The Glory of the Sun and Moon in the Peerless Tang Sect

When he came to Wang Dong's side, Wang Dong hesitated.

"Senior Xu, how about I..."

However, before he could finish speaking, Xu Sanshi interrupted him. He didn't want Wang Dong to appear as an exception, thus giving Jiang Nannan a reason to refuse as well.

"How can that be? How can a man not drink? Be careful you don't turn into a sissy."

Wang Dong's eyes widened immediately, but then his gaze shifted, and as if he had thought of something, his anger vanished. He gave a soft hum and fell silent.

Upon hearing Xu Sanshi's last words, everyone instinctively looked at Gongyang Mo. But Gongyang Mo showed no sign of anger whatsoever; in fact, he seemed to be enjoying it.

In the end, Xu Sanshi finally got what he wanted.

Xu Zihuang glanced at Ning Tian beside him and asked softly.

"Is it drinkable?"

"Yes, I'm fine." Ning Tian felt a warmth in his heart and nodded, biting his lip gently.

With Ma Xiaotao absent, it was natural for Vice Captain Dai Yueheng to lead the toast.

Xu Zihuang took a sip of the wine. The slightly sour wine was full of rich and fruity aroma, and the faint taste of pickled plum left a long aftertaste.

The others were fine, but Jiang Nannan, who came from a commoner background, had never had the chance to taste such fine wine. As a myriad of flavors surged onto her tongue, a sense of inferiority rose in her heart.

She felt utterly out of place among the crowd. Her current mindset was somewhat similar to Huo Yuhao's. However, compared to Huo Yuhao, her situation was much better. At least her talent for cultivation was quite good. She also firmly believed that she could change her destiny through hard work.

"It's really good, and the taste is somewhat familiar. This should be the royal wine of the Star Luo Empire." After praising it, Dai Yueheng put down his wine glass and continued to talk to Xu Zihuang about the previous topic.

"Tianhuang, given the overall strength of our Shrek Academy, there are three teams we need to be most wary of. The Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy goes without saying. The other two are Di'ao Academy, which is also the royal academy of the Heavenly Soul Empire. As for the last one, that is the royal academy of our Star Luo Empire. These three teams should all be composed of players with Soul King cultivation or above."

"I believe that as long as Senior Sister Xiaotao and Senior Brother Dai can make a comeback, Shrek Academy should have no problem winning the final championship," Xu Zihuang replied with a light laugh.

Dai Yueheng smiled without saying a word, clearly agreeing with Xu Zihuang's statement.

Chen Zifeng echoed this sentiment, expressing his deep agreement.

"Although it may not be very kind of me to say this, Tianhuang, you are more than qualified to take Ling Luochen's place as the main control soul master. Our Shrek Academy's undefeated myth that has lasted for thousands of years should also continue in this Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament."

Ning Tian kept a gentle smile on his face as he watched Xu Zihuang talking with Dai Yueheng and Chen Zifeng, his gaze seemingly fixed only on Xu Zihuang's reflection.

Just then, Gongyang Mo, who had brought food to Ma Xiaotao's room, suddenly returned, looking at Xu Zihuang with an ambiguous gaze.

"Tianhuang, Xiaotao wants you to go over there."

Upon hearing Gongyang Mo's words, the atmosphere in the room immediately became strange. Even Dai Yueheng and Chen Zifeng gave Xu Zihuang odd looks.

Previously, Ma Xiaotao would ask Yu Tianhuang to visit her room every now and then. They were all Soul Masters who were exposed to a lot of things, so they couldn't help but overthink things.

Even Ning Tian's smile faded considerably. Having already made up her mind about Xu Zihuang, how could she possibly be completely indifferent to such a matter?

She was simply being rational. She understood that even if she showed jealousy, it wouldn't do any good; it would only annoy Yu Tianhuang.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Xu Zihuang calmly stood up.

"Please continue your meal, I'll go over there first."

After Xu Zihuang left, everyone looked at each other, but no one made a sarcastic remark.

That's Ma Xiaotao, the Flame Demon! Who would dare to criticize her?

Chapter 179 Starlight Auction House

All the students at Shrek Academy lived in the same type of room. Ma Xiaotao's room was no exception, with a very similar overall layout.

However, there was a faint, pleasant fragrance in the room.

Xu Zihuang looked at Ma Xiaotao, who was sitting cross-legged on the sofa cultivating. As her breathing gradually became more stable, she withdrew her martial spirit.

Since arriving in Star Luo City and checking into the Star Emperor Hotel, he had used his first soul skill several times to help Ma Xiaotao suppress her evil fire. However, no further intimate contact actually occurred.

