Recovery of Spiritual Power

Morning sunlight filtered through the cracks in the dormitory window, scattering mottled patches across the floor. Xiao Xiaoxiao was awakened by the soreness throughout her body, especially the needle-like pain between her brows, reminding her of how badly she had overdrawn her Spiritual Power yesterday.

She struggled into a sitting position and tried to follow the method Tang San had told her about last night, slowly circulating her Soul Power along an unfamiliar route that seemed more intricate and profound, guiding it toward the space between her brows. It was somewhat sluggish at first, but soon a cool, soothing sensation gradually spread through her, effectively calming the irritating sting.

"It really works..." she muttered softly, her feelings toward Tang San becoming even more complicated. He looked so taciturn, yet he knew so many useful things.

The morning was a rare period of rest. In the cafeteria, the Shrek Seven Devils gathered once more. Though everyone was injured, the atmosphere was clearly much livelier.

Oscar gestured animatedly. "You didn't see how awful the Imperial Dou Team's faces looked at the end! Especially Dugu Yan—she looked at Xiaoxiao like she was about to spit venom!"

"We only pulled it off thanks to Xiao San and Xiaoxiao working together," Dai Mubai said through a huge mouthful of meat. Thick bandages were wrapped around his chest. "Otherwise, that poison mist would've been enough to finish us off." He looked at Tang San and Xiao Xiaoxiao, his evil eyes filled with undisguised admiration.

With one arm in a sling, Xiao Wu could only hold her spoon with her uninjured hand. She nodded repeatedly. "Exactly! Sister Xiaoxiao's illusion came at just the right time! And Brother Xiao San's Hidden Weapons went swoosh, swoosh—he nearly drove Yu Tianheng crazy!" As she spoke, she excitedly tried to wave her spoon, nearly hitting Ning Rongrong beside her.

Ning Rongrong smiled and dodged aside, her tone much lighter as well. "At least we didn't disgrace the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect." She looked at Xiao Xiaoxiao and said sincerely, "Xiaoxiao, your control was crucial."

Zhu Zhuqing ate quietly, occasionally nodding in agreement. When her gaze swept across the group, it was somewhat gentler than usual.

Xiao Xiaoxiao felt a little embarrassed by the praise, especially when she sensed Tang San's calm gaze on her. She quickly waved her hands. "No, no. Everyone worked well together. Rongrong's boosts were the most important."

Tang San set down his bowl and chopsticks, his tone as steady as ever. "The Imperial Dou Team underestimated us. Their overall strength is still above ours. We might not get such a good opportunity next time."

Master Yu Xiaogang appeared at the cafeteria entrance at some point and picked up the conversation. "Tang San is right. Victory is worth celebrating, but we cannot become complacent."

He walked in, his gaze sweeping over them. "Gather at the Training Ground this afternoon. We'll review and analyze yesterday's battle."

"Huh? We still have to review it?" Oscar immediately wilted.

"Of course." Master's tone was stern. "Every battle, especially an evenly matched one, is the best kind of teaching material. Especially you few." His gaze settled particularly on Tang San, Xiao Xiaoxiao, Dai Mubai, and Xiao Wu. "There are many details in your coordination that can still be improved."

That afternoon, at the Training Ground.

The sunlight was rather scorching, but none of the Shrek Seven Devils complained. They listened attentively to Master's analysis.

Master broke down yesterday's battle in extreme detail, pointing out every flaw one by one, from each person's positioning and the timing of their soul skills to the transitions in the team's coordination.

"Tang San, in the middle stage of the battle, you attempted to restrict both Yu Tianheng and Osler at once. That split the control of your Blue Silver Grass and gave Yu Tianheng an opportunity to break through. As a Control System soul master, you must establish clearer priorities."

"Mubai, you expended too much in your early clash with Yu Tianheng. If not for Oscar's Recovery Big Sausage, you would not have lasted until the end."

"Xiao Wu, your judgment on when to enter was good, but your follow-up attacks lacked adaptability. After being blocked by the Shi Family Brothers, you failed to retreat in time and ended up injured."

"Zhu Qing, you made good use of your speed advantage, but your coordination with Mubai can be even closer."

"Oscar, Ning Rongrong, your support was timely, but your Soul Power allocation can be more precise."

Finally, he looked at Xiao Xiaoxiao. "Xiaoxiao, your use of illusions and Mental Interference was highly flexible and was the key to victory. However, large-scale illusions consume too much. In the later stages, your Soul Power could not keep up, and you nearly became an opening for the enemy. In the future, pay attention to control and timing. When necessary, preserve the strength for one decisive strike."

Everyone was thoroughly convinced and nodded in agreement. Master's critiques always struck straight at the heart of the matter.

