Chapter 76: Promotional Tournament.
Shi Yi returned to the dormitory and lay quietly on his bed.
"It's almost time. Once this tournament is over and Tang Hao leaves, I can do whatever I want," Shi Yi thought to himself.
While the current plot had shifted slightly due to Tang San's weakening, Shi Yi had generally maintained his composure.
Shi Yi suspected that Tang San's training with Tang Hao would likely be extended. After all, aside from his second spirit and the Tang Sect's unique skills, Tang San possessed little more than a normal spirit master. He was on par with the geniuses of the Four Elements Academy, perhaps even slightly inferior due to his spirit.
Extended training time would inevitably extend the duration of his training in the Slaughter City. Without crucial items like immortal-grade spirit bones, Shi Yi suspected that the Sea God and the Asura God would find it difficult to favor Tang San. If all went well, and Tang San's development couldn't keep up with the Spirit Hall's pace, then even without Shi Yi's intervention, he could survive perfectly to the end, completing his training journey and reaching the Divine Realm.
This was also why Shi Yi had been so decisive in killing Xiao Wu. To Tang San, Xiao Wu was like a natural reservoir of spirit rings and spirit bones. The Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Bull Python had chosen Tang San because of Xiao Wu. She was even the most important foundation for Tang San's godhood.
"Looks like I can rest peacefully for a long time," Shi Yi murmured softly.
Gradually, in this profoundly relaxed state, Shi Yi drifted off to sleep, a long-overdue sleep. When he opened his eyes again, a faint yellow light shone through the window, piercing his vision.
Shi Yi patted his face with both hands and yawned, his eyes glazing over. A flicker of emotion flashed across his face. He hadn't had such a relaxing nap in ages.
Feeling a little hungry, Shi Yi washed up casually and headed for the Shrek cafeteria.
Entering, Shi Yi instantly sensed the countless gazes directed at him. He froze for a moment, then awkwardly headed towards the food window.
After receiving his dinner, Shi Yi casually glanced around and saw two familiar figures. He took his tray and sat down in front of Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing.
"What? Shui Bing'er didn't pack your dinner? She let you, the champion of the qualifying tournament, the Marquis of Tiandou, eat in the cafeteria?" Ning Rongrong's mouth was filled with the familiar smell.
Shi Yi smiled and said, "It's just a meal together, to make some acquaintances."
Ning Rongrong rolled her eyes at Shi Yi, picked up her plate, and left on her own.
Shi Yi looked at Zhu Zhuqing with some confusion and said, "What's wrong with her today? She seems a little abnormal."
Zhu Zhuqing paused with her chopsticks in her hand. Remembering what Ning Rongrong had said to her when Shi Yi came, a faint blush appeared on her cold face.
Shi Yi observed Zhu Zhuqing's expression and subconsciously glanced toward where Ning Rongrong had left. A flicker of realization flashed across his eyes. He chuckled at Zhu Zhuqing's expression and said, "What? Do you have something to say?"
Zhu Zhuqing glared at Shi Yi, then hesitated for a moment before snorting softly, ultimately holding back.
Shi Yi, unconcerned, smiled and said, "Let's eat first."
Shi Yi ate his meal, debating whether, as a man, he should take the initiative. Zhu Zhuqing quickly finished hers and left without even a word.
Shi Yi was taken aback as he watched the departing figure, a look of frustration crossing his face. He understood that Zhu Zhuqing still had baggage, which was why he hadn't taken the initiative. He hoped she would be able to make a choice more easily, rather than under pressure from him.
Meanwhile, Ning Rongrong, who had been observing from the sidelines, saw Zhu Zhuqing scurry out and grabbed her.
"Zhuqing, why don't you tell me? I'm so worried! There's only a thin layer of window paper left. If you break it, you can control that bad guy Shi Yi with dignity," Ning Rongrong said angrily.
Hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing whispered, "I don't think it's appropriate now. At least... at least wait until the competition is over."
"That bad guy can wait, but other women won't. Shi Yi obviously has some special feelings for Shui Bing'er. If someone takes advantage of this, don't come to me crying." Ning Rongrong said angrily.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhuqing, reminded of Shui Bing'er, nodded, then said somewhat disappointedly, "She's indeed a better match for him than I am..."
Ning Rongrong slapped her forehead helplessly and said, "Well, your fighting spirit has already been crushed before she even makes a move."
