The magnificent dome of Spirit City's central Great Soul Arena cast long shadows beneath the setting sun.
As today's final match came to an end, the clamor receded like the tide, yet the city's fervor had not cooled.
The seven young women of the Skywater Academy team, like seven lotuses emerging from water, carried an air of cool freshness as they joined the bustling main streets of Spirit City.
Having just secured a splendid victory, the girls' taut nerves finally relaxed, and easy smiles bloomed across their faces.
"Wow! Sis, look, that Soul Tool shop is so pretty!" Like a cheerful little deer, Shui Yue'er pointed at a dazzling shop on the street corner. Its display windows were filled with exquisite Soul Tool accessories, glittering beneath the Soul Power lamps.
"Yue'er, be more composed." Shui Bing'er, the team captain, shook her head helplessly. Her icy-blue hair swayed gently with her steps, and though her lovely face bore a hint of post-match weariness, her gaze remained calm.
As captain, she constantly reminded herself to stay level-headed.
"Captain, it's rare that we get to come out and relax." Xue Wu, with her snowy-white hair, smiled as she smoothed things over. Gentle by nature, she was the glue holding the team together.
Her gaze swept over the dazzling rows of shops and food stalls lining the street, and she revealed a touch of interest as well. "Spirit City really is much more prosperous than Heaven Dou City. There are so many things here I've never seen before."
"Exactly!" The lively Yu Hairou immediately agreed, tugging the quiet Shen Liuyu beside her. "Liuyu, shall we try those Spirit City specialty candied honey soul fruits? I heard they're made with fruits nourished by Soul Power, and they're especially sweet!"
Shen Liuyu nodded shyly, her gaze