Suotuo City, Great Spirit Arena.
Xiao Tianyang, having just completed the doubles match with Zhu Zhuqing, stood in the corridor gazing out the window, lost in thought.
At that moment, Yu Xiaogang approached him and said, "I am not going to let you and Saber compete in this team competition."
"I know," Xiao Tianyang nodded before flashing a slight smile. "But I have a question. Is there a limit on how many people can sign up for the team competition?"
Yu Xiaogang was taken aback by the question but shook his head. "Seven players are the standard... You don't intend to sign up alone, do you?"
"Wouldn't that be more fun?" Xiao Tianyang's lips curled into a grin.
At present, the defeating Spirit King lottery only provided him with a little over a hundred points. If things continued at this pace, how long would it take to accumulate ten thousand points?
Of course, he could also wait to complete missions, which would be a more direct and efficient method.
But if he were the type to simply wait, why would he have sought training in the Star Dou Forest?
So, he had been pondering another question: if quality wasn't enough, could quantity make up for it?
Yu Xiaogang frowned. "Why not team up with Saber? That way, at least you wouldn't have to fight alone."
"I'm used to working alone. Having another person beside me would affect my performance," Xiao Tianyang explained. "Besides, I plan to conceal my identity this time when I sign up."
Yu Xiaogang pondered for a moment before nodding. "In that case, disguise yourself and follow me."
Since Yu Xiaogang had agreed, Xiao Tianyang didn't question how the remaining six members would be arranged. After all, with Yu Xiaogang's expertise, it shouldn't be difficult.
Finding an unoccupied space, Xiao Tianyang retrieved a black, gold-trimmed, sleeveless, knee-length trench coat with a hood, along with a punk-style metal mask and goggles from his Youhai Nai Ring.
Everything was black!
These weren't ordinary items; they were acquired through the lottery. They had no offensive or defensive capabilities, but they did have concealment properties—anyone whose level wasn't too high wouldn't be able to discern his identity.
Once fully equipped, Xiao Tianyang stepped out from the shadows, silently approached Yu Xiaogang, and tapped him lightly.
Yu Xiaogang understood at once. Though he noted that Xiao Tianyang's method of concealment differed from his own, he didn't question it further and led him directly to the registration office.
The process was simple. Yu Xiaogang ensured Xiao Tianyang's identity remained a secret and hired six spirit masters to form a team with him. They were only required to accept payment and then leave, leaving the team to Xiao Tianyang.
The last step was the choice of Martial Spirit.
After some contemplation, Xiao Tianyang decided to summon his Scythe of Judgment without informing Yu Xiaogang.
He had no other choice. He didn't plan to use his Fire Fusion Martial Spirit in battle yet. While he wanted to keep his identity hidden, his spirit ring configuration was far too conspicuous.
Anyone who saw it would immediately think of Xiao Tianyang.
However, the Ancient God's Eyes were too radiant, and this Martial Spirit had never been revealed before. After careful consideration, he decided the Scythe of Judgment was the best option.
So long as Yu Xiaogang remained unaware, future revelations could be dealt with later.
With everything in place, the registration was completed.
As they left the counter, Yu Xiaogang asked, "What's your team's name?"
"Whitebeard Team!" Xiao Tianyang's voice was deliberately rough, altered by his punk-style metal mask.
"Why does that name sound strange?" Yu Xiaogang frowned.
"It's a tribute to an idol," Xiao Tianyang muttered. "Also, my code name has changed. I'm now called Edward."
Though Yu Xiaogang found this peculiar, he chose to respect Xiao Tianyang's decision and refrained from asking further.
As they made their way to the Great Spirit Arena's lounge, the atmosphere inside felt tense.
"I smell gunpowder," Xiao Tianyang mused. "Grandmaster, what do you think?"
"Don't worry," Yu Xiaogang replied. "They can handle it. Of course, if you want, you can step in."
"Then I'll take a look." Xiao Tianyang grinned and walked forward.
He enjoyed getting involved in these situations.
Upon stepping inside, he saw a man and a woman confronting Tang San and the others.
But the man in particular left a strong impression on Xiao Tianyang.
Towering over two meters tall, his muscles bulged with defined contours, exuding an overwhelming sense of strength. The woman beside him, slender and alluring, nestled in his arms like a beauty and the beast.
"She told you to get lost. Didn't you hear?" Dai Mubai's voice was cold and full of anger.
"Heh, being shameless now, are we?" The giant sneered, reaching out to grab Zhu Zhuqing. "I've never failed to get a woman I want!"
Seeing the hostile action, there was no way the others could stand idly by.
Just as the fight was about to break out, a figure suddenly appeared in front of Zhu Zhuqing.
The giant's hand stopped abruptly.
"Tianyang, where have you been? We've been looking for you!" Ning Rongrong huffed. "Do you know what happened? This brute tried to harass us!"
"Even Fatty?" Xiao Tianyang feigned shock. "I never expected such a big guy to have this kind of hobby."
He turned to Ma Hongjun and teased, "Why not just go along with him? Looks like you can't beat him anyway."
Ma Hongjun: "..."
'Tianyang, are you a rescuer or a traitor?'
However, rather than getting angry, the giant took a step back, his expression wary. The woman in his arms, meanwhile, narrowed her eyes sharply, scrutinizing Xiao Tianyang.
The reason? Xiao Tianyang had blocked the giant's hand with a single finger!
And the man couldn't move an inch!
Despite Xiao Tianyang's youthful appearance—possibly younger than Dai Mubai—his strength was extraordinary.
"Could it be innate divine strength?" the woman wondered.
Just then, a middle-aged man entered, his voice laced with coldness. "Kuang Xi, are you trying to break the rules?"
"Oh, Director Ao!" The giant immediately changed his tone. "Apologies, I was merely jesting. I had no real intention of fighting here."
"It better stays that way," Director Ao warned coldly.
Kuang Xi glared at Xiao Tianyang. "Boy, you better be on the arena later!"
"Then you'll be disappointed. I'm not on their team," Xiao Tianyang shrugged.
"..."
Kuang Xi gritted his teeth but could do nothing. If Xiao Tianyang wasn't in the match, there was no way to retaliate.
And revenge outside the arena? Not worth it.
They were here for competition, not for blood feuds.
Besides, these students were clearly nurtured by powerful forces. Compared to them, these rogue soul masters couldn't afford to provoke trouble.
So, he had no choice but to suffer this loss in silence.
…
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