Nine Star Burden - Chapter 274

Chapter 274: Facing It

Wow.

Mother, did you see?

So many zombies want to add me on WeChat.

Although they can’t speak the human language, they’ve expressed their desire to communicate with me in another way.

I’m really a smart healer…

Jiang Xiao thought about it to himself while Han Jiangxue flew into a rage, perhaps because she didn’t want to let the zombies add him on WeChat.

Hmm…

The five archers were disconnected, and two Ancient Warrior Warhammers and two with tomahawks quickly retreated and guarded the leader Ancient Archer General.

Their reaction at this moment was enough to show that the Ancient Warriors were much stronger than the Savages in the Arsenal.

Facing the Ancient Warrior Tomahawk, Han Jiangxue extended her hands and pushed one hand forward while tugging her other hand backward. She launched two shots of Barren Wind and caused the Ancient Warrior Tomahawk to fly away while dragging another one.

Whoosh!

She activated Sky Smasher, and the Ancient Warriors immediately disappeared in it.

Indeed, Spatial Star Techniques were extremely reliable!

However, the Ancient Warrior actually retreated under the lead of the Ancient Archer General.

Don’t mistake it. They weren’t trying to escape. Rather, they simply wanted to move out of the range of attack of Sound of Silence.

After all, their leader was an Archer General. Besides, he even had four Ice Archer subordinates. Of course, they’d be willing to fight against Jiang Xiao’s team remotely. Hence, he retreated.

However, Han Jiangxue threw out a shot of Chain Lightning without hesitation.

In an instant, a chain of lightning appeared in the dim Ancient Imperial Mausoleum, lighting it up.

The Star Technique Sound of Silence would work on the people within its range and not the Star Power or Star Techniques in it.

The Ancient Warriors were in the range of Sound of Silence and could not attack effectively at all. The Chain Lightning seemed to roam about unrestrainedly too.

Han Jiangxue obviously knew that she had to seize the opportunity. Hence, she threw out numerous shots of Chain Lightning like they were free!

That frightened Jiang Xiao, who hurriedly activated Nostalgia and Dawn, for fear that his Little Jiangxue’s Star Power would deplete.

Chain Lightning was swift, and, as a Gold Quality lightning Star Power, it was highly destructive as well!

Besides, the Chain Lightning would also result in numbing effects. Only the Gold Quality Ancient Archer General could run out of the domain by relying on its strong physique. The Silver Quality Ice Archer and the Ancient Warriors Tomahawk and Warhammer began to experience numbness in their limbs and walked around on an unsteady gait. They couldn’t run at all.

Be it the audience in front of the screen or the guardians at the supply point, they were all puzzled and astonished. What kind of a damned creature is this!?!

Are you telling me this is a group of high school students?

Is this a group of kids in the Nebula Stage?

In a short moment, everyone saw three… no, four Gold Quality Star Techniques!

Xia Yan’s Gold Quality Body of Star Power.

Jiang Xiao’s Gold Quality Sound of Silence.

Han Jiangxue’s Gold Quality Sky Smasher and Gold Quality Chain Lightning.

Even warriors at the Galaxy Stage probably didn’t have such explosive Gold Quality Star Techniques, let alone high school students in the Nebula Stage.

It was not only because such Gold Quality Star Techniques were of high quality, but also because they had a good combination of Star Techniques.

The warrior’s Body of Star Power, the supportive member’s Sound of Silence, and the Rules Awakened’s Chain Lightning.

As a spatial storage bag, Sky Smasher’s support was not too bad. If it were used as a means of killing, it would be a satisfactory Star Technique for a Rules Awakened.

You’re telling me that these people are the high school students representing Beijiang Province in the competition?

They were probably transferred there from Beijing, weren’t they?

It’s no wonder that they all say that Beijiang Province is expected to achieve a historical breakthrough this year and create new highs. Damn it. They’re just like three monsters!

…

While throwing out a shot of Chain Lightning, Han Jiangxue yelled, “Continue to use Sound of Silence to seal the road! Stab me, hurry!”

Jiang Xiao watched as the Ancient Archer General dashed out of the range of the Sound of Silence before throwing out another shot of Sound of Silence.

It was not the time to save Star Power and Star Beads.

After throwing out a shot of Sound of Silence, he reached with his left into his pocket and directly absorbed a Fallen Shadow Witch Star Bead. He then grabbed the sharp, half-toothed dagger from the sheath on his thigh with his right hand. He then lifted Han Jiangxue’s shirt with his left hand and stabbed her in her abdomen, before pulling the dagger out together with her bloodied flesh.

