Chapter 64 Fallen Leaves in the Wind, and the Master's " Waste Paper Theory" 2.0
The third round of the preliminary rounds at the Heavenly Battle Arena.
The stands were more crowded than ever before. In the first two matches, Ye Feng showcased two extreme forms of violent aesthetics: "Gatling gun ground attack" and "heavy artillery defense penetration." Everyone was speculating: facing the equally renowned Shenfeng Academy, known for its speed and aerial dominance, what new tricks would this mysterious captain, Ye Feng, pull out?
On the other side of the arena, the bloodshot veins in Feng Xiaotian's eyes were clearly visible. He hadn't slept a wink all night. His mind was filled with the image of Huo Wu being pinned against a pillar and forcibly kissed by Ye Feng. That humiliation, jealousy, and anger gnawed at his heart like venomous snakes.
"Ye Feng..." Feng Xiaotian gritted his teeth, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked. "You stole my goddess. Today, I will trample you under my feet in front of everyone!"
Shrek Academy's rest area. Master Yu Xiaogang maintained his aloof and sage-like demeanor. Even though his two previous predictions had backfired, it didn't diminish his confidence in his theories. After all, the theory was perfect; the only mistake was in the execution.
"Little San, watch carefully." Grandmaster pointed at Feng Xiaotian on the stage, giving Tang San a pre-match lesson. "The entire Shenfeng Academy is filled with wind-attribute soul masters, whose specialty is using airflow to interfere with long-range attacks." "Ye Feng's attack style, which relies on bullets and cannonballs, will be greatly reduced against Feng Xiaotian." "Wind can deflect ballistics. This is common knowledge in physics."
Tang San nodded, activated his Purple Demon Eye, and observed carefully. "Teacher is right. It's also recorded in the hidden weapon techniques, 'The wind is strong, the horn bow sings,' wind is indeed a great enemy of hidden weapons. If Ye Feng still wants to rely on that umbrella to shoot, he'll probably suffer." "In this battle, Feng Xiaotian has a great chance of winning. After all, he has the mutated martial soul Gale Twin-Headed Wolf, which has extremely strong close-combat explosive power."
Listening to the master and apprentice's analysis, Ning Rongrong sneered inwardly. "More theory. Do you really understand Ye Feng?" She recalled Ye Feng's skills when he suppressed Huo Wu that night; the oppressive feeling in close combat was something a ranged Soul Master should not possess.
On the ring, the referee gave the order: "The match begins!"
Boom! Without any probing, Feng Xiaotian unleashed his full power. Two cyan wolf-head phantoms appeared on his shoulders, enormous wind wings unfurled, and he shot into the sky like an arrow. "Ye Feng! Come at me if you dare!" "Let me show you my self-created soul skill—the Thirty-Six Consecutive Slashes of the Gale Wolf!"
Feng Xiaotian spun wildly in the air, using gravity and wind to accelerate. His wings, sharp as knives, swooped down towards Ye Feng with a piercing whistling sound as they tore through the air. This attack was as fast as lightning and as powerful as a thunderbolt.
"This speed..." Tang San's expression turned solemn. "If it were my Blue Silver Grass, it wouldn't have had time to wrap around me at all."
However, Ye Feng on the field did not raise his gun. He looked at Feng Xiaotian descending from the sky, and even put away the Thousand Chance Umbrella—no, not put it away. Snap! The Thousand Chance Umbrella transformed again. This time, the canopy completely contracted, the handle lengthened, and a sharp spearhead popped out from the front, gleaming coldly. The overall length instantly reached two and a half meters, transforming into a black and gold spear.
Thousand-Machine Umbrella - Battle Form - Spear (Evil-Repelling Version)
"Come down here." Ye Feng didn't dodge; instead, he charged forward to meet Feng Xiaotian's slash. Just as the wind wing was about to strike him, Ye Feng's body made an incredible Z-shaped tremor. By the slightest margin, he avoided the attack. Immediately afterward, the spear in his hand shot out like a venomous snake.
