Morning Drills Sharpened Their Edge, the Next Battle Loomed

The eastern sky turned pale, and faint morning light pierced the thin mist, spilling into every corner of Shrek Academy. Birds chirped crisply among the trees, awakening the tranquil academy.

Tang Wulin was the first to wake. Na'er was still sleeping soundly beside him, her little face rosy and adorable. He rose quietly, washed up, then carefully closed the door behind him, afraid of disturbing his sister's sweet dreams. The morning air was crisp and sweet, carrying the fragrance of grass and trees. One deep breath was enough to dispel the last traces of drowsiness and leave him feeling completely refreshed.

He headed straight for the academy's training grounds. Though they had won yesterday's opening match, there could be no slackening. The path of a soul master was like rowing against the current; only by constantly honing their strength could they secure victory in the upcoming matches. As soon as he arrived at the training grounds, he saw that all his companions were already there. Not one had been late, and every one of them looked energized and ready for battle.

"Wulin, you're here!" Xie Xie waved. He had already loosened up, and the aura of his twin martial souls faintly circulated around him. "We've been waiting for you. Let's train together properly today and fix all those little flaws from yesterday's match!"

Xu Lizhi had already taken out several steaming soul power buns and handed them around with an honest smile. "Have something to eat first. You need strength to train."

Xu Xiaoyan had arrived long ago as well. Her Starwheel Ice Staff rested beside her as she quietly regulated her breathing. When she saw Tang Wulin approach, she rose and greeted him with a smile. "Morning, brother."

Her expression remained gentle, but after yesterday's match, her bearing had grown even steadier. The calm confidence of a control-type soul master had become increasingly evident. Gu Yue, Ye Xinglan, Yuanen Yehui, and Le Zhengyu had also finished regulating their breathing. They looked toward Tang Wulin, waiting for his instructions.

Tang Wulin accepted the buns Xu Lizhi offered him and quickly finished them to replenish his soul power. Then he walked to the center of the team, his gaze resolute as he arranged the morning training. "There's still room to improve our transitions from yesterday's match, especially the coordination between Xiaoyan's control and my main attacks, as well as Yehui's timing when circling around from the flank. We'll focus on those today. We also need to prepare for opponents with different types of martial souls. We don't know who we'll face next, so we must be fully prepared."

Everyone responded in unison, without the slightest objection.

Morning training officially began. Tang Wulin was the first to release his Gold Dragon soul power. Golden dragon patterns climbed over his arms as his soul rings rose, and he practiced his attack techniques again and again. Every strike was fierce and powerful, with precise control over strength and rhythm. Xu Xiaoyan held the Starwheel Ice Staff as icy-blue starlight continuously spread and contracted. The range of her control field expanded and shrank as she strove for perfect precision and seamless coordination with Tang Wulin's attack rhythm. Gu Yue controlled elemental power at will, cycling through wind, fire, water, and earth, switching freely between support and attack. Xie Xie's figure darted across the field like the wind, his timing for surprise attacks growing ever more precise. Ye Xinglan's sword shadows flashed, her sword aura sharp and fierce. Yuanen Yehui's Titan Giant Ape aura was steady and imposing, balancing defense and offense. Le Zhengyu's holy enhancements never ceased, while Xu Lizhi replenished soul power whenever needed. The entire team grew increasingly coordinated, without a single unnecessary movement.

The morning sunlight gradually brightened, and soul power fluctuations filled the training grounds. The young men and women sweated profusely, yet not one of them complained of exhaustion. Their eyes were filled with the desire to grow stronger and an unwavering determination to win.

As morning training neared its end, an academy steward hurried over with a match notice in hand. He went directly to Tang Wulin and spoke respectfully. "Captain Tang Wulin, this is the match notification for your next exchange match. Your opponent is the Dou Spirit Academy Team. The match is scheduled for this afternoon. Please make the necessary preparations."

Tang Wulin accepted the notice and swept his eyes across it, his brow furrowing slightly. Soul masters from the Dou Spirit Empire had always been known for their extensive combat experience and fierce fighting styles. The Dou Spirit Academy Team was among the best of them, and they were far stronger than yesterday's Star Luo Academy Team. They were undoubtedly a tough opponent.

His companions gathered around. When they saw the match information, their expressions turned serious, but there was no fear in their eyes. Instead, an even stronger fighting spirit ignited within them.

"Dou Spirit Academy? Perfect. Let's see what our training has achieved!" Xie Xie clenched his fists, his voice full of eagerness.

"Stay focused, everyone. This afternoon's battle will require us to work together as one again. We can't underestimate them," Tang Wulin said gravely as he put away the match notice. "Dismissed for now. Go back, rest, wash up, and eat lunch. Gather at the arena on time afterward."

The others answered and dispersed. Xu Xiaoyan walked to Tang Wulin's side and spoke softly. "Brother, don't worry. We'll definitely win. Dou Spirit Academy may be strong, but our teamwork is more coordinated than theirs. As long as we proceed steadily, there won't be a problem."

Her voice was gentle, yet full of conviction, giving Tang Wulin a measure of reassurance.

Tang Wulin nodded and smiled. "With all of you here, of course I'm at ease. Come on, let's go back to the dorm and see whether Na'er is awake."

The two walked side by side toward the dormitory, sunlight falling over them, warm and dazzling. After a night of rest and hard morning training, the youths' fighting spirit burned even more fiercely. The afternoon clash with Dou Spirit Academy was destined to be a hard battle, but the Shrek Seven Monsters stood united and had long been ready to face every challenge.

When they returned to the dormitory, Na'er was already awake. She sat obediently at the edge of the bed, and the moment she saw Tang Wulin return, she threw herself into his arms and sweetly called him brother. Xu Xiaoyan smiled as she helped Na'er straighten her clothes. The three of them then went to the dining hall together. The warm atmosphere eased the tension before the match and filled Young Tang Wulin's heart with peace.

The afternoon sun grew increasingly scorching, and the exchange match arena became lively once more. Spectators and mentors from the various academies had all arrived, eagerly awaiting this clash between Shrek and Dou Spirit Academy. The Shrek Seven Monsters were fully prepared as they headed toward the arena. The youths stood tall, their fighting spirit soaring, ready to face this brand-new challenge.