Chapter 120: Negotiation
Near the edge of the forest, there is an area with scattered rocks.
Four figures dressed in white sat cross-legged together, whispering while glancing towards a spot not far behind them.
There, a giant rock stands, with a young man seated atop it, eyes closed in a serene stillness, as if in deep slumber.
Suddenly, a white figure dashed through the forest ahead, swiftly catching the attention of the four individuals.
The figure leapt several times and arrived at the area with scattered rocks.
"Boss, the Black Evil Stopper Team has joined forces with the remaining senior students."
After halting, this person looked towards the young man in the center and spoke.
His words resound like thunder, leaving the four somewhat stunned and speechless.
"Sha Tie, this useless fellow, despite being an inner-court senior student and frequenting the Arena for years, actually fears the newcomers!"
The fair-skinned youth at the center snorted coldly.
In his words, there was disdain towards Sha Tie's actions.
"Boss, in this situation, aren't we left with no chance to make a move?"
Someone exclaimed anxiously.
The fair-skinned youth shook his head slightly, "It's alright. The Black and White Evil Stopper's purpose is to obstruct the new students from entering the inner court smoothly. As long as the Black Evil Stopper Team teaches the newcomers a lesson, we can still get rewards."
Pausing for a moment, he glanced sideways at the silent youth behind him, "However, he probably won't gain anything in this Fire Energy Hunting Competition."
"He's clearly not a part of the Black and White Evil Stoppers. Why is he hiding behind us? This behavior doesn't match the aura from last year."
"Do you think it's possible that he's certain we, the Black and White Evil Stoppers, will lose to the new students this year?"
"Are you suggesting that he wants to replicate last year, taking away the Fire Energy from both new and senior students by himself?"
Several members of the White Evil Stopper Team lowered their voices, their gazes unconsciously converging on the fair-skinned youth.
"Firstly, I am not Han Yue! Secondly, not every year will see someone like Lin Xiu. Last year was just an exception!"
Luo Hou's voice carried weight, revealing his confidence in his own strength and disdain for this year's newcomers.
While they whispered among themselves, they were unaware that Lin Xiu's senses far exceeded those of ordinary people.
To Lin Xiu's ears, their whispers were no different from regular conversation.
"The Black Evil Stopper Team taking the initiative to join forces? Is this the butterfly effect in action? It shouldn't be a big problem. Xiao Yan has many methods, behaves far beyond his age, and has strong influence. He'll probably still defeat the Black Team."
"As for the White Team... Luo Hou does have some strength, but facing the Angry Buddha Lotus Flame, he might not be enough."
Lin Xiu remained calm and composed, neither anxious nor impatient.
He not only believed in Xiao Yan's ability to come before him but also in Xiao Xun'er's strength.
After all, this isn't just any rabbit by someone's side.
This is the young miss of a an absolute top-tier family on the Dou Qi Continent. In terms of her own background, she's far more terrifying than Jia Nan Academy.
"This time, when I suppress both new and senior students again, the Red Fire Crystal Card should be able to upgrade to the highest level, the Purple Fire Crystal Card. The eighth level should be within reach as well."
Reining in his wandering thoughts, Lin Xiu felt somewhat excited about Xiao Yan's arrival.
He was curious to see what expression Xiao Yan would have on his face when he saw Lin Xiu and recognized him as the one who competed with him for Fan Ling's treasures.
...
"He's here!"
On a clearing in the forest, dozens of figures gathered.
As noises came from the distance, dozens of figures gradually emerged from the forest.
All eyes turned towards them.
Xiao Yan led the way, accompanied by Xun'er and Hu Jia, with a multitude of people behind them.
His gaze first swept over five figures dressed in black robes.
"The Black Evil Stopper Team!"
Even before they got close, Xiao Yan's powerful Soul Power sensed their strong aura.
Especially the burly youth who resembled an orangutan, he gave Xiao Yan a feeling of unfathomable depth.
"Even if they are not Dou Spirits, they are probably not far from the true Dou Spirit Realm."
