Chapter 46: The Probe Beneath the Surface

"Shenbenjian Middle School won, total score 3-2!"

The referee's voice fell, but as the victors, the Shenbenjian players showed little smile on their faces.

The singles No. 2 match hadn't ended yet, yet their intelligence staff brought back information from the neighboring court.

Budongfeng easily beat Songshan No. 3 with a 5:0 score!

Shangdao, holding the score record of the Songshan No. 3 versus Budongfeng match, furrowed his brows, looking deeply worried.

Last year Shenbenjian had been defeated by Songshan No. 3; hoping to avenge that disgrace this year, they never expected Budongfeng to appear!

"Director, you needn't worry too much; perhaps Songshan No. 3 Middle School underestimated us.

Last year's Budongfeng scandal was all over the place; how could it have changed so drastically this year?"

Kamio shook his head, his tone solemn: "Even if they were overly confident, Akutagawa No. 3 Middle School couldn't finish five matches without scoring a single point."

Upon hearing that, someone immediately covered their forehead and sighed mournfully.

"No way, does that mean we'll be stopped at the second round again this year?"

"Idiot, how can you borrow someone else's ambition?!"

"Tsk tsk tsk"

Just as the Shenbenjian team members were arguing, a soft, androgynous voice came from a corner of the court.

Shangdao immediately looked up.

The newcomer had a delicate appearance, with a faint, inexplicable smile at the corner of his mouth.

For some reason, despite being strikingly handsome, he gave off an eerie feeling.

He twirled the hair beside his ear with his right hand and said, "You are the Shenbenjian school team, may I ask—

Which one is the Director?"

The next day, Budongfeng Middle School faced Shenbenjian Middle School.

In the first two doubles matches, Jiecheng Wu fielded the team's two regular doubles pairings.

Against a team of Shenbenjian's caliber, there was no need to specially pair Shenwei Ming and Shitian Tie for doubles.

However, today's matches contained a slight sense of discord.

This is not the strength of Shenbenjian Middle School.

In the first doubles match, Yingjing Ya and Heping Minchun played for nearly forty minutes before it concluded.

And now the second doubles match is underway.

Bang!

Bang!

Fifteen minutes, twenty‑five minutes.

The tennis ball flew high over Neicun Jingjie's head, landing near the baseline in the backcourt.

"Truly worthy opponents in the second round, their strength has indeed improved a lot!"

Seeing his net‑front block breached, Neicun Jingjie seemed somewhat excited.

Under Jiecheng Wu's influence, the atmosphere within the Budongfeng team gradually shifted toward his philosophy; when facing strong foes they were not only unafraid but also highly motivated.

Bang!

Sen Chende constantly watched his teammates' movements, promptly ran to cover, shifted footwork, and with a backhand flick sent the ball back.

"Jingjie, prepare to attack."

"Understood!"

Hearing Sen Chende's signal, Neicun Jingjie's eyes flashed, and he reappeared at the net.

This time he would start the attack with a volley.

"Budongfeng

What a tricky opponent!"

Shangdao's complexion turned sour, feeling a bit incredulous.

The Shenbenjian tennis team had learned the opponent's intel the day before, knowing each Budongfeng player's favored and disliked tactics.

Yet even under those circumstances, they still struggled immensely, being suppressed throughout the match.

"I see. Sheng Lu Dao Fu?"

Scanning the schedule and placement list, a familiar name stood out among the many schools, instantly catching Jiecheng Wu's attention.

Shengluoduo Fu Academy was also placed in C Qu, meaning they would be one of Budongfeng's opponents for the final four.

Nevertheless, Jiecheng Wu didn't really mind.

Compared with Gan Zhen Zhi and Liu Lian Er, Guan Yue Chu's methods fell short by a notch.

If there isn't a sufficiently strong foundation of power, and one cannot gather enough data in a short time.

Then the so‑called Information Tennis and Data Tennis would never make it to the surface.

After all, the greatest trait of a genius is to bring about the unexpected.

Bang!

A swift, fierce volley pierced through the gap between Shangdao's two rackets, and the ball hit the ground with a dull thud.

Shangdao's mindset was completely shattered by the sudden downpour of volley shots.

His chaotic mind could no longer concern itself with any intel.

Watching the panting, sweat‑soaked Shenbenjian player, Jiecheng Wu gave a slight smile.

"The outcome is decided."

His gaze drifted silently around the court, finally settling on a corner outside the field.

Amid the dense foliage that carved a cool shade in the bright air, a dark‑green‑haired, delicate boy watched Budongfeng's match.

Since you've already taken action, giving you a return gift shouldn't be too much, right.

Ten minutes later, with Neicun Jingjie and Sen Chende cooperating, they routed the two Shenbenjian players into a rout.

The match ended.

Game, Budongfeng Middle School's Neicun Jingjie and Sen Chende, score 6‑2!

Next, the Single Match No. 3 is about to begin.

Yiwu Shen Si of Budongfeng Middle School will face Songcun Pingba of Shenbenjian Middle School.

The referee's voice echoed across the court via the loudspeaker, and Guan Yue Chu, shaded by the trees, glanced up at the sound.

We can't handle that monster that can defeat the Ice Emperor Remnant Division.

But Budongfeng's No. 2, Yiwu Shen Si.

Guan Yue Chu's mouth twitched into a faint smile, eyes narrowed, as he looked toward the expressionless boy with deep‑blue hair on the sidelines.

Hmm, his speed, strength and reflexes are all average, yet he's extremely hard to deal with.

Neicun Jingjie, just off the court, immediately voiced his impression.

Sen Chende carefully recalled the match scene, then said slowly but confidently, "Every ball landed in a spot I dislike."

Yingjing Ya and Heping Minchun also nodded, finding this situation, which they had never encountered before, rather surprising.

For the upcoming matches, Neicun Jingjie and Sen Chende will play the first doubles, Shenwei and Shitian, you two, will play the second doubles.

Jiecheng Wu did not explain immediately.

You must keep your strength within the level shown today; even if you lose some points because of that, it's fine.

Yes!

Facing Jiecheng Wu's order, they didn't understand the reason, but agreed decisively without any hesitation.

In less than fifteen minutes, Yiwu Shen Si easily finished the match.

Against absolute strength, relying only on a little intelligence is useless.

Game, Budongfeng Middle School's Yiwu Shen Si, 6‑0!

The match ended, Budongfeng won, total score 3‑0!

Thank you for the guidance!

After the match, the players from both sides shook hands at the net to thank each other.

Seeing the Shenbenjian player whose aura was weak and listless, Guan Yue's narrow eyes showed a contemptuous look.

Even like this, you still can't force Budongfeng to reveal its full strength.

Heh, my sending you the intel was in vain; it's like trying to prop up rotten mud.

After a cold snort, he slipped away from the court, leaving only a long shadow on the red‑brick road.

And wherever he went, the opponent for Budongfeng's third round would be generated.

Just wait and see, Sheng Lu Dao Fu Middle School will definitely make it into the Kanto Tournament!

(End of chapter)