Teaming Up for the Soul Arena?

Over the next few days, Lin Ming cultivated while accompanying the two girls on strolls around the academy. Life was quite pleasant. His Soul Power had stabilized at the peak of level thirty-nine, just one step away from becoming a level-forty Soul Ancestor.

But taking that step would require either a massive accumulation of Soul Power or the right opportunity. It could not be rushed, and he was happy to take it easy.

That afternoon, Lin Ming was testing his new skill, Mountain Dragon Shatters the Void, on the training ground. With a single punch, a dull sonic boom rang through the air, and a half-meter-deep crater was blasted into the ground.

Meng Shenji, the dean of academic affairs, came rushing over in a flurry, shouting from afar, "Student Lin Ming! Good news! Wonderful news!"

Meng Shenji was drenched in sweat from running, his face creased with smiles. He held a file in his hand, waving it until it rustled. Lin Ming withdrew his Soul Power and dusted off his hands.

"What has Director Meng so happy? Did you win the lottery?"

Meng Shenji reached him, handed over the file, and said between heavy breaths,

"The academy has decided to form an elite practical training team to take part in combat training at the Soul Arena in Heaven Dou City! It will last one month, and the academy will cover all lodging, meals, medical treatment, and consumable expenses during that time!

"The main purpose is to prepare for next year's Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament! This is a rare opportunity. Outstanding students like you can get some real practice in. It's an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime!"

Lin Ming raised an eyebrow, took the file, and skimmed through it. "Combat training at the Soul Arena? What kind of opponents are we facing?"

Meng Shenji explained, "The Soul Arena is a place where Soul Masters compete and gamble. Soul Masters of all ranks can register to participate. You will enter team battles, challenging opponents from weaker to stronger. It will let you build real combat experience while testing your teamwork."

Lin Ming thought it over and felt that this was indeed a good idea. He had been worrying about where to find suitable opponents to test his newly acquired skill. The Soul Arena was the perfect place.

And team battles were not a one-man affair. It would be a good chance to see how well Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan could cooperate.

"Fine, I'm in." Lin Ming nodded.

Meng Shenji happily patted him on the shoulder. "Good! Also, Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan have both volunteered to join. The three of you can form a team when the time comes. Both girls are quite capable. If you work well together, you might just make a name for yourselves."

Lin Ming was taken aback. "They're going too?"

"Yes. This is one of the academy's key training programs. Any student above level thirty-five is eligible to sign up. Both girls meet the requirements and were highly motivated, so I registered them as well."

Meng Shenji said with a smile, "The list has already been submitted. Gather early tomorrow morning, and don't be late!"

"Got it."

After seeing Meng Shenji off, Lin Ming returned to his dormitory and slept soundly until late. The next morning, the sun shone brightly, and birds chirped crisply.

Feeling refreshed, he headed out. After washing up, he changed into a clean, sharp white training outfit, called Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan over, and the three made their way toward the assembly point.

Ning Rongrong had tied her hair into a high ponytail today, making her look especially lively and capable. She carried a small bundle on her back, as though she were setting off on a long journey.

Dugu Yan was still dressed in black, though a silver whip now hung at her waist. She had clearly prepared herself for battle.

The assembly point was the plaza outside the academy gates. By the time the three arrived, seven or eight people were already standing there.

From afar, Lin Ming spotted a familiar figure, and his steps halted at once.

Yu Tianheng.