Chapter 194: Soro's Study

Bang!!

Yuan Haotian was furious. With his profound cultivation at the Nascent Soul realm, how could he not discern every detail of his opponent's move? It was clearly a deliberate setup to ensnare his team, a blatant killing blow designed to humiliate the Yuan Yang Empire and vent their frustration over the failed ambush.

"Esteemed members of the Thousand Cloud Sect, the Yuan Yang Empire lodges a protest! The opposing contestant clearly set a trap, provoking our team in a demeaning manner, and then deliberately inflicted a fatal blow. Such tactics, which violate the competition rules, must be severely punished!"

As Yuan Haotian was, after all, the leader of an empire, the Thousand Cloud Sect was compelled to respond to his stance. The competition was consequently paused.

After exchanging views, several elder enforcers from the Thousand Cloud Sect, who were personally overseeing the event, reported to the Sect Leader. Just as the Thousand Cloud Sect was about to announce its judgment, something completely unexpected happened.

"Seniors of the Thousand Cloud Sect, I, Feng Qingyao, although I did not violate the competition rules, feel remorseful over the tragic deaths of my five opponents. Therefore, I voluntarily forfeit my eligibility for this tournament. Northern Jin Empire's Team One will continue with the remaining four members, and this sword will also be barred from entry with me."

Feng Qingyao's move, effectively pulling the rug out from under them, was a masterstroke. It saved the Thousand Cloud Sect from embarrassment as hosts, while also allowing him to withdraw from the situation promptly, preventing retaliation from Yuan Yang Empire's Team One and denying his opponents any chance of revenge.

Undoubtedly, in the first round of engagement, the Northern Jin side had thoroughly trampled the Yuan Yang Empire.

"Bastards!!"

Yuan Haotian was beyond enraged, but the more furious he became, the more satisfied the Northern Jin participants felt.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. We anticipated they would resort to such despicable tactics. It's better they reveal their hand early than late. Just wait, in the final championship, my people will make them pay."

Xu Yang calmly reassured Yuan Haotian, effectively giving him a much-needed boost, otherwise, with Yuan Haotian's temper, he would undoubtedly have rushed forward and caused a scene.

"Given that the Northern Jin team has responded appropriately to this unforeseen situation, the judging panel respects their decision. However, I must reiterate the competition rules here: all participating teams are advised not to treat the Thousand Cloud Sect's judging panel as mere decorations. Should any such unwarranted lethal tactics occur again, the sect will impose severe penalties to ensure fairness to other teams! Furthermore, as compensation to the Yuan Yang Empire team, Yuan Yang Empire's Team One will receive a bye for one round, and one random member from Northern Jin Empire's Team Two will be penalized and removed!"

The Thousand Cloud Sect fully committed to playing the good guy, capitalizing on the situation presented by the Northern Jin Empire to project an image of positive influence and presence. This move both emphasized the fairness of the competition and effectively silenced the Yuan Yang Empire.

Had Xu Yang not been present, the Yuan Yang Empire would have completely lost face throughout the Three Thousand Dao Provinces after today, possibly even becoming a 'soft persimmon' that various factions would eagerly trample upon.

Fortunately, with Xu Yang's Team One successfully advancing to the third round, there was still a chance to salvage the situation.

As Yuan Yang Empire received a bye in the second round, six teams would now proceed to the third round.

Following the minor climax of Team Two's elimination, the subsequent knockout matches in the first round offered little excitement. The reason was simple: matches between a 'second' team and a 'first' team were largely one-sided, with the 'second' teams often serving as cannon fodder. Quick victories to conserve stamina were a common goal for all 'first' teams.

"I now announce the six teams advancing to the third round: the first teams from the Four Great Empires, Dragon Head Academy's Team One, and Solo Study's Team Two. Representatives from these six teams, please come forward for the drawing!"

The academies associated with the Four Great Empires indeed possessed profound foundations, making it understandable that their first teams advanced to the top six. Particularly, the formidable Northern Jin Sword Alliance, despite having only four members, had smoothly progressed. Had they not faced a derby match in the second round, they might even have secured two spots among the top six!

Solo Study's team had a unique combat style, excelling in the use of hidden weapons, controlling magical beasts, and manipulating puppets. Each of their five team members had their own distinct approach, and both their second and first teams had their respective strengths. Fortunately, their second team faced weaker opponents, allowing them to advance through two consecutive rounds.

The academies corresponding to the other three sects were also quite strong. Unfortunately, in the first two rounds, their 'top horses' consistently met other 'top horses,' leading to their first teams being eliminated prematurely without fully demonstrating their capabilities.

In competitions, luck is always a component of strength. Unless a team possesses overwhelmingly superior power, simply aiming for a good ranking also heavily relies on being matched with relatively weaker opponents.

For the top six draw, the third round would be a six-into-three format. According to the rules, if Northern Jin Academy, the reigning champion from the previous tournament, advanced to the fourth round, they would automatically proceed to the grand finals without an additional match. The second and third place teams would then compete in one extra match to determine the other finalist spot.

This meant Xu Yang's team would have to undergo two truly high-intensity matches before the finals, making stamina conservation particularly crucial.

"Lot number one: Yuan Yang Empire Team One, against Solo Study Team Two! Lot number two: Dragon Head Academy Team One, against Cold Moon Empire Team One! Lot number three: Northern Jin Empire Team One, against Xuanyuan Empire Team One!"

After the results were revealed, Xu Yang remained calm. He never worried about his companions losing. However, if he had to prioritize, Dragon Head Academy would probably be the easiest opponent in this round.

Dragon Head Academy followed a purely orthodox cultivation path, focusing on fundamental skills. Who could stand against sect-leader-level masters like Bai Lianxue and Ling Qingshu? A swift victory would be quite easy.

Solo Study, on the other hand, might not be the strongest opponent, but they would certainly be the most stamina-draining.

"Uh... looks like these guys have some tricks up their sleeves!"

Before stepping onto the arena, Long Kun and the others couldn't help but observe their opponents closely. The individuals, whose attire and appearances varied greatly, always gave them a very peculiar feeling.

"Little Snake, protect Tuantuan. That is your sole mission. Only act when it's absolutely crucial."

"Hehe, don't worry, master. With me around, you can rest assured."

After attaching Little Snake to Tuantuan, Xu Yang finally felt at ease telling the four adults and one child to enter the arena.

Since Yuan Yang Empire's Team One had a bye in the second round, while Solo Study had delivered a highly exciting match, the cheers were notably louder for Solo Study's team as both sides entered the arena.

Karl, the leader of Solo Study, was dressed as a fashionable young master. Beside him stood a cool, aloof woman with smokey eye makeup, clutching two daggers, her gaze utterly cold.

To the woman's left was an old man carrying a medicine cylinder on his back. Despite his lewd appearance, he was very tall. From previous matches, it was clear he was a master of poisons.

As for the two young cultivators behind them, their appearances were rather plain, but their peculiar techniques had astonished everyone present.

One was a puppeteer, and the other was a jungle hunter skilled in controlling magical beasts, holding a bow and arrow.