The eastern sky began to lighten, and pale morning rays pierced the thin mist, spilling into every corner of Shrek Academy. Birds chirped crisply in the woods, awakening the entire tranquil academy.
Tang Wulin was the first to wake. Na'er was still sleeping soundly beside him, her little face rosy and exceptionally 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 all lingering drowsiness, leaving him completely refreshed.
He headed straight for the academy's training grounds. Though they had won their first match yesterday, 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 matches ahead. As soon as he arrived, he saw that all his companions were already there. No one was late, and everyone looked energized, clearly prepared for battle.
"Wulin, you're here!" Xie Xie waved. He had already loosened up, the aura of his twin martial souls faintly circulating around him. "We've been waiting for you. Let's train 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 a simple, honest smile. "Eat something first. You need energy to train."
Xu Xiaoyan had also arrived early. Her Starwheel Ice Staff rested beside her as she quietly regulated her breathing. When she saw Tang Wulin approach, she stood and greeted him with a smile. "Morning, Brother."
Her expression remained gentle, but after yesterday's match, her entire bearing had grown steadier. The confidence of a battlefield-control Soul Master had become increasingly apparent. Gu Yue, Ye Xinglan, Yuanen Yehui, and Yue Zhengyu had also finished regulating their breathing. They looked toward Tang Wulin, awaiting his instructions.
Tang Wulin accepted the bun Xu Lizhi handed him and quickly finished it to replenish his Soul Power. Then he stepped into the center of the group, his gaze firm as he laid out the morning's training plan. "There's still room to improve our transitions from yesterday's match. In particular, Xiaoyan's battlefield control needs to coordinate better with my main offense, and Yehui needs to refine the timing of her flank attacks. We'll focus on those today. We also need to prepare for opponents with different martial soul types. We don't know who we'll face next, so we must leave nothing to chance."
Everyone answered in unison, without the slightest objection.
Morning training officially began. Tang Wulin was the first to unleash his Gold Dragon Soul Power. Golden dragon patterns climbed over his arms as his soul rings rose, and he repeatedly drilled his offensive techniques. 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, expanding and shrinking her control range as she strove for complete precision and perfect coordination with Tang Wulin's attack rhythm. Gu Yue manipulated elemental power at will, cycling through wind, fire, water, and earth, switching smoothly between support and attack. Xie Xie darted across the grounds like the wind, his timing for surprise attacks growing ever more precise. Ye Xinglan's sword shadows flashed, her sword qi sharp and fierce. Yuanen Yehui's Titan Giant Ape aura was steady, balancing defense and offense. Yue Zhengyu's Holy Amplification continued without pause, while Xu Lizhi replenished Soul Power whenever needed. The entire team grew increasingly coordinated, without a single redundant movement.
The morning sunlight gradually brightened. Soul Power fluctuations surged across the training grounds as the boys and girls 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 competition notice in hand. He walked straight up to Tang Wulin and spoke respectfully. "Captain Tang Wulin, this is the matchup notice 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 scanned it, his brow tightening slightly. Soul Masters of the Dou Ling Empire had always been known for their extensive combat experience and ferocious fighting style. The Dou Spirit Academy Team was among the best of them, far stronger than yesterday's Star Luo Academy Team. They were undoubtedly a tough opponent.
His companions gathered around him. When they saw the matchup information, their expressions turned serious, but there was no fear in their eyes. Instead, their fighting spirit blazed even more fiercely.
"Dou Spirit Academy? Perfect. Let's see the results of all our training lately!" Xie Xie clenched his fists, his voice full of anticipation.
"Stay sharp, everyone. This afternoon, we must still work together as one. We cannot underestimate them," Tang Wulin said gravely as he put away the competition notice. "Dismissed for now. Go back, rest and wash up. After lunch, gather at the arena on time."
The others dispersed at his command. Xu Xiaoyan walked over to Tang Wulin's side and spoke softly. "Brother, don't worry. We'll definitely win. Dou Spirit Academy may be strong, but our coordination is better than theirs. As long as we proceed steadily, there won't be a problem."
Her voice was gentle, yet filled with absolute certainty, giving Tang Wulin some peace of mind.
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 a morning of hard training, the young people's fighting spirit had only grown stronger. The afternoon's 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 and sitting obediently at the edge of the bed. 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, and the three of them headed to the dining hall together. The warm atmosphere eased the tension before the match, filling Young Tang Wulin with a sense of calm.
The afternoon sun grew increasingly scorching, and the exchange match arena became lively once more. Spectators and mentors from all the major academies had arrived, all eagerly awaiting this clash between Shrek and Dou Spirit Academy. The Shrek Seven Monsters were fully prepared as they headed toward the arena. Their young figures stood tall, their fighting spirit soaring, as they prepared to face this new challenge.
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