"Battle Mage Skill: Dragon Fang!"
Thud! The spear tip struck Feng Xiaotian precisely in the lower back. The attack wasn't particularly damaging, but it had a fatal effect—a brief period of stun. Feng Xiaotian's fluid spinning motion froze instantly, leaving him suspended in mid-air.
"What?!" Feng Xiaotian exclaimed in shock.
But this was just the beginning. Ye Feng flicked his wrist, and his spear shot upwards. "Sky Strike!" Bang! Just as Feng Xiaotian was about to regain his footing, he was struck hard in the chin by this upward strike, and his body was uncontrollably lifted into the air.
Next came the most brutal scene in the history of the Great Soul Arena—the Infinite Aerial Combo.
Ye Feng stomped his foot and leaped into the air. His spear transformed into countless afterimages. "Consecutive Thrusts!" (Double Thrust) "Falling Flower Palm!" (Blows away) "Circular Dance Staff!" (Grabs and slams)
Feng Xiaotian was like a volleyball being toyed with. He tried to use his wind wings to regain his balance, but every time he tried to move, Ye Feng's attacks precisely disrupted his rhythm. Even more terrifying, with each of Ye Feng's attacks, colorful orbs of light (aura patterns) generated around him, then automatically bombarded Feng Xiaotian. Ice aura patterns (slowing), fire aura patterns (strength), light aura patterns (attack speed)...
"What...what is that? A self-guided soul tool?" The master was dumbfounded again. The dazzling patterns didn't need Ye Feng's control at all; they tracked automatically, blasting Feng Xiaotian into a chaotic tumble in the air, even his screams becoming intermittent.
"Ah!...Bastard...Put me...down..." Feng Xiaotian was internally devastated. He hadn't even finished the first of his thirty-six consecutive slashes before he was reduced to a flying man.
Ye Feng's figure darted through the air. At this moment, he was enveloped in a layer of golden light. That was the Battle Mage's awakened passive ability—Battle Will. With the increase in the number of combos, his strength, speed, and soul power were all increasing exponentially.
"That's about enough." Ye Feng looked at Feng Xiaotian, whose face was bruised and swollen and whose consciousness was blurred. "Your wind is too weak." "Remember, this move is called—Subduing Dragon Soaring to the Sky."
The spear in Ye Feng's hand suddenly erupted with a dazzling black-gold light, and his soul power condensed into a huge black dragon, coiling around the spear shaft. He gripped the spear with both hands and thrust it forward with tremendous force!
Roar—! A high-pitched dragon roar resounded throughout the arena. The black dragon roared out, opened its huge maw, swallowed Feng Xiaotian in mid-air, and then slammed him heavily into the ground.
Boom! The arena shook violently, sending debris flying. As the dust settled, a huge crater appeared in the center of the arena. Feng Xiaotian lay at the bottom of the crater, his wings broken, foaming at the mouth, his eyes rolling back in his head, completely unconscious. Ye Feng, holding a spear in one hand, stood at the edge of the crater, his black trench coat spotless.
The entire arena fell silent once more. Then, screams erupted, even more frenzied than in the previous two matches. "God of melee combat! God of melee combat!" "So cool! What the heck is that dragon? It's so awesome!" "That's a real man! That Gale Wolf is nothing but a little mutt!"
The atmosphere in Shrek Academy's rest area was oppressively suffocating. Master Yu Xiaogang's face turned from red to white, then from white to green. His notebook, filled with notes on "how to use wind to counter guns and cannons," now looked like a joke.
"How could this be... how could this happen..." the master muttered to himself. "A person's energy is limited. How could he be proficient in both long-range shooting and such profound close combat skills?" "This doesn't conform to the rules of Soul Master cultivation! This violates the principle of 'broad but not deep'!"
Tang San sat to the side, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms. He had seen it all clearly. Ye Feng's footwork, anticipation, and relentless rhythm of attacks completely surpassed his Ghost Shadow Steps and Jade Hand. As a Tang Sect disciple, his prized close-combat skills seemed mediocre in Ye Feng's presence.
