This was how Feng Xiaotian had changed after enduring setbacks.
The difference from before was stark, but it was only natural.
It was like a person who had weathered life's storms yet still managed to rise again.
Clearly, Feng Xiaotian belonged to that kind of person.
Moreover, as he had said, today was about repaying a favor—not adding insult to injury!
Otherwise, Huo Wu would only look down on him even more, and his chances would grow even slimmer.
At this moment, Huo Wushuang naturally wanted to support his sister.
So he stepped forward with a smile and said, "Of course it's that simple. What else could we possibly plot against you?"
"Or do you expect us to throw the next match in your favor? Would you even agree to that?"
"Of course not." This time, it was Zhou Cheng who answered.
Given his straightforward nature, there was no way he would ever agree to a fixed match.
"What about you?" This time, the question came from Saber—and she wasn't looking at Godwind Academy.
After all, it was obvious they were here to repay a debt.
Her question was directed at Tianshui Academy.
"No surprise, our next opponent is you." Shui Bing'er's eyes were clear, her smile gentle. "It just so happens that we didn't lose in the qualifiers either."
"So losing doesn't matter to you?" Saber was slightly taken aback by her reasoning.
Shui Bing'er replied calmly, "Ofcourse."
"Then its good." Saber gave a slight nod in gratitude.
Because just then, she had heard footsteps approaching from outside—soft and deliberately concealed.
How could Saber, with her sharp perception, fail to notice?
Had the intruders used soul power, they might have truly slipped past undetected.
After all, the difference in strength was undeniable.
But they had been overconfident, believing they could deceive those inside without even relying on soul power.
It was a fatal mistake to underestimate them.
As the footsteps drew closer, six figures finally came into view.
Their lineup was… interesting.
Two walked at the front—Salas and Ning Fengzhi.
Behind them were two soul masters from the Spirit Hall, flanked by Gu Rong and Prince Xue Xing.
The last one was clearly just here for show, a mere spectator with no real authority.
Unless Emperor Xue Ye himself appeared, Prince Xue Xing's influence paled in comparison to Salas and Ning Fengzhi.
"Edward, you killed someone in the match earlier. Do you admit it?" Salas cut straight to the point, wasting no time.
Xiao Tianyang sneered inwardly.
"Lord Salas, I'm afraid this matter isn't so straightforward?" Huo Wu, never one to mince words, spoke up sharply, "Anyone with eyes can see there's something off about this. Why are you rushing to pin the blame on him?"
"This has nothing to do with you. Step back!" Salas's voice was icy.
"And what if we insist on justice?" Feng Xiaotian stood his ground. "This whole situation is suspicious. If it's not investigated properly, it's a blatant violation of the rules!"
"You think so too?" Salas's glare shifted to Shui Bing'er, his expression darkening, hoping they would back down.
But his heavy-handed approach only fueled the defiance in these young souls.
Shui Bing'er met his gaze steadily. "We only want the truth. Nothing more."
"Good. Very good!" For the first time, Salas felt humiliated.
Today, he was being schooled by a group of teenagers!
Individually, it might not have mattered.
But this was a united front.
Even if the Spirit Hall could cover the skies with one hand, facing accusations from all three major elemental academies at once would be troublesome.
Their case was already weak—now, it was crumbling further.
"It seems public opinion isn't on your side, Your Excellency?" Ning Fengzhi's lips curled slightly, his tone laced with mockery.
Even he hadn't expected these youths to band together.
But considering Xiao Tianyang's past actions, it wasn't hard to understand.
"Regardless, the fact remains—a man died by his hand!" Salas refused to yield, doubling down instead. "Even if the circumstances are murky, he must answer for it!"
"Take him away!" With a wave of his hand, the Spirit Hall soul masters moved in—soft tactics had failed; now, force would do.
But just then—
"Whoosh!"
The sound of something cutting through the air made Salas's expression shift. He snatched the projectile mid-flight.
"Who dares?!" Furious, he turned—only for his face to pale as he recognized the object in his hand.
It was a Spirit Hall Elder Token!
His eyes snapped up to the slender figure in black robes. Even concealed, her grace was unmistakable.
A ridiculous suspicion flashed through Salas's mind.
"Platinum Bishop Salas… pays respects to the Elder." He bowed stiffly, then gritted out, "This matter will be investigated thoroughly. No innocent shall be wronged, no guilty party spared!"
"Then we leave it in your capable hands, Bishop." Xiao Tianyang's tone was cool, though inwardly, he scoffed.
"Spare no guilty party?"
As if they'd ever let him go.
"Interesting." Ning Fengzhi studied the black-robed figure, intrigued.
Salas clearly knew her identity—yet he did not.
Of the seven Elder Tokens, three remained at Spirit Hall headquarters. The others were scattered abroad.
Who did this one belong to?
'Salas recognizes her, and his deference suggests he's high-ranking…' His gaze flicked to Xiao Tianyang, thoughtful, but he said nothing further.
"We'll take our leave." With that, he departed, his entourage in tow.
Confusion lingered in the room.
Huo Wu, Shui Bing'er, Feng Xiaotian—all were stunned.
"What just happened?" Feng Xiaotian glanced at his teammates. "Anyone care to explain?"
But they could only shake their heads, equally clueless.
"Since the matter's settled, we'll go first." Shui Bing'er recovered, offering Xiao Tianyang a sweet smile. "We'll see you in the arena."
Xiao Tianyang smirked. "When the time comes, I'll handle you personally."
"Who are you looking down on? We're strong too!" Shui Yue'er—similar in looks to her sister but far more playful—stuck out her tongue.
"Enough nonsense. Let's go." Shui Bing'er shot Xiao Tianyang an apologetic look before leading her team away.
But Shui Yue'er couldn't resist turning back to pull a face at him.
…
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