73 Tang San: Let me assist you.

The referee declared, "The rules of the competition will be explained below." Casting a cold glance at Tang Wulin, he continued, "This competition is primarily for demonstration purposes. However, to showcase both sides' true strength, only severe injuries, disabilities, or life-threatening situations, and direct admission of defeat by one party will prompt me to intervene and terminate the game. Otherwise, the outcome will be decided solely by the annihilation of one of the teams. Do you understand?"

"So, apart from allowing death, everything else is permissible, with no restrictions. Is that correct?" Tang Wulin frowned.

"That's one way to interpret it. Any other questions?" The referee, confident in Anping and Gu Yuena due to the dean's favor, had presided over many challenges against them in the past.

Tang Wulin remarked, "I have a few words to share. Firstly, despite being Shrek Academy students, we've come to challenge Sun and Moon Royal Soul Master Academy because we've long admired its strength. However, since we've only been enrolled for one semester, this doesn't represent our academy at all..."

"You've only been in Academy for one semester, so you can't represent Shrek Academy, right?" Tang Wulin's time-wasting irritated Gu Yuena, prompting her to interrupt. She pointed at Xu Lizhi and Ye Xinglan and declared bluntly, "If I recall correctly, these two represented Shrek academy in exhibition games during the Skysea League competition a few years ago. Since the three of you have only been in Academy for one semester and can't represent Shrek Academy, there's no issue with the two of them representing Shrek Academy. I won't take advantage; I can face both of them alone."

Gu Yuena recognized Xu Lizhi and Ye Xinglan thanks to Anping's tip.

Upon hearing Gu Yuena's suggestion that they participate in the Skysea League competition exhibition match, Xu Lizhi and Ye Xinglan finally remembered the familiar faces opposite them. Wasn't it Anping and Gu Yuena who left them powerless in Skysea City before? Ye Xinglan clenched her fists, determined not to lose again this time.

The referee in the sky couldn't help but mentally applaud Gu Yuena. How could he not understand the underlying meaning of Tang Wulin's words? What he said about not representing Shrek Academy invalidated the Sun and Moon Academy's elaborate preparations.

The referee looked at Tang Wulin coldly and inquired, "What's your decision? Should these two represent Shrek Academy, or should all five of you go together?"

Interrupted and unsure of what to say, Tang Wulin imagined the potential boos from the audience outside. If Xu Lizhi and Ye Xinglan were allowed to face Gu Yuena, it might render the effort futile.

After pondering for a moment, he conceded, "Alright, alright. No more jokes; we represent Shrek Academy. Long live Shrek, for the glory of Shrek! We must win!"

Unaffected by Tang Wulin's spirited proclamation, the referee calmly stated, "Understood. Any other questions?"

Tang Wulin, adopting a serious tone, asked, "One last question: Are you certain these two will face all five of us? They won't eventually claim victimization, refusing to admit defeat, right?"

Gu Yuena responded coldly, "No."

"In that case, I have no objections." Tang Wulin nodded seriously.

"The game is ready to begin. Both sides introduce yourselves." The referee, somewhat irritated by the delay, spoke with a hint of impatience.

Although both parties were familiar with each other, introductions were essential for the audience. Tang Wulin stepped forward and declared, "I'm Tang Wulin, Class 1, Grade 1, Outer department, Shrek Academy."

Others followed suit, introducing themselves.

"Ye Xinglan."

"Xu Lizhi."

"Xu Xiaoyan."

"Xie Xie."

Gu Yuena and Anping also stepped forward, stating calmly, "Sun Moon academy, Gu Yuena, and Anping."

After the introductions, the floating referee announced, "Both sides, retreat one hundred meters apart."

With a flash of silver light, Gu Yuena and Anping instantly appeared fifty meters away. Tang Wulin's expression turned solemn as he observed the scene, and his retreating movements involuntarily slowed. He couldn't help but feel a bit apprehensive; this wasn't the usual daily training in Eastsea City. They were now representing Shrek Academy.

"Be cautious; the distance between them is probably more than fifty meters," Tang Wulin whispered to his teammates during the retreat.

Xie Xie expressed frustration, "Do we really stand a chance?"

"We're representing Shrek Academy now. We can only win, not lose." Ye Xinglan declared solemnly.

Xie Xie retorted angrily, "Easy for you to say. Among the five of us, only Xu Xiaoyan and Tang Wulin have long-range attacks, and both are control types. How are we supposed to fight?"

Tang Wulin declared, "Stop arguing, try to get close, and aim for a decisive strike. Their flashy moves will inevitably consume soul power."

"Both sides, release your martial spirits and prepare to begin."

With the referee's resounding shout, the much-delayed match, symbolizing the clash between the two colleges, finally commenced.

One by one, both teams unleashed their martial souls. The cheers from the audience erupted when they saw the five black soul rings beneath Anping and Gu Yuena's feet.

The expressions of Tang Wulin and his companions darkened. The five-ring Soul King represented the pinnacle of ten-thousand-year soul rings. Although they expected Sun Moon Academy to confidently pit Anping and Gu Yuena against their five-member team, the revelation of two five-ring soul kings was beyond their anticipation. A troubling thought crossed their minds—despite being of the same age, was the gap truly this substantial? On their side, the highest level was Ye Xinglan, who had just reached level 40 and had yet to acquire a new soul.

On the viewing platform, Wu Zhangkong was equally astounded. In less than four years, these two individuals had reached the level of Soul King. Even if it was a recent breakthrough, the achievement was remarkable.

Tang Wulin scrutinized Anping and Gu Yuena across from him, feeling a profound sense of frustration. Despite his dedicated practice, why did the gap between them and Anping and Gu Yuena continue to widen?

"Don't forget you have the blood of the Golden Dragon King. You'll surely surpass them in the future," a calm voice resonated in Tang Wulin's mind.

"Even with the powerful Golden Dragon King's bloodline, it's impossible for me to defeat them now," Tang Wulin responded helplessly. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he brightened up and added, "Old Tang, can you assist me in any way? For Shrek's honor, I don't want to lose to the opponent."

"I suggest you admit defeat. With your current abilities, you don't stand a chance," Tang San advised with sincerity.

"But I really don't want to lose to the opponent. This battle means a lot to us," Tang Wulin expressed in a somewhat anxious tone.

Tang San sighed through his consciousness and suggested, "There's a way. I can help you retrieve the exclusive weapons obtainable only by breaking the sixth layer of seals in advance. Acquiring these weapons will significantly enhance your combat prowess."

After a momentary pause, the conversation took a turn, "However, this will weaken the fourth, fifth, and sixth layers of seals in your body and shorten their duration. Even so, do you still want me to assist you?"

Tang Wulin valued his life, acknowledging that despite the game's significance, it remained just that—a game. Living took precedence. Nevertheless, he couldn't resist asking, "How long?"

"Starting now, it will be half a year for the fourth level, one and a half years for the fifth level, and two and a half years for the sixth level. In essence, you'll need to break through three levels of seals consecutively within the next two and a half years," Tang San explained after a brief calculation.

Upon hearing the timeframes of half a year and two and a half years, Tang Wulin couldn't help but inquire, "If I obtain the mentioned exclusive weapon, can I defeat them?"

"I can only say it's very possible," Tang San's spiritual consciousness responded with a hint of uncertainty. He had just attempted to scan Anping and Gu Yuena but found they were untraceable even through Tang Wulin's eyes.

After a quick mental calculation, Tang Wulin made up his mind and declared firmly, "It's likely enough. I choose to obtain the exclusive weapon in advance."

"In that case, let me assist you."