A Pyrrhic Victory!
Ye Xinglan slumped to the ground, her eyes glazed over, even the normally dazzling sunlight seemed dim in her eyes.
From childhood to adulthood, she had never won so hard among her peers.
She had always considered herself incredibly talented. And that was true; after all, entering Shrek Academy's inner courtyard at her age was enough to demonstrate her exceptional talent.
Undefeated among her peers, and in every battle, she had never felt threatened by anyone her age.
Tang Wulin, just a ten-year-old, why did he possess such a strong fighting spirit? And his Dragon Claw was truly powerful. Even her Star God Sword almost couldn't withstand him.
This was the first time.
From the beginning, she should have played defensively; it was her arrogance that had put her in such a disadvantageous position.
Wu Changkong gracefully ascended the stage, taking Tang Wulin from the referee. A thin layer of frost enveloped Tang Wulin, sealing all his wounds. Without even glancing at Ye Xinglan, he carried Tang Wulin off the stage.
Gu Yue and Xie Xie rushed to Wu Changkong almost simultaneously. Seeing him covered in blood, Gu Yue abruptly raised her head, her bright eyes instantly filled with a violent rage.
Lin Xiuran stood behind them, facing Ye Xinglan from afar.
In terms of soul power, Lin Xiuran was superior to Ye Xinglan, so he wasn't afraid. Although the Star God Sword was powerful, he still had Gu Yuena's special training and the blessing of the Phoenix bloodline.
Moreover, recent battles had given him confidence, even against Ye Xinglan, even against someone from Shrek Academy.
After examining Tang Wulin's body, Wu Changkong said, "It's nothing, just superficial injuries."
He picked up Tang Wulin and then looked at Lin Xiuran, saying, "The rest is up to you, Xiuran."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned into a wisp of green smoke and disappeared from the spot.
As for why it would definitely be Lin Xiuran fighting Ye Xinglan, it's obvious that Tang Wulin wasn't originally fighting Ye Xinglan; she was manipulated by her.
Therefore, Lin Xiuran would naturally encounter her, given her attitude.
Ye Xinglan ignored everyone else, walked up to Lin Xiuran, and coldly said, "I mean what I say, you're next!"
Gu Yue's expression changed, and she stood up angrily, about to say something, but Xie Xie stopped her.
"I'll fight to the end."
Lin Xiuran stood in front of the two, his gaze towards Ye Xinglan carrying a hint of coldness, but also a hint of fighting passion.
How could he not be excited to fight an even stronger opponent?
But what no one noticed was that deep within Lin Xiuran's pupils, a black light flashed and disappeared.
"I hope so." Ye Xinglan snorted coldly, then strode off the stage. Instead of the expected joy of defeating Tang Wulin, her expression was heavy and complex.
Xu Lizhi looked anxious, trying to comfort Ye Xinglan while frantically apologizing.
...
"You know forging?"
Gu Yuena looked at the smug girl beside her and asked doubtfully.
Logically speaking, how could a noble girl like Tang Wutong, born the daughter of a God King, know such rough work as forging?
Tang Wutong raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled, saying, "Although I don't know forging, I have the Haotian Hammer, and I know the Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique." "Just now, I imbued Xiu Ran's hammer with the power of the Clear Sky Hammer, and then used the power to guide him to unleash the Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique."
This is why, for blacksmiths in the junior group, Dark Gold is an insurmountable hurdle. But once a blacksmith reaches level forty, Dark Gold becomes the simplest.
Because this metal doesn't actually require any special techniques; as long as the soul power and physical strength are sufficient, it can be forged.
Tang Wutong's smile was almost uncontrollable. Already stunningly beautiful, her delicate face, coupled with her smile, was even more breathtaking.
Like a girl who had just eaten candy, she was smug and pleased, as if helping Lin Xiu Ran made her extremely happy.
"You're not helping your brother, but helping Xiu Ran like this?"
Tang Wutong shook her head helplessly: "There's no way around it. My father pays too much attention to my brother; if I dare to show my face, I'll definitely be noticed."
"Has your relationship reached this point?" Gu Yuena asked somewhat heavily.
Tang Wutong smiled indifferently, "It's irreversible."
Gu Yuena was slightly taken aback, about to say something, but then seemed to sense something, her expression shifting as she looked at Tang Wutong.
Tang Wutong seemed to realize this as well, instantly transforming into a pinkish-blue ball of light and disappearing into the depths of her spiritual sea.
"Sister Na, what happened to me today?" Lin Xiuran asked Gu Yuena as soon as he entered his spiritual sea.
After all, he knew very well that today's situation was definitely not his doing. That power was strange, and that hammer phantom, the more he recalled it, the more it felt like the Haotian Hammer.
"Sister Na, you helped me again."
Gu Yuena shook her head, her cold eyes glancing sideways at the depths of her spiritual sea, then said, "It wasn't me."
Lin Xiuran frowned slightly, clearly not understanding.
"You'll know in a few days, don't rush, go prepare for the competition first. Also, use more ice elements during the competition, get used to them."
Since Gu Yuena had said so, Lin Xiuran naturally didn't ask any more questions.
Besides, his competition was indeed urgent, and he had been preparing for it these past few days.
Lin Xiuran shrugged. "Alright, I'll head out then."
After Lin Xiuran left, the girl with long, light blue hair appeared behind Gu Yuena.
"That scared me to death! I almost got discovered!" Tang Wutong patted her well-developed chest, letting out a soft sigh.
Gu Yuena glanced at her helplessly, then said, "When do you plan to see him? This isn't good."
Tang Wutong frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then exhaled deeply. "But he doesn't recognize me now. What if he doesn't like me, or even hates me?"
Gu Yuena shook her head slightly. She hadn't expected this concern, so she explained, "There's no need. You can't hide here forever."
Tang Wutong didn't say anything, only pursed her lips, a conflicted look on her beautiful face.
The Blacksmith Competition had ended, and the final champion was undoubtedly Lin Xiuran, the runner-up was Mu Xi, and the third place went to Tang Wulin. Of course, this was only for the junior group.
Competitions in mecha manufacturing, design, and repair are still underway, and their processes are far more complex than the forging competition.
The most popular event among the people of Tianhai City is the Soul Master competition; both individual and team matches are a visual feast held every few years.
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(End of Chapter)