But something happened that took everyone by surprise.
After the draw ended, Dugu Yan of the Seven-Star Team and Chen Shuang of the Galaxy Fleet walked to the center of the arena.
Dugu Yan suddenly turned, bowed toward the Pope, and said, "I forfeit this match."
Forfeit?
The competing academies, who had finally gotten a chance to watch a clash of dragons and tigers, instantly froze.
What was this supposed to be?
After a brief moment of stunned silence, the Red-Robed Cardinal serving as referee immediately declared Chen Shuang of the Galaxy Fleet the winner of the first match.
The second match would pit Chen Shuang, representing the Galaxy Fleet, against Jing Ling, representing Shrek Academy.
At that moment, Yu Dashi and Tang San on Shrek Academy's side frowned almost simultaneously.
Master and disciple exchanged a glance, both revealing a trace of anger.
When their gazes turned toward the Seven-Star Team's members, cold smiles appeared on the faces of Tianyu, Bai Jie, and the others.
Jing Ling was likewise startled by the change in the situation. Just as he prepared to give his all against the incredibly powerful Chen Shuang...
Yu Dashi stood up in Shrek Academy's rest area, looking toward Pope Bibi Dong in front of the Papal Palace's doors.
"Please hold off on starting the match."
The Red-Robed Cardinal serving as referee was about to rebuke Grandmaster for interrupting the match, but the Pope raised a hand to stop him.
"Your reason!!!"
As those words left Bibi Dong's mouth, the temperature of the entire square seemed to drop, sending chills down everyone's spines.
However, Yu Dashi clearly failed to sense Bibi Dong's anger.
With his hands clasped behind his back, he looked up at Douluo Hall behind the Papal Palace and said indifferently, "No particular reason. I believe