Unconvinced? Then Let Strength Do the Talking

Demon Subduing Douluo stepped in, and in less than half an hour, Ye Han's accommodations had been arranged.

The academy dormitory area was divided by clear standards.

From the communal bunk rooms on the outskirts, to the double and quadruple rooms in the middle, then to the quiet single rooms at the innermost side, assignments were strictly based on a student's talent and strength.

Only elite students like Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena were qualified to live in single rooms.

However, the academy naturally didn't dare refuse Spirit Hall's Seventh Worshiper's request.

Although Ye Han hadn't revealed his Martial Soul or Spirit Rings, the person in charge of academic affairs still arranged a well-located single dormitory for him with a broad smile.

The room wasn't large, nor was it lavishly furnished, but it was clean and tidy, with a table, chairs, bed, and cabinet all provided.

Ye Han was quite satisfied.

With his lodgings settled, it was time to report to the team.

Demon Subduing Douluo led Ye Han toward the training grounds.

"Grandpa Demon Subduing, there's something I need to tell you."

"What is it?"

"Keep my Spirit Rings confidential for now."

"Why?"

"If I reveal them now, it'll definitely cause a sensation in the academy. Once the news gets out, the entire Douluo Continent will know before long. I've only just arrived—I don't want to become the center of everyone's attention."

Demon Subduing Douluo stopped walking, his brows knitting slightly.

"With me backing you, what are you afraid of? Besides, this is Spirit City. Who would dare lay a hand on you?!"

"I'm not worried about safety."

Ye Han smiled and shook his head.

"Over the next year, I may need to leave the academy for some training. I can't stay here the whole time. Once word of my Spirit Ring configuration spreads, people will watch me everywhere I go, making it inconvenient to act. It's better to keep a low profile."

Demon Subduing Douluo considered it for a moment, then laughed heartily.

"You're still young, but you've thought things through quite carefully. Fine, we'll do as you say. After joining the team, you can be their secret weapon. You really shouldn't show yourself too early. When the Soul Master Tournament comes, you'll make a stunning debut and give those people from the two empires a real eye-opener! Hahaha~~~"

The two chatted as they walked.

The view ahead suddenly opened up, revealing a massive training ground.

It was afternoon training time, and several figures were sparring on the field. The dull booms of colliding soul power could be heard from far away.

Ye Han suddenly stopped.

"Grandpa Demon Subduing, I can go over by myself."

"What now?"

"You're a Worshiper. If you suddenly appear, you'll scare them. If they see you accompanying me, they'll think I got in through the back door. They'll form a prejudice against me first, and it'll be harder to get along with them afterward."

Demon Subduing Douluo raised an eyebrow.

"Those who can enter the Spirit Hall Academy Team have all passed layer upon layer of selection. None of them are easy to deal with. Every one of them is proud. Aren't you afraid they'll target you, the newcomer?"

"I'll let my strength speak and make anyone unconvinced shut up."

Demon Subduing Douluo suddenly burst into laughter and patted Ye Han on the shoulder.

"Good lad, you've got guts! Fine, go over yourself. I'll watch from above."

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure flashed, transforming into a streak of light that shot into the sky.

The next instant, he landed lightly atop a tall building at the edge of the training grounds, looking down over the entire field.

Ye Han headed straight for the training grounds.

At that moment, a middle-aged man in his forties stood at the center of the field. He was lean, stern-faced, and sharp-eyed.

He was Lin Feng, the Spirit Hall Academy Team's supervising teacher and a seven-ring Soul Saint.

"Everyone, stop for a moment. I have something to announce."

Lin Feng gathered the seven main team members before him.

"We've just received notice from the academy's academic affairs office. A new member will be joining our team as a substitute."

The group reacted differently upon hearing this.

A burly young man with short crimson hair flaring like flames crossed his arms and gave a dismissive snort.

This person was Yan, one of the core figures of Spirit Hall's Golden Generation.

His Martial Soul was the Flame Lord, with dual fire and earth attributes.

In terms of overall strength, this fellow was the strongest on the team.

"A substitute? It makes no difference whether the team has one more or one less substitute."

Yan's tone was casual, carrying an innate arrogance.

"They won't be taking the field anyway. With the seven of us main members here, no opponent is worth fearing."

The others nodded as well, looking relaxed.

The Spirit Hall Academy Team's overall strength this year truly crushed that of their peers.

They were brimming with confidence for the Soul Master Tournament one year from now.

But Lin Feng's next words changed everyone's expressions.

"This substitute is different from the previous ones. I hear he's quite strong, and the academy has issued a direct order: in important matches of the Soul Master Tournament, he must remain on the field."

"What?!"

The seven looked at one another, both shocked and furious.

A tall, thin young man with silver hair stepped forward.

His name was Sun Chuantao, and his Martial Soul was the Ringed Great Blade.

"He's a newly arrived substitute. What gives him the right to stay on the field in crucial matches?! Is he actually strong, or does he just have a powerful background? Teacher Lin, what does the academy mean by this?!"

"Yeah, our team lineup is balanced. We have control, power attack, agility attack, flying Soul Masters, and support—everything we need."

"Besides, the seven of us have trained together for years. We've already built up our coordination. Suddenly adding someone in, and having him compete in crucial matches too..."

"What rank is he? What's his Martial Soul? Why does he get to come in and lord it over us?!"

Everyone voiced their doubts.

Even the usually steady Xie Yue frowned slightly.

Logically speaking, the main positions of him, Yan, and Hu Liena were unshakable.

That was because the three of them would surely appear at the Soul Master Tournament as Soul Kings, something that had never happened in the previous three tournaments.

As the team leader, Xie Yue had seen all the effort his teammates had put in, and he understood their anger.

"Teacher Lin, why has the academy suddenly made such a decision? Do they not trust our strength?"

Lin Feng raised a hand and pressed it downward, stopping the discussion.

"Since the academy has made this arrangement, it naturally has its reasons. He'll be here soon. If you have any questions, you can ask him face-to-face. But let me remind you of one thing: whether you're convinced or not, once he joins the team, he's your teammate. No internal conflict."

Yan snorted coldly, his arms still crossed over his chest and his chin slightly raised. Clearly, he didn't think much of a mere substitute.

"Fine. Then let's see what he's capable of, and which one of us he thinks he can squeeze out in a crucial match."

As he spoke, the corner of his eye suddenly caught sight of a figure walking in from the training ground entrance.

"Don't tell me it's that kid?"

Following Yan's gaze, the others looked over, their eyes falling on the newcomer like blades.

He was a youth who appeared to be no more than fifteen or sixteen. He was tall and well-proportioned, with handsome features and a calmness in his eyes that didn't quite match his age.

Dressed in ordinary black clothes, he met everyone's gazes and walked calmly toward the center of the training grounds.