"Little brother, you're quite handsome." Suddenly, the woman smiled like a blooming flower and said, "Are you free tonight? Have a drink with your sister?"
"I'm sorry," Xiao Tianyang replied righteously. "I don't mean to be rude to a lady, but... your makeup is too thick, you're too old, and you're far too dissolute."
A series of cutting remarks struck the woman like daggers, piercing her heart. Her smile gradually stiffened, her expression darkening.
Behind Xiao Tianyang, Ma Hongjun and the others were already curled up on the sofa, desperately trying to stifle their laughter.
Xiao Tianyang remained calm and composed. Taking a deep breath, he spoke seriously, "...So, do you understand?"
The woman, who had been fuming just moments ago, suddenly smiled again. "Little brother, you're really sharp-tongued. No wonder you're so popular with the girls."
She gave a quick glance at Saber and the others before turning to leave.
Director Ao, having observed the exchange, simply commented, "You must be the Shrek Seven Monsters, correct? Those two are the core members of your upcoming opponents."
"All their members are at the Soul Elder level. They've registered for seven days and have won seven matches in a row. Their attacks are brutal—either crippling or killing their opponents outright. I wish you good luck."
With that, he turned to leave but paused slightly after a few steps. "Oh, and one more thing—no private fights here!"
As soon as Director Ao was gone, Ma Hongjun and Oscar burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Dai Mubai approached Xiao Tianyang and whispered, "So that's why you stopped us from intervening earlier?"
"Of course not. You've been here for so long and still didn't know the rules. How would I know?" Xiao Tianyang rolled his eyes. "I just didn't want you to suffer a loss. Don't overthink it."
Dai Mubai: "..."
At that moment, Saber stood up and spoke in a deep voice. "That Mad Rhinoceros must have deliberately come to provoke us. He wanted to gauge our real strength."
"Heh, I didn't expect things to be so scheming here!" Ma Hongjun exclaimed. "Looking at how bulky he is, I thought his brain was all muscle. Who knew he'd resort to tricks instead?"
"That wasn't necessarily his idea," Xiao Tianyang mused, stroking his chin. A flicker of insight crossed his eyes. "That woman is probably the one pulling the strings."
"Good thing we didn't act recklessly just now, or we would've played right into their hands," Dai Mubai said, feeling a bit relieved.
"You should be grateful indeed," Xiao Tianyang nodded. "If the battle were held in an open field, you might stand a chance against him. But in a head-on confrontation here, your strength might not be enough to match his."
"Then… what level is he?" Dai Mubai lowered his voice.
"Level 39," Xiao Tianyang answered.
Everyone's expressions turned serious.
They had previously fought against two Soul Kings with just four people, but that was with Xiao Tianyang on their side. Even though Tianya and Goose had underestimated him that night, Tianya's earlier words had merely been a bluff.
At the time, their target seemed to be Tang San, but in reality, Tianya could have changed course at any moment to attack Xiao Tianyang instead.
Because in their eyes, anyone capable of killing with a single kick was a true threat.
Leaving wasn't an option either. But before the enemy could make a move, they had been utterly defeated in mere seconds.
Now, this was a battle that truly belonged to the Shrek Seven Monsters—a battle they had to win for their first victory!
"Then do your best," Xiao Tianyang said, making a cheering gesture before turning to leave.
"Where are you going?" Ning Rongrong asked.
"To watch the match, of course. Am I supposed to wait around here with you?" Xiao Tianyang waved his hand. "One last thing—pay attention to your opponents' team name. A team's name often reflects its members' abilities, so think about it carefully."
Everyone was momentarily puzzled. Some didn't quite understand his meaning, but Tang San's expression shifted. He thought deeply for a moment, then his eyes lit up.
"Brother Tianyang's perception is as sharp as ever. He immediately saw through our opponents' strengths."
Just as Xiao Tianyang left the lounge, he heard Yu Xiaogang's voice behind him. "You give too many reminders."
"Grandmaster, you should know by now—the Berserker Team has no chance of defeating Xiao San and the others," Xiao Tianyang shrugged.
"Oh? That confident?"
"Aren't you?"
The old and young locked eyes, then both smiled knowingly.
"Sometimes, I really suspect that an old man's soul is hidden inside your little body," the master chuckled, shaking his head.
Well, he wasn't entirely wrong. But rather than an old man… it was a young one.
Xiao Tianyang grinned and strolled off.
"That kid is becoming more and more mysterious," Flender remarked as he emerged from the side. "But why did you allow him to form his own team? Aren't you worried about accidents?"
"It's his opponents you should be worried about," Yu Xiaogang replied. "At least within the same realm, even the elite of the Spirit Hall would struggle against him."
"That's true." Flender nodded in agreement.
After a brief silence, he added, "By the way, where is Tianyang's match being held?"
"I didn't ask," Yu Xiaogang answered plainly.
"What about his team name? Any alias he's using?"
The master frowned. "Why so many questions?"
"Ahem, well… you see, the academy's funds are running low, and Tianyang has quite the expensive taste—always demanding the freshest and most costly ingredients. So... you know," Flender said with a sheepish look.
Yu Xiaogang found it amusing. "So you actually intend to bet on him?"
"Who wouldn't?" Flender stroked his beard and grinned.
Suddenly, Yu Xiaogang lowered his voice. "How much are you planning to wager?"
"Everything!" Flender's eyes gleamed with madness. "If I win, call me Mr. Wang. If I lose, call me Mrs. Wang!"
Yu Xiaogang blinked, confused. "What does that even mean?"
Flender coughed awkwardly. "Oh, it's just a phrase I read in a book. Thought it sounded interesting, so I said it out loud."
What he didn't mention was that he had bought the book from Bubu. In truth, it was just a collection of clichéd urban romance novels.
But at his age, what else could he do besides indulging in such fantasies?
Bubu, being just as single, had sympathized with him—and had gladly taken his gold coins in return.
Tears streamed down his face at that moment... though mostly out of laughter.
…
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