Flender pulled the stiff-faced Yu Xiaogang a hundred meters away from the rest area, stopping in a secluded corridor.
"Xiaogang, what are you thinking? We have a Soul King, and you're still not letting him fight?"
"We've worked so hard for so long just so these kids could go far in the Elite Tournament. Are you willing to be eliminated in the preliminaries?"
"Go apologize to Lin Xuan. If he's reached the Soul King level at his age, do you think he needs our protection? His family allowed him to come train in the first place—there's a good chance someone's secretly watching over him."
"I don't believe you're keeping him off the field for his safety. It's because of Tang San and your pride."
Flender's tone was heavy with concern.
"You want me to apologize to a brat? Not happening. And did you hear him? He wants me to beg him to compete. If we lose in prelims, so be it. We'll come back in five years," Yu Xiaogang snorted.
"Five years?" Flender raised his voice. "How many five-year chances do these kids get? We can't just keep them locked in the academy for another five years!"
"Even if Ning Rongrong can wait, will the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan allow it?"
"And Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai? They're from the Star Luo Empire—you know their family rules. Think they'll be allowed to stay?"
"Even Tang San—can you guarantee that the Clear Sky Douluo will wait five years for him?"
"Other than Ma Hongjun and Oscar, you can't be sure any of them will still be here."
"I know your pride runs deep, but can't you compromise, just once, for their sake?"
Flender pleaded earnestly.
Yu Xiaogang fell silent, turning to stare at the massive arena in the center of the Grand Spirit Arena.
Watching the young soul masters fighting with passion and spirit, a flicker of conflict flashed in his eyes.
"Xiaogang, Lin Xuan is incredibly powerful. Even if he leads them to win the championship, the glory is still yours. You're their instructor, the head of the academy's team," Flender added.
"You have a choice—cling to your pride and let these kids carry the regret of failure for the rest of their lives, or set your ego aside, and give them a real shot."
With those final words, Flender walked away, leaving Yu Xiaogang standing alone.
He'd said everything he could. If Yu Xiaogang wouldn't listen now, then he'd have to learn after defeat, whether it be a fourth or fifth straight loss.
"Congratulations to the Divine Wind Academy for winning! They now have five points!"
"Next, for match six of round five: Blazing Fire Academy vs. Shrek Academy!"
"Both teams, please prepare—match begins in ten minutes!"
The host's voice echoed throughout the arena.
Yu Xiaogang let out a deep sigh and returned to the lounge.
He had underestimated the elite teams produced by top academies and overestimated Tang San and the others.
"Teacher!" Tang San called out upon seeing him.
"I'm fine, Xiao San." Yu Xiaogang glanced past him and saw the faint hope in all their eyes.
He then walked directly up to Lin Xuan and said solemnly:
"Lin Xuan, I apologize. My earlier actions and decisions were unfair to you. I'm sorry."
"Please take the stage and lead your teammates to advance in the competition."
Lin Xuan rose slowly, smirking coldly.
"Since you've sincerely apologized, I'll reluctantly go stretch my limbs."
"Ning Rongrong, you're coming with me. The rest—just fill the numbers."
Without waiting, Lin Xuan walked out.
Ning Rongrong blinked, then followed. Liu Erlong ordered, "Tai Long, Huang Yuan, Jing Ling—you three go with him."
These three substitutes hadn't seen battle yet.
"Yes, Headmaster!"
The seven-person lineup now included Zhu Zhuqing and Oscar.
"Hey, Lin Xuan, how are we going to fight this?" Ning Rongrong asked.
"Use all three of your support skills on me. The rest of them? Just stand there."
"Got it," she nodded.
The five others joined them on the platform, having overheard Lin Xuan's words.
"You sure you don't need help?" Tai Long asked, frustrated at being reduced to a benchwarmer.
"No need. You're just here to make up the numbers," Lin Xuan replied flatly.
Zhu Zhuqing and the others wanted to argue—but didn't know how to refute that.
"Time's up! Let's welcome Blazing Fire Academy and Shrek Academy to the stage!" the host announced excitedly.
Click. The platform Lin Xuan was on slowly rose and connected with the massive main arena.
"What's going on? Why did Shrek Academy replace four of their regular members with unknowns?"
"They must have given up after three straight losses. Facing one of the Five Elemental Academies, they probably tossed in some substitutes," the crowd speculated.
Even Qian Renxue raised an eyebrow. "That cold-faced boy is on the field? If Shrek loses again, they're out. I can't wait to mock Lin Fan's prediction."
The host's enthusiastic voice filled the stadium:
"Shrek Academy has swapped in four substitutes—have they given up hope against the powerful Blazing Fire Academy?"
"Let's find out!"
"Teams, get ready!"
Blazing Fire's Huo Wu smiled confidently.
"Another point for us. Didn't expect Shrek to use subs."
But her brother, Huo Wushuang, remained cautious.
"Don't let your guard down. We don't know their strength yet—they haven't revealed their martial spirits."
"Captain, Vice Captain, it's just Shrek. We can take them easily."
"Martial Spirits, Activate!" The Blazing Fire team unleashed their spirits.
"You all back off," Lin Xuan said calmly.
"What the—Zhu Zhuqing is a Soul Ancestor, and she didn't even release her martial spirit?" Huo Wushuang muttered in confusion.
"Ha! Are they just surrendering? We might not even need to use soul skills," Huo Wu scoffed.
Only Ning Rongrong released her martial spirit, immediately boosting Lin Xuan's power, speed, and soul energy.
Though her buffs were negligible for a Titled Douluo, they were still effective for someone posing as a Soul King.
"Begin!" the host declared.
Lin Xuan extended his hand, unleashing the Sword of Slaughter. A wave of murderous intent surged toward the Blazing Fire team.
His soul rings appeared: two yellow, two purple, one black, striking fear into the hearts of spectators.
"Apologies, but you've run into me. This point? It's mine." Lin Xuan pointed his sword directly at Huo Wu and the others.
"A Soul King?! Shrek Academy has been hiding a Soul King? Even Heaven Dou Royal and the Five Element Academies don't have one!" the host cried in disbelief.
"Oh? Level 53 Soul King?" Qian Renxue narrowed her eyes. "Could he be the reason Lin Fan predicted Shrek would win the championship?"
"A Soul King at this age? He must be over twenty-five, right?"
"Info's in—his name is Lin Xuan, 53rd-level Soul King, age 23. Martial Spirit: Sword of Slaughter," the host announced loudly.