Dai Mubai lunged toward Shen An like a ferocious tiger, his bloodied tiger claws gleaming with menacing sharpness from countless small cuts inflicted by sword energy. The crimson streaks only intensified his feral appearance.
Tang San, observing through his Purple Demon Eyes, couldn't help but admire Dai Mubai's combat skills. He deftly seized every opportunity in the fight, unlike Shen An, who, in Tang San's view, relied solely on a powerful martial soul and soul power. Shen An's decision to abandon his weapon and retreat was, in Tang San's eyes, a sign of inferiority.
As Dai Mubai closed in, his tiger claws ready to rip into Shen An's shoulders, Zhu Zhuqing's usually cold and composed demeanor faltered. Her eyes grew red with worry. Meanwhile, Tom sat nearby, casually licking his paws, indifferent to the drama unfolding before him.
Suddenly, a crisp clang of a sword reverberated through the air. Dai Mubai, mid-air, felt an overwhelming sense of impending doom, forcing him to abandon his attack.
A streak of emerald-green sword light zipped through the air—it was Shen An's Nine-Leaf Swordgrass, transformed into a brilliant and deadly beam of light, buzzing like a piercing gale.
"White Tiger Light Wave!"
Without hesitation, Dai Mubai unleashed his soul skill, launching a powerful light wave to intercept the oncoming sword beam.
Boom!
The sword light shattered the light wave with ease, but Dai Mubai used the recoil to propel himself safely back to the ground.
Shen An sneered. "Clever, but not enough." The Sword Control soul skill allowed the Nine-Leaf Swordgrass to move freely according to his will, relentlessly pursuing Dai Mubai.
Once grounded, Dai Mubai found himself under an unrelenting onslaught of sword strikes—slashes, thrusts, and cuts—all coming at blinding speed. He was forced to block with his claws, but the barrage left him covered in shallow wounds. He grew increasingly desperate, unable to retaliate, let alone close the distance to Shen An.
By now, Dai Mubai's clothing was in tatters, his body riddled with cuts. Yet, there wasn't a single life-threatening injury—a fact that didn't escape Tang San's sharp observation.
Tang San's face grew grave. He realized Shen An was intentionally holding back. Despite his overwhelming speed, power, and the airborne advantage from the Sword Control technique, Shen An had chosen not to deal a fatal blow. This was a terrifying display of restraint and dominance.
As the Nine-Leaf Swordgrass aimed a final strike toward Dai Mubai's forehead, the latter, now utterly spent, closed his eyes in despair, regretting his decision to provoke such a monster.
Bang!
A powerful fist collided with the blade, sending the Nine-Leaf Swordgrass hurtling away. A shockwave rippled through the area, and a burly figure stepped into the fray. His muscular frame radiated an imposing presence, exuding an air of raw power.
"Enough, boy," Zhao Wuji said, his hands clasped behind his back as if nothing had happened. "You've won this fight. There's no need to go further. You'll all be classmates in the future—why make such a fuss?"
Despite his calm demeanor, Zhao Wuji's fist bore faint marks of injury from the clash. His physical strength as a Soul Saint was formidable, but the power behind Shen An's sword was no joke.
Shen An staggered slightly as he recalled the Nine-Leaf Swordgrass. Being spiritually linked to his weapon, he had felt the brunt of Zhao Wuji's punch as well, causing his soul power to briefly stagnate. However, his face betrayed no surprise; he had sensed Zhao Wuji's presence long before.
The Sword Control technique had expanded Shen An's perception, allowing him to "see" through his weapon's movements. Zhao Wuji's presence, unhidden in the academy grounds, had been an open book to him.
Regaining his composure, Shen An spoke calmly. "I'm not here to enroll in your academy. How could we be classmates?"
Zhao Wuji's expression stiffened. Like Li Yusong before him, he hadn't expected a prodigy to reject Shrek Academy outright. He quickly adjusted his tone, mixing enticement with threat.
"You may not know this, but Shrek Academy has nurtured countless exceptional talents. You have the potential to join their ranks. I'll make an exception and allow you to enroll. However, if you refuse, you won't leave unscathed after injuring one of our students."
Shen An shook his head. "First, your so-called talented graduates succeeded due to their own innate gifts, not because of this academy. Your entry standards guarantee that much. Second, I only fought because this 'sick tiger' provoked me first. I simply stated facts, and he couldn't handle the truth. Third, this continent has no shortage of powerful figures. If you want to escalate matters, consider whether Shrek Academy can bear the consequences."
Shen An's confidence was palpable, bolstered by the capabilities granted by the super battle armor he had acquired. If Shrek Academy insisted on pressing the issue, he wasn't afraid to retaliate.
Zhao Wuji's eyes flickered with hesitation. Shen An's exceptional martial soul, soul ring configuration, and unwavering composure suggested he had the backing of a significant power—possibly even a Title Douluo. Zhao Wuji's instinct for survival, honed through years of peril, warned him against acting rashly.
Looking at the battered and bloodied Dai Mubai, Zhao Wuji inwardly cursed, "Damn it, Flender, where are you? Come clean up this mess!"