In the arena.
The teams from Blazing Academy and Thunderclap Academy had already taken their positions.
They were no strangers to each other.
"I say, Yu Tianxin, what's the deal here? Just for a qualifying spot, you're expecting others to give way?"
Huo Wushuang stared disdainfully at Yu Tianxin, though his body was clearly tense. "You already lost once last time. Do you really want to embarrass yourself again in front of everyone? If you ask me, just surrender and go home!"
"Heh."
Soul power surged around Yu Tianxin, but instead of being provoked, he responded with poise:
"You're not wrong."
"This time, we really do owe thanks to Her Highness the Crown Princess for giving us this opportunity. If it came down to a real fight, there's no guarantee we could win!"
"But…"
"This has nothing to do with you, Huo Wushuang. Nor with Blazing Academy!"
"As for last time—you only beat us by the slimmest margin. Things aren't what they used to be. Relying on past victories is not something a true team captain should do!"
At that moment
Yu Tianxin paused, releasing his martial spirit.
A burst of blue light erupted from his forehead. Violet-blue lightning crackled and coiled around him. Suddenly, the sleeves on his arms burst apart!
Both arms became covered in shimmering violet-blue scales, now bulkier, transforming into dragon claws.
Dragonification!
This was a state that only the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial spirit could achieve after reaching level 30.
With every additional soul ring, a new dragon-like feature would manifest.
At this moment, Yu Tianxin had undoubtedly unveiled his strongest form yet.
At the same time—
His teammates behind him also revealed their martial spirits, soul rings rising around them.
"No more words needed. Let's settle this with strength!"
Yu Tianxin concluded.
He knew very well—
This was a battle where they held the advantage!
After Li Yu had fought earlier, they had anticipated the possibility of an extra match.
Which meant—they had been preparing for this all along!
Blazing Academy, on the other hand, had placed too much faith in Li Yu strength.
They likely hadn't prepared as thoroughly for this tiebreaker.
Also, over half a month had passed since their last clash—
And in that time, who hadn't improved?
Thus
Yu Tianxin was full of confidence.
But Blazing Academy remained unshaken.
They had already defeated this opponent once—they had no reason to believe they couldn't do it again!
Each soul ring began to rise beneath their feet.
Thunder and Blazing clashed violently even before the match officially began!
This time
There were no introductions. Even the host, after ushering the other teams into the stands, said not a word.
As for the referee
He had been replaced by Platinum Bishop Salas!
Without rising from his seat, he simply said:
"In that case, the match begins."
Boom!
Zzzzzzz!!
As soon as the words were spoken—
Both sides launched into action.
Thunderclap Academy struck first.
After their loss to Blazing Academy last time, they had reviewed the match carefully.
Their strength lay in speed, explosiveness, and the paralysis effect that came with lightning soul power.
It could be said—
Their best approach was full-power burst, aiming for swift victory!
And now was no exception.
Blazing?
Also explosive, also fierce—but slightly weaker in speed.
Additionally, due to the scorching nature of fire, their strengths leaned more toward prolonged skirmishes.
Last time—
Thunderclap had lost precisely because of this.
This time, Yu Tianxin would not repeat that mistake. From the very start, Thunderclap Academy went all out!
At the lead, Yu Tianxin's soul rings flashed—
Wrath of the Thunder God, Thundering Force, Thunder Dragon Claws—unleashed in quick succession, colliding directly with Huo Wushuang.
Meanwhile, Lei Dong activated his soul skill Thunder Wings—his Thunder Spider martial spirit now giving him the ability to fly like a bird.
The rest of the team also fully displayed their abilities.
At this moment, it was as if they had forgotten this was a team battle—each one went hunting for a one-on-one fight.
Blazing Academy was clearly caught off guard by this sudden burst of aggression, their formation thrown into temporary disarray.
In a rush, they could only respond head-on.
Huo Wushuang's One-Horned Fire Dragon spirit appeared as he fearlessly clashed with Yu Tianxin.
"Today, let's find out which is stronger—my One-Horned Fire Dragon or your Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon!"
The two exchanged more than ten blows in just a few breaths.
At the center of Blazing Academy's team, Huo Wu frowned slightly—
Thunderclap Academy's approach had clearly thrown her off for a moment.
But—
Did they really think they could win just like that?
"Retreat!"
Huo Wu spoke calmly. At the same time, her third soul ring lit up, and a ring of fire erupted from her body.
[Fire Shadow] Third Soul Skill: Repelling Flame Ring!
This ability could knock back all enemies within range.
At this moment—
Even Yu Tianxin, who was still exchanging blows with Huo Wushuang, was forced back by the Repelling Flame Ring.
Following Huo Wu's call, Huo Wushuang and the others calmed down and reformed their original formation.
"Hiss~"
Huo Wushuang shook his tingling, blood-smeared hands, scowling at Yu Tianxin.
Though he didn't believe his One-Horned Fire Dragon was weaker than the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon,
Yu Tianxin's dragonified physique was undeniably superior in raw physical strength.
Of course—
Yu Tianxin wasn't in great shape either.
His dragon arms, covered in violet-blue scales, now bore charred patches from flame contact.
Fire and lightning, both explosive—
But each with its own traits.
Neither side had gained a decisive upper hand—nor fallen into clear disadvantage.
Yet compared to Huo Wushuang, Yu Tianxin was more anxious.
The quick-victory tactic had failed.
Which meant—the coming fight would be far more difficult!
What's worse—
Huo Wu hadn't even used her fusion ring ability yet!
That was the biggest threat!
"You wanted a quick victory? Too bad. Your strategy was flawed from the start. Against my Repelling Flame Ring, your plan is doomed to fail!"
Huo Wu spoke coldly. Her eyes sharpened as she dropped her voice:
"Proceed with the plan. Wear them down."
"Yes!"
The team quickly adjusted, holding their formation and beginning the war of attrition against Thunderclap Academy.
However—
None of them noticed the flash of brilliance in Yu Tianxin's eyes.
He roared:
"Brothers! A swift victory is our only chance. Now—let's go all out!"
As soon as the words fell—
All seven members of Thunderclap Academy surged forward once again like arrows breaking a siege.
Just like before, they unleashed their full might and attacked—
Only this time…
Their target seemed to be concentrated on one point!