On one hand, Ma Xiaotao was troubled by the evil fire problem, and when Xu Zihuang helped suppress it, she needed to concentrate on controlling the circulation of her soul power. On the other hand, whenever Ma Xiaotao's breathing calmed down, Xu Zihuang would choose to leave Ma Xiaotao's room directly.

Just like it is now.

His talent is already enough to earn him the attention of the Shrek Academy's higher-ups. If his relationship with Ma Xiaotao becomes too close, it will put him in a more passive position.

Therefore, he deliberately avoids those kinds of romantic scenes.

After all, he didn't want to be completely tied to Shrek Academy yet. The emergence of the Body Sect was just what he needed to create a sense of crisis for Shrek Academy's higher-ups. This was the only way to maximize his own interests.

Ning Tian, ​​the sole heir to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School and its future sect leader, is the key figure he uses to balance the relationship between the three.

Although Shrek Academy has some connections with ancient families and sects such as the Clear Sky Sect, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex Clan, it is impossible for them to be completely intimate.

Ning Tian's identity and background are a good match for Ma Xiaotao's.

Xu Zihuang was essentially using Ning Tian as a shield. With Ning Tian around, the higher-ups at Shrek Academy would have to consider the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School behind Ning Tian if they wanted to match him up with Ma Xiaotao.

Of course, he wouldn't show any obvious aversion to his interactions with Ma Xiaotao.

Gently closing the door, Xu Zihuang arrived at the luxuriously decorated, spacious corridor of the Xinghuang Hotel.

Because of the previous delay, it was already getting dark.

On the ceiling of the corridor, crystal chandeliers emitted a soft glow.

Xu Zihuang walked back down the corridor to the crystal table in the restaurant. On the surface, the atmosphere was still lively, but it lacked the naturalness of before.

Bathed in the light of the soul-guiding lamp, Ning Tian's fair and delicate skin, framed by strands of platinum blonde hair, possessed a translucent quality like white jade. He slightly raised his chin, his beautiful, aquamarine eyes sparkling with light, lost in thought.

Even when Xu Zihuang came to her side, she didn't notice him immediately.

Seeing Xu Zihuang and Ning Tian so close together, everyone understood and didn't disturb them. Even Dai Yueheng and Chen Zifeng stopped trying to keep Xu Zihuang talking.

"What's wrong?" A gentle voice sounded in her ear, causing Ning Tian to turn her head as if waking from a dream. Seeing that it was Xu Zihuang, she quickly regained her dignified and composed demeanor, shaking her head with a smile.

Although Ning Tian is much more mature than her peers, she is still only twelve years old. Her experiences are not as bumpy as Xu Zihuang's, so it is not easy for her to perfectly conceal her emotions.

Xu Zihuang understood, and moved a little closer to Ning Tian, ​​lowering his voice.

"Senior Sister Xiaotao's martial soul is a mutated martial soul, and she is often troubled by the problem of evil fire. My first soul skill has the function of removing negative effects. Every time Senior Sister Xiaotao asks me to go over, it is actually so that I can use this soul skill to help her suppress the evil fire."

He understood the principle of moderation; the earlier incident with Ma Xiaotao had already instilled enough of a sense of crisis in Ning Tian. This proactive explanation, creating a more pronounced sense of disparity, would make Ning Tian's feelings even more profound, letting her realize that he truly cared about her thoughts.

The two were already seated next to each other, and with Xu Zihuang leaning so close, Ning Tian could clearly feel the heat emanating from his breath as he spoke. She felt a burning sensation on the tips of her ears, and her body stiffened slightly.

"Mmm... mmm," Ning Tian responded softly. She wasn't averse to physical intimacy with Xu Zihuang, but out of a girl's instinct, a touch of shyness inevitably rose within her. This strange feeling interrupted her calm thoughts, preventing her from responding as appropriately as she usually did.

That's exactly what Xu Zihuang wanted to achieve.

"That kid Tianhuang is really something." Xu Sanshi, who had witnessed the whole scene, couldn't help but mutter to himself with a hint of envy. Thinking of this, he also imitated Xu Zihuang and leaned towards Jiang Nannan beside him with a fawning expression.

But no matter how you look at him, he seems extremely sleazy.

"boom--"

A crisp sound rang out, instantly sobering Xu Sanshi up considerably.

Jiang Nannan glared at Xu Sanshi with a frosty expression on her pretty face, and with her right hand holding a silver knife, she cut the red sausage on the plate in two.

Xu Sanshi felt a tightness in his lower body and immediately sat up straight, not daring to make any unnecessary movements.

Sitting opposite, Beibei and He Caitou exchanged a glance and both revealed a gloating smile.

