The Multitude Takes an Oath, the Imperial Team Unites

"Little brother Xiao Qi, you won't try to wiggle out of this now, will you?"

"No, I should call you Captain now~"

Dugu Yan, standing to the side, chuckled softly. The corners of her eyes curved into a cunning arc, her tone laced with a touch of intimate teasing.

"Sister Yanyan, please, stop teasing me. Just call me like you always have, or better yet, drop the 'little brother' part and just call me Xiao Qi, like Grandpa does. That would be perfect."

Chen Jieqi rubbed his forehead in resignation. The clear depths of the young man's eyes were filled with a helpless expression, completely devoid of the composure he had shown just moments ago.

"That won't do. Who told you to still be such a little shrimp?"

Dugu Yan deliberately drew out her tone, reaching out to gently poke his cheek, "Little brother Xiao Qi~"

This soft, affectionate address left Chen Jieqi completely defeated. He could only turn his head to dodge her fingertips, though the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl upward.

Nearby, Yu Feng, Osler, and the brothers Shi Mo and Shi Mo watched, unable to hold back their laughter. Their faces turned beet red from holding it in, and even Yu Tianheng, who had just caught his breath, couldn't help but hook the corner of his mouth.

No one had expected that their steady captain, who had just crushed his opponents on the Soul Fighting Arena with the force of thunder, would be rendered so helpless in private by Dugu Yan, nor that the usually cold and overbearing "Big Sister" would reveal such an intimate and playful side.

The tense atmosphere that had been created by the soul fight dissolved instantly amidst these few jests, and everyone suddenly felt that they weren't so hard to get along with after all, the distance between them closing significantly.

Regardless of what the others were thinking, Chen Jieqi stepped forward, his voice steady and resonant, carrying the power of Holy Light:

"Since everyone trusts me so much, let us join hands and strive together to win the championship of the Soul Master Tournament and reach the pinnacle of soul masters!"

"Win the championship, reach the pinnacle!"

Dugu Yan was the first to raise her arm in response, her voice clear and firm.

"Win the championship, reach the pinnacle!"

Yu Feng and Osler followed closely behind, their tones filled with burning anticipation.

"Win the championship, reach the pinnacle!"

The roar of the brothers Shi Mo and Shi Mo was as heavy as a drum.

"Win the championship, reach the pinnacle!"

Even Yu Tianheng, who had just recovered, raised his head and joined the shout.

There was not a trace of defeat on his face, only a complete conviction in absolute strength and a reignited ambition. Following such a captain, perhaps they could truly touch heights they had never reached before.

And although Ye Lingling, standing at the end, did not shout out loud, her bright eyes revealed that her determination was the same as everyone else's.

Qin Ming stood outside the circle, not stepping forward to disturb them.

He watched this group of vibrant young men and women, as if he could see their backs in the future breaking through the monopoly of the Martial Soul Hall, the look of gratification in his eyes growing ever deeper.

Just then, a simple yet powerful voice broke the silence that followed their oath.

Osler stepped forward, looking at Dugu Yan with sincere eyes, and shouted loudly:

"Even though you gave the captain's position to Captain Chen, you will always be our Big Sister!"

This sentence was like a pebble thrown into a lake, instantly stirring up a thousand ripples.

Everyone turned their heads in unison to look at Osler, and even Chen Jieqi couldn't help but turn to the side, a flash of appreciation in his eyes.

Yu Feng stood where he was. Usually witty and sharp, he was quick to react, but at this moment, he was filled with chagrin.

He hadn't expected that such a decent and warm-hearted remark would be snatched up by Osler first.

Just as he was racking his brain to think of how to 'make up for it', the brothers Shi Mo and Shi Mo, who were usually the most dull and reticent, speaking only in muffled tones, seemed to have been 'enlightened' at this moment and roared in unison:

"Me too!"

"Me too!"

Their heavy voices carried a unique steadiness, yet hid the most burning recognition.

Yu Feng was stunned, his eyes wide as saucers. He couldn't help but exclaim internally—good grief, the two most silent brothers had actually beaten him to the punch!

He came to his senses, immediately stepped forward, and cupped his fists toward Dugu Yan, "Big Sister!

Though I, Yu Feng, am not good with words, my 'loyalty' to you is as clear as the sun and moon!

From now on, wherever you point, I will strike. No questions asked!"

Chen Jieqi, standing nearby, couldn't help but curl his lips at this blunt declaration of "loyalty."

Behind the crowd, Ye Lingling stood alone, proud and beautiful. She did not speak, but her gaze fell gently upon Dugu Yan.

The two were already as close as sisters; a single look was worth more than a thousand words. No need to speak, for it was already the firmest support.

At this moment, Yu Tianheng stood at the edge of the circle, his gaze resting on Dugu Yan with a complex expression.

He knew very well in his heart that while he could not defeat Dugu Yan right now, it was only because he had yet to step into the realm of a Soul Ancestor.