"Teacher..." Tang San's voice was hoarse, "If I were to encounter that kind of combo attack... I wouldn't be able to dodge it either." He didn't want to admit it, but it was the truth. Once airborne, a Soul Master without the ability to fly becomes a target.
"No! That's just him being opportunistic!" The master suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with a fanatical madness. "Little San, remember this: you have twin martial souls, you are a control-type soul master!" "As long as you cultivate the Blue Silver Grass to its peak, his close combat won't even be able to get close to you!" "Don't be fooled by the illusion before you! My theory is infallible!"
Just then, a cold voice rang out. "Teacher, is it so hard to admit that someone else is stronger?" It was Ning Rongrong who spoke. She stood at the door, holding the shit-green mask in her hand, looking at the master with indifferent eyes.
"Rongrong, how dare you speak to the master like that?" Flander frowned.
Ning Rongrong ignored Flander and stared directly at Yu Xiaogang. "You say his theory is a facade, then what about Feng Xiaotian, who was beaten half to death just now?" "You say he's opportunistic, then are our clown-like clothes the righteous path?" "Master, I've had enough of your self-righteousness."
"Outrageous!" Yu Xiaogang trembled with rage. "You are questioning authority!"
"Authority?" Ning Rongrong sneered, throwing the shit-green mask on the ground and stomping on it. "If authority means making us beggars, jokes, and losers," then this young lady refuses to serve that authority!
"Rongrong!" Oscar rushed over and grabbed her. "Don't be impulsive! Everyone's doing this for the competition!" "Oscar, let go." Ning Rongrong looked at Oscar's timid appearance, her disappointment deepening. "Do you also think I'm being unreasonable? Do you also think it's only natural to be laughed at for dressing like this?" "Oscar, when will you ever have any backbone? Stop following Tang San and Grandmaster around like a little shadow!"
Oscar froze, his hand releasing its grip weakly. Ning Rongrong took a deep breath, turned, and left. "If the next match features such ugly tactics and attire, I refuse to play." "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School can't afford to lose face like this."
Watching Ning Rongrong's resolute retreating figure, Tang San frowned, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes. In his view, sacrificing one's personal image for the team was only natural, and Ning Rongrong was being incredibly inconsiderate. But what he didn't know was that this wasn't just about clothes; it was a complete rupture in their values.
Late at night. By a lakeside outside Tiandou City. Ye Feng sat alone on the pier, disassembling the Thousand Chance Umbrella by the moonlight . Intricate mechanical parts were scattered all over the ground; he was performing post-match maintenance and fine-tuning.
"It's so late, why aren't you asleep?" A cool fragrance wafted over. Shui Bing'er, wearing a light blue cloak, quietly walked over and sat down beside him. Unlike Huo Wu, who was fiery and passionate, she was like this lake—quiet, serene, yet possessing immense tolerance.
"Some parts are worn out and need to be replaced." Ye Feng didn't even look up, his fingers deftly assembling the gears. "The battle during the day put a lot of strain on the spear form."
Shui Bing'er looked at his focused profile, a hint of tenderness flashing in her eyes. "That move 'Subduing Dragon Soaring to the Sky' today was very powerful." "But... I see your wrist seems a little swollen." She reached out her slender, cool hand and gently grasped Ye Feng's wrist. A warm yet cool stream of soul power slowly flowed in, relieving the soreness in Ye Feng's muscles.
Ye Feng stopped what he was doing and turned to look at her. "You're worried about me?" Ye Feng smiled, with a hint of teasing.
Unlike the other girls who blushed and dodged, Shui Bing'er nodded openly. "You're the captain. Your performance is crucial to the team's victory or defeat." "And..." she paused, her gaze falling on the complex components. "I think you're very tired." "Everyone only sees your strength, sees you trampling the masters underfoot. But I can sense that you have a lot on your mind; you're rushing, you're pushing yourself to become stronger." "This umbrella... it's not just a weapon, it's also a burden for you, isn't it?"
