Chapter 169: Without the Scythe
Yu Xiaogang thought for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Yes, that plan isn't bad. We'll go with that arrangement, then."
"Jing Ling, Tai Long, Ma Hongjun, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Yu Tianheng—and finally, Xiao San will take the last round."
As soon as his words fell, both Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the lineup.
"Teacher, Heaven Dou Royal Academy doesn't just have Luo Ling," Xiao Wu protested immediately. "Even if we somehow beat him, what about the rest of their team?"
Yu Tianheng's expression darkened upon hearing this.
He knew in his heart that the five people before him couldn't pose much threat to Luo Ling. They might not even manage to drain his spirit power. In the preliminaries, Luo Ling had defeated both him and Tai Long with a single strike.
In the end, he would likely be the one to truly expend Luo Ling's energy.
It was obvious—Yu Xiaogang's strategy wasn't about winning the round. It was about giving Tang San the perfect opportunity to claim victory over Luo Ling.
Luo Ling was the most talked‑about contender of the tournament—the only Soul King. If Tang San managed to "defeat" him, it would earn tremendous prestige, even if victory came through a cheap war of attrition.
The civilians watching wouldn't know the details; they'd only remember that Tang San had beaten Luo Ling.
In truth, Yu Xiaogang never intended for them to win—he only wanted to build Tang San's reputation.
Realizing this, Yu Tianheng's eyes grew dark with quiet resentment. It was galling to see his own uncle favoring a disciple over his own blood.
Seeing Xiao Wu's defiance, Yu Xiaogang's expression hardened as he spoke in a righteous tone. "I'm only offering the most practical plan to secure victory. Unless you have a better one?"
The group exchanged uneasy glances. Not everyone could see through Yu Xiaogang's scheme. Oscar and Ma Hongjun looked genuinely puzzled, failing to grasp his hidden agenda.
Only Ning Rongrong and Yu Tianheng truly understood.
As for Xiao Wu, she turned to the silent Tang San with open contempt. "Coward."
That single word hit him harder than any strike. His expression twisted, embarrassed and furious.
Yes… he was afraid. Afraid of facing Luo Ling and being crushed mercilessly before everyone. And Xiao Wu had just said it out loud for all to hear.
If anyone else had said it, Tang San might have already plotted revenge—but this was Xiao Wu, the girl he'd always cherished, the one who'd never returned his feelings.
Clenching his fists tightly, he forced a calm facade over the fury swirling inside, silently directing his hatred toward Luo Ling.
It was all Luo Ling's fault. Ever since arriving in Soto City, the man had been his shadow and his rival in everything.
Once, Xiao Wu had simply been indifferent to him—but now, she looked at him with outright disgust.
Luo Ling… just wait.
When I break through to the Soul King level, I'll crush you beneath my feet. I'll make Xiao Wu see that I'm stronger.
Lost in that venomous promise, Tang San clenched his teeth, imagining a future where he stood above the man he hated most.
…
The first match began while both teams were still finalizing their strategies.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy's first competitor was, unsurprisingly, Luo Ling himself.
Their opponent—Shrek Academy. Luo Ling naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity.
In the viewing area, Ye Lingling teased Dugu Yan with a grin. "Yanyan, looks like another exhibition match for your Xiao Ling."
"Of course! Those Shrek people don't stand a chance against him," Dugu Yan replied proudly—then froze, realizing exactly what Ye Lingling had said.
Her cheeks flushed instantly. "Lingling! How dare you tease me!"
"I didn't say anything! You did," Ye Lingling laughed as she dodged Dugu Yan's playful swat.
While the two women bickered, the Shrek team stepped onto the field.
As they approached the battle arena, Yu Xiaogang called out sharply, "Remember—avoid direct confrontation with Luo Ling. Focus on defense and evasion to exhaust his spirit power. Take every opening you can find and don't hold back!"
Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged disgusted looks. His shameless tactics made them sick.
Meanwhile, Luo Ling had already entered the central battleground.
Seeing Shrek's chosen formation, he was unsurprised.
Their plan matched his expectations exactly—wear down his power first, then have Yu Tianheng or Tang San finish him.
It was an intelligent tactic, but against absolute strength, intelligence meant nothing.
Moments later, Jing Ling arrived to face him.
Both sides released their spirits. The moment Luo Ling's Shadow Scythe appeared in his hand, the entire arena darkened as though clouds had swallowed the sun.
Jing Ling's spirit—a weak skeletal warrior—was laughable in comparison. Luo Ling saw no point in wasting time.
At the referee's signal, Luo Ling vanished.
When he reappeared, he stood beside Jing Ling, the massive scythe already swinging. The impact sent Jing Ling flying off the platform before he could even react.
The referee froze mid‑gesture, his arm suspended awkwardly before he stammered, "The first round—Heaven Dou Royal Academy wins! Shrek, send out your next contestant."
In the spectator stands, Yu Xiaogang smiled instead of frowning.
"Yes, that's right. Let him keep attacking. A speed like that must burn through spirit power quickly. The more he moves, the more he drains himself."
"Xiao Wu, Zhuqing, you two are agile Spirit Ancestors. When it's your turn, just keep your distance and tire him out. Evade until he's exhausted."
The two women glared at him again but said nothing. Yu Xiaogang, oblivious to their scorn, continued to watch confidently.
The next match began—Tai Long stepped up and, like Jing Ling, was knocked out with a single blow.
Then came Ma Hongjun.
The chubby boy stepped forward with a forced smile, calling out respectfully, "Brother Ling! I know I'm no match for you, so please—go easy on me, will you?"
He had feared Luo Ling since the day at the Soto Arena when he'd witnessed him crush Dai Mubai.
And judging by what had just happened to Tai Long and Jing Ling, Ma Hongjun had no illusions about his chances.
Luo Ling chuckled, amused. "Alright, then I won't use the scythe."
Ma Hongjun blinked. "You… won't use your scythe?"
His martial spirit was a scythe. What kind of Spirit Master fought without his own weapon?
He didn't think Luo Ling was mocking him—more likely, the man possessed some other, hidden ability. Regardless, he dared not underestimate him.
"Then I'll see what you can really do, Brother Ling!" Ma Hongjun said seriously as his spirit attached, flames erupting around him.
(END CHAPTER)
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