Chapter 650: Round-Robin Match
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The Continental Young High-Ranking Soul Masters Elite Competition continued. The competition became more exciting when it entered the round-robin stage. An increasing number of powerhouses were fighting against one another. There were more interesting fights as compared to the earlier matches. The confrontation match between Monster Academy and Shrek Academy became the public’s favorite topic of conversation.
A majority of the public neglected the age disparity between the two groups. They were only aware that Long Yue’s power was incomparable even with Shrek Academy considered!
Reality seemed to prove its point. Ye Xinglan from Shrek Academy chose to abandon the one-on-one and two-on-two matches. She only appeared later in the round-robin group match.
There were only three people remaining in the one-on-one match from Shrek Academy. They were Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Yuanen Yehui. There were only two contestants remaining from the initial four in the two-on-two match due to Yue Zhengyu who was severely injured and Ye Xinglan who pulled out of the competition.
Fortunately, the following round-robin matches were easygoing for them. They did not meet with any powerful opponents.
Monster Academy, on the other hand, was represented by Dai Yueyan, Dai Yun’er, and two other contestants in the one-on-one matches other than Long Yue. The five of them were advancing without a hitch in the round-robin matches.
Ten days later, the round-robin matches ended. All the remaining contestants from Monster Academy and Shrek Academy entered the finals. The elimination matches were about to begin. Each and every victory and defeat would affect all the participating groups’ final ranking. There was no turning back in the single elimination round. Everyone participating in the finals felt a tremendous stress.
The individual matches would determine the final sixty-four, while the two-on-two matches would determine the final thirty-two. There would only be sixteen teams that entered the final stage of the group matches. Finally, there would only be one champion at the end of the competition.
The elimination round was different from the previous matches. The elimination round would not be carried out alternately, but the one-on-one matches would be carried out first to determine the champion. After that, the two-on-two matches would commence, followed by the final group matches.
Such an arrangement was made because many of the powerful contestants were participating in a number of matches. Moreover, the arrangement was to ensure the competition was carried out fairly while allowing the contestants to display their ultimate powers in the competition.
The final sixty-four matches were carried out by drawing lots. Each team’s strongest contestant would become the top seed to be given the priority to draw lots in the first round.
Tang Wulin was not top in his team because he withdrew from the match between him and Dai Yueyan. He had secured a place to compete later. His exploit made Star Luo Empire’s denizens mocked Shrek’s squad even more.
However, Tang Wulin remained unencumbered by it. He was still as determined as ever.
The night came. In the Grand Star Luo Hotel.
“The final stage of the competition begins tomorrow. The name list has already been published. Everyone must devote their effort to the competition. At the same time, you must also take care of your safety,” Tang Wulin spoke to Yuanen Yehui and Xie Xie.
Gu Yue, Xu Xiaoyan, and Yue Zhengyu were in the room too. Meanwhile, Xu Lizhi was assisting Ye Xinglan in producing the battle armors.
Yue Zhengyu had already recovered. However, his fractures required a longer period to completely heal. He had missed the two-on-two match, but he could still compete in the final stage of the group match later on.
Yue Zhengyu’s emotion seemed to have changed after the battle with Long Yue. He was not depressed but he appeared more profound.
Tang Wulin was sitting and appeared calm with his essence retracted. He was exuding a rock solid, lofty sensation. He was behaving more like a captain following his power’s elevation.
Xie Xie had seen the name list earlier. “What a waste that we’re not fighting against Monster Academy’s students, otherwise I’ll kill them!” There were two other Agility-type contestants participating in the one-on-one match from Monster Academy. Xie Xie had anticipated fighting them.
Tang Wulin advised Yuanen. “Be careful tomorrow.”
Yuanen Yehui had the worst luck in drawing lots for the first round of the finals. She was going to fight one of the Agility-type soul masters from Monster Academy.
Tang Wulin’s opponent was considerably good but was just an ordinary soul master.
“Hmm!” Yuanen Yehui answered, “I’ve observed his fight before. I’ll devote my every effort to fight him.”
The competition was coming to the final stage. They could not avoid meeting their contenders from Monster Academy, so it appeared that their moment of truth had finally arrived.
