Chapter 112: Chapter 112: Yu Xiaogang's Unreliable Tactics
Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong were lying on a patch of open ground, appearing rather relaxed.
Ning Rongrong smiled: "Little Bear, what do you think of Spirit City? Though it's not as prosperous as Seven Treasures City, it feels particularly peaceful and serene."
Yang Xiong chuckled: "Spirit City truly lives up to its reputation as the holy land of soul masters—it offers certain benefits for cultivation. But it's a bit of a pity."
"Our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Spirit Hall are ultimately adversaries. Sooner or later, we'll clash, and when that happens, Spirit City won't remain this tranquil."
Ning Rongrong quickly interjected: "How could that happen? My father and Grandpa Sword are both elders of the Spirit Hall!"
Yang Xiong shook his head: "Rongrong, you need to understand more about the world of soul masters. The Spirit Hall is stronger than ever, and when people grow powerful, they often develop ambitions. Talk to sect leader if you want to understand better."
Ning Rongrong leaned against Yang Xiong's shoulder: "I don't care about all that. No matter what happens, you'll always protect me, right?"
Yang Xiong smiled: "Silly girl, everyone needs to become strong on their own. I can't be by your side every moment—I might have other things to do."
Ning Rongrong pouted playfully: "I don't care! You have to stay by my side—you're my boyfriend, after all!"
…
After returning to his heavily guarded room, Xue Qinghe was joined by two towering figures exuding immense power—Snake Spear Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo.
Xue Qinghe sat down alone: "What's the matter? Did that woman say anything?"
Snake Spear Douluo spoke first: "Young Master, Her Holiness the Pope has instructed us to eliminate Yang Xiong if the opportunity arises."
Xue Qinghe's expression turned icy: "Do I really have to handle such trivial matters? Doesn't she know that Yang Xiong is someone Ning Fengzhi values highly? If we act rashly, we'll only expose ourselves."
Snake Spear Douluo hastily replied: "Young Master, Yang Xiong constantly opposes you. I believe it's best to eliminate him early; otherwise, he might jeopardize your cover."
Thinking of his verbal sparring with Yang Xiong, Xue Qinghe clenched his teeth: "Tell that woman that Yang Xiong is my prey. No one is allowed to touch him. Sooner or later, I will personally teach him a lesson and make him kneel before me in submission. Only then will my hatred be satisfied."
Snake Spear Douluo hesitated: "But Yang Xiong hails from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. He might become a threat to us in the future."
Xue Qinghe sneered: "That brat has her so worked up—she's unworthy of being the Pope. Take Tang San, for example—he's the son of my father's murderer and a member of the Hao Tian Sect. Why hasn't she taken any action against him?"
Snake Spear Douluo quickly explained: "Her Holiness once sent Ju and Gui Douluo after Tang San, but the mission failed."
Xue Qinghe's gaze turned cold: "And you call that an attempt? She sent Ju and Gui Douluo knowing full well that Sword Douluo and Dugu Bo were with the group, along with Ning Fengzhi. It seems that's the extent of her capabilities."
Snake Spear Douluo and Porcupinefish Douluo were left speechless, unsure of what to say.
Meanwhile, Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong were leisurely lying together, stargazing and enjoying the rare tranquility. Suddenly, visitors approached.
It was Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing. Dai Mubai grinned: "Yang Xiong, Rongrong, you two sure know how to relax and enjoy yourselves. You've found such a great spot to rest."
Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong quickly stood up: "Mubai, Zhuqing, how are your injuries? Shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Dai Mubai replied: "I've recovered almost fully after treatment. All I need now is some rest."
Yang Xiong nodded: "That's good. I hope you don't suffer any lingering effects."
Dai Mubai exchanged a glance with Zhu Zhuqing and suddenly became serious. To Yang Xiong's surprise, they both bowed deeply.
Yang Xiong quickly protested: "What are you doing? We're all classmates."
Dai Mubai said: "Yang Xiong, thank you so much for today. Without you revealing your soul bone, Zhuqing and I would have been in serious trouble."
Yang Xiong laughed: "Don't mention it—it's nothing. We've been teammates for years. In everyone's eyes, you're the true captain of Shrek."
Dai Mubai shook his head: "That's not true. If it weren't for Zhuqing and me, you wouldn't have exposed your secrets. Otherwise, I would have lost to Dai Weisi's Netherworld White Tiger today."
Yang Xiong replied: "I did what I could. That's all the help I can offer. The rest is up to you."
"By the way, what's the situation with the Star Luo Empire? It can't be that simple, can it?"
Dai Mubai nodded: "Our Shrek Team defeated the Star Luo Imperial Academy Team, but Dai Weisi performed better than me. His strength surpasses mine. The Star Luo Empire's elders have given Zhuqing and me a chance. Dai Weisi won't become crown prince immediately, but we only have five years."
Yang Xiong thought carefully before speaking: "Why go through all this? You've seen Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun's strength today—I've fought them both."
"In terms of talent, Dai Weisi might be slightly inferior to you, but he's clearly undergone rigorous training. I estimate he'll break through to Soul King within half a year. Reaching Soul King in your early twenties is no small feat."
