And in the afternoon's team battle, if the opponent was the Soul Hall Team, both teams were equally confident in securing a victory.
Therefore, to avoid exhausting themselves in the morning's individual elimination battle among the three teams, the two teams had discussed in advance, agreeing to let the draw determine which team would forfeit. They would then face the Soul Hall Team in the afternoon's team battle instead.
This way, each team only had to fight one match before advancing to the final championship battle.
A truly devious strategy!
Bibi Dong frowned slightly, gazing at Shui Bing'er and asked in a deep voice, "Are you certain?"
"Your Holiness, I am certain."
Shui Bing'er nodded.
Hearing this, Bibi Dong did not say much and merely gave a slight nod to a red-robed cardinal serving as the referee in the square.
Although Skywater Team's strategy put the Soul Hall Team at a disadvantage by forcing them to compete in two full battles, forfeiting a match was within the rights of any participating team. The rules allowed it, and no one could object.
It wasn't as if the Soul Hall Team could follow Skywater's example and forfeit as well to prepare for the afternoon's team battle. That was impossible!
As the host, even if they knew forfeiting was the best tactical choice, the Soul Hall Team could not afford to make such a decision.
Receiving Bibi Dong's signal, the referee announced loudly:
"Skywater Academy forfeits. This match will now be between the Soul Hall Team and Blazing Fire Academy in an individual battle.
The losing team will join Skywater Academy in the afternoon's elimination team battle, while the winner will advance to the final championship match tomorrow.
Now, all unrelated personnel, please leave the arena. The match is about to begin."
Soon, only Mu Yang and the tall female contestant from the Soul Hall Team remained on the square before the Pope's Palace.
Suddenly, Mu Yang raised his right hand.
"Mu Yang of Blazing Fire Team, do you have a question?"
The referee looked at Mu Yang and asked.
In the earlier rounds, with so many participants, the referee might not have known every competitor's name.
But by this stage, the number of contestants had dropped significantly, and with their rising fame, there was no longer any chance that a referee wouldn't recognize them.
Mu Yang turned toward the seven figures seated in the row of golden chairs before the Pope's Palace, bowed slightly, and said:
"May I request Your Holiness, the five Douluo, and Sect Master Ning to serve as witnesses?"
Hearing this, Bibi Dong's expression showed a trace of surprise.
This young man was about to stir up some trouble!
"Young man, what is it that you wish us to witness? Speak freely," Ning Fengzhi said with a smile, glancing at Bibi Dong and Huo Lie beside him.
As his voice fell, Bibi Dong also nodded. "Indeed. Speak freely."
Since this was merely witnessing something rather than granting a request, and with so many eyes watching, she had no reason to refuse.
Mu Yang said, *"It's like this: a few days ago, our Blazing Fire Team made a bet with the Soul Hall Team.
If the Soul Hall Team defeats us on the battlefield, then I, Mu Yang, will shave my head bald on the spot, and our entire team will praise Hu Liena as the most beautiful woman in the world.
Conversely, if our Blazing Fire Team defeats the Soul Hall Team, then Yan will shave his head bald on the spot, and the entire Soul Hall Team will praise Huo Wu.
The stakes are not high, and it causes no harm. I only ask Your Holiness, the five Douluo, and Sect Master Ning to serve as witnesses to this small wager."
"Oh? Interesting. I agree!"
Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow and glanced at her beloved disciple, Hu Liena, who was blushing on the sidelines. She stared at Mu Yang for three seconds before nodding.
Although the format of the upcoming match—being an individual battle due to the tournament rules—was somewhat unfavorable for the Soul Hall Team, as their Martial Soul Fusion Technique could not be utilized, the same limitations applied to Blazing Fire Team.
For example, Mu Yang was a food-type Soul Master, and his contributions in a team battle would be far greater than in an individual match.
Thus, Bibi Dong wasn't entirely certain which team would emerge victorious.
But she understood one thing: as the host, the Soul Hall Team had no choice but to accept this bet. Refusing would weaken their momentum.
Moreover, from Mu Yang's words, the wager had already been set, and they were merely being asked to witness it—to ensure the Soul Hall Team wouldn't back out if they lost.
Hmph~ These youngsters really are insufferable. Do they think so little of the Soul Hall's integrity?
"Interesting. It looks like the upcoming match will be quite the spectacle!" Ning Fengzhi said with a smile.
Daring to make such a bet meant that both teams were extremely confident in their own strength.
After all, if they weren't certain of victory, they wouldn't have dared to make such a bold move in front of a crowd.
Though the wager wasn't physically harmful, once the match concluded, it would undoubtedly create an entertaining spectacle for the audience.
If any of the contestants went on to become top-tier experts in the Soul Master world, this moment would still be a topic of discussion decades later.
"Both contestants, release your Martial Souls! The match is about to begin!"
The referee's voice rang out.
"Flying Swallow, possess!"
With a soft shout, Zhang Ping of the Soul Hall Team activated Martial Soul Possession. Her soul power radiated brilliantly, and four soul rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple—shone around her.
As for Mu Yang?
He did nothing. He simply smiled at his opponent.
"Zhang Ping, Martial Soul: Golden-Waist Flying Swallow, Level 48 Agility-Type Battle Soul Ancestor."
Zhang Ping introduced herself politely.
Since her opponent was courteous, Mu Yang naturally reciprocated.
"Mu Yang, Martial Soul: Ice-Fire Immortal Jade Ginseng, Five-Ring Food-Type Soul King.
By the way, my choice not to release my Martial Soul isn't meant as an insult to you—it's just that my Martial Soul isn't particularly useful in battle."
At the end, Mu Yang added this explanation out of courtesy, lest Zhang Ping misunderstand.
Zhang Ping: "…"
An explanation is just an excuse.
If he hadn't said anything, it would've been fine. But now that he did, it really seemed like he was looking down on her.
Refusing to release his Martial Soul? Not even using food-type soul techniques to assist himself?
Clearly, he didn't consider her a real threat.
Then again, for the Blazing Fire Team to send Mu Yang as their first fighter, it meant his strength wasn't as simple as it appeared.
After all, self-created soul techniques weren't limited to Battle Soul Masters—any type of Soul Master could develop them.
As a genius Soul Master, it wasn't impossible that Mu Yang had a few self-created techniques of decent power.
There was also the possibility that Mu Yang possessed a soul bone and planned to use its ability to secure victory.
"Match, begin!"
With the referee's command, the battle officially started.
'True Illusion Realm!'
The moment the match began, Mu Yang's expression sharpened as he activated a secret technique from the Divine Illusion Arcane Arts.
An intangible yet powerful spiritual force instantly crossed dozens of meters and invaded Zhang Ping's Sea of Consciousness.
Three seconds later, a slightly manic voice echoed across the battlefield:
"Heh~ Blazing Fire Team? I just took down four of them single-handedly! Oh well, since I'm in a good mood today, I'll let you all off the hook!"
With that, Zhang Ping puffed out her chest like a proud peacock and walked straight off the stage.
Seeing this, Mu Yang sighed and rubbed his forehead.
Then he turned to the referee in the distance and said, "Next!"
With a single True Illusion Realm technique, Mu Yang created a vivid illusion within Zhang Ping's mind.
In her perception, she had just single-handedly defeated four members of the Blazing Fire Team before running out of soul power and having to withdraw from the match.
Unexpectedly, this young lady actually believed it and was even feeling smug about it.
Well… let's hope she still feels smug once she exits the illusion.
For additional chapters
Versatile mage {40 chapters}
Douluo Dalu:This Soul Master is to Weird {30 Chapters}
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