Jiang Xiao swore that if Xia Yan were to make that request, he would stab her in the waist.

–

Enmity, Gold Quality Level 0 -> Level 1

Counter-current Light, Gold Quality Level 0 -> Level 1

Sound of Silence, Gold Quality Level 2 (9/100) -> Level 3 (9/100)

Star Power upgrade! Nebula Stage Level 2!

–

In an instant, news of his Star Power getting upgraded was displayed on his internal Star Map, stunning Jiang Xiao.

Gold Quality Star Beads are indeed really angst, eh? However, the breakthrough is probably because I’ve become much stronger.

As his Star Power upgraded, Jiang Xiao’s Star Power immediately replenished. He sighed in relief and comfort while his lips curled into a smile.

Star Power upgrade, wonderful~

The scene gave everyone a great shock!

Su Rou, in front of the screen, was dumbfounded. She widened her eyes and looked at the camera lens before asking, “What did Goddess Xue say just now?”

“Goddess Xue… Goddess Xue told him to stab her…”

“And the little toxic healer really stabbed her?”

“Damn it. He definitely isn’t her biological brother! Did he really stab her!?!”

“He even smiled and laughed. Look, he’s so shameless!”

“Uwuu, my Goddess Xue. It’s over. Your image is ruined. I’ve always thought that you’re a high and mighty queen. It turns out that you’re…”

“Wow, Xiaopi, you’re rebelling? I really envy you. I really want to watch the live broadcast, but I’m penniless…”

What made everyone confused was the fact that Han Jiangxue was continuously throwing out Chain Lightning while saying coldly, “Stab me again.”

“Go away, let me do it,” Xia Yan said while scurrying over and pushing Jiang Xiao away with a look of pity on her face.

This time, the viewers of the live-stream got into an uproar as they bombarded the screen with pop-up messages.

“Hear this out. How inhumane!”

“Goddess Xue, what’s going on? Do you have to self-harm before you can use lightning Star Techniques?”

“What’s going on? I need an explanation.”

“Hehe, not a big deal. You outsiders might find this situation to be puzzling, but for us in the know, it’s actually just as confusing…”

“Oh, dear! Goddess Xue is really godly! She has such an explosive output!”

Eight Silver Quality Ancient Warriors walked out of the first domain of the Sound of Silence shakily. However, they did not manage to walk out of the second one.

They fell onto the ground one after another and were still twitching even though they had been electrocuted.

The Gold Quality Ancient Archer General was also completely neutralized by the Sound of Silence, which caused its massive body to fall to the ground all of a sudden, with no means to get up again.

They won!?!

It was the first conflict against the Ancient Warriors, and the team representing Beijiang Province actually won?

This team was the biggest dark horse among the participating teams this year! If they weren’t considered dark horses, dark horses didn’t exist in this world!

Han Jiangxue’s output was terrifyingly explosive, and her Chain Lightning Star Technique from Haisu Province indeed gave the team from Beijiang Province the chance to be a pioneer.

Jiang Xiao and his team rested for a while before keeping their guards up and fumbling about. Faced with the nauseating “zombies,” they seemed to have no qualms about touching them.

They managed to obtain two Star Beads from Ancient Warrior Tomahawks, two from Ancient Warrior Warhammers, four from Ice Archers, and a Gold Quality one from the Archer General.

Total number of points: 130.

While harvesting the Star Beads, Xia Yan suddenly asked, “Where did that gust of wind come from?”

Han Jiangxue and Jiang Xiao were the first to be blown away. The Ancient Warriors immediately threatened them, and hence, did not manage to see the culprit who launched the sneak attack on them.

However, Li Weiyi heard some information. He said, “Someone launched a sneak attack on us and deliberately blew us towards the Ancient Warriors.”

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone, including his team members and the audience, was shocked.

Since the team from Beijiang Province was the first to go against the Ancient Warriors, the broadcast signal was on Han Jiangxue’s body after the battle began. After all, she was famous.

Plenty of people heard Li Weiyi’s words.

Xia Yan’s face stiffened, and she questioned, sounding slightly angry, “Who?”

“I vaguely heard her voice when she was telling her teammates to leave. It was rather familiar.”

The Star Technique Perception was truly magical!

Jiang Xiao really wanted to use that Star Technique to increase his physical attributes. Although there was no room for manipulation and he couldn’t show them off, it would increase his physical power!

Who wouldn’t want to have sharp hearing and vision?

If the quality was upgraded, it might become really powerful?

Li Weiyi suddenly said, “The girl who said that you two have long legs because they’re prosthetics.”

Han Jiangxue’s face grew sullen, and her domineering aura turned the atmosphere cold.

