Dusk gradually settled over Shrek Academy. The daytime clamor slowly faded, while the sunset dyed the horizon a warm orange. Scattered buildings and dense woods were veiled in a gentle glow. Only the Inner Academy's training grounds remained brightly lit, radiating the untiring vigor of youth.
Tang Wulin entrusted Na'er to one of the academy teachers looking after her. After repeatedly reminding the teacher to take care of her, he headed to the training grounds with Xu Xiaoyan. Their companions had all arrived before them. No one was late, and none of them showed any relaxation after their consecutive victories during the day. A Soul Guidance screen displaying tournament information stood in the training grounds, clearly listing the records, martial soul configurations, and tactical styles of the remaining strong teams in the exchange tournament. The atmosphere was quiet and solemn.
Xu Lizhi thoughtfully placed the prepared Soul Power buns and warmed fruit-and-vegetable juice on the table. Smiling honestly, he said, "Eat while we talk. Don't exhaust yourselves. You need to replenish your Soul Power before you can properly analyze our opponents." Xie Xie grabbed a bun and stuffed it into his mouth before leaning toward the Soul Guidance screen. His eyes fixed on the information above, and his usual liveliness was replaced by complete seriousness.
Tang Wulin stepped directly in front of the Soul Guidance screen and raised a hand to light it up. His gaze swept across the information as his calm, clear voice reached everyone's ears. "According to the advancement list released by the organizers, our next opponent is the Heaven Soul Empire Academy Team. They were runners-up in the previous exchange tournament. They're stronger than Star Luo and Dou Spirit Academy, and every member is at the Soul Ancestor level. Their martial soul composition has no weaknesses. They have assault, control, support, and ambush specialists, and their tactics are extremely mature. They're the strongest opponents we've faced so far."
Once he finished speaking, everyone's expressions grew even more solemn. They gathered around the Soul Guidance screen and carefully examined the Heaven Soul Team's detailed information.
Xu Xiaoyan pointed at the information on the screen and spoke softly, her tone analytical. "Their captain is an assault-type battle Soul Ancestor. His martial soul is the Blazing Sun Tiger, a fire attribute martial soul with extremely powerful burst damage. He's the team's core attacker. They also have a control-type soul master whose martial soul is the Illusive Vine. Not only can it bind opponents, but it can also create illusions. She's even harder to deal with than the control-breaking soul master from the Dou Spirit Team. Their support lineup combines food-type and holy-type soul masters, maximizing their Soul Power endurance and recovery. Their ambush position is filled by an agility-attack soul master with incredible speed, specifically targeting our control and support positions."
She studied the material with exceptional care, sorting through their opponents' core strengths and weaknesses one by one. As the team's control-type soul master, she had to understand their enemy's battlefield-control methods in advance. Only then could she respond precisely during the match and avoid being forced into a passive position.
"The Illusive Vine martial soul is troublesome. It excels at both mental and physical control. My elemental power can disrupt its illusions. Xiaoyan, you'll be responsible for binding their assault and ambush positions. I'll help you break the Illusive Vine's illusions." Gu Yue spoke at once, her eyes sharp. She had already devised a response. Her elemental Soul Power naturally restrained this type of mental battlefield-control martial soul, and together with Xu Xiaoyan, she could dismantle the enemy's control advantage.
Tang Wulin nodded, approving Gu Yue's suggestion, then continued laying out their tactical plan. "The Heaven Soul Team's strength lies in their balance. They have no obvious weaknesses, but they also lack an absolutely outstanding powerhouse. We won't compete with them in endurance. We'll launch a fast assault. As soon as the match begins, I'll hold off the Blazing Sun Tiger captain head-on. Xie Xie and Yehui will work together to contain their agility-attack soul master and keep him away from Xiaoyan and Lizhi. Xing Lan will circle behind them to suppress their support members. Gu Yue will help Xiaoyan break their illusions throughout the match. Zheng Yu will strengthen everyone, and Lizhi will be ready to provide supplies at any time."
"Once Xiaoyan successfully binds one of their core members, I'll immediately unleash Golden Dragon Power and end this quickly. We can't give them a chance to adjust their formation." Tang Wulin's tone was firm, and his eyes were filled with certainty. He knew well that the longer they dragged things out against a balanced powerhouse team, the more disadvantageous it would become. Only by seizing the initiative and winning through speed could they take control.
