16 Versus Team Yuhao, Sword Sadist Xin

As the match began, Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu expected to use the same battle plan they had always used, being the vanguards while Xin Qing delivered the killing blow. As a result, they were greatly thrown off when Xin Qing was the first to move as he ran towards the black-haired Xiao Xiao.

Everyone was startled, especially Xiao Xiao, seeing that indifferent look he had towards her, as if looking down from above. She was enraged as she thought he was underestimating her, wishing to quickly take her out. 'I'll just show him that I'm no soft persimmon,' Xiao Xiao thought with a humph. Summoning her martial spirit, a large black cauldron, she engaged Xin Qing.

Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu were very much aggrieved with this teammate of theirs who simply acted on his whim, however, they knew they were weaker and had no right to complain. In fact, they knew that they would have likely lost to the previous team if they had anyone else. Frowns on their faces, they entered a two versus two against Yuhao and Wang Dong.

Xin Qing himself was looking oddly in the direction of their battle, not even glancing once towards Xiao Xiao since the battle began. Xiao Xiao was further irked by his dismissive attitude towards her as she took out a black flute, revealing her dual martial spirits.

Xin Qing had shifted his eyes to her, saying, "Little girl, don't bother. Perhaps, you are not weak, but does that mean that I am? If you know what's best for you, wait patiently for their battle to be done."

Xiao Xiao smiled at his words, thinking she saw through him. "Yuhao and Wang Dong are not as weak as you think. I am afraid your teammates will not be able to handle them." Xin Qing paused at her words with a blank expression.

Xiao Xiao was happily thinking she got into her opponent's head when she saw the corner of his lips turn up, "Handling them... it was never my intention." Xiao Xiao was struck by his words, thinking, 'Does he not care about winning or his teammates?' As she stared into those black eyes that were as deep as the abyss, she felt danger.

And, as it turns out, their speculations were right as Yuhao and Wang Dong hugged each other and released their powerful Spirit Fusion skill, 'Dying in the Bright, Golden Road.' Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu were unable to use spirit power and quickly dealt with.

Seeing the situation turn in their favor, she regained some confidence. Jeering at Xin Qing, she said, "Looks like it won't be long before you are eliminated."

Xin Qing looked at her calmly, speaking slowly, "A shame you will not be able to see it." Before anyone could react, a golden blade of light fell onto Xiao Xiao's cauldron, leaving a deep scar as she coughed out blood. The Martial Spirit of a Spirit Master was directly tied to their life, which is why she received damage from his attack.

Despite the amount of blood-loss, she remained standing, looking in Xin Qing's eyes defiantly. Seeing her glare, Xin Qing was not offended, showing his first real smile towards her. "Good eyes, little girl. But that alone is not enough." He kicked her off the stage, turning his attention back to Yuhao and Wang Dong who were looking at him, short of breath.

Although they had managed to take out his teammates, they had to consume a large part of their spirit power in doing so. Xin Qing looked at them with a faint smile as he began to unhurriedly speak to them.

Speaking to Yuhao first, "How was your first taste of vengeance, Yuhao? I would like to let you savor it, but... I'm afraid I can't hold my battle intent anymore." With a wide smile on his face, Xin Qing's hair began to sway in the wind as he took off his bamboo hat, brushing it with his palm.

Both Wang Dong and Yuhao were shocked, as they thought they were the only ones who knew Yuhao's history of being bullied within Dai Huabin's White Tiger Clan. Seeing his posture, they understood that he was giving them some time to recover.

As they recovered, Xin Qing was reflecting on the bloodlust he felt from Yuhao towards Dai Huabin at the start of the fight. Call him cruel, but he saw it as nothing to 'cash in' on Yuhao at Huabin's expense. He needed divinities from somewhere, right?