With fire in her eyes, she clipped, “It’s her!?!”

Chapter 275: Harmonious Family

“She’d better not let me see her!” Xia Yan barked as she gritted her teeth while holding onto the handle of the giant sword with shaky hands, seemingly trying to endure something.

“According to the rules of the competition, killing is prohibited. Have they violated the rules? Can we appeal to the organizers?” Li Weiyi asked after a moment of silence.

Violating the rules?

Appeal?

Jiang Xiao felt that the culprits were definitely trying to use the Ancient Warriors to kill them.

Fighting between teams was not prohibited during the competition, and it would be difficult to determine whether the other team had violated the rules or not.

However, Jiang Xiao really didn’t want to complain to the organizers. What if the appeal was successful? What should he do if their team was made to withdraw from the competition? Who was he supposed to seek revenge from?

Don’t complain, just let her stay here. If we run into her again, we’ll have some fun.

Even if we don’t run into her within three days, she will at least be in a hazardous environment. What if she accidentally gets stabbed to death?

Xia Yan said, “Complain to the teacher? That’s not something I’d do. She’d better pray that she doesn’t run into me again. Otherwise, I will stab her…”

Han Jiangxue pressed a hand on Xia Yan’s head and said with a stern gaze, “Shut up.”

Feeling wronged, Xia Yan fell silent and looked at Han Jiangxue with a pitiful gaze. “What are you fierce for?”

Han Jiangxue didn’t hide anything. She slid her palm downwards and wrapped her finger around the headband on Xia Yan’s neck before tapping her ear, gesturing at the miniature camera and invisible earphones.

Everyone understood what she meant. After all, everyone in the country was watching. It was alright to lodge a complaint, but if they wanted to say something else, it would be better for them to keep their thoughts to themselves.

Han Jiangxue’s breathing was rather erratic, but it was not because of fatigue. Due to the halo of Nostalgia, her physical strength was maximized. She was mainly in pain because Jiang Xiao and Xia Yan continuously stabbed her.

As a calm commander, Han Jiangxue changed the subject. “Physical experiment is the standard for testing everything.”

“Distance.” Jiang Xiao also didn’t want that girl to be disqualified. He nodded in agreement with her and changed the subject.

At the end of the day, one would still be able to destroy the Ancient Warriors led by the Ancient Archer General, so long as they kept a proper distance and combined Sound of Silence with Chain Lightning.

Other teams probably wouldn’t bear to use such a large amount of Star Power.

After doing so several times, all of their Star Power would be depleted, and the Star Beads that they collect may not even be enough for making ends meet.

However, Jiang Xiao’s supply of Star Power was terrifyingly abundant, and he didn’t have to consider the issue of Star Power at all. Instead, Han Jiangxue’s vitality becoming saturated was an issue that they had to consider…

A true healer and godlike supportive member will allow the entire team to improve on several levels!

“With this experience, we can hunt down the team led by the Ancient Archer General.” Han Jiangxue looked down at the three of them stowing away the Star Beads and continued, “Next time, Li Weiyi and Xia Yan will stand in front while you use Green Glow appropriately. You don’t have to cause any damage. You just have to stall them. Xiaopi and I will soon be able to settle the main rear output.”

Li Weiyi nodded repeatedly. Although he was a melee fighter, he seemed to have become a guide dog during the battle earlier on. Throughout the entire process, he was telling them where to shoot and run. He did not participate in the battle at all.

He felt that he ought to exhibit his value during the next battle.

Li Weiyi thought to himself, I’m a Shield Warrior! Not a guide dog!

“If the Ancient Warriors are led by a General or a Soul of the Ancient Warrior, we’d better evacuate first and watch how other teams fight them before perfecting our combat strategy,” Han Jiangxue said unhurriedly.

Verbal planning would always seem unreliable.

The battle had truly built the confidence of everyone in the team.

Stay strong!

We can still fight.

As long as Jiang Xiao’s Star Techniques were used appropriately and he had enough support, the output of his team would definitely not be inferior!

Although a team had been forced to withdraw from the competition and three other teams got “smashed,” thus causing the students to be traumatized, Jiang Xiao’s team had used their practical actions to show that true blue would never stain.

They either could or could not make it.

Regardless of how much some might boast and brag about themselves, they would definitely have to scram if they were incompetent.

No matter how much you look down on us, you can’t deny the truth.

Jiang Xiao picked up the torch that was still burning on the ground and carefully delved into the Ancient Imperial Mausoleum with his team.

At this moment, there was a huge uproar amongst netizens.

