Ye Xinglan

The team competition in the afternoon unfolded in the main venue of the stadium. While the viewership for the three-person youth team competition didn't rival the seven-person team competition, it still exceeded the audience count for the individual competition.

Class Zero's competition time was relatively late, and a few members watched other players' matches from the audience.

After observing a few games, witnessing Anping and Gu Yuena watching with enthusiasm, Xie Xie expressed helplessly, "Wulin, these games are so dull. They're making me sleepy. I really don't understand why they're watching so intently."

Tang Wulin shook his head slightly and explained, "It's normal. This is only the first round, and most of the players aren't strong, so it should be expected."

After about half an hour, it was finally Eastsea Academy and others' turn to play. As agreed beforehand, Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Xu Xiaoyan took the stage.

Confidently, Tang Wulin led the way, with Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan flanking him. Their opponents were students from an intermediate academy in a small city.

They didn't have to wait long. After a while, three fourteen or fifteen-year-old boys entered the ring. The trio seemed a bit excited upon realizing their opponents were significantly younger.

Hailing from a small city's intermediate academy, their expectations for success in the Skysea League competition were modest. Unexpectedly, just as they were resigning themselves, they found that their first-round opponents were several ten-year-old children. The surprise was evident.

In their eyes, being younger implied several years less training time. Even if there was a talent gap, compensating for so many years of training seemed improbable.

As both sides assembled, the referee announced the game's rules and initiated a countdown. During the preparation time, there was a brief exchange between the two teams.

Following the referee's order, Tang Wulin and Xie Xie swiftly engaged. The three young men were swiftly incapacitated by Tang Wulin, leaving them unable to retaliate. Xie Xie employed the Light Dragon Dagger to knock them on the head, swiftly concluding the game.

Having exited the ring, Xie Xie glanced at the three bewildered teenagers still standing and remarked with pride, "There was no pressure at all. Two and three rings, it's just like that. I really don't know how they manage to train to two rings."

Tang Wulin nodded and added, "Perhaps their academy doesn't emphasize practical training much. After all, not every academy has teachers as formidable as Teacher Wu."

Tang Wulin's insight proved accurate. Although normal intermediate academy included practical training, the primary focus remained on theoretical knowledge. It was only in high-level soul master academy that practical training took precedence.

Class Zero dedicated most of its time to actual combat training due to Wu Zhangkong. Born in Shrek Academy, Wu Zhangkong naturally incorporated teaching methods from Shrek Academy.

Xie Xie remarked, "Wulin is right. If it weren't for Teacher Wu, our actual combat experience would be about the same as theirs. If our future opponents are like this, we might genuinely have hope of winning the championship."

Expressing frustration, Xu Xiaoyan added, "It's not that simple. The team just now came from Ocean City Intermediate academy. Ocean City is just a small city, so naturally, it cannot compare with academy in big cities. Our competition will only become more and more difficult in the future. Without Sister Nana and Anping, it would be almost impossible for us to win the championship."

"Indeed, let's work together for the championship!" Tang Wulin nodded and made a cheering gesture.

"Aren't you afraid that the wind will flash your tongue?" A cold voice interrupted them.

Turning around, they saw two familiar figures approaching—Ye Xinglan and Xu Lizhi from Shrek Academy.

Observing Ye Xinglan leading Xu Lizhi toward them, Tang Wulin thought it might be about the unpaid meal share, feeling a bit puzzled. As a Shrek Academy student, he shouldn't be so stingy.

Taking a step forward, he said helplessly, "Why are you so persistent? I already addressed everything this morning."

In a cold tone, Ye Xinglan replied, "Get out of the way. Don't be overly sentimental; I'm not looking for you this time."

Looking at Xu Lizhi behind Ye Xinglan, Tang Wulin raised an eyebrow in curiosity, wondering what the two of them were up to. The others in the team had minimal interaction with them.

Casting a glance at Ye Xinglan, Xu Lizhi whispered, "I'm really not looking for you."

After assessing the group, Ye Xinglan fixed her gaze on Anping and Gu Yuena, who were conversing, and said sharply, "You two are Anping and Gu Yuena. If I have something to discuss with you, come with us for a moment."

Anping glanced at Ye Xinglan, who sounded arrogant, and replied calmly, "Is there something you can't say here?"

"It's not convenient here. Come with us. Are you afraid we'll kidnap you?" Ye Xinglan's voice remained cold.

Attempting to speak, Anping was stopped by Gu Yuena, who said calmly, "What? You're a student of Shrek Academy, right? Is this how your academy teaches you to invite people? If you like to talk, let's go."

She pulled Anping, intending to leave. Seeing this, Ye Xinglan said anxiously, "I heard from Teacher Shen that you rejected Teacher Shen's invitation. I think you can spar with us. I want to see what it's like when a genius rejects Shrek's invitation."

Upon hearing this revelation that Anping and Gu Yuena had declined Shrek's invitation, the other three members of Class Zero displayed surprised expressions, their eyes fixed on the duo. Many were likely contemplating the opportunity they had rejected to join Shrek Academy.

Ignoring the attention, Anping shook his head and said, "I'm not interested in fighting you. Besides, just because Shrek Academy invites us doesn't mean we have to agree, does it?"

Hearing Anping's disinterest, Ye Xinglan felt perplexed, struggling to grasp Anping's mindset. Numerous individuals across the federation had paid a high price just for the chance to discuss and exchange ideas with Shrek students.

For instance, the exhibition match in the Skysea League competition required substantial resources before the academy agreed to let them participate.

Ye Xinglan declared proudly, "It's an honor to compete with us, but you dare to refuse. Do you realize how many people aspire to spar with Shrek students?"

Gu Yuena retorted with irritation, "Yes, yes, it's an honor to fight with you, but we cannot bear this so-called honor. If Shrek students are like you, I'm relieved we declined."

Hearing Gu Yuena's words, Ye Xinglan grew somewhat angered and retorted, "You're not allowed to insult Shrek Academy. If you have the courage, fight with us. If you lose, apologize."

Curious about the terms, Anping inquired, "And what if you lose?"

"Hmph, there's no way we can lose." Ye Xinglan shook her head dismissively.

"Let's go; there's no point in continuing this argument." Anping, disinterested in watching other games, picked up Gu Yuena and headed towards the exit without sparing a glance at the Shrek duo.

Ye Xinglan observed Anping and Gu Yuena's departure, hesitated to speak, but ultimately emitted a cold snort.

Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Xu Xiaoyan remained stunned in place. The impact of the recent conversation was profound.

If Shrek Academy had extended an invitation, they would have undoubtedly accepted without hesitation. They couldn't fathom any reason to decline. After all, for the past 20,000 years, Shrek Academy had been recognized as the premier academy in mainland.

Additionally, this marked the first instance of witnessing Gu Yuena engaged in such a confrontation. While she typically maintained a stern demeanor with many people, she seldom engaged in arguments.

Tang Wulin was the first to react to Anping and Gu Yuena's departure. He patted Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan on the shoulders, remarking, "Let's go too. If there's anything to discuss, we can do it when we get back."