The clamor and glory of the promotion tournament gradually settled, becoming a solid foundation in the hearts of the Shrek Eight Devils. After two days of rest, they would follow the Heaven Dou Empire delegation to Spirit City, where Spirit Hall's headquarters was located, to face the final tournament.
On the night before departure, the camp was filled with a peculiar atmosphere of excitement mixed with gravity. The companions carefully checked their luggage and equipment, quietly discussing their expectations and speculations for the future. The shit-green team uniforms that had witnessed countless victories were carefully folded away, waiting to shine once more upon an even grander stage.
Tang San paced alone at the edge of the camp, his slender figure stretched long by the moonlight. He slowly moved his right arm, feeling the faint sluggishness and stabbing pain that still lingered as Soul Power flowed through his meridians. The Mysterious Heaven Skill operated day and night, and with Teacher Shao's medicine and Xiao Xiaoxiao's Spiritual Power assistance, his injuries were steadily improving. Yet time remained tight if he wished to recover enough to contend with a Soul King.
The final tournament, the Spirit Hall Team, the Golden Generation... these words weighed on his heart like massive boulders. He did not fear challenges, but he understood that he carried the hopes of his companions and the honor of the entire academy on his shoulders. He had to quickly find a way to bring his strength to its peak without relying on the full eruption of his right arm.
Footsteps sounded behind him, soft enough that most would have missed them, but he immediately recognized the newcomer.
"Still worried about the final tournament?" Xiao Xiaoxiao came to his side and stood shoulder to shoulder with him, gazing at the same moonlit sky.