However, when Ning Rongrong thought of Shui Bing'er and compared herself to her, she realized that even without the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's background, she still seemed inferior. Not to mention that the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was still a negative factor in Shi Yi's eyes.
The enemy was indeed very powerful. Ning Rongrong sighed slightly. Looking at Zhu Zhuqing's expression, Ning Rongrong understood that Zhu Zhuqing still had some concerns. She also knew that this was not something she could persuade; she could only let Zhu Zhuqing figure it out on her own.
"Alright, you can do it yourself," Ning Rongrong's voice was a little complicated.
The two of them met eyes, and in each other's eyes, they both caught a glimpse of mutual pity. At this moment, they realized that the biggest gap between them and Shui Bing'er was freedom.
Zhu Zhuqing looked at Ning Rongrong and whispered, "Let's go, Rongrong."
Ning Rongrong nodded slightly, and the two of them headed towards the girls' dormitory.
The January holiday flew by, and more than two months had passed since the competition began.
Flanders also led the Shrek team to the venue of the promotion tournament, the Tiandou Royal Hunting Grounds.
After registration and inspection, the Shrek team was assigned five barracks for their rest. This made Shi Yi frown slightly. For him, with so many secrets, this was not good news, and he didn't particularly enjoy living with others.
The promotion tournament would still be a round-robin system, but because the number of teams had decreased significantly, the duration had been reduced from one month to two weeks. After another two weeks of rest, the finals would be held at the border between the Tiandou and Xingluo empires.
Just as they were settling in, two guests arrived at their temporary residence: Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe, or Qian Renxue.
Seeing this, Shi Yi politely greeted Qian Renxue, "Brother Xue."
Qian Renxue, seeing this, curled her lips slightly and chuckled, "Xiao Yi, the teacher and I came to see you."
Then, feigning realization, she nodded slightly to Ning Fengzhi and said, "Sect Master Ning."
Ning Fengzhi, with his usual warm smile, nodded in response.
"Dad," Ning Rongrong's voice echoed at the perfect moment, and a charming figure ran out of the barracks. "Why are you here?" Ning Rongrong threw herself into Ning Fengzhi's arms, a look of excitement on her face.
At this moment, the rest of the Shrek group slowly emerged from the room.
Flender and Yu Xiaogang led the way in greeting Ning Fengzhi, "Master Ning, hello."
Ning Fengzhi smiled and said, "You're welcome, Dean Flender. This must be the Master. I've long heard of you."
Yu Xiaogang nodded slightly, though not enthusiastically. He, a descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex Sect, one of the three upper sects, was well-versed in the ways of sect spirit masters.
Shi Yi had spent only a day in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect before returning to the academy, and Yu Xiaogang had already sensed something was up. His suspicions were reinforced when Shi Yi stood beside Xue Qinghe. Clearly, Shi Yi believed the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect wasn't a safe place for him, but he couldn't choose to oppose the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect in the land of Heaven Dou. Shi Yi's subsequent stance by Xue Qinghe was a natural progression.
Ning Fengzhi maintained his smile, seemingly unfazed by Yu Xiaogang's cold attitude, and his gaze settled on Tang San.
Since Yu Xiaogang could train a disciple like Shi Yi, Tang San clearly had his own strengths.
"The Son of Haotian, whose brilliance is overshadowed by Shi Yi, is unaware of his own secrets," Ning Fengzhi thought to himself.
Yu Xiaogang had a certain understanding of Ning Fengzhi, and so did he. Ning Fengzhi had a single word to describe the members of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Clan: pride. Dragons only recognize their own kind. Shi Yi's profile had long been clearly laid out on his desk. If Shi Yi had shown Yu Xiaogang a glimpse of himself in the past, then what about Tang San had Yu Xiaogang recognized?
While Tang San was already exceptional, Ning Fengzhi was certain that what impressed Yu Xiaogang was far more than just some ordinary genius.
Ning Fengzhi looked at Tang San. Tang San, sensing his gaze, simply met his gaze calmly, saying nothing.
Shi Yi couldn't help but sigh inwardly upon seeing this scene. "Having connections is great! You don't have to act like a grandson in front of Ning Fengzhi."
Qian Renxue, sensing the awkward silence, then offered a timely reminder, "Teacher, it's getting late. We should leave."
Ning Fengzhi, regaining his composure, smiled and nodded. Ning Rongrong, sensing the agitation, said, "Then I'll see Dad off."