There were all sorts of live-streams and Weibo posts about the competition. After watching the experience that Han Jiangxue had been through, everyone began cursing at the girl who launched a sneak attack on them.

The viewers of Su Rou’s live broadcast were especially infuriated as they cursed their hearts out.

The viewers of the live-stream were originally equivalent to the fan club and supporters of the team representing Beijiang Province. The fans were exasperated. Not only did they vent their anger online, they actually made phone calls to launch complaints and also went on the official website to report against the girl for violating the rules…

The power of netizens was enormous. Some were watching the live feed of Xiaoqi’s first-person perspective. After all, her team was also close to the Ancient Warriors. Hence, some of the netizens revealed the words that Xiaoqi said at that time.

“We can’t run away. The Ancient Warriors are too fast, and we can’t escape. I only chose to do this because it’s my last resort.”

“Let’s go. Let’s hurry and leave. Let them stand in front.”

“It’s alright. She’s a genius with 30 star slots. They’ll definitely be able to escape the ordeal!”

After those three sentences were revealed, the viewers immediately flew into a rage and began cussing.

“Is being weak a valid reason? What a nonsensical logic. What’s the difference between this and those who justify their unreasonable actions and claim that they’re reasonable just because they’re old or poor?”

“Others should help you just because you’re weak? Just because you’re weak, they’re supposed to let you blow them towards the front? You’re acting like a big baby of society. How could you be so self-righteous about this?”

“You hypocritically said that she could definitely escape the ordeal because she’s a genius with 30 star slots. You’re loud, but you can’t hide your malicious heart.”

“Let me be fair. They only did it out of helplessness. She already said that she knows that they can’t run, so they chose to do that as a last resort.”

“Yeah, yeah. Is she supposed to sit back and wait to die? Are they supposed to wait for the Ancient Warriors to attack them and cause them to withdraw from the competition? This is a competition where everyone’s competing for the top ranks and for obtaining points. Do you think these teams are here for a child’s play?”

“A team like hers can get into the top ranks? What a joke…”

Jiang Xiao didn’t know what the people were saying about the matter on the internet. At this moment, he was shocked by what the girl had done.

Why?

Because people all over the world were watching, and yet, she did something like that without hesitation. Was she too reckless to care about the consequences? Or was her plan well thought out, with good reasons and excuses?

Whatever it may be, the feud had been formed.

Accompanied by the crackling sound of flames from the torch, Jiang Xiao and the rest kept themselves pressed against the wall and walked forward cautiously until a fork appeared, which caused them to become dumbfounded.

No one had a topographic map of that place, and they wondered, Do we make a right turn? Or continue going forward?

“Stay close to the wall, and we won’t get lost,” Han Jiangxue ordered, after which they immediately followed her instructions and executed them. Along the way, they saw some teams marching in their direction and passing by them.

The Ancient Imperial Mausoleum was indeed rather large, and everyone was going forward while keeping their bodies pressed against the wall. The dark stone bricks were carved with delicate patterns, and everyone couldn’t help but be amazed and wonder how long the magnificent project took to be completed.

For Jiang Xiao and the rest, they were no longer in the Ancient Imperial Mausoleum but a massive maze.

In the dangerous maze, the students were rather alert and no one said anything. Instead, they kept their guards up and continued in their own paths.

However, after walking for 10 minutes, Li Weiyi managed to detect that a student from the team that was approaching seemed to want to say something, thanks to his heightened senses.

He frowned, unsure of what that student meant. After walking forward for less than half a minute, Li Weiyi slowed down. He was already at the front. Hence, after he slowed down, the other three at the back slowed down too while keeping their guards up.

“What’s wrong?” Han Jiangxue asked softly.

“There’s someone,” Li Weiyi said as he arched his body and gripped the hammer tightly in his hand.

“There’s someone?” Xia Yan was momentarily stunned, and she carefully looked in front. After everyone left, there were no longer torches on the wall. Hence, it was pitch dark in the Ancient Imperial Mausoleum. Xia Yan gibed with derision. “Is there someone or are there traps?”

Li Weiyi said with uncertainty, “Deal with them like they’re enemies. They’re holding their breaths and are clearly trying to hide.”

Jiang Xiao thought to himself, Indeed, this is the National League. The outside world is simply wonderful and exciting.

There was an old Chinese saying that meant that one should always keep their guards up.

It seems that, if we don’t harm anyone, we really won’t be able to integrate into a big, harmonious family like the National League!

Chapter 276: Watchdog

Li Weiyi held onto the hammer and lit up his Burning Flame Star Technique. The flames on his hammer were brighter than the torch in Jiang Xiao’s hand.

There were some changes in the terrain in front. There was a hole in the middle of a stone wall, which resembled a door.

