Chapter 404: Xue Wu Challenges Yu Xiaogang's Wishful Thinking

When Thunder Academy finally conceded, Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu immediately stopped the release of their fusion skill, "Snowfall." The icy energy receded from the arena.

This time, even Shui Bing'er was taken aback by the immense power of their fusion skill—it was far stronger than ever before. Was this the effect of her Ice Attribute Mastery?

Though unexpected, she wasn't too surprised. After all, she and Xue Wu's three-person fusion skill was even more potent.

"Yu Xiaogang," Shui Bing'er said with no hint of politeness, "don't place the blame on us. I asked Tang San earlier if he wanted to forfeit, and he refused. Isn't that his responsibility? You, as the coach, could have conceded at any time, yet you didn't. Now you're speaking up after the fact?"

Xue Wu added coolly, "Master Yu Xiaogang, you wouldn't happen to believe Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer could turn the tables, would you?"

"Yes, the Clear Sky Hammer is formidable, but with no spirit rings attached, did you honestly think it could overcome our fusion skill?"

The arena fell into a tense silence.

Su Ming glanced at Xue Wu. He hadn't expected such a composed and cold character in the original story to be so sharp-tongued.

Xue Wu's words weren't without truth. Su Ming shook his head—Yu Xiaogang was too naïve. Perhaps if Tang San had mastered the explosive ring technique, he might've broken free, but with just the basics of the Disorder Wind Hammer Method, it was hopeless.

Yu Xiaogang, stunned by Xue Wu's retort, found himself speechless. He'd truly believed that Tang San might have a trick up his sleeve.

However, this wasn't the time to dwell on it. He feared that if he didn't act quickly, Tang San could be in serious trouble.

Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to remain calm. "Tianshui Academy," he said, "since the match is over, perhaps you could remove the ice from our team?"

At this point, Tang San and his teammates were still frozen solid.

Feigning helplessness, Shui Bing'er replied, "Sorry, Yu Xiaogang, but you know how difficult it is to control such power. I'm doing well just to stop releasing it; I can't withdraw it now. But given that your team could heal Tang San and the others so quickly yesterday, I'm sure you'll manage." She gave him a look that implied she believed in his abilities, then led Xue Wu off the stage.

The claim of not being able to retract the ice was an obvious ruse; Shui Bing'er simply didn't want to. She was certain that with Yu Yuanzhen present, there was no real danger to Tang San's life.

Emperor Xue Ye, watching from above, chuckled instead of showing anger. Tianshui and Blazing Fire Academies had both performed outstandingly—what a joy it was for the empire to have such talent.

As for Tang San's fate, Emperor Xue Ye cared little. He was already being generous by not having Tang San arrested. The empire's struggles against the Star Luo Empire were due in part to the support of the Clear Sky Clan for Star Luo.

Back on stage, Yu Yuanzhen stormed off angrily, muttering, "Useless!" as he thumped the armrest and left.

Meanwhile, Yu Xiaogang quickly called for the healer brought from the clan. The elder, upon inspecting the frozen contestants, grimaced, "I specialize in healing, not this kind of injury. You'll need to find a way to thaw them quickly, or they may suffer irreversible harm."

Yu Xiaogang, having no other choice, ordered Tang San and the others be moved to the infirmary, where a group effort would be required to gradually melt the ice.

Once defrosted, their faces were deathly pale, with no signs of consciousness.

The healer tried his best but sighed, "I advise against them participating in any more of the preliminaries. Unlike yesterday, this cold has invaded their internal systems. They need time to recover, or they risk long-term damage."

The match now over, Su Ming led Xiao Wu and the others away from the arena. Just as they left, they "happened" to cross paths with Tianshui and Blazing Fire Academies.

Before Su Ming could say a word, Shui Yue'er rushed over excitedly. "Su Ming! Did you see our match just now? Our fusion skill was amazing, right?" she exclaimed proudly, as though she'd been the one to cast it herself.