When Tang Wulin gathered the Seven Monsters and the substitutes in the clearing on the southern side of Sea God Island, embraced by the branches of the Golden Ancient Tree, the winter sun was filtering through gaps in the canopy.
He leaned lazily against a crooked old locust tree nearby, his hands tucked into his sleeves. Only after everyone had taken their places did he slowly speak.
"Starting today, gather here every evening to practice coordination. Don't ask how long. We'll keep at it until I think you're decent enough."
Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi stood with the substitutes. They exchanged a glance, and Xu Sanshi grinned without saying anything.
As for not having been selected as one of the designated members, neither of them seemed particularly upset.
Huo Yuhao stood near the edge of the main team's line, his back straight.
Wang Dong stood beside him with her arms folded, several strands of her blue-pink short hair lifted by the evening breeze.
Xiao Xiao stood quietly at the very back. The phantom of the Three-Life Soul-Suppressing Cauldron had yet to fade, hovering behind her shoulder in a faint bronze glow.
Gu Yuena stood half a step to Tang Wulin's right. Her silver-white hair was tied in a high ponytail, and her violet eyes glittered in the dusk.
Xu Youyou and Xie Mu stood behind her on either side, one gripping the Starwheel Staff while the other already had the phantom of the Light Dragon Dagger rising from his fingertips.
Tang Wulin straightened from the tree trunk and tilted his chin toward Huo Yuhao. "Yuhao, activate Spiritual Detection Sharing for them first."
Huo Yuhao answered, and the Spirit Eyes mark between his brows glimmered faintly for an instant.
Invisible spiritual power silently spread out, enveloping the entire field and bringing