After a few minutes, both Yuhao and Wang Dong stood up in prime condition. Many of the staff at Shrek were shaking their heads at Xin Qing's unbridled arrogance, however Xuan Zi was not concerned with it after knowing the extent of his abilities. Instead, he was focusing on another aspect of the battle. 'Sacrificing his teammates in battle, this... I do not believe he has a bad character, however I hope he has a good explanation to give me.' Xuan Zi was deep in thought, as he took another swig from his wine bottle.

Xin Qing struck first as he turned into a golden streak of light. Wang Dong pushed Yuhao behind him as he was immediately put on the back leg due to the level disparity. Yuhao's spirit ring ability helped him greatly in not immediately crumbling under Xin Qing's power.

Xin Qing was mildly observing Wang Dong as he threw out many strikes in quick succession. 'It appears as though he has 360 degree vision, however, this should not be his own ability.' Looking at Yuhao, his eyes narrowed with a dangerous gleam. 'Let's try this then...'

As he swept his sword, two spiraling beams of light traversed towards Yuhao and Wang Dong. Wang Dong had just managed to get out of the way, carrying Yuhao with his butterfly wings. The ground where they had stood moments ago had a clean line running across.

Wang Dong muttered, "What a lunatic," under his breath as Yuhao silently nodded in agreement.

Xin Qing appeared as if he could read their thoughts as he said with a sunny smile, "Don't worry, I was sure you could dodge it."

Everyone rolled their eyes as a collective.

As Wang Dong travelled higher into the air, trying to stay out of Xin Qing's reach, he looked to Yuhao as they met eyes and began to channel their spirit fusion skill, 'Dying in the Bright, Golden Road.' The same golden laser beam of light from earlier appeared and cleaved a path towards Xin Qing.

Xin Qing welcomed the challenge, and directly drove his sword into the light beam, splitting it. However, his body was still painted gold from it. 'I see,' he thought, 'It's not a physical attack but a kind of mental attack which prevents the use of spirit abilities, however...' His iconic smile drew on his lips once more.

As Wang Dong and Yuhao rushed towards him, he spoke to them once more. "This ability of yours... 'Dying in the Bright, Golden Road.' It is a good move, however, it is unfortunate to have run into me. After all, I have no spirit ring abilities for you to prevent."

Everyone was shocked at his words as they began to think, coming to a horrifying realization. Xin Qing had single handedly dominated the New Student Exam all without the use of a single spirit ability, only using strange techniques and his sword. They had all thought it was a bit odd in the back of their minds, but it was not until Xin Qing brought it up himself that they truly internalized it.

Xuan Zi himself was truly hit the hardest. "I knew that he was saving his spirit slot for a powerful spirit ring, however I did not think he had kept all three of his slots empty!' He shook his head with an exasperated, but happy smile. 'What a monster, this disciple of mine.'

Wang Dong and Yuhao were also offput by it, but they continued to charge at Xin Qing. The latter's black hair had already fallen back down to his shoulder, no longer wildly blowing in the wind as he said, "Both of you are not yet strong enough, so allow me to be the catalyst to more wonderful divinities." At that, he positioned his sword parallel to himself and said, "3rd Truth - Solitude."

Wang Dong and Yuhao instantly felt as if the space between them and Xin Qing was growing and that they were unable to stop it. Just when he had become little more than a speck in the distance, space appeared to have snapped back and they were already at sword point, unable to dodge.

Xin Qing cleanly sliced through them, avoiding vitals, as they collapsed on the ground. Turning his head towards the judge, he spoke a command, "I'm in a good mood, today. Give my reward to Student Yuhao. I no longer need the resources." He looked over at Xuan Zi who was overall pleased, although slightly concerned as well.

He sheathed his sword and, amidst the various looks of astonishment, curiosity, and fear, had simply walked away into the silent forest. If one listened closely, they could hear him laugh as he disappeared into the cover of foliage.

After his performance at the New Student Exams, the name of Shrek's 'Sword Sadist Xin' had begun to spread throughout the school as freshman would cower in fear, recalling his devious smile and twisted display of cruelty towards teammates and enemies alike.