The late-summer wind had already taken on a chill. Half the leaves on the row of old locust trees beside Shrek's training ground had turned yellow. Whenever the wind blew, a few would rustle down, laying a thin golden layer across the ground.
Less than a month remained before the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament began.
Flender had submitted the official roster a week earlier. The ten-person lineup included all of the Shrek Seven Devils as expected—Yun Tian, Tang San, Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong—with Oscar as the first substitute.
The remaining two slots went to Zhang Lei and Liu Qingshan, the fastest-improving new students. Though they were unlikely to compete, it would still be good for them to travel to Heaven Dou City and broaden their horizons.
Because Wang Hao's defensive role overlapped too heavily with the existing lineup, he was temporarily kept at the academy to continue his foundational training with Li Yusong.
When he heard the news, he pouted for a moment, but quickly adjusted his mindset. Patting his round belly, he said, "Fine. I'll definitely make it next year."
Their departure was set for five days later.
For the final few days, Flender did not arrange any high-intensity training. Instead, he had everyone relax—adjusting their physical condition, checking their equipment and supplies, and making sure each person's Soul Power circulation and soul ring connections were stable.
Aunt Sun from the cafeteria specially simmered nourishing soup, making a huge pot every day for anyone who wanted some. Ma Hongjun drank the most, and after three days straight, his face was positively glowing.
On the second-to-last day before departure, everyone gathered beside the training ground to check the things they would be bringing.
Ning Rongrong's little pouch was filled with