Murmuring to himself, Xiao Yan instructed Xun'er, Hu Jia, and others to unleash their full strength, as their opponents' strength was not to be underestimated.
"Xiao Yan?"
Sha Tie inquired.
At the mention, Xiao Yan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Senior Brother, isn't it a bit excessive to use this lineup against us newcomers?"
Wu Hao frowned. "If this is the rule of the Fire Energy Hunting Competition, is there any need to continue it in the future?"
"You've been practicing in the inner court for a year. Originally, your strength wasn't much weaker than ours, and now it's even higher than ours. Yet, you have the nerve to join forces?"
Hu Jia's face displayed an expression of indignation.
The other newcomers chimed in, expressing their opinions one after another. When it came to their own interests, no one would choose to stand aside.
"Everyone, calm down."
Seeing Sha Tie about to speak, Xiao Yan raised his hands to signal, and the newcomers' team immediately quieted down.
Su Xiao and Leng Bai looked on, somewhat surprised.
Last year, they had also suggested Lin Xiu to organize, but he had rejected them.
Unexpectedly, this year's newcomers had indeed produced an outlier with strong leadership!
"To be honest, it's quite unexpected that you can gather so many newcomers. However, teaming up with them is not to bully others but to seek a promise!"
Sha Tie was burly in appearance, indicating he wasn't someone petty and narrow-minded.
"What do you mean?"
Xiao Yan paused for a moment.
"The Black and White Evil Stopper's mission is to defeat all troublesome newcomers. Currently, you few are obviously the core among the newcomers. How about we have a five-round, best-of-three match? It saves time and doesn't bully you, right? Three members from our Black Evil Stopper Team will participate, two from the senior students' team, and as for you, it's up to you how you arrange it."
After Sha Tie finished speaking, both the newcomers and the senior students' teams fell into contemplation.
Among the senior students, the discussions seemed to be more pronounced than among the newcomers, as everyone was expressing their opinions.
This was because it involved their own Fire Energy.
However, as Sha Tie turned around and reprimanded a few people, the voices quieted down.
The main reason was that the senior students didn't have much numerical advantage. If the Black Evil Stopper Team were to withdraw now, they would be at a disadvantage.
Secondly, the senior students were still confident in the strength of the Black Evil Stopper Team. If the three members of the Black Evil Stopper Team had good luck and won all three rounds, or even if they just won two, it would be close enough.
Moreover, among their senior students, there were also some strong individuals.
For example, Su Xiao, Leng Bai, and Xiu Yan, all three of them were very powerful. Just picking any two of them would be sufficient to fight.
After sorting out their thoughts, everyone agreed with Sha Tie's proposal.
On the side of the newcomers, all eyes turned to Xiao Yan, waiting for his opinion.
Xiao Yan felt conflicted. The Black Evil Stopper Team was undoubtedly strong, and the three individuals beside him were also formidable.
If they engaged in a melee, even though the newcomers had the numerical advantage, they might not be able to hold out for long, and there would likely be casualties.
Behind them, there was also a White Evil Stopper Team, even stronger than the Black Evil Stopper Team. Preserving usable fighting force was crucial.
"Brother Xiao Yan, I will definitely win!"
Seeing Xiao Yan's hesitation, Xun'er took the initiative to hold his hand, her eyes full of confidence.
"Mm."
Xiao Yan gently squeezed her hand and turned to look at Hu Jia and Wu Hao. "I am confident that I can defeat Sha Tie."
Hu Jia and Wu Hao exchanged a glance.
The situation was clear now. Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er could ensure two victories. Therefore, the final victory had to be decided between them and Bai Shan!
"As long as it's not Sha Tie, I can win one match. However, I may not be able to participate in the subsequent matches."
Hu Jia's expression was serious.
After all, her grandfather was the Deputy Headmaster of the outer courtyard, so she had some cards up her sleeve.
"Then let's agree to their proposal!"
Xiao Yan chose to trust his teammates, and the newcomers also believed in him.
Soon, a five-round, best-of-three match was finalized.
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