Once he ascended to the rank of Soul Ancestor, relying on the overbearing might of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, the outcome would be uncertain even if his soul power were a few levels lower.

Furthermore, his martial soul was unique; the power of his Dragon Transformation would only become more formidable in the later stages.

Added to the fact that he was a year older than Dugu Yan, he had always affectionately called her "Yanzi" from the very beginning.

In this form of address, there was both the absolute confidence of a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family descendant in his own martial soul and potential, as well as a hidden, youthful sentiment he was unwilling to voice aloud.

As a third-generation core disciple of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family, Yu Tianheng had rarely encountered a true rival among his peers since childhood, let alone a female soul master.

Yet now, he had met Dugu Yan, a female soul master of his own age who was stronger and more dazzling than him. This disparity, rather than grinding away his pride, instead stirred feelings of admiration within him.

Therefore, he would not call her "Big Sister" like the others; he preferred to lie dormant, waiting for the day his strength surpassed hers so he could declare his feelings with dignity.

"Alright, I understand everyone's intentions."

Dugu Yan raised a hand to interrupt the commotion, her tone lazy yet carrying an unquestionable air of dominance.

"Although I have stepped down from the position of captain, Yu Tianheng will still serve as the vice-captain.

As for me, I'll just be like Lingling—responsible for being aloof and beautiful."

She raised an eyebrow, sweeping her gaze over the group, her voice clear and bright:

"Who agrees, and who objects?"

"I agree!"

Yu Feng was the first to respond loudly.

Osler and the brothers Shi Mo and Shi Mo nodded one after another, and even Ye Lingling gave a gentle nod.

In their hearts, even if Dugu Yan wasn't the captain, she would always be the "Big Sister" who could hold the field; the arrangement of the vice-captain was merely going with the flow.

Yu Tianheng, however, stepped forward, his brows slightly furrowed, his tone carrying a hint of bitterness and honesty:

"Yanzi, there is no need for you to look after my self-esteem like this.

My current strength is indeed inferior to yours, and even more so to Captain Chen.

This vice-captain position... you should take it.

Only then will I be truly convinced!"

"Yu Tianheng, stop right there. Don't flatter yourself; I'm just lazy!"

Dugu Yan crossed her arms over her chest, her shoulders pulled slightly back, her head tilted as she swept a sidelong glance at him, her tone carrying a hint of casual threat.

"Or are you saying you want to object?"

"Hm?"

That soft hum landed in Yu Tianheng's ears, making his scalp tingle instantly. He swallowed the refusal that had just reached his lips and could only say from the heart:

"I agree!"

Dugu Yan curled her lips in satisfaction, the cunning in her eyes flashing and vanishing.

She paused, leaned close to Yu Tianheng's ear, and added a sentence that only the two of them could hear:

"Besides, I don't want to wait for you to become stronger and come to fight me for the captain's position. It's better to tie you to the vice-captain's seat so you don't get any restless ideas later."

The tips of Yu Tianheng's ears turned red instantly. Looking at Dugu Yan's cunning smile, he could only nod heavily:

"I understand, Yanzi."

Chen Jieqi, standing to the side, watched this scene and smiled gently, saying softly:

"Sister Yanyan's arrangement is excellent. Brother Yu's ability to break through defenses is exactly what our team needs most."

"Since it's decided, let's rest and get something to eat, then review the situation from the soul fight earlier. We should also let everyone get familiar with each other's abilities as soon as possible."

Qin Ming interjected at the right moment, his tone gentle, neatly wrapping up the small interlude.

"Understood, Teacher Qin Ming."

The group responded in unison.

Qin Ming never interfered with the internal affairs of the team; the world of soul masters was one where strength was respected, and whoever was stronger had more say.

He was only responsible for controlling the team's training direction, guiding everyone to establish correct principles, and making fair judgments at critical moments.

Sunlight filtered through the windows of the classroom corridor, spilling warmly onto the group and casting long shadows. The group walked and talked, stopping and starting as they headed toward the cafeteria.

Before long, the enticing aroma of food drifted from the direction of the cafeteria.

The brothers Shi Mo and Shi Mo's eyes lit up; they were the first to quicken their pace, cheering in muffled voices as they rushed ahead.

Osler shook his head helplessly and followed quickly, while Yu Feng thoughtfully supported the slightly exhausted Yu Tianheng, whispering words of encouragement.

Dugu Yan walked side-by-side with Chen Jieqi, occasionally trading barbs. Their soft laughter drifted on the wind; no one knew exactly what was said, only that the relaxed atmosphere made even the afternoon sun feel a little softer.

Ye Lingling, as always, followed silently behind the group, unhurried.

The win or loss of a single soul fight was, in the end, just an interlude on the road to growth.

And the playful banter amidst the mundane scent of food brought everyone closer together without them even realizing it. A true Huangdou Team was quietly taking shape in this warm, cozy cafeteria.