The Journey: An Interlude and Finding Their Rhythm

At sunset, the group landed in a sheltered valley to rest for the night.

With a wave of their hands, the elders sent Soul Power surging out to clear a level campsite, light a fire, and set up a simple warning barrier. The younger members split the work, gathering firewood, fetching water, and preparing several tender Hundred-Year Soul Beasts they had hunted along the way.

Li Xuansheng and Dongyue Qi naturally became the links between the two groups of young people.

"Cousin Xuansheng," Dongyue Qi said. After watching them throughout the day and adjusting his outlook, he had let go of his pride. His tone was sincere. "How did you develop that kind of teamwork? They hardly seem to need words. One look, and they understand each other."

Li Xuansheng was setting up a grill. "Mostly through real combat and focused training. Wenying Pavilion runs dedicated combination-formation drills, with plans for different team sizes and types of opponents. We often simulate unexpected situations in our regular sparring, too. Give it enough time, and the understanding comes naturally."

Dongyue Qi considered this. "Plans... simulations... The Dongyue Family places more emphasis on individual strength and developing our Martial Souls. We usually leave team coordination until a short training camp before a tournament. It sounds like we could learn from that."

"Individual strength is the foundation, but in a tournament team match, coordination often determines how far you can go." Li Xuansheng placed the skewered meat over the fire. "Your people are all strong individually, Cousin Qi, especially you, Cousin Huaixin, and Chuxuan. With the right combination technique, you could multiply that strength."

Dongyue Qi nodded and looked toward his busy teammates. "If you don't mind, could a few of us join your formations during tomorrow's journey and try coordinating? Nothing complicated. Just