Round Robin

Wu Zhangkong descended from the ring, his gaze lingering on Anping and Gu Yuena for a moment. He said coldly, "Go back."

After uttering those words, he led the way toward the exit. The strength displayed by Anping and Gu Yuena had been somewhat unexpected compared to their usual training.

Initially, Wu Zhangkong thought that even if they won, it would be through Anping's strategic planning, their synchronized cooperation to control the battle's rhythm with various elemental applications, and eventually utilizing martial soul fusion skills to secure victory. Surprisingly, they had employed martial soul fusion skills right from the start, concluding the battle with a single skill. Nonetheless, Wu Zhangkong was a man of his word and made no mention of them rejoining Shrek.

The next morning, everyone except Tang Wulin left in the hotel, everyone heading towards the stadium. Xu Xiaoyan went to watch Gu Yuena's match.

Tang Wulin stayed in the hotel, joining Wu Zhangkong to learn new Tang sect stunts, specifically "Controlling Crane Catching Dragon." Tang Wulin immersed himself in cultivation throughout the morning, earning Wu Zhangkong's approval. When Wu Zhangkong reminded him to stop, it was almost noon.

After ending his practice, Tang Wulin halted Wu Zhangkong, who was about to leave, and said, "Teacher Wu, I have something to seek your opinion on."

"What's the matter?" Wu Zhangkong was slightly puzzled about what could concern Tang Wulin at this time.

Tang Wulin continued, "After witnessing last night's battle, I feel that with the strength of Gu Yuena and Anping, it's pointless for them to continue participating in the competition. How about letting me, Xie Xie, and Xu Xiaoyan take over the subsequent team competitions?"

This plan had crystallized in Tang Wulin's mind after pondering it all night. With the formidable strength of Anping and Gu Yuena, their participation wouldn't offer valuable experience for their teammates. Although Tang Wulin appreciated the monetary rewards, his priority was personal growth in strength, and he sought more opportunities to participate.

Wu Zhangkong felt a measure of relief hearing Tang Wulin's words. However, he shook his head, "The Skysea Alliance competition is not only for experience, but your ranking is also crucial. It's linked to the academy's subsequent investment in you. Resources are pivotal for a soul master, especially at your age when laying the foundation. Only with more resources can you build a stronger foundation for future cultivation. Therefore, I cannot agree to your request."

When Tang Wulin heard that it was related to cultivation resources, he nodded somewhat disappointedly. As expected, you can't have your cake and eat it too.

Wu Zhangkong patted Tang Wulin's shoulder, offering comfort, "I understand your eagerness to improve your strength due to your low soul power level. It's a good thing, and I won't blame you. In the afternoon, the second round of the round-robin will be held. It's just one game; you should have a good rest."

According to the competition rules, the first two rounds are knockout rounds. The remaining 36 teams in the knockout round will be divided into four groups, entering the round-robin stage. The round-robin mode is a single round-robin within the group, with a win worth two points, a loss worth zero points, and a tie worth one point each.

After a cycle, the top four teams with points will advance, and then the sixteen teams in each group will draw lots, determining rankings through knockout rounds.

Hearing Wu Zhangkong mention the round robin, Tang Wulin did some calculations. His eyes lit up, and he said, "Teacher Wu, can Xie Xie, Xu Xiaoyan, and I play in the round robin? If we lose two games, what will happen next? We can let Anping and Gu Yuena play, securing at least 12 points, which should be enough to ensure our advancement."

"Okay, since you suggest it, let's do it," Wu Zhangkong nodded, agreeing with Tang Wulin's idea.

Excited that Wu Zhangkong approved, Tang Wulin said, "Thank you, Teacher Wu. We will definitely work hard."

Upon their return to the hotel, Tang Wulin gathered everyone and shared his thoughts. Anping and Gu Yuena had no objections. Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan, initially concerned about their low strength, naturally had no objections.

In the afternoon, Class Zero faced the second team of Skysea Intermediate College in the first round of the round robin. Although their match was scheduled relatively late, to learn more about their future opponents, a few from Class Zero arrived at the gym early.

Xie Xie expressed concern, "Wulin, you were seriously injured yesterday. Are you sure there's nothing wrong with you?"

Tang Wulin patted his chest and smiled, "Of course, I'm fine. I wouldn't make light of my body."

Envious, Xie Xie remarked, "It seems all that eating you do pays off. Your body's recovery ability is truly impressive."

While waiting for the game, an episode occurred. The president of the Skysea Forging Association brought people to the waiting area, probably inviting Tang Wulin to join with excellent treatment, but Tang Wulin refused.

After the Skysea Forging Association members left, Xie Xie looked at Tang Wulin curiously, "I didn't expect that you, who usually values money more than anything else, would turn down such good conditions. You're quite admirable."

Hearing Xie Xie claim he was obsessed with money, Tang Wulin retorted, "Do you think everyone is a rich young man like you? The conditions they offered are indeed enticing, but both Teacher Shen and Wu Zhangkong have been very supportive. How could I possibly leave Eastsea City and come to Skysea City?"

Soon, it was Class Zero's turn to play. Their opponents, the second team of Skyeea Intermediate Academy, boasted a third ring and two second rings. In contrast, Class 0 only had Xie Xie as a second-level player, while Tang Wulin and Xu Xiaoyan were both at the first level.

Despite the level disparity, with Xu Xiaoyan's long-range harassment and the combined efforts of Tang Wulin's Golden Dragon Claw and Xie Xie's twin martial spirits, the trio effortlessly concluded the battle.

Upon the referee announcing Eastsea academy Class Zero representative team's victory, all three displayed bright smiles. In Tang Wulin's perspective, the pressure from the three opponents was not as significant as the pressure he felt from Ye Xinglan before.

The following three days of team competitions went smoothly for Class Zero. Under Tang Wulin's leadership, they achieved a flawless record of four wins from four games. It led some to ponder whether they could clinch the championship without Anping and Gu Yuena, until they encountered the Land and Sea Academy team.

The Land and Sea Academy team consisted of three girls aged 14 or 15, featuring two third rings and one second ring. They were among the teams with the strongest championship aspirations in the youth group this time.