.

She said nothing, yet she already understood everything.

The adult Tang Wulin lowered his gaze slightly, his voice so soft that only the two of them could hear it:

"Once the tournament is over, I'll tell you everything."

The setting sun spread across the arena as eight figures stood side by side.

The youths were filled with fiery passion, while the future Dragon Emperor stood quietly watchful.

The road ahead was already shining with boundless light.