The people seemed to realize that they had been discovered, or that the team that just arrived had slowed down and kept their guards up. Hence, the figure hidden behind the stone wall came out.

The person filled the gap in the wall, and the road also became a dead end.

Is there a special room behind this person? Or is there some mysterious passageway? Or is it a forbidden area of the Ancient Imperial Mausoleum?”

“This road is blocked. Go back using the same route that you took to come here,” the person in black said in a hoarse voice. He was wearing a hooded cloak, and the brim of the hood was rather low. He also hung his head low, making it impossible for any of his features to be seen except his chin.

Under the flickering light, the person looked and sounded rather sinister and gloomy.

Of course, that would only frighten children. It didn’t work on Jiang Xiao at all.

Clad in black? A mysterious and blurry figure? A hoarse and insidious voice?

Those are Second Last’s standard characteristics!

I’ve known her for such a long time, yet she’s still trying to scare me with such tactics?

You’re nothing compared to Second Last.

You’ve only learned some of her tricks, but you haven’t learned the essence.

You’ll never be able to acquire her cold and hair-raising aura.

“Are you a guardian?” Li Weiyi asked with uncertainty.

The person in black did not respond and simply repeated, “This road is blocked, return using the same route.”

Li Weiyi’s face grew dubious. He had clearly discovered their presence. The three of them were still hiding behind the wall, and they seemed to be a participating team and not the guardians. They didn’t seem to be the Star Warriors officers scattered around the Ancient Imperial Mausoleum.

Han Jiangxue frowned slightly, and Xia Yan was also a little surprised. This…

At this moment, Jiang Xiao suddenly said, “We’re allowed to move freely from level 1 to level 18. What rights do you have to make us return?”

Everyone panicked. If they were really the guardians, Jiang Xiao’s tone and words would be rather unfriendly.

“I repeat one last time. Get out,” the person in black said in a deep voice while lowering his head.

Jiang Xiao retorted, “How old are you? Why are you pretending to be profound and wise? Do you think you look extra formidable by keeping your voice low?”

The person in black suddenly raised his head, revealing a young face.

Han Jiangxue and the others were stunned, and they wondered, Is he really someone of the same age? Is he a high school student and a contestant?

Seeing that they could no longer pretend, two figures appeared from the hole in the wall, and the trio formed a triangle. The remaining one did not come out from behind the wall and seemed to be a Rules Awakened or a member that played a supportive role.

“I told you to scram, don’t you understand!?!” the young man clad in the black hood said.

Jiang Xiao found him to be extremely familiar, and he thought, Isn’t this that Eurasian?

Howard Lee?

These people belong to the team from Beijing. What are they doing here?

Jiang Xiao continuously brainstormed and thought, If this is a dead-end, then their approach is pretty retarded. Any Ancient Warrior squad will definitely be able to kill them.

So, what’s behind this broken wall?

Obviously, this is an important entrance. Otherwise, they wouldn’t stay here.

The problem was that everyone entered the Ancient Imperial Mausoleum for the first time. Why did they know that they ought to stay here? Could it be that they had found out about the terrain in advance?

The more Jiang Xiao thought about it, the more he felt that something was amiss. After thinking about the harmonious way they behaved during the registration, it felt that they seemed to have formed an alliance back then. However, it seemed now that…

Jiang Xiao had an ominous speculation. After recovering from the shock, he heard the fierce verbal confrontation between the young man and Xia Yan.

Xia Yan had been feeling particularly frustrated. Xiaoqi sneak-attacked them before, and yet, a team was now getting in their way?

Xia Yan gibed. “I almost got scared by you guys. Are you committing a robbery here? Do you guys have what it takes?”

The young man in the cloak barked coldly. “Cut the crap and scram! Stop trying to compete here. You’re asking us if we have what it takes? If you’re looking to die, just say so!”

The trio in front of the wall lit up their Star Maps one after another and looked like they were ready to attack.

Jiang Xiao suddenly raised his hands and said, “Back off.”

Xia Yan was infuriated, and she also lit up her sword-shaped Star Map, blinding everyone with her 28 star slots.

Han Jiangxue hesitated for two seconds before saying, “Retreat.”

While speaking, she pulled Xia Yan back by her arm while Li Weiyi held up his shield. The four of them stayed in formation and retreated.

Xia Yan was trembling with anger, but she had nowhere to vent her frustration. She stomped her feet forcefully and yelled, “Ah!!”

Since when had she ever had to suffer such grievances?

She didn’t take life too seriously and would attack whenever she felt upset!