Ning Fengzhi nodded and bid farewell to Flender and Yu Xiaogang.
"Goodbye, Xiaoyi. I'm looking forward to your performance in the promotion match," Qian Renxue said to Shi Yi, then slowly left behind Ning Fengzhi.
Shi Yi also smiled and nodded at Qian Renxue.
After Ning Fengzhi left, Flender breathed a sigh of relief. The atmosphere had indeed been a bit tense.
With this in mind, Flanders glanced at Yu Xiaogang and sighed softly, saying, "After the competition, let's graduate these little guys. They're all quite capable."
Yu Xiaogang's eyes flickered with emotion as he remarked, "A tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. Since they're monsters, they naturally have secrets that distinguish them from ordinary people. It's normal for them to be targeted. It's time for them to graduate."
"I was thinking of teaching at your Shrek Academy," Shi Yi chuckled. "
Marquis Tiandou teaching at my Shrek Academy? My temple is too small to accommodate a giant like you. You're the most troublesome kid. Get out of here after graduation," Flanders said grumpily.
"If we win this competition, Shrek will be more than just a small temple. You'll have to pay me for the advertising," Shi Yi quipped with a smile.
"You wish. You've caused so much trouble at Shrek. You should be advertising for the academy for free." Speaking of money, Flanders slipped into the room.
Unlike the preliminaries, where multiple arenas were held simultaneously, the promotional tournament would be held in a single venue: the Royal Knights' Grand Parade Ground.
Fifteen teams would compete in fourteen rounds, one round per day, with one team receiving a bye each day, for a total of seven matches. All matches would take place in the same venue.
The Grand Parade Ground had been renovated, with a central area a hundred meters in diameter designated as the competition area. Compared to the preliminaries' arena, this area offered a wider area, naturally making it easier to showcase one's skills.
On the north side of the Grand Parade Ground, facing south, a temporary VIP seating area was constructed, which also served as the referee's seat. This time, the number of VIPs attending the match was smaller than last time, with fewer nobles present. Looking around, the VIP seats, aside from the first row of Emperor Xue Ye, Ning Fengzhi, Platinum Bishop Saras, and a few others, were filled with warriors in military attire and high-ranking officials from the Spirit Hall and the Spirit Temple of Tiandou City.
The rules of the competition were simple. Each team sent seven players to participate. Each player had to fight until defeated. The winner would face the next opponent, and this continued until all seven players on one side were defeated.
The draw was completed last night, and Shrek Academy did not receive a bye in the first round. Their opponent was a high-level spirit master academy from the Kingdom of Barak. They were scheduled to play in the third of seven matches today.
The teams that had qualified from the preliminaries were grouped together. Seeing Shui Bing'er nearby, Shi Yi smiled and nodded, and Shui Bing'er nodded slightly in response.
"Sister, when are you going to make Shi Yi my brother-in-law?" Shui Yue'er chuckled and teased.
Shui Bing'er blushed and glared at Shui Yue'er, pouting, "You're killing me! What nonsense are you talking about?"
Shui Yue'er smiled and said, "If you don't like him, then introduce him to me."
"Bing'er, if you don't want to let go, it's okay to give half to Yue'er. Let Yue'er be your sister forever," Xuewu said, and everyone in Tianshui laughed.
Hearing this, Shui Bing'er spat, blushing and quickly changing the subject: "Sister Xuewu, what are you talking about? I haven't even settled the score with you for what happened last time. You actually let me go alone when we were supposed to go together."
"Isn't this just because I feel bad for our captain? We finally have someone who's not affected by Bing'er's power. If Bing'er had found someone else, we sisters would have to worry about Bing'er accidentally freezing someone into an ice cube while sleeping," Xuewu said with a chuckle.
Hearing this, Shui Bing'er rolled her eyes at Xuewu and said nothing more. These days, she'd been training according to Shi Yi's instructions, and she could clearly feel her control over the source power growing stronger. Perhaps the source power would never go out of control again. However, she had never told her teammates about these things, not even her sister Shuiyue'er.
Thinking of this, Shui Bing'er's gaze involuntarily shifted to Shi Yi, who was not far away. Looking at Shi Yi, her heart could not help but throb. When she saw Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong sitting not far from Shi Yi, Shui Bing'er secretly said in her heart: "Hmph... Just as philandering as Dad."
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(End of this chapter)