Douluo Dalu (Soul Land 1): Infinite Lottery System

As for why Qian Renxue didn't explain things to her face the last time they met, it was actually quite understandable.

On one hand, she hadn't expected Bubu to keep the letter and show it to Xiao Tianyang half a year later. Bubu's unexpected move had truly showcased his skills to Xiao Tianyang.

On the other hand, since Xiao Tianyang hadn't brought it up, Qian Renxue naturally wouldn't volunteer an explanation. After all, behind this conspiracy stood Qian Renxue's own relatives.

To put it bluntly, it was simply a matter of guilt.

Otherwise, for something this important, shouldn't they have discussed it face-to-face?

So, neither side could really blame the other—it was just a tangled mess of misunderstandings.

"Even thinking about what to do next is giving me a headache?" Xiao Tianyang narrowed his eyes slightly, lost in thought.

He had decided this matter alone and wouldn't inform Miao Zhenshan again. He wanted to leverage the existing situation to maximize their chances of a comeback.

After all, what if they could see through the opponent's scheme?

The Spirit Hall operated on a grand scale, acting decisively and without hesitation when it came to killing. But if they were truly cornered, Xiao Tianyang had no doubt that Bibi Dong, given her ruthless nature, would stop at nothing to eliminate the threat.

Therefore, this matter required long-term consideration. There was no need to rush—and certainly no reason to let Miao Zhenshan know.

If this had happened before, having additional high-level combat power would have given Xiao Tianyang a greater sense of security. But now, with his connection to Qian Renxue, he didn't want the two sides to fight to the death.

"Things have gotten complicated. Force isn't an option, and talking won't work. This is truly difficult to handle..." With a sigh, Xiao Tianyang shook his head and collapsed onto the bed.

As for the mission reward, it was little more than a distraction now—hardly any real help. What he was truly focused on was the once-in-a-hundred-thousand-years fifth-level lottery, where the rewards could genuinely aid him.

Before long, Xiao Tianyang drifted into deep sleep.

This didn't mean he was indifferent to the situation—it simply couldn't be rushed. Besides, he had never met Bibi Dong in person.

Judging whether Bibi Dong matched the descriptions from the original story was impossible without firsthand experience.

So, what else could he do but sleep?

…

Xiao Tianyang slept soundly until dawn, untroubled by insomnia.

The same went for Bubu. If the little guy had still been weighed down by guilt before, there was no trace of it now.

Just look at him—sprawled in his nest, tongue lolling out, snoring loudly. How could such a carefree sleeping posture possibly suggest remorse for past mistakes?

Xiao Tianyang chose to ignore him, heading straight for the bathroom to freshen up before leaving.

Cooking, eating, talking—this kind of life seemed leisurely and comfortable. If given the choice, this was the existence Xiao Tianyang preferred. Simple, free of conflict, and without competition.

But life didn't deal in ifs.

After breakfast, everyone gathered on the training grounds.

Before long, Yu Xiaogang arrived. Seeing Tang San and the others in high spirits, brimming with energy and showing no signs of slacking, he nodded in satisfaction.

"Maintain this state."

Yu Xiaogang smiled faintly. "This year's competition has many outstanding teams. Even among the Five Elemental Academies, the representatives are different from before. I believe you've sensed this more keenly than I have."

"And from what I've observed, their strength and performance seem to be concealing something..."

Ma Hongjun was the first to speak up. "That can't be right. The three promoted teams have all fought Edward—wouldn't holding back against such an opponent be pointless?"

"Then what about you?" Yu Xiaogang's simple retort left Ma Hongjun speechless.

Ignoring him, Yu Xiaogang continued solemnly: "If you want to get closer to the championship, you need to focus on three key points."

"Teacher, what three points?" Tang San asked eagerly. "Is there a battle plan against Edward?"

"These three points are specific to the Elemental Academies. Edward exceeds that scope."

Yu Xiaogang met Ma Hongjun's slightly anxious gaze. "As for how to deal with Edward… that will be your graduation task."

'Seriously?!' Tang San inwardly groaned. He had already considered this possibility when speaking with Yu Xiaogang yesterday.

Their last mission had ended the same way.

But this time was different.

In the Sunset Forest, Xiao Tianyang's role had been akin to answering an essay question—requiring clear, logical responses.

Now, it had turned into a multiple-choice question: to win or to lose. No draws, no tricks.

What he hadn't expected was for the task to be assigned so soon.

'With a week still left before the promotion round, wasn't the grandmaster being a little impatient?'

At least, that's how Ma Hongjun and the others saw it.

Now that the objective had been set, all they could do was train harder—which likely meant even more grueling sessions.

"I'll divide you into groups now." Yu Xiaogang flipped open his notebook. "Tianyang, you'll lead Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Ma Hongjun in training."

"Xiao Wu, Saber and Zhu Zhuqing—Erlong will oversee your training."

"Tai Long, Huang Yuan, and Jing Lng—your instructor will be Zhao Wuji."

"As for Ning Rongrong, Oscar, and Jiang Zhu, I'll handle them myself."

Closing his notes, Yu Xiaogang scanned the group. "Any objections to this arrangement?"

"Can I request to join Tianyang's team?" Ning Rongrong raised her hand. "I've made significant progress recently, especially in my awareness as a support. I'd like to focus on physical training—so I won't be the team's weak link in battle."

"And?" Yu Xiaogang sensed there was more.

Ning Rongrong glanced at Xiao Tianyang, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. "So… I want to train my combat skills."

"Reasonable." Yu Xiaogang nodded. Her recent improvements were evident.

As for other reasons… well, that was Xiao Tianyang's problem to handle.

Still, he offered a warning: "I'll allow it, but Tianyang's training intensity may differ from others. Think carefully before deciding."

That gave Ning Rongrong pause.

She knew Xiao Tianyang's methods well. If even Yu Xiaogang considered them intense…

But before she could decide, both Saber and Zhu Zhuqing requested transfers to Xiao Tianyang's team. Their reasoning was simple—they thrived on high-intensity training.

Xiao Wu remained silent, but her mischievous gaze lingered on Xiao Tianyang, as if saying: "You're in trouble now."

Spurred by their boldness, Ning Rongrong steeled herself and joined the request.

Yu Xiaogang didn't object. Once he'd set the rules, he wouldn't interfere.

Besides, as long as the core team members stayed, internal adjustments were fine.

…

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