Throughout all these years, who have I ever been afraid of? How could this damned Jiang Xiaopi be so cowardly? Why should we retreat!?!

Jiang Xiao was much gloomier deep down than he looked on the surface. Just like he mentioned before, he didn’t bring his teammates out to let them feel aggrieved.

What kind of society is it now?

This is an outrageously fast-paced society where people fight hard over a simple conflict.

If I say that I want to beat you up, I’ll kick you immediately.

If I say that I want to kill your family, I must do so by tonight. I won’t wait until the next day.

It’s never too late to take revenge?

That’s the mindset that powerful figures should have.

Jiang Xiao would usually take revenge on the spot. If he couldn’t, he would wait for a short while.

Most importantly, the eight or nine teams from Beijing had already formed an alliance, and they were obviously aiming to advance to the semi-finals.

The existence of this alliance harmed the interests of all other teams, especially for teams like his. Jiang Xiao had never made it known, but he was rather ambitious and really wanted to fight for a place in the semi-finals.

If they could seize this opportunity to defeat one of the teams, they would not only help reduce the strength of the Beijing Alliance but also win a place in the semi-finals!

However, before taking revenge, they had to confirm their conjecture.

Jiang Xiao yelled at them, “Things must be bad for you in Beijing, huh? You’re following others around and helping them keep a lookout like a watchdog. While they’re reaping benefits, do you stand to gain something?”

With fury written all over his face, the young man in the cloak questioned loudly, “What!?!”

Seeing his reaction, Jiang Xiao felt more certain about his conjecture. He said softly, “Get your Chain Lightning ready.”

Xia Yan was stunned.

Jiang Xiao raised his head and continued to yell, “We’re all young and at the age where no one is willing to admit defeat. Doesn’t everyone want to be the main character? No one wants to be someone else’s watchdog, right?”

Jiang Xiao’s voice drifted far away, causing the team of four opposite them to be dumbfounded.

Is this… a provocation!?!

The hooded man barked in exasperation. “Screw you. I dare you to repeat yourself!”

Jiang Xiao responded loudly and clearly, “I said that you guys are incompetent greenhorns and watchdogs!”

The young man retorted, “Damn it… cough… cough…”

The young man’s face was flushed, and he couldn’t go on anymore, as if he was about to vomit blood. The Star Power in his body was surging, and he could only cough strangely.

—Gold Quality Star Technique, Sound of Silence!

Han Jiangxue threw out the shot of Chain Lightning with both hands!

The sound of the burst of electric current made everyone shudder, and the chain of lightning was instantly connected to the group of four in the distance. It shuttled back and forth in a frenzy, lighting up the dark corner.

“Enough, enough. Two shots are enough,” Jiang Xiao hurriedly interjected to stop her. He knew what Han Jiangxue’s output was like. Besides, it was a Gold Quality Star Technique, and the highly destructive lightning Star Technique.

If Han Jiangxue were to throw out another shot, trouble might really entail.

“Oh, wow? Isn’t this the Eurasian? What a coincidence to run into you here… Kid! What’s wrong? Say something!” said a voice that spoke in a special local accent.

Everyone turned around and looked at them with their guards up, only to see the Tianjin ruffian Liu Yang and his team.

The beautiful Medical Awakened, Cai Yao, had a serious expression, and she was keeping her eyes fixed in front, seemingly rather arrogant. However, when others were not noticing, she suddenly winked at Jiang Xiao.

Jiang Xiao wasn’t sure what she was trying to do. Why does she keep winking at me?

Could it be that…

Was she kidnapped?

Is she asking me for help?

Liu Yang, the ruffian from Tianjin, did not care about others at all. He walked past Jiang Xiao’s team and stopped in front of Howard Lee. “Fine, we’re all Chinese descendants. You have to wake up.”

Liu Yang squatted down and stuck his hands into Howard Lee’s pocket while saying, “You really dare to touch anyone’s team, huh? Do you know who he is? He’s the mighty toxic healer! Also known as the thug from Beijiang!”

Jiang Xiao scratched his head with a look of bewilderment. “Do I need your support?”

The situation was tense, and they were full of murderous intent. Why did everything change after this kid arrived?

Chapter 277: Are You Going to Cozy Up?

Liu Yang took out a bunch of Star Beads from Howard Lee’s pocket.

Everyone was speechless.

At the same time, the referee’s voice could be heard from the invisible headphones in the ears of Liu Yang’s teammates.

Liu Yang’s smile stiffened, and he obediently put the Star Beads back into his pocket.

Everyone was speechless.

