Bell Chimes Grow Louder, Eight Devils Take Their Places

Days slipped quietly by amid sweat and Soul Power. Xiao Xiaoxiao finally received Teacher Shao Xin's approval to gradually resume Soul Power cultivation and light physical training, though all forms of sparring and Soul Skill use were strictly forbidden. To her, this was already wonderful news.

Stepping onto the Training Ground again, feeling the warmth of sunlight on her skin and hearing the familiar shouts and sounds of Soul Power Collisions around her, Xiao Xiaoxiao felt the exhilaration of being reborn. She was no longer merely an observer. She could jog slowly around the Training Ground and practice basic Soul Power guidance. Though her progress was slow, every step was steady and full of hope.

Tang San remained as silent as ever, but Xiao Xiaoxiao could feel his gaze following her. Whenever she finished a cycle of Soul Power circulation and a thin sheen of sweat appeared on her forehead, a flask of fresh water would always appear at her side at just the right moment. Whenever her muscles ached from being inactive for so long and her movements became distorted, he would frown slightly from afar without offering any verbal guidance. Yet whenever she rested, he would seemingly casually demonstrate several more efficient stretching movements.

This silent care nourished her without a sound. Xiao Xiaoxiao gradually learned to read different meanings from his usually expressionless face. A slight frown was a reminder, a calm gaze was approval, and the fleeting softening that occasionally crossed his face was perhaps praise too subtle to notice.

Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong remained her liveliest "informants."

"Sister Xiaoxiao, have you noticed? Xiao San has been polishing his Hidden Weapons especially often lately, particularly when you're nearby." Xiao Wu leaned close and whispered with a grin.

Ning Rongrong covered her lips and smiled. "Oscar also said he saw Tang San secretly going to Suotuo City to buy a new sharpening stone. He said the old one wasn't working well anymore."

Xiao Xiaoxiao's face grew warm, but it felt as though she were holding a piece of honey slowly melting in her heart, its sweetness spreading bit by bit. She lowered her head and pretended to tie her shoelaces, hiding the faint upward curve of her lips.

That day, Master announced restorative team coordination training. Xiao Xiaoxiao was allowed to conduct the most minimal Spiritual Perception simulation from the sidelines. Without releasing any Soul Skills, she would use Spiritual Power to mark the imagined enemies' positions and movements, helping her teammates make judgments.

"Xiaoxiao, your task is to sense the simulated Soul Power fluctuations of the enemy's main attacker and controller, then use the simplest hand signals to alert Mubai and Tang San," Master instructed. "Remember, only sense and signal. You must not use Soul Power to interfere under any circumstances."

The training began. Dai Mubai, Tang San, and the others faced an "enemy" simulated by Teacher Zhao. Although Zhao Wuji had suppressed most of his strength, the overwhelming pressure and combat experience of a Soul Saint still placed immense strain on the seven of them.

Xiao Xiaoxiao held her breath and focused, trying to turn her Spiritual Power into invisible feelers as she cautiously sensed the Soul Power fluctuations Zhao Wuji deliberately released in the field to simulate different roles. It was more difficult than she had imagined. The aura of a Soul Saint was like a raging tide, and she had to be like a lone boat, accurately catching those few distinct ripples amid the waves.

Soon, sweat beaded on her forehead and her face turned slightly pale. Her Spiritual Power was still fragile, and this kind of precise perception consumed an enormous amount of energy.

But she did not give up. She saw Dai Mubai repeatedly forced back by a simulated Gravity Crush from Zhao Wuji after a misjudgment. She saw Tang San's Blue Silver Grass miss several Entangling attempts because his predictions were half a beat too slow.

She clenched her teeth and gathered all her focus.

When Zhao Wuji's aura shifted subtly again and the Soul Power simulating an Assault System suddenly condensed at a single point, Xiao Xiaoxiao raised her hand almost at the same instant and made a forward-blocking gesture toward Dai Mubai.

Though Dai Mubai did not understand why, his trust in his companion made him instinctively assume a defensive stance.

Bang!

Zhao Wuji's simulated attack landed precisely on his point of defense with a muffled impact. Dai Mubai took two steps back, but he successfully blocked it and was no longer as bedraggled as before.

A flicker of surprise passed through Zhao Wuji's eyes.

