The three-day intensive training passed in a flash.
Inside the assessment area, Xuan Zi took a swig of wine, wiped his greasy hands on his clothes, and looked at the thirteen people standing in line.
"Alright, the special training is now over."
He let out a burp and glanced at the starters and reserve players.
"Meet at the academy gate first thing tomorrow morning, then head to Star Luo City to participate in the competition."
" Star Luo City?" Huo Yuhao couldn't help but exclaim softly, his body trembling slightly.
Xuan Zi glanced at him. "Is there a problem? The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Tournament is held in rotation in the capitals of various countries. This time it's the Star Luo Empire's turn. The next one will be in the Sun Moon Empire, and then you might be the main players."
Huo Yuhao lowered his head. "No... I just didn't expect it."
Lin Ciyan leaned against the wall, observing Huo Yuhao's reaction, and understood everything perfectly.
Star Luo City, the White Tiger Duke Mansion, the place where this kid's inner conflict resides.
"Go back and pack your bags," Xuan Zi waved his hand. "Don't be late tomorrow. Oh, and by the way..."
He paused, then gave a strange smile.
"I'm not the teacher leading the team this time."
Everyone was taken aback.
Ma Xiaotao asked in confusion, " Xuan Zi, aren't you going?"
"I will go along," Xuan Zi said, pouring wine, "But the one leading the group will be... your Grandmaster."
As soon as the words were spoken, a tall, slender figure slowly walked towards the entrance of the assessment area.
A long, silver dress like moonlight, black hair flowing like a waterfall, and a figure as upright as bamboo.
A faint smile graced her Qingya face, yet her eyes held an undeniable air of authority.
Zhang Lexuan.
" Sister Lexuan!" Ma Xiaotao's eyes lit up.
Ling Luochеn also bowed slightly. " Grandmaster."
Huo Yuhao and the others from the reserve team were filled with even greater respect...
This man is a legend of the Inner Court, the former captain of the Shrek Seven Devils, and his strength is unfathomable.
Lin Ciyan smiled.
He straightened up, looking at Zhang Lexuan walking gracefully towards him, a tenderness flashing in his eyes.
Zhang Lexuan walked up to the group, first bowed to Xuan Zi, and then turned to her teammates.
"I will lead the team in the upcoming competition." Her voice was gentle yet firm.
"I hope everyone will work together sincerely to bring glory to the college."
As she spoke, her gaze fell on Lin Ciyan, and she nodded slightly.
Two years ago, during their trip to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, the two fell in love and obtained Immortal Herb and Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring.
Later, she grew rapidly under the full support of the academy.
Last year, he even obtained his second Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring, which came from a rare " Ancient Wood Forest ".
With her current level 87 Soul Douluo cultivation, the academy is grooming her to become the future head of the academy.
She made a point of quickly finishing and handing over her current work so that she could lead the team in the competition.
Ma Xiaotao and Ling Luochеn both noticed the two men's gazes at the same time.
The intimacy in their eyes was impossible to hide.
Ma Xiaotao bit her lip, recalling what happened that night, her heart filled with mixed feelings.
But she forced herself to remain calm... Her Grandmaster was a senior and a key successor being groomed by the academy; she couldn't lose her composure.
Ling Luochеn lowered his eyes, a complex emotion flashing in his icy blue pupils.
She knew about Zhang Lexuan and Lin Ciyan's relationship, and many times she would secretly wait until Zhang Lexuan was busy to pick them up.
Ling Luochеn sighed inwardly, but then a surge of determination rose within him.
In terms of cultivation level, I cannot compare to you, but in terms of compatibility with ice attributes...
She glanced at Lin Ciyan discreetly.
Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao stood in the reserve team, watching this scene, but their thoughts differed.
Wang Dong blinked her large eyes beneath her light blue short hair, thinking to herself, "Master is really amazing, even Grandmaster is... But Grandmaster is indeed strong, she's worthy of Master."
Xiao Xiao looked on with envy. "Senior Lexuan is so beautiful, she has such a great presence. Everyone around Elder Lin is so outstanding..."
While everyone was lost in their own thoughts, Zhang Lexuan had already finished explaining the matters.
"Meet at the academy gate at 7:00 AM tomorrow. Dismissed."
"Yes!"
The crowd bowed and dispersed.
Just as Lin Ciyan was about to leave, Zhang Lexuan softly called out to him, " Ci Yan."
Ma Xiaotao paused, Ling Luochеn also slowed his pace.
But neither of them looked back, and they went their separate ways.
Only two people remain in the assessment area.
Zhang Lexuan walked up to Lin Ciyan, a helpless smile appearing on her gentle face, "I've been madly busy these past two months, with tons of things to do at the academy."
Lin Ciyan reached out and naturally took her hand.
I know. Thank you for your hard work.
"It's all thanks to you." Zhang Lexuan let him lead her, her ears slightly red in the moonlight.
" The Immortal Herb of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, the subsequent allocation of resources... the academy has invested a lot in me."
She paused, then looked at Lin Ciyan: "But I know that the greatest opportunity lies with you."
Lin Ciyan smiled and pulled her closer, " Sister Lexuan can say sweet nothings now."
"Just telling the truth." Zhang Lexuan leaned on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
"This time, I'm leading the team half for the college and half for you. I don't want to miss your first time leading a team in a competition."
Lin Ciyan smiled, "Wasn't this easy to handle?"
"You," Zhang Lexuan stroked his cheek, "Having confidence is a good thing, but you still need to learn more about other teams."
The words were meant as a reminder, but the tone was full of affection.
