Time rewound to several minutes earlier.
On the road not far from Star Luo City, Shrek Academy's team was advancing in orderly formation.
Xia Ming walked at the very front of the group, followed by the members participating in this Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.
Everything seemed perfectly normal.
However, at the edge of a sparse woodland barely a hundred li from the city gates.
Xia Ming's steps suddenly paused.
The next instant, the gentleness and composure on his face vanished, replaced by the utmost gravity.
"Stop!" Xia Ming's voice was not loud, yet it carried unquestionable authority, instantly drowning out every other sound.
The team came to a uniform halt, and the members looked at him in astonishment.
Xia Ming did not turn back. His gaze flashed like lightning as it swept across the seemingly peaceful woods, earthen slopes, and sky.
He had already sensed dozens, perhaps hundreds, of malicious Soul Power fluctuations hidden beneath that calm facade.
"Everyone, listen up!" Xia Ming spoke rapidly, but every word was clear. "Bei Bei!"
"Here!" Bei Bei instinctively stepped forward.
Though he had no idea what was happening, the urgency in Xia Ming's tone immediately put him in a combat-ready state.
"From this moment on, you will take full command of the team!" Xia Ming's voice was resolute.
"Ma Xiaotao will assist you, but command belongs to you!
You have only one mission: protect everyone at all costs and immediately retreat toward Star Luo City at full speed!
Do not look back. Do not engage in battle!"
In an instant, he handed over his responsibility as team leader.
Though Ma Xiaotao was stronger in combat, battlefield command and the bigger picture had always been her weaknesses.
Bei Bei's steadiness and prestige within the team were far more crucial at