"Enough theory. Now, practical training." Master changed his tone. "Tang San, Xiao Xiaoxiao, step forward."

The two exchanged a glance and walked up.

"The coordination between you two was the core of yesterday's victory, but it also had flaws. Now, join forces and hold out against me for the time it takes an incense stick to burn."

Master stood with his hands behind his back. Though his Soul Power Level was not high, his mountain-like steadiness made no one dare underestimate him.

Tang San and Xiao Xiaoxiao immediately grew tense. Sparring against a theoretical master was no small pressure.

"Begin!"

Master did not release his martial soul. He simply stepped forward, yet every step seemed to land on a critical point in the battle, bringing immense pressure upon the two of them.

"Blue Silver Entangling!" Tang San attacked first. More than a dozen Blue Silver Grass vines shot out like venomous snakes, sealing off Master's movement.

Xiao Xiaoxiao moved almost at the same time, moonlight flashing in her eyes. "Mental Interference!" An invisible ripple targeted Master.

However, Master merely shifted slightly. His pace seemed slow, yet he precisely avoided the densest area of Blue Silver Grass. As for the Mental Interference, he did not even furrow his brow. It was as if he had anticipated it long ago; his Spiritual Power was incredibly condensed, easily neutralizing it.

"The interference failed?" Xiao Xiaoxiao was startled.

"His Spiritual Power is very strong, or he has some special defensive technique." Tang San shouted in a low voice. He unfolded the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, closing the distance as his Mysterious Jade Hand struck toward Master's shoulder.

Master neither dodged nor evaded. His left hand casually rested and guided, and Tang San only felt a clever force redirect his power. His entire body staggered half a step forward involuntarily. At the same time, Master's right hand formed sword fingers and pointed toward Xiao Xiaoxiao. Though they were separated by distance, a sharp Energy Blast tore through the air toward her!

Xiao Xiaoxiao hurriedly dodged, looking rather disheveled.

"Your coordination is not seamless enough." Master's voice remained calm. "Tang San takes primary control, while Xiaoxiao interferes and provides support, but your rhythm keeps falling out of sync. Xiaoxiao's interference failed to effectively create control opportunities for Tang San, and Tang San's control also failed to connect perfectly with Xiaoxiao's illusions."

The following time became Master's one-sided lesson. He could always find the tiny gaps in their coordination, easily dismantle their attacks, and point out the source of the problem.

"Xiaoxiao, your interference must be more precise. Anticipate Tang San's control points!"

"Tang San, pay attention to Xiaoxiao's Soul Power fluctuations. There will be signs before she casts an illusion. Seize the moment for strong control!"

The time it took an incense stick to burn became exceptionally long. Tang San and Xiao Xiaoxiao were forced back time and again, drenched in sweat and with much of their Soul Power consumed. Yet under Master's high-pressure instruction, they gained a deeper understanding of each other's fighting rhythms and soul skill traits. Their coordination also gradually changed from awkward to smooth.

By the time the incense stick finally burned out, neither of them could barely remain standing.

"That's enough for today." Master looked at the panting pair and nodded. "Remember this feeling. The coordination between a Control System soul master and an auxiliary control soul master is the lubricant and amplifier of team combat. You still have a long road ahead."

On the way back, Tang San and Xiao Xiaoxiao remained silent, each reflecting on the battle they had just fought.

When they were about to part ways near the dormitory area, Tang San suddenly spoke. "Master was right. Before you release an illusion, your Soul Power gathers around your eyes, and the light distorts slightly."

Xiao Xiaoxiao froze. She had not even noticed that detail herself. "Huh? Really?"

"Mm." Tang San nodded. "I'll watch for that signal in future battles."

Was he taking the initiative to adjust his rhythm to work with hers? Xiao Xiaoxiao's heart stirred slightly. "Oh, okay... Then I'll also pay attention to when your Blue Silver Grass activates and try to direct my interference at the place you want to control."

"Okay." Tang San responded, as though they had reached some unspoken understanding. He glanced at her still somewhat pale face. "Has your Spiritual Power not fully recovered yet?"

"It's much better. Your method works very well."

"That's good." After saying that, Tang San turned and returned to the boys' dormitory.

Xiao Xiaoxiao watched his retreating figure and rubbed her still faintly aching temples. Though her body was exhausted, the corners of her lips could not help lifting slightly. This feeling of fighting side by side, gradually adapting and improving together, seemed... not bad at all.

What she did not notice was that Xiao Wu was sitting in a large tree in the distance, a blade of grass dangling from her mouth as she swung her legs. Watching the two walk away in different directions, she blinked her big eyes and revealed a sly, knowing smile.