As the smoke cleared, the shattered stones and dust in Shrek's training grounds slowly settled.
The outnumbered victory in the team battle had left the watching outer academy students unable to recover for a long while. Waves of praise echoed across the grounds as everyone extolled Dai Mubai's bravery, Zhu Zhuqing's lightning-fast movements, and Ning Rongrong's flawless buffs and coordination. No one mentioned Lin Chen, who had remained silent at the back of the team throughout, seemingly accomplishing nothing.
That was precisely the outcome Lin Chen wanted.
He concealed every trace of Soul Power around him, his expression gentle and composed as he blended among the Shrek group. He looked like nothing more than an ordinary teammate who had coasted to victory with the team, without the slightest hint of standing out.
With his hands clasped behind his back, Zhao Wuji strode over slowly. Clear satisfaction showed on his rugged face as his gaze swept across Shrek's seven members. "Your coordination in that team battle just now has improved tremendously. Your offensive and defensive transitions, as well as your ability to adapt on the spot, far surpass those of students at the same level. There are only fifteen days left until the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament. Sparring within the academy can no longer hone your actual combat abilities."
As his words fell, everyone present froze for a moment before anticipation flashed in their eyes.
They all understood that true growth was always born from life-and-death combat and wilderness training.
"For the next three days, all of you will follow me to train in the outskirts of Sunset Forest beyond the city," Zhao Wuji arranged gravely. "The goal is simple: hunt soul beasts, refine your team coordination, adapt to the rhythm of wilderness combat, discard the flashy techniques