To their surprise, Liu Yang took out another dagger and pinched it with two fingers, after which he smacked the cold blade against the head of each of the four members of the team. He pressed the invisible earphones and said, “Can their team be considered to have asked for aid this time? This means that they have lost their fighting abilities and should be made to withdraw from the competition. I have more than one dagger. You guys have seen it too.”

They had either been knocked unconscious by Han Jiangxue’s team or had their limbs become numb. There was no way they could move, and they could only suffer from Liu Yang’s mockery.

It was unknown what the referee said to Liu Yang’s team, and they could only see Liu Yang chuckling.

At the same time, Cai Yao, the beautiful girl with shoulder-length hair, walked over and extended her right hand towards Jiang Xiao. She smiled playfully and said, “It seems that you also know their secrets.”

Xia Yan was bewildered, and she nudged Li Weiyi beside her with her arm. “What do we know?”

Li Weiyi remained silent.

Han Jiangxue frowned slightly, seemingly having understood the hidden meaning in that girl’s words.

Cai Yao tilted her head towards the broken wall and stretched her right hand towards Jiang Xiao. “We all need companions. We need the kind of companions whom we can have mutual support with and breakthrough to the semi-finals. It’s hard for your team to snatch the prey straight from the tiger’s mouth.”

Jiang Xiao was slightly tempted. He had conjectures before, but Cai Yao’s words had completely confirmed his inner thoughts.

Snatching the prey straight from the tiger’s mouth?

Is there still a need to ask?

It could be the Ancient Warrior Star Beads because they could be used as points. However, given the strong combat abilities of the Ancient Warriors, could they be considered prey? Stop being so nonsensical.

In that case, the only possibility left would be that somewhere behind the broken wall laid the special weapon of this floor that was worth 200 points.

The Tianjin area was also at the foot of the emperor. It seemed that they had also received some special information, just like the other teams in Beijing.

Jiang Xiao thought to himself, What!?!

“There’s only one weapon. How do we divide it?” Jiang Xiao asked with raised brows.

A faint smile appeared on Cai Yao’s lips as if she was unwilling to show others such a beautiful sight. She covered her mouth with one hand and asked gently, “Isn’t there another floor below this one?”

Jiang Xiao had already come to a decision.

Indeed!

There’s a special weapon that’s worth 200 points in there!

Besides, the people from the team representing Beijing obviously found out about this information in advance.

According to Cai Yao, she also knows the location of the weapon on the next floor, right?

You damned contestants who get up to dirty tricks, I shall deal with you today!

Jiang Xiao turned to look at Han Jiangxue and said, “I’m not the captain.”

Everyone was at a loss when the alliance appeared out of nowhere.

However, Jiang Xiao could confirm that the team had already done their detailed research on his team, and they may even have a special understanding of everyone’s personality traits.

Otherwise, in such a realistic and cruel game, they would not easily form an alliance with another team.

Jiang Xiao wanted to form an alliance with this team, mainly because of the information that they possessed, and also because of their competency.

Liu Yang’s 29 star slots were real, and it was also stated clearly on the information sheet. He was just like a Fallen Shadow Thorn clothed in human skin. His combat power and Star Techniques were undoubtedly strong.

His companion Cai Yao was also one of the few people in that cohort that had the Star Technique Sound of Silence.

Even amongst the high school students from Tianjin and the other representatives from Yanzhao Province, only one or two managed to acquire that Star Technique.

Without a doubt, Cai Yao had a rich family and was extremely competent. His personal qualifications were also top-notch. With such elite teammates, how could the strength of the remaining two students be worse?

Jiang Xiao finally understood that, although the preliminary round was a competition based on glory and was meant for the teams to fight for their own honor, they would have to form alliances and reap benefits for themselves if they wanted to enter the semi-finals.

The competition was also a battle of wits.

Han Jiangxue could read Jiang Xiao’s gaze, but her pride made her say something else. “Can you keep up with our pace?”

“Wow. Sis, what did you just say?” Liu Yang immediately stood up and stroked his head. “We’re second to none in Tianjin. Just take Cai Yao for an example. Out of all the supportive members of this cohort, she’s definitely one of the best.”

Liu Yang rolled her eyeballs and suddenly burst into laughter. “But then again, I’ve been observing the students from Beijing, Tianjin, and Yanzhao Provinces to see if anyone can throw out a shot of Sound of Silence. I really didn’t expect to see it from Beijiang.”

Jiang Xiao was dumbfounded.

Liu Yang chuckled and said, “Don’t get me wrong. I admire you. I’m just shocked. I…”

Han Jiangxue directly interrupted his snide and sarcastic remark. “No matter where we get the weapons, you guys will take the second one while we take the first and third, and so on.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiao finally reached out to grab Cai Yao’s stiff hand in front of him. “Deal.”

