Chapter 45: Are They Really That Strong?

Join my Patreon to be 30 chapters ahead of the webnovel releases:

patreon.com/ZeroMoney

I would appreciate your help if you could join my Patreon and support me because it would keep me motivated. 

******

Ning Fengzhi's only daughter, Ning Rongrong, was currently enrolled at Shrek Academy, and he had already crossed paths with Tang San, which allowed him to witness Tang San's impressive abilities firsthand. After assessing Tang San's strength, Ning Fengzhi was confident that Shrek Academy had a solid chance of securing the final championship title in the tournament.

However, what Ning Fengzhi hadn't anticipated was that Feng Xiaotian would emerge as a significant obstacle to their victory—a threat that could potentially derail their path to the championship.

As the preparations for the match continued, the master of ceremonies stepped forward to introduce Salas, the Platinum Bishop of the Spirit Hall. With an air of authority, Salas was tasked with overseeing the first round of the preliminary matches and conducting the draw that would determine the initial matchups.

Today's schedule featured only a single match, but it was one that promised to be of great importance.

Feng Xiaotian, having done his homework, already knew in advance that the secondary team from Tian Dou Royal Academy would be facing Shrek Academy in the first round. Moreover, he was aware that Shrek Academy was widely expected to emerge victorious in this encounter.

Despite the impressive resources and elite teaching staff at Tian Dou Royal Academy, the institution had its flaws. The academy's student body was composed primarily of royal nobles—students who, despite their prestigious backgrounds, were of only average talent. Moreover, these students were often unwilling to put in the hard work required to truly excel. Given these circumstances, a loss for the Royal Academy was not out of the question, and in fact, seemed almost inevitable.

Salas, with his characteristic arrogance and stern expression, left the task of announcing the results of the draw to the master of ceremonies. His aloof demeanor only added to the tension in the room.

"…"

"In the first round of the preliminaries, Tian Dou Royal Academy will face Shrek Academy."

"…"

The announcement hung in the air, and all eyes turned toward the teams that would soon be squaring off.

For Godwind Academy, the first-round opponent was a weak and unremarkable academy, a small institution that lacked both reputation and strength. Given the circumstances, there was no need for Feng Xiaotian to even consider stepping onto the battlefield for this round.

However, when it was revealed that the secondary team from Tian Dou Royal Academy would be facing Shrek Academy, the crowd's attention immediately shifted to Tang San and his companions.

Clad in the most unattractive uniforms imaginable, and yet drawing the most attention, the members of Shrek Academy couldn't help but feel a deep sense of embarrassment. The spotlight on them was intense, and they wished they could find a hole in the ground to hide in. However, despite the awkwardness of the situation, there was an undeniable sense of satisfaction among them. They were pleased with the opportunity to face off against Tian Dou Royal Academy.

This was not just any match for them. In the past, they had been humiliated by the very same academy, and today, they had a chance to settle that old score. Today was their opportunity to restore their pride and seek revenge for the indignities they had suffered.

However, the spectators in the arena did not share their optimism.

To the audience, Shrek Academy appeared weak and unimpressive, far from being a match for the prestigious Royal Academy. Many in the crowd doubted that Shrek could even put up a fight, let alone win the match.

After the draw was completed, the teams were given some time to prepare. The match would soon begin, and the anticipation in the air was palpable.

For the other academies, there were no matches scheduled for the day. After leaving the arena, they moved to the spectator stands reserved for spirit masters, eager to witness the upcoming battle. Godwind Academy found themselves seated next to Tianshui Academy and Blazing Academy, creating a cluster of powerful competitors watching from the stands.

Shui Bing'er, Huo Wushuang, and several other notable figures gathered around Feng Xiaotian as they discussed the upcoming match.

Feng Xiaotian confidently asserted, "Shrek Academy won't even need to send out their strongest lineup for this match. Even with a less powerful team, they'll still be able to easily defeat Tian Dou Royal Academy's secondary team."

Shui Bing'er, curious but skeptical, asked, "Are they really that strong? Can they win so easily?"

Feng Xiaotian nodded, explaining, "Strength is certainly a factor, but what really gives Shrek the edge is that their opponents are too weak. The secondary team from Tian Dou Royal Academy is simply not strong enough to pose any real challenge. They are, in every sense, completely outmatched."

Huo Wushuang, still uncertain, questioned, "Their opponents may be weak, but they are still the secondary team of Tian Dou Royal Academy. Surely, they can't be that feeble, right? They must have some level of strength."

Feng Xiaotian shook his head slightly and responded, "There's no point in speculating further. The match is about to start, and you'll see for yourselves soon enough. Just watch, and you'll understand what I mean."

On the other side of the arena, Tang San was busy devising their strategy. The memory of being turned away from the academy still burned in his mind, and both he and Dai Mubai held onto their grudges with a firm grip.

This time, their goal was not merely to defeat Tian Dou Royal Academy's secondary team. No, they wanted to do more than just win. Tang San and Dai Mubai were determined to severely injure their opponents, ensuring that they wouldn't make it past the preliminary rounds. They wanted to send a clear message—to show the academy and the world that Shrek Academy was not to be trifled with.

As the time for the match drew near, the atmosphere in the arena grew more charged with anticipation.

One by one, the members of Tian Dou Royal Academy's team were introduced with great fanfare. Each name was announced loudly, accompanied by dazzling lights that highlighted their presence on the stage. The grandeur of the moment was undeniable, a display that only Tian Dou Royal Academy could truly pull off.

In stark contrast, the members of Shrek Academy made their way onto the stage amidst a chorus of boos from the audience. The disdain from the crowd was evident, and it only served to fuel the simmering anger within Tang San and his companions.

With clenched fists and a fierce determination in their eyes, they silently vowed to crush Tian Dou Royal Academy in this match. They were determined to prove their worth and silence those who had looked down on them.

From his position in the stands, Feng Xiaotian observed the scene below with a keen eye.

The tension between the two teams was palpable, and it seemed as though they were exchanging some less-than-friendly words as they prepared for the match. Although he couldn't hear what was being said, it was clear that the exchange was far from cordial.

As the referee signaled for all non-participants to leave the arena, the stage was set. The match between the secondary team of Tian Dou Royal Academy and Shrek Academy was about to begin.

(End of Chapter)