Tang Wulin announced, “I’ve made my observations earlier too. Let’s discuss the ploy of our battle tactics. Everyone will benefit from a mutual discussion.”
Gu Yue stood on the side. She appeared a little distracted as she watched Tang Wulin helped Yuanen Yehui to analyze the opponent and strategize Yuanen Yehui’s battle tactics in all seriousness.
Xu Xiaoyan nudged Gu Yue who was standing by her side. “Sister Yue, what’s going on with you recently? You seem a little distracted these days. Did you quarrel with the captain? Everyone is busy cultivating, so I bet the both of you don’t even have time to quarrel, no?”
Gu Yue rolled her eyes. “Pay attention. This is the time for us to retaliate against our powerful enemy since we share a common dislike for our enemy.”
Xu Xiaoyan giggled. “Actually, we’re already doing very well at our level. This competition is getting lopsided. The academy won’t blame us if we lose, only our appraisal will be different. Have you not noticed that Elder Cai and Teacher Wu have not shown up at all? I think they’re doing that intentionally to test us!”
Gu Yue glanced at her. “You have a clear understanding, don’t you? Even so, we need to do our best to achieve victory.”
Xu Xiaoyan pouted her lips and replied, “Certainly. I’m only saying that everyone has changed. Zhengyu has become introverted after he lost the match. He has been cultivating everyday despite his injuries. He barely speaks. In fact, he is no longer a chatterbox. The captain has changed a lot too. He is calmer than before and puts everyone at ease, but, aren’t you worried for him? He’s almost like a robot. I don’t think that’s healthy for him.”
Gu Yue smiled faintly. “You’ve underestimated him. Wulin has always been the kind of person who rebounds higher when the pressure is greater. This only makes him stronger. He is unlikely to be affected too much.”
Xu Xiaoyan shrugged. “Anyhow, I prefer the captain who’s more sentimental. However, there’s nothing we can do currently. You ought to help him more.”
“Hmm.” Gu Yue nodded gently.
“Very well. It’s settled then. Everyone go and have dinner.” It was time for dinner when Tang Wulin was done helping Yuanen Yehui in assessing her opponent.
“Captain, how about you? Will you be joining us?” Xu Xiaoyan could not help asking when she saw Tang Wulin picked up his jacket.
“Hmm. I won’t be joining you all today. I’m going out to do something.” Having said that, he walked to the front.
Xu Xiaoyan whispered to Gu Yue. “This is weird. Is there anything more important than missing his meal? Is the captain alright?”
Gu Yue did not utter a word, but quietly followed behind him as he walked out.
Tang Wulin hailed a soul taxi when he was outside the Grand Star Luo Hotel.
“Where would you like to go?” The taxi driver asked.
“The Tang Sect’s headquarters,” Tang Wulin answered.
“Okay.”
The taxi drove along the street unceremoniously. The sky was completely dark while the streets were brightly lit. Those who had spent an entire day bustling at work finally had time for themselves.
Tang Wulin was a little spaced out as he looked out from the cab’s window. He quite enjoyed this feeling. It was happiness not to be preoccupied with thoughts at times.
At least, he was in such a state currently.
The car slowed down because there were too many pedestrians and vehicles on the road. They managed to leave the hustle and bustle behind. The car began to pick up speed. Tang Wulin lowered his head to don his white warrior’s mask, while he took out his cape simultaneously.
The Tang Sect’s headquarters was unusually crowded. The people moved in an endless stream in front of the building.
Tang Wulin got off the car and draped the cape on his back. He donned the hood and briskly walked into the building.
The crowd entering the door looked toward him with an envious but admirable expression upon seeing his attire. Anyone who was acquainted with the Tang Sect would understand what his attire represents.
The Battle Soul Hall was the core of Tang Sect’s headquarters. It was also the one with the most core strength among the Inner Three Halls, and no less important than the Worship Hall. Although the Worship Hall had the highest ranking among the Inner Three Halls, almost every member of the Worship Hall was originally from the Battle Soul Hall.
A white warrior represented its status, especially for those disciples of the world outside. Their envy at Tang Wulin’s attire could not be concealed.