Elders' Lessons, Phoenix's First Cry

After the draw, the atmosphere in the Azure Dragon Courtyard was nothing like it had been before.

Fifteen young members of the Li Family team gathered in the main hall, standing solemnly in three rows. Li Xuansheng stood at the front, with Li Bing'er, Li Longyue, Li Xuanqing, Li Xuanshu, and the other core members behind him. Their usual ease had vanished, replaced by the tense focus of people ready for a fight.

Six armchairs stood in a row at the head of the hall. The elders—Li Shaozhe, Li Qingluan, Li Lexuan, Chen Xin, Li Qianqian, and Li Tongyu—sat in them. None deliberately exerted pressure, yet their seasoned bearing and the faint fluctuations of Soul Power around them made the air feel heavy.

"Everyone's here," Li Shaozhe said slowly. The usually carefree level-ninety-seven Super Douluo wore a grave expression. "You know your group in the East District. Sixteen teams fighting for four places—a group of death. These next three days are our last and most important chance to prepare."

His gaze passed over every young face. "The tournament has removed the limit on how many times you can compete, which gives us more tactical flexibility. But flexibility brings complexity. How we assign fifteen people across seven one-on-one matches, four two-on-two matches, two five-on-five matches, and one ten-on-ten match will decide whether we win or lose."

Li Qingluan took over, his voice cool and clear as a luan's cry. "Elder Shaozhe and I will guide the Power Attack System fighters. Xuansheng, Xuan Qing, Xuanshu, Long Yue, Ao Tian, Qiuqiu—step forward."

Six figures stepped forward at once.

Li Qingluan looked first at Li Longyue. "Your Mountain Dragon King grants you Ultimate Strength and Ultimate Earth. Long Yue, your offense and defense rank among the best in the East District. Over these three