Because she still had one last task to hand over.
The two chatted for a while before parting ways.
The following morning.
The main gate of the Shrek Academy was shrouded in morning mist.
A dozen or so figures gradually gathered.
Xuan Zi carried a gourd of wine, with Wang Yan, the accompanying teacher, standing beside him and in charge of daily affairs.
The seven selected players are: Lin Ciyan, Ma Xiaotao, Ling Luochеn, Dai Yueheng, Xi Xi, Gongyang Mo, and Yao Haoxuan.
The seven reserve members are: Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, He Caitou, Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao.
Everyone was dressed in classic dark green school uniforms, but their postures were all different.
Ma Xiaotao was dressed in a tight-fitting outfit that accentuated her hot figure.
Ling Luochеn's short skirt enveloped her entire body, giving her a cool and aloof appearance.
Jiang Nannan's green school uniform couldn't hide her stunning beauty.
Wang Dong, also dressed smartly, looked handsome and agile. Xiao Xiao stood to the side, her innocent and well-behaved face revealed.
"Is everyone here?" A clear, melodious voice rang out.
Zhang Lexuan walked out of the academy, having changed from her silver dress into a more practical silver outfit. Her long hair was tied in a high ponytail, making her look dashing and heroic.
There was another person following behind her, Yan Shaozhe.
The dean of the Martial Soul Department personally came to see him off.
" Lexuan, thank you for leading the team this time." Yan Shaozhe smiled. "And I also ask everyone to bring glory to the academy."
"We will not fail in our mission!" the crowd shouted in unison.
Zhang Lexuan nodded, her gaze sweeping across the group, lingering on Lin Ciyan for half a second before moving away.
"Set off."
Without further ado, the team set off.
Xuan Zi did not immediately follow; he and Yan Shaozhe stood still, watching the crowd depart.
At his speed, he could get within arm's reach of the advancing column.
He could arrive at the scene immediately if the little ones were in danger (just kidding).
" Yan Shaozhe, what place do you think we can get this year?" Xuan Zi asked, pulling himself out of his reverie as he poured himself a drink.
"With Ci Yan here and Lexuan leading the team..." Yan Shaozhe's smile was profound.
"My only worry is that they won too easily and discourage the other colleges."
"Hahahaha!" Xuan Zi laughed loudly.
The group left the academy grounds at a moderate pace.
Zhang Lexuan walked at the front, with Lin Ciyan half a step to her side; this was the captain's position.
Ma Xiaotao saw this and felt a pang of jealousy, but she kept a calm expression on her face.
Ling Luochеn observed silently.
She could sense that Zhang Lexuan's aura was much stronger than it had been two years ago.
Is this the result of the academy's all-out efforts in nurturing students...?
Moreover, the tacit understanding and closeness between her and Ci Yan standing together was so natural it was almost blinding.
Wang Dong leaned closer to Xiao Xiao and whispered, "Master and Senior Sister Lexuan are such a good match."
Xiao Xiao nodded. "And Senior Lexuan is so strong, when will I be able to be that strong...?"
Huo Yuhao did not participate in the discussion.
He was lost in thought, his mind in turmoil.
He was going back to Star Luo City, the place where he had grown up yet also hated.
Dai Yueheng is in the group if we go to the White Tiger Duke Mansion.
" Yuhao?" Wang Dong nudged him. "What are you spacing out for?"
"... It's nothing." Huo Yuhao shook his head.
Ahead, Lin Ciyan suddenly slowed down and walked side by side with Zhang Lexuan.
" Sister Lexuan, are you going to plan a strategy for this competition?"
Zhang Lexuan smiled, "It depends. The academy's intention is to give you young people as much experience as possible."
Lin Ciyan laughed and said, " Sister Lexuan, you're still young. Saying that makes me feel old too."
Zhang Lexuan covered her mouth and laughed after hearing this.
The procession continued onward, the morning mist gradually dissipated, and sunlight streamed in.
Just a few days earlier, a hundred miles outside Shrek City.
On a secluded path, Dai Huabin, carrying a simple bag, staggered forward.
He was expelled from the academy and could not remain in Shrek City; he had to be sent back to the Star Luo Empire.
The slap and scolding from Dai Yueheng that day still echoed in my ears.
"Family interests... winning over Huo Yuhao... hahaha!" Dai Huabin's eyes were bloodshot.
"My men died in vain, and now I'm trying to win over my enemies?"
Hatred gnaws at the heart like a venomous snake.
Just then, a dark figure slowly emerged from the fog ahead.
He was shrouded in a black robe, obscuring his face; only a pair of scarlet eyes gleamed in the shadows.
" Dai Huabin?" a hoarse voice rang out.
Dai Huabin stepped back warily. "Who are you?"
"Someone who can give you power," the man in black chuckled, "Someone who can help you take revenge."
"Revenge..." Dai Huabin gasped for breath.
" Huo Yuhao, Shrek, those who look down on you..." The black-robed man's voice was full of temptation, "Follow me, and you will gain the power to crush everything."
Dai Huabin clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his flesh.
Return to the Star Luo Empire? Accept family punishment?
Then, watching Dai Yueheng and Huo Yuhao enjoying their newfound glory?
No.
He raised his head, his eyes filled with madness. "I want power."
"Very good." The man in black robes turned around. "Come with me to the Sun Moon Empire. That is where your new life begins."
Dai Huabin glanced one last time in the direction of Shrek City, gritted his teeth, and followed.
Two figures disappeared into the mist at the end of the path.
Undercurrents are surging throughout the mainland.