Gathering!!

"The match is set for tonight."

Xiao Shan instructed Qin Yan, "Stay close to me until then. Don't wander off, just in case."

"Understood, sir," Qin Yan answered solemnly.

He knew the Dragon Whale Clan might resort to underhanded tactics before a match this important.

Assassination, poison, attacks on his mind—anything was possible.

Staying beside a Grandmaster like Xiao Shan was undoubtedly the safest choice.

Xiao Shan then gave the commanders detailed instructions on tonight's defenses, arrangements for watching the match, and emergency measures.

The commanders accepted their orders, saluted with clasped fists, and filed out of the command tent.

In the blink of an eye, only Xiao Shan, Liu Mu, Lin Shui, and Qin Yan remained in the vast tent.

Once the commanders had gone, silence returned.

Xiao Shan, Liu Mu, and Lin Shui said little. Each sat cross-legged on a cushion and sank into deep breathing meditation.

For a time, the only sound in the tent was their long, steady breathing.

Their immense auras seemed almost to resonate with heaven and earth.

Qin Yan felt neither awkward nor at a loss for what to do.

He had never been one to sit idle. Now that he knew he would take part in an important match, his fighting spirit had already caught fire.

Waiting around would only leave his mind unsettled.

So he gave it no more thought. With a flicker of intent, the Ink Trace 3.0 spear appeared in his hand.

He stepped back to a relatively open spot and began practicing his Spear Technique.

The spear whistled through the air with a low, moaning hum.

In the once-quiet tent, the sound was unmistakable—even a little grating.

Yet none of the three teachers meditating with their eyes closed told him to stop.

Xiao Shan, Liu Mu, and Lin