Hulena pursed her lips and suggested, "Is there any point in us staying here? Since it's unlikely to be our turn to compete anytime soon, why not go back to the Pope Hall first?"
They had already fully grasped the strength of Shenfeng Academy and Thunder Academy!
It was likely that the other Elemental Academies weren't much different. As such, there was no need to continue watching, it was merely a waste of time!
Flame seemed somewhat tempted and chimed in, "Actually, I've been thinking the same thing. For Heaven Dou Royal Academy and the Five Great Elemental Academies to determine a winner, at least four rounds of competition are needed. The wait won't be short!"
"It'd be more interesting to return to Poe Hall and have a chat with Xu Sheng than to stay here!"
Listening to these words, Evil Moon's brows furrowed involuntarily, "This... might not be a good idea. As the host team for this friendly match, with Emperor Xue Ye personally in attendance, it would be inappropriate for us to leave first, and it might even displease the other party!"
"Of course, that aside, what's more important is that it might give the Pope a headache!"
After all, it didn't matter which academy won the friendship match. What was important was the match's impact on the royal household and the various major powers!
Flame and Hulena showed a moment of hesitation, "This..."
Indeed, if this move were to cause displeasure to Emperor Xue Ye, the loss would outweigh the gain!
However, as they were discussing, Yueguan spoke up with crossed arms and cut in unexpectedly, "Don't even think about it. The Pope would never allow such a thing!"
"The reason you are watching the match is to assess the strength of each academy, to avoid complacency and missing out on the championship!"
Flame rolled her eyes, "But Elder Ju, it seems that the abilities of the students from these acadacies aren't particularly outstanding. There's really nothing to learn from them!"
Upon hearing that, Yueguan glanced at the ongoing battle above the stage...
And fell silent...
Indeed, he couldn't deny that the entire battle was like child's play, failing to spark any interest in him whatsoever!
With no other choice, he could only sigh, "It seems you'll have to endure the wait here!"
No matter what, for the sake of Spirit Hall's reputation, they had to stay.
Meanwhile, Shenfeng Academy and Thunder Academy were nearing the end of their contest...
The three members of Shenfeng Academy exchanged glances before simultaneously launching an attack on the only remaining member of Thunder Academy standing...
The latter staggered defensively, continually retreating toward the edge of the stage...
He proclaimed angrily, "You're despicable for bullying by outnumbering!"
Hearing this, the students from Shenfeng Academy seemed to find it hilarious, scoffing, "Hah, bullying by outnumbering? This is a team battle, who would go one-on-one with you? You're truly foolish!"
"If there's anyone to blame, blame your useless teammates. Let's all give it our all and finish him off quickly!"
Now that they had the upper hand, they naturally wouldn't give their opponent any chances!
At this, the soul rings beneath everyone's feet flashed, and they unhesitatingly unleashed their soul skills in a collective assault...
The member from Thunder Academy was clearly unwilling to give up, clenching his teeth he declared, "Damn it, I'll fight you with all I've got!!"
With that, he didn't think of surrendering and charged forward...
However, the outcome was clear, as he was sent flying like a bullet and violently crashed onto the stage...
Watching their disheveled opponent, the leading student couldn't help but mock again, "Hmph, I told you that you were no match for us, but you just had to bring this suffering upon yourselves!"
Having said that, he turned his gaze toward the Spirit Hall Executive not far away...
The latter also reacted, announcing loudly, "Shenfeng Academy versus Thunder Academy, Shenfeng Academy wins!"
As soon as he had spoken, support-class Soul Masters responsible for rescue went up to the stage and carried the unconscious students of Thunder Academy away from the arena...
Xue Ye shook his head, "I didn't expect Shenfeng Academy to win so easily, huh!"
He had thought it would be an exciting duel, but it was clear that he had overestimated Thunder Academy!
Ning Fengzhi, on the other hand, had a totally different view, "Emperor Xue Ye, if I'm not mistaken... It must be because Thunder Academy's most talented student did not participate in this friendly match, otherwise, there might have been a turnaround!"
He hadn't seen that familiar face on the field!
Curious, Xue Ye pressed on, "Oh? The most talented student? I wonder who he is??"
Ning Fengzhi did not hide anything and answered truthfully, "To Emperor Xue Ye, it is Yu Tianxin!"
Xue Ye narrowed his eyes, speculating, "Yu Tianxin? With the surname Yu, could it be that he is..."
The former nodded slightly in affirmation, "Exactly, he is indeed a clansman from the Thunderclap Overlord Dragon Sect!"
Only then did Xue Ye understand Thunder Academy's tactic, "I see... It looks like Thunder Academy was deliberately concealing its strength in this friendly match."
But that made sense, revealing their hand too early would be a disadvantage in the future Continental Elite Soul Masters Competition!
Listening to these words, Bi Bidong laughed lightly and then interjected, "Doesn't Emperor Xue Ye think that Thunder Academy's approach goes against the principle of a friendly match?"
Xue Ye answered coldly, "Your Holiness, your words are mistaken, a friendly match should, of course, prioritize friendship, victory, and defeat are common occurrences in the military. If you lose this time, you can always win the next!"
"Besides, I believe Spirit Hall has not sent its best students either, have they?"
Hearing this statement, Bi Bidong's gaze suddenly turned colder, and she immediately looked toward Ning Fengzhi...
The latter naturally knew what she meant, and without changing his expression, he said, "Your Holiness, if you look at me with such eyes, is there something wrong with what Emperor Xue Ye just said?"
Bi Bidong stared intently for several seconds before shifting her gaze away...
"No, there is nothing wrong with what Emperor Xue Ye has said!"
However, sensing the killing intent, Gu Rong suddenly sent a psychic message to Ning Fengzhi, "Fengzhi, Bi Bidong has shown a murderous intent; she might suspect that we have informed Emperor Xue Ye about Xu Sheng. Be very careful!"
After Ning Fengzhi returned a smile to Bi Bidong, he replied to Gu Rong via spiritual power...
"Hmm, but for now, only the upper three families should know about Xu Sheng, and I believe they haven't informed Emperor Xue Ye!"
The recent conversation was just a coincidence!!
Still skeptical, Gu Rong maintained his doubt, "Fengzhi, that may not be the case. Perhaps Emperor Xue Ye already knows about Xu Sheng being a Titled Douluo from birth!!"
Ning Fengzhi sighed inwardly, "I can't discount that possibility, but I still hold the same opinion; until Xu Sheng is dealt with, the Hao Tian Clan and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect wouldn't reveal too much information."
For now, as long as Xu Sheng doesn't encounter an attack from the powerhouses sent by Hao Tian Clan and Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, their current situation is still safe!
...