Ye Feng's eyes narrowed slightly. This incredibly intelligent girl had actually seen through the sense of urgency beneath his nonchalant exterior. The identity of a transmigrator, the threat from the Spirit Hall, the future war of the gods… all of this weighed heavily on his shoulders.
"You're very smart, Bing'er." Ye Feng took her hand in return. Unlike Huo Wu's burning skin, Shui Bing'er's hand was cold and soft as if boneless. "However, smart people often live very tiring lives."
"I'm not afraid of getting tired." Shui Bing'er looked directly into his eyes, her voice soft yet firm. "I'm only afraid of not being able to keep up with your pace." "Huo Wu wants to conquer you, but I don't." "I want to… understand you, support you." "Like the ribs and canopy of this umbrella. You are the sharpest spear, and I am the strongest shield (ice control field)."
Ye Feng's heart stirred slightly. This feeling of soul connection was far more captivating than mere physical attraction. He picked up an exquisitely crafted core gear and placed it in Shui Bing'er's palm. "This is a spare core of the Thousand Manifestations Umbrella . " "Keep it safe for me." "Is this... a token of love? Or a contract for joining the team?"
Shui Bing'er gripped the metal core, still warm from Ye Feng's body, and a faint, beautiful smile finally appeared on her lips. "Consider it... a promise from a comrade-in-arms." "If you ever get tired, remember to turn back, and my ice can seal away all your enemies."
Under the moonlight, their hands clasped together. There was no passionate kiss, only a tacit understanding flowing quietly between them. This scene was witnessed by Huo Wu, who was secretly watching from a short distance away. Huo Wu pouted, feeling a pang of jealousy, but also a hint of admiration. "Hmph, even the ice-cold face knows how to flirt… But I won't lose."
In Heaven Dou City, at the Spirit Temple, Bishop Salas was reporting to the Papal Palace. "Your Holiness, Ye Feng is an immense threat. He has virtually no weaknesses in close combat, ranged attacks, burst damage, or control." "Based on observation, he doesn't seem to have fully submitted to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School." "Furthermore, news has come from Canghui Academy that they are preparing a special fusion technique, intending to ambush Ye Feng during the competition."
From the other end of the communication crystal came Bibi Dong's authoritative and indifferent voice: "Since Canghui Academy wants to be the first to try, let them try." "If Ye Feng dies, it's just bad luck." "If he survives... and demonstrates something more valuable, then initiate the 'recruitment plan'." "What you can't have, destroy."
Salas accepted the order: "Yes. Also, that Tang San from Shrek Academy..." "He's a clown, nothing to fear. Let him live for now; he might be useful in the future."
After ending the call, Salas revealed a sinister smile. "The Seven-in-One Fusion Technique of Canghui Academy... that's an attack targeting the mental level." "Ye Feng, no matter how strong your machinery is, can it withstand a mental assault?"
The next morning. Ye Feng had just opened his door when he saw someone standing there. Ning Rongrong. She wasn't wearing Shrek Academy's uniform, but had changed back into the exquisite dress of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, carrying a small suitcase. Her eyes were a little red, but her expression was exceptionally resolute.
"What? You ran away from home?" Ye Feng leaned against the door frame and yawned.
"I want to leave the team," Ning Rongrong said bluntly. "I can't stay in a place like Shrek Academy anymore. I don't want to be a fool, and I don't want to be brainwashed by the Master." "Ye Feng, you said you'd teach me the survival rules of support." "Does that still stand?"
Ye Feng looked at her. This once pampered young lady had finally been awakened by reality and made the right choice. "This place is hellish." "If you come, you will no longer be the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, but just my team member." "Ten hours of training every day, no crying, no complaining of being tired."
Ning Rongrong slammed her suitcase to the ground. "As long as I can become stronger, as long as I can trample that lousy master's theories under my feet..." "I'll give you my life!"
Ye Feng smiled. He stepped aside to make way. "Welcome to... Team Happy." "Oh no, I mean—Glory Guild."
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