Cai Yao was speechless.

What nonsense are you both saying?

Seeing that the two teams finally reached an agreement, the other two boys from Tianjin Southern High School finally spoke up.

They were buff and muscular and were both good at freehand combat. They were about 1.7 meters tall. The taller boy said, “I’m He Fan, a Shield Warrior.”

The shorter one said, “I’m Zhang Qinzhou, a Shield Warrior.”

Double Shield Warriors!

What kind of a combination is that?

Two Shield Warriors, one Medical Awakened, and one output.

Besides, the one in charge of the output is Liu Yang, who specializes in physics.

If a Rules Awakened replaced Liu Yang, the team would at least be somewhat presentable, but it seems now that their combination is simply deformed.

From another perspective, how high is Liu Yang’s output rate!?!

How powerful must he be to make the school send them?

How strong is this kid?

They represented Tianjin, and there was also fierce competition between the members. Yet, he managed to get a combination where his three teammates protected him.

Although Liu Yang often chuckled and had a glib tongue, he was truly talented and had a total of 29 star slots. His Star Techniques were rather peculiar as well—most having something to do with “shadow.”

If it weren’t for the fact that Yuan Qinghua was filmed when she was advancing to the Galaxy Stage, the Tianjin ruffian Liu Yang would definitely be qualified to be the chief assassin.

Cai Yao struggled slightly, but she still couldn’t pull her hand out of Jiang Xiao’s. Jiang Xiao asked softly, “Are you being abducted?”

Cai Yao was stunned for a moment. Then she pulled her tiny hand out of Jiang Xiao’s. “No, what are you talking about?”

With a puzzled expression, Jiang Xiao asked, “Why do you always wink at me, then?”

Cai Yao placed a hand on her forehead and widened her eyes in disbelief. “Do you still have to ask? Are you the legendary insensitive ‘straight guy’?”

Jiang Xiao smiled embarrassedly and scratched his head, looking very shy.

All of a sudden, he winked his left eye at Cai Yao, making her feel as if her eyes were playing tricks on her.

Jiang Xiao said softly, “Do you know that when you blinked at me, I thought about where I should bury your boyfriend?”

He flirted with me!

I’ve been playing the field for years, and yet, I actually let this toxic healer from Beijiang flirt with me!?!

Wow, this feels terrible!

Not only did I fail, I even got caught off guard by a sneak attack!

Cai Yao flushed, and before she could even say anything, Li Weiyi said, “Someone’s coming.”

At the next moment, the three Shield Warriors, Li Weiyi, He Fan, and Zhang Qinzhou, immediately stood in front at the same time.

Xia Yan turned her head and glanced at Liu Yang with disgust. They were both melee fighters who were used to standing in the second row before the battle began.

“Sister, don’t look at me~ Look in front,” Liu Yang said while a faint figure dashed out before darting into the dark Ancient Imperial Mausoleum.

“You two, go back.” Han Jiangxue stood in the middle and took over the rights to command.

Cai Yao was originally the commander of her team, and she was a little confused when Jiang Xiao flirted with her. She subconsciously obeyed Han Jiangxue’s orders. As soon as she turned around, she sensed that something was amiss. However, she was dragged backward by Jiang Xiao…

The audience had different reactions when they saw the two teams forming an alliance.

However, the audience of Su Rou’s live-stream was thrilled by it!

“Done deal! Damn it! Impressive! This year, there are 200 teams and 202 supportive members. Cai Yao’s abilities can be ranked in the top three in the current ranking of supportive members!”

“Damn it. They’ve really cozied up to a strong team. Liu Yang’s really menacing. He’s ranked in the top ten out of the near 400 outputs!”

“They’re such a strong team, why did they look for us to form an alliance?”

“Because we’re even more impressive than them~ Do you think our Goddess Xue is just for display?”

“Wow, sounds good!”

“+1!”

“+2!”

“+184,119,551…”

“You’ve got such a glib tongue.”

…

“May I just ask, which rank is our Xiaopi in?”

“Don’t ask, we can’t say.”

“Don’t ask, we’re too shameless to talk about it!”

“Why are you addressing the elephant in the room? Don’t ask such questions. They’ll ruin our glory!”

“You fake fan, get lost!”

“Bullshit! Do you think our God Pi can have a place amongst the supportive members? You have to put him in the ranks of the output members. You’ll then realize it’s better to compare him to the supportive members…”

“Nothing wrong. After all, there are only 200-odd supportive members, and God Pi can at least come in the 200th place. But there are more than 400 output members, and he may be ranked below the 400th place…”