After explaining the upcoming training plan and key points to note, Yu Xiaogang no longer kept Xiao Tianyang.
The reason? This match required Team Shrek's participation—specifically, Xiao Tianyang's. However, he wouldn't be fighting directly, only assisting.
Secondly, his Whitebeard team would also compete afterward.
As for why the arrangement was made this way, Xiao Tianyang wasn't entirely sure.
'Didn't they say I wouldn't have to fight?'
'Why the sudden change? Now I'm just being used as a tool.'
Still, Xiao Tianyang only felt puzzled—he didn't refuse.
If there was a fight, it meant more lottery value.
Even if the increase was small, every bit counted. How could Xiao Tianyang complain?
Honestly, even if he had to fight over ten matches a day, he wouldn't mind.
…
Xiao Tianyang arrived on time at the sidelines, where Tang San was finalizing tactics.
"Brother Tianyang, here's the plan," Tang San said with a smile as Xiao Tianyang approached. "Since you can't fight this time, I need you to prepare for the next match—that's your role."
"The main team will be Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, Tai Long, and Huang Yuan. What do you think?"
"Sounds good." Xiao Tianyang nodded without hesitation. "When do we go on stage?"
Tang San blinked. "Brother Tianyang, are you in a hurry?"
Xiao Tianyang waved his hand, chuckling. "No, just asking."
Tang San hesitated briefly before speaking again. "Brother Tianyang, I should warn you—Xiao Wu and Zhuqing aren't in their best condition. Do you really think this lineup will work?"
"Relax, don't underestimate my support skills." Xiao Tianyang patted Tang San's shoulder reassuringly. "Besides, Zhuqing isn't as bad off as you think. Doesn't she look fine now?"
Hearing her name, Zhu Zhuqing turned and shot him an angry glare.
'What does he mean, 'not as bad as you think'?'
'Does he expect me to look as haggard as the others?'
"Uh—never mind the details." Xiao Tianyang coughed awkwardly and swiftly changed the subject. "By the way, who's our opponent today?"
"You still don't know?" Tang San replied, slightly exasperated. "It's the team representing the Elephant Armored Academy—one of the Seven Great Sects."
"Oh? The ones with the Diamond Mammoth martial soul?" Xiao Tianyang paused, then nodded. "No wonder grandmaster wants me in. Without me, you'd have to go all out."
"Exactly." Ning Rongrong chimed in. "The Diamond Mammoth is a powerhouse martial soul—unmatched in strength and defense. If not for their lack of speed and the fact they've never produced a Titled Douluo, they could easily rank among the top three sects."
"Wow, you think that highly of them?" Xiao Tianyang teased. "Is there someone you like in that sect?"
Ning Rongrong huffed, hands on her hips. "Nonsense! Since when do I like big, burly guys?"
"What's wrong with muscles? Look at mine!" Ma Hongjun flexed proudly.
Xiao Wu snorted. "Let's be clear—you're fat, not muscular."
Ma Hongjun: "..."
"Sorry, brother. No muscles here." Oscar popped up behind him, patting his shoulder sympathetically.
The group burst into laughter.
This was nothing new—Ma Hongjun and Oscar often played the clown duo to lighten the mood.
In the past, Ma Hongjun might've taken offense, but ever since Bubu's influence, he'd grown more easygoing.
At least now, he understood—these people were true friends, the kind you could trust with your life.
Besides, this wasn't mockery. Why overthink it?
…
Time flew, and soon, it was Xiao Tianyang's team's turn.
Meanwhile, on the spectator platform, a massive figure stood beside Platinum Bishop Salas.
The man towered over two and a half meters tall, his muscles like solid granite, exuding a mountain-like aura. Every step he took was heavy, deliberate—clearly a powerhouse built for brute force.
Xiao Tianyang recognized him instantly.
They'd crossed paths once before—at the Heaven Dou Auction House.
Though they'd only exchanged glances from a distance, Xiao Tianyang remembered him well.
"Huyan Zhen, head of the Elephant Armored Clan."
What was strange, however, was how close he seemed to the Spirit Hall now.
At the auction, the Elephant Armored Clan had appeared aligned with the Spirit Hall, but this level of intimacy suggested deeper negotiations—perhaps even an alliance.
…
"I didn't expect Clan Leader Huyan Zhen to attend today," Ning Fengzhi greeted gracefully.
Huyan Zhen's voice rumbled. "You're always here. Why can't I come?"
Salas smirked. "Besides, today's match features the Elephant Armored Clan's team. Surely Clan Leader Huyan has every right to be present?"
Bone Douluo, standing beside Ning Fengzhi, transmitted a cold message: "Seems these two are already colluding. And judging by the match arrangement, they've planned this."
Ning Fengzhi remained composed. "Being targeted only proves Shrek's strength worries them. Otherwise, why go to such lengths?"
After a pause, he added, "Still, today's match won't be easy. Let's see how Rongrong and the others handle it."
Bone Douluo nodded subtly, his gaze locking with Huyan Zhen's.
An invisible tension crackled between them.
Down in the arena, the two teams took their positions.
But when Bone Douluo noticed Shrek had only sent five members, his brow furrowed.
"Heh. Sect Master Ning, your Shrek Academy seems rather…confident today," Salas remarked mockingly. "Or do they simply not respect the Elephant Armored Clan? Sending only five members?"
Ning Fengzhi's frown vanished the moment he spotted Xiao Tianyang lounging lazily behind Zhu Zhuqing.
A faint smile touched his lips.
"The outcome remains to be seen," he replied calmly, meeting Salas' gaze. "Perhaps you should wait before jumping to conclusions."
Salas' eyes narrowed.
Ning Fengzhi's confidence was unsettling for him.
'Did he already know the result?'
'Impossible.'
The Elephant Armored Clan's team was far from weak—they were among the strongest in this Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament.
A five-versus-seven match, with two substitutes no less?
'Unless… they have a hidden trump card?'
Salas' attention snapped to Xiao Tianyang, whose relaxed demeanor now seemed far more calculated.
…
[I've just launched a new fanfiction project titled Protagonist's Mother Is My Wife.
First 30 Chapters: Available for free to everyone.
From chapters 31: Exclusive to Patreon paid members.]
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