On the other side, when Zhao Wuji's aura became elusive and the chilling Soul Power of a simulated Control System quietly spread through the area, Xiao Xiaoxiao quickly gestured for Tang San to disperse and circle around.

Tang San's gaze flashed. He immediately unleashed Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, no longer attempting frontal control. Instead, he darted about to harass the enemy while signaling Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing to pressure him from the flanks.

Their tactics changed in an instant, greatly weakening Zhao Wuji's "control" effect.

After several rounds, although the seven were still suppressed by Zhao Wuji, their coordination had become noticeably smoother. They were no longer as passively beaten as before. Xiao Xiaoxiao's hand signals became a faint guiding lamp in their darkness.

When the training ended, everyone was thoroughly exhausted, but their eyes shone brightly. For the first time, they so clearly felt how important an exceptional Spiritual Perception user was to a team.

"Not bad." Master rarely offered praise. His gaze fell upon Xiao Xiaoxiao, who was panting heavily with a pale face. "Your perception was precise, and your signals were timely. It seems you didn't spend the past month idling around."

Xiao Xiaoxiao wiped away her sweat and revealed a tired but happy smile.

Tang San walked over and handed her a water flask. Looking at her pale face, his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. "How do you feel?"

"I'm fine, just a little dizzy." Xiao Xiaoxiao answered honestly, taking the flask and drinking deeply.

"You consumed too much Spiritual Power." Tang San's tone was flat, but carried an undeniable firmness. "Next time, know your limits. Don't push yourself."

Though his words carried reproach, they warmed Xiao Xiaoxiao's heart more than any praise could have. She nodded obediently. "I understand."

On the way back, the setting sun was perfect. The eight of them walked side by side, their shadows stretched long behind them. Though they were tired, the atmosphere was relaxed and harmonious.

Dai Mubai had an arm around Oscar's shoulders as they discussed which of their earlier combinations could have been more perfect. Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong chirped away as they reviewed which of Xiao Xiaoxiao's signals had been most crucial. Ma Hongjun complained that Teacher Zhao had been far too ruthless. Zhu Zhuqing walked quietly beside Dai Mubai, the corners of her lips curved in the faintest smile.

Tang San and Xiao Xiaoxiao still trailed behind.

Xiao Xiaoxiao rubbed the small Bell in her pocket, feeling the coolness of its metal, then suddenly spoke softly. "Tang San, thank you."

Tang San turned his head to look at her, his eyes questioning.

"Thank you for making the Bell," Xiao Xiaoxiao said, lifting her head to gaze at the brilliant sunset. Her cheeks were tinged red by its glow. "And... for the water, and... so many other things."

Her words were somewhat incoherent, but her meaning was clear.

Tang San's steps paused. His gaze moved away from her reddened profile and toward the distant sky. After several seconds of silence, he gave a low "Mm."

"From now on..." Xiao Xiaoxiao gathered her courage and continued, "I'll work hard to become stronger. I won't easily hold everyone back again. I'll become a... qualified member of the Eight Devils."

Tang San turned to face her, his deep eyes studying her seriously. The glow of the sunset fell into his eyes, as though igniting two small flames within them.

"You already are." His voice was not loud, but every word entered Xiao Xiaoxiao's ears with perfect clarity.

There were no flowery words, no exaggerated promises. Only those four simple words.

Xiao Xiaoxiao's heart felt as though something had struck it heavily, before a warm tide instantly submerged it. Her eyes grew hot, and she quickly lowered her head to hide the surge of emotion.

Ahead, Xiao Wu turned back and called loudly, "Xiao San, Sister Xiaoxiao, hurry up! The cafeteria's almost out of food!"

"Coming!" Xiao Xiaoxiao called back. She raised her hand and swiftly wiped the corner of her eye. When she looked up again, a bright smile had already appeared on her face as she hurried after them.

Tang San watched her retreating figure. The setting sun dyed her hair a warm gold. He took a small breath, and the air seemed to retain her faint scent, mixed with sweat and a barely perceptible fragrance.

He stepped forward to follow, keeping a single step's distance from her.

Their shadows overlapped behind them, then stretched long beneath the setting sun.

The story of the Shrek Eight Devils continued. And the unspoken feelings quietly growing between him and her were like the evening breeze, gentle yet stubborn as they blew toward an unknown distance.

The turmoil might only just be beginning. But the person walking hand in hand with them was already at their side.