Two streaks of light descended from the sky, and two figures landed directly on the stands above the plaza.
Xuan Zi was still dressed in his usual casual, disheveled manner, holding half a greasy roast chicken between his fingers and nibbling on it leisurely. There was not the slightest trace of a high-ranking Soul Master's dignity about him.
Yan Shaozhe stood beside him. These two were practically permanent fixtures.
Down on the plaza, Xiao Yi temporarily stopped teasing Tang Wutong and wrapped an arm securely around her, protecting her from going limp and collapsing to the ground.
He knew full well that whenever his soft little girl was in this state, she needed some time before she could fully recover. Under certain circumstances, it would take even longer.
Once the noise in the plaza gradually died down, Yan Shaozhe was about to announce the details when Xuan Zi casually waved a hand, interrupting his raised-arm gesture.
The old man stepped forward. Dense Soul Power carried his steady voice across the plaza, making sure every person present heard every word clearly.
"Outer Court selection begins now. Everyone, prepare yourselves."
The moment his words fell, the atmosphere across the entire plaza tightened. All the students focused and held their breath, Soul Power surging within them as tension and anticipation filled their eyes.
"Three... two... one. Begin."
The instant Xuan Zi finished counting down, a series of dense creaks and grinding sounds rose from the ground as mechanisms and gears engaged layer upon layer. Heavy stone walls slowly rose from beneath the earth, while the ground beneath their feet shifted and changed, forming an intricate, overlapping layout that was no different from the moving maze Xiao Yi had seen in his previous life.
"Xiao Yi, wait here. I'll go bring Yu Tong over."