Everyone listened attentively, occasionally nodding and adding their own thoughts as they sorted out their respective tasks. No one interrupted. The only sounds in the training grounds were Tang Wulin's steady explanations and the occasional tactical discussion. The atmosphere was focused yet harmonious.
Xu Xiaoyan held a pen and quickly recorded the key tactical points on paper, marking the timing of her battlefield control and every point where she needed to coordinate with Gu Yue. Her handwriting was neat and clear. She looked up at Tang Wulin, her gaze resolute. "Brother, don't worry. I'll stabilize our battlefield control. I won't let the Illusive Vine interfere with our formation, and I'll firmly lock down the Blazing Sun Tiger to create an opening for your attack."
"I believe in you." Tang Wulin looked at her with the trust and encouragement of an older brother in his eyes. After these matches, Xu Xiaoyan's growth had been obvious to all. She had long since transformed from an inexperienced young girl into the team's dependable core controller. He had never doubted her ability.
Their tactical discussion continued for nearly two hours. They thoroughly analyzed every detail of the Heaven Soul Team and every possible strategy they might use, formulating three response plans to ensure that they could calmly handle any unexpected development during the match. Only after the night had deepened and everything had been settled did Tang Wulin announce that they were dismissed.
"Everyone, go back and get some proper rest. Build up your energy. Tomorrow morning, we'll practice together early and refine our new tactics."
"Alright!"
The companions gradually left the training grounds. Xie Xie and Xu Lizhi walked together, discussing the details of the match along the way. Ye Xinglan, Yuanen Yehui, and Yue Zhengyu departed at an unhurried pace. Gu Yue left last. She turned back to glance at Tang Wulin, who was still organizing the materials, and calmly reminded him, "Rest early," before turning and leaving.
Before long, only Tang Wulin and Xu Xiaoyan remained in the training grounds. Xu Xiaoyan helped Tang Wulin gather the documents, paper, and pens from the table. Her movements were brisk as she said softly, "Brother, you should go back and rest early too. You've been competing and discussing tactics nonstop these past few days. You must be exhausted. Na'er is still waiting for you in the dormitory."
"It's fine. I'll go over the Heaven Soul Team's information one more time to make sure I haven't missed anything. You go back first. Be careful on the way." Tang Wulin smiled, his gaze still fixed on the Soul Guidance screen. He did not dare be careless in the slightest.
"I'll stay with you. Once we finish packing, we can leave together and look out for each other." Xu Xiaoyan shook her head and insisted on staying. She knew that Tang Wulin had always been meticulous and never treated matches carelessly. All she could do was stay by his side and help share a little of his burden.
The two quietly packed up. The lights in the training grounds were gentle, and the night outside the windows was peaceful. The occasional chirp of insects made everything feel especially reassuring. Once they had finished, Tang Wulin turned off the Soul Guidance lights and left the training grounds with Xu Xiaoyan.
The night air was slightly cool. Moonlight spilled across the stone path, casting the shadows of the two walking side by side. They said nothing along the way, yet their silent understanding filled the space between them. When they reached a fork in the road, Xu Xiaoyan stopped and smiled at Tang Wulin. "Brother, I'm heading back. You should hurry to the dormitory and check on Na'er too. See you at practice tomorrow."
"Alright, see you tomorrow. Get some rest when you're back." Tang Wulin waved goodbye. Only after watching Xu Xiaoyan's figure disappear into the night did he turn toward his own dormitory.
When he returned, Na'er had already washed up and was obediently sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for him. The moment she saw Tang Wulin return, she threw herself into his arms. Tang Wulin held his younger sister and spoke to her gently. The day's exhaustion completely melted away in the warmth of their family bond.
He lay on the bed and gazed at the moonlight beyond the window, replaying their planned tactics over and over in his mind. He did not feel the slightest nervousness, only complete confidence. With his companions united beside him and their thorough tactical preparations, he believed that no matter how strong their opponents were tomorrow, they would win once again.
As the night deepened, all of Shrek Academy sank into sleep. Young Tang Wulin gradually drifted off with certainty in victory. Their late-night analysis of the enemy had already made complete preparations for tomorrow's hard battle. The youths stood ready, waiting only to display their brilliance once more upon the battlefield.
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