Dai Mubai nodded: "Thanks for the reminder. Perhaps I need even harsher training. Otherwise, I'll never close the gap between us."
At this moment, Zhu Zhuqing suddenly spoke: "Yang Xiong, may I ask what made you so powerful? I know your strength surpasses Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun's—it's not just your external soul bone."
Yang Xiong fell silent for a moment before replying: "My path might not suit you. Today, I fought Zhu Zhuyun. In terms of speed and agility, there's hardly anyone among Soul Ancestors who can match her."
"If you truly want to defeat Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun, you'll need to keep pushing your limits. Otherwise, you'll never bridge the six-year gap in cultivation."
"The Tian Dou Imperial Academy might offer some assistance, but if you truly want to grow stronger, you'll need to endure life-and-death battles. Only through such trials can you truly transcend your limits. When I ventured alone into Sunset Forest, though I had covert protection, the dangers were real, and I narrowly escaped death multiple times."
"Also, there's one more thing—you lack synergy. This isn't just about being boyfriend and girlfriend or a past marriage contract. You need to become people who can rely on each other in life-and-death situations."
Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai fell silent. These words exceeded their expectations, especially Yang Xiong's description of the dangers and suffering he'd endured—it was truly astonishing.
…
The next morning arrived, leaving only a few hours until the final battle. Yu Xiaogang gathered everyone to discuss the lineup for the last fight.
Despite spending so much time thinking, Yu Xiaogang still hadn't devised a strategy to counter the Spirit Hall Team.
Seeing Yu Xiaogang's bloodshot eyes, Yang Xiong guessed he'd spent the entire night pondering tactics. Even Tang San and Qin Ming appeared tense—this was the final battle, after all.
Yu Xiaogang looked at Yang Xiong gravely: "Yang Xiong, if you were to face the spirit fusion technique Yao Mei (Charm Demon) used by Xie Yue and Hu Liena, how long could you hold out?"
Yang Xiong thought carefully before answering: "Master, it's hard to say. Xie Yue and Hu Liena have never shown their full strength. Their spirit fusion technique likely reaches the level of a top-tier Soul Emperor, possibly even a Soul Sage. Moreover, it has mental attacks—even I might not last more than five minutes."
This five-minute estimate was conservative, factoring in the protection of his Xuanming Armor. Without it, the mental interference from Yao Mei's red mist could cause even a Soul King to collapse rapidly. The original Tian Dou Imperial Academy Team was utterly crushed, unable to mount any resistance. Meanwhile, Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, and the Shi brothers were now part of the second team as key members.
Though Tang San and Yu Tianheng were confident in their combat abilities, facing the Spirit Hall Team's lineup left them uneasy. They might hold their own against Soul Kings, but countering Yao Mei was another matter entirely.
Especially the red mist emitted by Yao Mei—even Tang San's Purple Extreme Demon Eye couldn't penetrate it. The mist disrupted mental focus, creating chaos.
Yu Xiaogang turned to Tang San: "Xiao San, if you were to face Yao Mei, how long could you last?"
Tang San thought for a moment: "Teacher, the gap between my strength and Yao Mei is too vast. I doubt I could last even three minutes."
After analyzing both scenarios, Yu Xiaogang gritted his teeth and declared: "Then we'll bet on five minutes. If we can win within five minutes, we'll succeed; otherwise, we lose."
"This time, I plan to send Yang Xiong, Xiao San, Dai Mubai, Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong onto the field. Yang Xiong will restrain Yao Mei, while the others must defeat the rest of the Spirit Hall Team within five minutes, no matter the cost."
"Once everyone on the Spirit Hall Team is defeated, we'll all converge to attack Yao Mei. This might be our only chance of victory."
Upon hearing this tactic, Yang Xiong couldn't help but internally criticize it. The Spirit Hall Team's members were far stronger than Yu Xiaogang imagined, and their combat experience was extensive. Even with a six-on-five advantage and Ning Rongrong's exceptional support, merely holding their ground would be a challenge—let alone defeating them outright.
Still, this tactic was somewhat more targeted. The Shi brothers were at a clear disadvantage against the Spirit Hall Team.
Yang Xiong suddenly glanced at Xiao Wu.
He had always found it strange that Xiao Wu's identity hadn't been exposed, despite having met Sword Douluo. How had this little rabbit managed to evade detection by a Title Douluo?
Moreover, why was Yu Xiaogang still sending Xiao Wu onto the field in this final match? Was it fate that Xiao Wu's identity would inevitably be revealed?
Finally, Yang Xiong spoke: "I can try to eliminate one of their members, but it carries some risk—it might even lead to our downfall."
Everyone looked at Yang Xiong in astonishment. They had fought alongside him many times but never expected him to have such a hidden trump card.
For years, Yang Xiong had adhered to the ironclad rule of the Body Sect, refraining from revealing his soul skills. No one knew what they were.
But now, upon reflection, he realized that some of his soul skills didn't need to remain so secretive. Even if the enemy knew about them, they couldn't exploit them—for instance, a skill that seemed designed to trick opponents.
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