Chapter 219 - Powerful Opponents (1/2)

“I heard things are different in the center and western regions. Apparently, becoming a battle armor master is a lot more popular there. That's why, many of those people choose to walk a pure soul master's path. They don't rush to increase their soul powers blindly. In order to be a battle armor master, it's important to also be a formidable soul master. Because of this mindset, there are more battle armor masters produced by the center and western regions. In their eyes, battle armor masters are the greatest military force on the continent; so, they all strive to become one. I believe this difference in perspectives has created the current gap in strength.”

“I think Teacher Wu's teaching methods are similar to the center region's. In fact, they're probably from Shrek Academy's inner court. This should be why we're stronger than our peers.”

Tang Wulin couldn't help but raise a brow at Xie Xie's theory. “How do you know these things?” He couldn't believe that this was something Xie Xie dug up himself.

Xie Xie smirked. “When I returned home for vacation, I wanted to play but my old man was bent on testing me. I gave him a nice surprise in the end. After I explained the training we'd been through, he told me about this stuff. My old man is quite perceptive, you know.”

Tang Wulin nodded. “What Uncle said is reasonable. Let's all work hard to become battle armor masters.” He extended his hand as he spoke.

Gu Yue placed her hand below his. On top were Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan's. The four friends smiled at each other, their confidence soaring.

☀

Tang Wulin's team was able to attain easy victories in the following three matches. There was only one three-ringed opponent that appeared throughout the string of matches. The entire time, Tang Wulin served as the cornerstone of the team. He controlled the battlefield, protected his teammates, and dealt the most damage. Overall, he carried the team.

Although his cultivation was weak, his innate divine strength and golden dragon claw made up for it and then some. He had yet to meet a worthy opponent in the team compet.i.tion.

By their fourth win, the other teams in their group had taken notice of them. They were wary of Tang Wulin especially.

Tang Wulin's performances had been too dazzling, his attacks too intimidating. He also wielded a purple soul ring. The other teams realized that he always barged through as the vanguard. He kept the opposing team in check while his teammates did their part. As a result, he became a hot topic and a subject of research for those interested in his combat style, techniques, and weaknesses.

Tang Wulin had a strict daily schedule. He would rise at the break of dawn to cultivate the Purple Demon Eyes and practice Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon. In the afternoon, he would compete, and at night he would meditate. His days were rich and productive.

Actual combat was essential to his cultivation. As Tang Wulin grew more familiar with the basics of Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon, he tried applying it in some of the matches. He couldn't wield it effectively, but his understanding of the technique continued to deepen. Not only was Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon another method of attack, it also improved his control over the soul power compressed by the Mysterious Heaven Method. His priority involved training what little soul power he possessed to burn at one hundred percent each time he summoned it.

“I heard our opponents today are strong! They're probably the most formidable team in our group.” Xie Xie said to Tang Wulin.

Tang Wulin nodded. “Mn. That's right! It's Sealand Academy's primary team. I heard that they have two three-ringed soul masters and one two-ringed soul master. Our group's overall strength is actually pretty low. Sealand Academy's team also has four wins in four battles so far. The top four teams in our group will enter the top sixteen. We just need to win one more match. It's practically settled already.”

“What's the plan for this match?” Xie Xie asked. “You should let me show off for once. You've been hogging all the limelight! No one's paying attention to me!”

Tang Wulin lowered his voice, his words mysterious, “The ones who burst out in the end are the trump cards! Those like me are the worst. I can only show my strength in the beginning.”

A look of astonishment crossed Xie Xie's face. “Really? But all the girls on the other teams only pay attention to you. I don't understand why since I'm more handsome than you!”

“Your skin sure is thick. You aren't even one third as handsome as our captain.” Xu Xiaoyan fought hard to contain her laughter.

Xie Xie's face soured, wrinkling like a prune. “I hate people as blunt as you. Anyway, I want to show off a bit. I don't want to be a trump card. Just let me show off how awesome I am.”

Tang Wulin shrugged. “Fine! We'll change our tactics.”

Although Wu Zhangkong had brought their team here, he gave them free reign to do as they saw fit. He did not impart any advice. Every single strategy they used had been drafted by Tang Wulin.

All this freedom gave Tang Wulin a lot of s.p.a.ce to operate. His display of strength in the previous matches were orchestrated to draw the attention away from Xie Xie and Gu Yue. Since they hadn't faced the strongest team in the tournament yet, they were saving their trump card for as long as they could. Their opponents would be tougher to defeat from now on. In fact, they might even face a Shrek team with Ye Xinglan and Xu Lizhi on it. It was best to focus on hiding his teammates' abilities, using his revealed skills as a veil.

Today, they would be facing off against Sealand Academy's primary team. Sealand City was the third largest city in the Skysea Alliance, preceded by Eastsea City. It was located two-hundred kilometers to the north of Skysea City. The city's denizens were valiant and Sealand Academy was famous, even eclipsing the repute of Eastsea Academy.

Sealand Academy's three representatives were nearing fifteen years old. The team was composed of a pair of three-ringed soul masters and one two-ringed. Even the two-ringed soul master's soul power hovered around rank 25 at least. In their previous matches, they had relied on absolute strength to crush their opponents. These adolescents were the one of the favorites of the tournament, thought to have a high chance of becoming the champions.

Their captain possessed one thousand-year soul ring, but had yet to use it in any of the matches. Its abilities were unknown.