None of them were surprised that Han Shuo could defeat Baten. After all, Baten was weaker than Ralph, and even Ralph was no match for Han Shuo, so Baten's defeat was only to be expected.
But Baten said he had not even seen Han Shuo attack during their fight. Wasn't that simply too incredible?
Under the puzzled gaze of his patriarch, Laurel, Baten looked indignant. "That's exactly what happened. I really didn't see him attack!"
"Then how did you lose?" Laurel grew even more puzzled.
"From the moment the fight began, I felt as though I'd been trapped in some prison. An astonishingly corrosive acid poison and a cold poison attacked me simultaneously, forcing me to set up a barrier to defend myself. Only when my divine power was exhausted did I finally feel myself escape that prison. That was when Brian appeared and subdued me!" Baten was deeply frustrated, filled with an indescribable sense of helpless humiliation as he recounted the experience.
Laurel was inwardly shocked. He exchanged glances with the patriarchs of the other two major families, who had approached from either side, then suddenly fell silent.
While they were talking, Qinglin entered the Competition Area as well.
Han Shuo, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly rose to his feet with a smile. "You're here?" Smiling at Qinglin, Han Shuo was unsure whether he should use his full strength against him. Han Shuo had seen Qinglin's strength once before and knew that she was probably second only to Wallace in Shadow City, slightly stronger even than Ralph. He was still very confident that he could handle Qinglin, but their good relationship left him somewhat hesitant.
Qinglin was much more easygoing than he was. He walked in smiling, cast Han Shuo a glance with bright eyes