Xu Sanshi wanted to lash out, but he was afraid of angering Jiang Nannan again, so he could only glare at the two of them.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps approached from afar.

This time, the person who came to the restaurant was Wang Yan, who had returned after drawing lots in the Star Luo Empire's palace.

Wang Yan looked at everyone and said seriously.

"The draw results for the final elimination round are out. Our opponent in the round of 16 is the Star Luo Empire's number one academy, the Star Luo Royal Academy. This match probably won't be as easy as before. Let's all gather in the conference room after dinner to discuss our tactics."

After saying that, Wang Yan turned and left.

Upon hearing the words "Star Luo Royal Academy," the expressions of Dai Yueheng, Chen Zifeng, and Gongyang Mo, the three inner court disciples, all changed.

As Dai Yueheng has already mentioned earlier.

In this Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament, only three academies could pose a threat to Shrek Academy. Star Luo Royal Academy was one of them. Although Star Luo Royal Academy couldn't compare to Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy and Di'ao Academy, its overall strength was still formidable.

All the selected team members have a cultivation level of Soul King or above.

Dai Yueheng exclaimed in surprise, "I didn't expect to run into Star Luo Royal Academy so early. Didn't they qualify as the top team in their group?"

According to the rules of this Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament, in the round of 16, the teams that advance from the top of their group will not be drawn to face each other.

This is why so many college teams strive to advance as the top seed in their group—to make the knockout stage (round of 16) relatively easier.

Gongyang Mo replied softly.

"I remember that Star Luo Royal Academy was in the same group as Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy."

"No wonder." Everyone suddenly realized.

After finishing the remaining food on their plates, the group quickly went to the conference room.

Wang Yan sat in the first seat, while Ma Xiaotao, who had suppressed her own evil fire problem, also arrived earlier and sat in the first seat among the main team members.

"Please take your seats, everyone," Wang Yan said, and continued after everyone was seated.

"Given their strength, Star Luo Royal Academy should have qualified as the top team in their group. However, they were unlucky enough to be grouped with Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy. But this doesn't mean that Star Luo Royal Academy is far weaker than Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy. On the contrary, this year's Star Luo Royal Academy team is very strong, with an average soul power level of around 55. They qualified as the second-place team in their group in the round-robin tournament entirely because they conserved their strength and didn't choose to go head-to-head with Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy."

Ma Xiaotao pursed her lips and said nonchalantly, "We're going to run into them sooner or later anyway. We'll just crush them in tomorrow's match."

As she spoke, Ma Xiaotao waved her arm eagerly.

It's already quite remarkable that she could resist appearing on the elimination stage, given her personality.

Wang Yan frowned and glanced at Ma Xiaotao before continuing.

"It's good to have confidence. With you and Dai Yueheng in the team, Xiao Tao, there shouldn't be any major problems. But our Shrek Academy's ultimate goal is the championship, and our biggest opponent is the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy. Before that, it's best to conserve some strength. Now, I'll explain the rules of the final elimination rounds to everyone."

"The rules for each stage of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament have always been different. Especially in the final elimination rounds, to make the competition more exciting and allow participating students to better showcase their abilities, the format will differ from the earlier round-robin tournaments. There will no longer be a draw to determine the format. Instead, a fixed seven-on-seven team match will be held first, followed by an individual elimination match. This will be held over two days. Winning the team match does not guarantee advancement. In the subsequent individual elimination matches, if the losing team can defeat all seven members of the opposing team with only three members, they can still turn the tide and win."

"Conversely, the team that wins the team battle only needs to defeat the opponent's three players with the strength of seven in the subsequent individual elimination rounds to achieve the final victory. This competition system not only reflects the importance of the overall strength of the team, but also gives opportunities to teams with strong individual skills."

With the return of two Soul Emperor-level powerhouses, Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng, this competition format is extremely advantageous for everyone.

Especially Ma Xiaotao, whose soul power reaches level 68. The higher a soul master's cultivation progresses, the greater the increase in strength with each level of soul power gained. While Dai Yueheng's soul power is also level 64, his total soul power is probably only slightly more than half of Ma Xiaotao's. Ma Xiaotao's martial soul, the Evil Fire Phoenix, is undoubtedly a top-tier martial soul, and coupled with her background in Shrek Academy's inner court, her personal strength is definitely stronger than some ordinary Soul Saints.

At least in this Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament, Wang Yan did not find any contestant whose individual strength surpassed that of Ma Xiaotao.

He wasn't too worried about tomorrow's match against Star Luo Royal Academy. His only concern was whether he could secure a victory while preserving everyone's strength.