The Finals
Chen Xuan's heavy kick landed on Tang San's stomach, jolting him awake from unconsciousness with pain, causing him to spit up blood as he flew backward.
Flender intervened, leaping into the air to catch Tang San securely, then handed him over to Jiangzhu and Ning Rongrong for treatment and sought out a local healing Soul Master.
This time, no one spoke up in defense; everyone was silent. They weren't people who couldn't tell right from wrong, and knowing the situation, their sympathies leaned more toward Tang San, making it difficult to speak for the opposing side.
What Chen Xuan hadn't anticipated was that, even after what happened, Xiao Wu still pleaded for Tang San, which surprised him.
He found it hard to accept that the mother of his child seemed to still care about Tang San, something he would have to put an end to eventually.
Before long, Jiangzhu and Ning Rongrong returned to inform everyone that Tang San's injuries were serious. Fortunately, he received timely treatment; otherwise, he might have suffered irreversible damage.
The best healing Soul Master had been called in, but Tang San wouldn't be able to participate in the competition for the next few days due to his recovery needs.
"Sigh, everyone go get some rest. I'll go check on Xiao San," Flender said wearily, giving a few instructions before leaving the manor with Liu Erlong.
Dai Mubai, Tai Long, Oscar, and the others went straight back to their rooms to rest, saying nothing.
Thus, Xiao Wu's pregnancy issue was now behind them, and the relationship between Chen Xuan and Shrek had grown even more strained.
Before heading back, Zhu Zhuqing cast a complicated look at Chen Xuan but said nothing and went back to the hotel.
Jiangzhu and Ning Rongrong were pulled in to help care for Tang San and would not return until the evening.
Now, only Chen Xuan and Xiao Wu were left on the open ground in front of the manor.
The two were surprisingly silent, and the atmosphere was overly quiet, a bit awkward.
Eventually, Xiao Wu broke the silence, speaking softly, "Thank you…for saving me earlier."
"It's nothing."
Chen Xuan nodded and said, "It's my duty to protect you and the baby."
"No, I mean…thank you for standing up for me without hesitation. I really appreciate it," Xiao Wu said, her expression sincere.
In that moment, when even her godmother was pressing her, only this man, whom she had once hated, was willing to protect her and speak up for her.
Chen Xuan shook his head, saying, "There's no need to feel guilty. This is a promise I made to myself: as long as I'm around, I won't let you get hurt."
"No, I truly mean it," Xiao Wu shook her head, not out of formality but genuine gratitude.
She had once hated this man intensely, but over the past few days, her perspective gradually changed. His words of protection and his actions provided her warmth and a sense of security.
Especially now, Xiao Wu finally understood and felt a bit sorry for him—this was his own promise, a selfless one he'd uphold regardless of whether she accepted him or not.
Her eyes reddened, tears welling up. She realized the unwavering commitment this man had been silently making, even though she'd treated him with nothing but hostility, even insults, before.
Gradually, she began to accept him, out of responsibility for her future child.
Having grown up without a father, she was determined not to let her child experience the same.
Tang San's recent act with the Zhuge Divine Crossbow shattered her fantasies, leaving her heartbroken. Now, the baby growing inside her was like a rising sun, her new source of hope.
"Get some rest. I know today was hard on you. Go sleep well, and things will get better," Chen Xuan said, his gaze gentle, full of concern.
In a world where he had no family, where all he knew was coldness and emptiness, Xiao Wu and their unborn child brought him a sense of belonging.
"Mm, you too." Xiao Wu responded softly, then returned to the hotel to rest.
She no longer felt animosity towards him. His protection and warmth made her feel at ease and safe.
Even if not for these reasons, she should try to accept him for the sake of their child.
The next morning, autumn's chill set in, leaves falling from the trees, and the continent-wide Soul Master Finals officially began.
The members of Shrek felt a bit dazed, having experienced so much in the past weeks, almost forgetting the competition was about to start. On the empty ground in front of the hotel, everyone had gathered, including Jiangzhu and Ning Rongrong, who had returned the night before.
"Ahem."
Flender cleared his throat and addressed the group, "All right, little monsters, cheer up! Although Xiao San can't join you, his spirit is with you. Show your best, and don't disappoint him."
"Don't worry, Dean. I'll make sure to fight for Xiao San's share, too!" Dai Mubai declared with determination.
The rest of Shrek were equally resolute; although Tang San was absent, they were determined to uphold Shrek's honor.
"Good," Flender nodded approvingly, finally showing a smile.
"You don't need to worry; Xiao San has woken up and is cooperating with the healing Soul Master."
Flender informed everyone that Tang San was recovering rapidly, thanks to the celestial herbs and elixirs aiding him, and he would likely rejoin them on the battlefield in a few days.
Hearing this, Dai Mubai, Tai Long, Oscar, and the others breathed a sigh of relief. They had faith in Xiao San's resilience.
Later, the Shrek team arrived at the competition grounds atop the Pope's Palace.
The arena was vast, 120 meters long and 60 meters wide, much larger than the Heaven Dou arena.
Above the arena stood a statue of a six-winged angel, the divine symbol of the Spirit Hall.
By now, the grounds had filled with people, as thirty-three teams arrived one by one.
Soon, each academy's team leaders were called away for pre-match inspections.
The Shrek team waited in the resting area.
Shortly after, Flender returned with the inspection results, informing the group that the three teams sponsored by the empire would have byes in the first round, facing them only in the next stage.
"Dean, who's our opponent?" the group asked anxiously.
Flender, with a hint of joy he couldn't contain, teased, "I have good news and bad news. Which one would you like first?"
His barely suppressed smile hinted at favorable news for the team.
"Dean, let's hear the bad news first!" Ma Hongjun suggested.
Everyone nodded, bracing themselves as they awaited Flender's answer.
Seeing their anticipation, Flender revealed, "The bad news is that we drew Blazing Academy as our opponent."
The Shrek team sighed in frustration. They were up against their old rival, Blazing Academy, again.
Having been defeated twice before, Blazing Academy was likely well-prepared. Without Tang San's fire immunity, they would face significant pressure.
"Uh...Dean, are you sure that's the bad news?" Chen Xuan interjected, doubting the severity.
In his view, Blazing Academy wasn't particularly formidable, even weaker than Tianshui Academy.
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