After seven months of arduous cultivation at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Lin Yi returned to Heaven Dou Royal Academy. His Soul Power had reached Rank 68, and his aura had grown more condensed and profound. Xiao Wu had also broken through to Rank 41, and her bearing had quietly changed.
The academy was filled with a tense yet excited atmosphere as the upcoming Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament drew near.
As the seeded team for the Heaven Dou Empire division, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team had the privilege of advancing straight to the finals, without taking part in the lengthy preliminary rounds. But that didn't mean they could rest easy.
Upon his return, Lin Yi immediately summoned every member of the Imperial Fighting Team. Though seven months had passed, Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, and the others had all improved their Soul Power, and, under Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan's supervision, the team had grown even more coordinated.
When they saw Xiao Wu following behind Lin Yi, no longer looking as frightened and numb as before, and having even reached Rank 41 in Soul Power, they were all surprised, but no one asked questions.
"Starting today, Xiao Wu is officially joining the first team. She'll take part in all training and tactical drills." Lin Yi made the announcement directly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
He assigned Xiao Wu to the agility attack position, where she would complement Osler and Yu Feng.
Although Yu Tianheng and the others were curious about this "parachuted-in" teammate, especially the subtle atmosphere between her and their leader, they accepted her with a nod out of their trust and respect for Lin Yi.
Training began at once. Lin Yi personally oversaw it, adjusting Xiao Wu's role in the team and her tactical positioning to suit her strengths.
Xiao Wu soon displayed the extraordinary talent and fighting instincts of a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast in human form. Her Soft Technique and Waist Bow produced unexpected results when combined with the team's tactics.
Although the Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team didn't have to take part in the preliminary rounds, Lin Yi didn't let his team members idle. He required all of them, Xiao Wu included, to visit the various competition venues, carefully study potential opponents they might face in the finals, and record their Martial Souls, Soul Skills, fighting styles, and team coordination.
"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you'll win a hundred battles without defeat. Underestimating your opponent is destroying yourself." Lin Yi's words made the team members cast aside the arrogance of being a seeded team.
One day, after finishing his academy duties, Lin Yi remembered that the preliminary rounds should have begun. He pondered for a moment, then decided to go watch in person.
On the one hand, he wanted a clearer understanding of the other teams' strength. On the other... he thought of Shrek Academy, and of Ning Rongrong.
After all, Ning Rongrong was his fiancée in name. It was only right that he go see how she was doing and make sure she was safe. That would be fulfilling his responsibility.
As for whether his visit might provoke someone... that wasn't something he considered.
He didn't alert many people. Taking only Xiao Wu, who followed him around like a little shadow, he went to the competition venue where Shrek Academy was playing.
The venue was packed, and the atmosphere was electric. They found an inconspicuous corner and sat down, their eyes on the central arena. As it happened, the match underway was Shrek Academy against a team called the Elephant Armored Sect.
Every member of the Elephant Armored Sect team was a hulking figure with astonishing defensive strength. Huyan Li had even activated his fourth Soul Skill, turning himself into an immovable fortress.
On the Shrek side, Dai Mubai, Tang San, and the others were attacking with all their might, but to little effect.
Ning Rongrong stood at the back of the team, her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda glowing as she did her utmost to bolster her teammates. Fine beads of sweat had already formed on her smooth forehead, clear proof that she was expending a great deal of Soul Power.
Lin Yi calmly surveyed the arena, taking in both sides' offense and defense.
Xiao Wu sat beside him, watching the familiar figure on the arena—Tang San. Gritting his teeth, he was directing his teammates, trying to find a weakness in the Elephant Armored Sect's defenses.
Xiao Wu's expression grew complicated, and she unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes.
At that moment, Tang San on the arena seemed to sense something. His gaze suddenly swept toward the corner where Lin Yi and Xiao Wu were sitting!
When his eyes passed through the crowd and saw Lin Yi and Xiao Wu seated side by side, especially when he saw Xiao Wu safe and sound beside Lin Yi, looking... even healthier than she had at Shrek, Tang San's pupils abruptly contracted. A surge of uncontrollable fury, mingled with searing jealousy and pain, instantly overwhelmed his reason!
"Ah—!" Tang San let out a low growl like a wounded beast, his eyes instantly bloodshot!
He no longer cared about tactics or holding back! The Mysterious Heaven Skill inside him surged wildly, and the Clear Sky Hammer appeared in his hand once more! Though it still had no Soul Rings, its terrifying weight and domineering aura, combined with his furious state, unleashed astonishing power!
"Chaotic Cloak!" he roared. Spinning at high speed, he swung the Clear Sky Hammer with a wail that tore through the air, like a wild gale gone out of control, smashing into Huyan Li's seemingly impenetrable defense!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Blow after blow, each heavier than the last! The force of Tang San's fury and pain drove Huyan Li, who had activated his fourth Soul Skill, back again and again. Fine cracks even appeared in the Diamond Mammoth's sturdy defense!
"Xiao San! Calm down!" Dai Mubai cried.
"Brother!" Xiao Wu cried from below, unable to stop herself. She instinctively tried to stand, but Lin Yi gently pressed one hand to her shoulder, holding her in place.
Tang San seemed unable to hear a thing. His eyes were fixed on that corner, on Lin Yi's impassive face and Xiao Wu sitting beside him! He poured all his hatred into the opponent before him!
At last, with a deafening boom, Huyan Li's defenses were smashed through by Tang San's reckless, frenzied assault. He spat blood as he was sent flying, then hit the ground hard and lost consciousness.
The Elephant Armored Sect team had lost!
The referee announced Shrek Academy's victory, but the venue fell strangely quiet.
Everyone had been stunned by Tang San's final, berserk state, as if a demon god had possessed him.
Leaning on the Clear Sky Hammer, Tang San gasped for breath. Sweat mixed with dust and ran down from his temple.
He slowly raised his head. His gaze pierced through his cheering teammates and once more fixed on Lin Yi in the corner of the stands.
His eyes were filled with endless hatred, a chilling murderous intent, and an unmistakable challenge!
He raised a hand and pointed at Lin Yi from across the arena. His lips moved. Though he made no sound, his mouth clearly formed the words:
"Just you wait!"
Lin Yi met his gaze, his face still utterly calm. Only the faintest hint of a mocking smile seemed to touch his lips.
He gently patted Xiao Wu's shoulder, signaling that it was time to leave.
Xiao Wu took one last look at Tang San on the arena, radiating hostility and utterly unlike the gentle brother she remembered. Her heart was a tangled mess. Without a word, she rose and followed Lin Yi, disappearing into the bustling exit of the venue...
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