Morning Drills, Blades of Battle Intent

As night deepened, all of Shrek Academy sank into sleep. Young Tang Wulin gradually drifted off, certain of victory. The late-night discussion of enemy intelligence had already made thorough preparations for tomorrow's hard battle. The youths were poised and ready, waiting only to display their sharp edge once more on the battlefield.

The first pale light of dawn had just appeared on the horizon. Thin mist still curled around the branches in Shrek Academy's woods, while morning dew clung to the blades of grass, sparkling like crystal. The air was filled with the crisp scent of vegetation, and even the breeze carried a refreshing coolness, sweeping away the last traces of nighttime languor.

Tang Wulin woke naturally to his body clock without the slightest urge to linger in bed. He got up quietly, afraid of waking Na'er, who was still fast asleep. His little sister was curled up beneath the covers, her small face pink and soft, her breathing even, and a faint smile lingering at the corners of her lips. She must have been having a sweet dream. He bent down and tucked in her blanket, his movements impossibly gentle, his eyes full of the tenderness unique to an older brother.

After a quick wash, he changed into dry training clothes. Soul power quietly circulated through his body, and a night of meditation had washed away all the fatigue accumulated from the past few days of matches. Gold Dragon soul power flowed steadily through his meridians, filling his entire body with strength. He pushed open the dormitory window, and the morning sunlight fell across his face, warm but not harsh. Tang Wulin took a deep breath, filling his chest with fresh air. He instantly felt alert and energized, battle intent for the coming match igniting in his eyes.

Today was their final group training session before facing the Heaven Soul Empire Academy Team. There was no room for carelessness. The Heaven Soul team was far stronger than their previous opponents. Only by refining their tactics to the utmost could they seize the initiative in the match.

He had just closed his door when he heard brisk footsteps from the end of the hallway. Looking up, he saw Xu Xiaoyan walking toward him. She had also changed into a simple light-blue training outfit, her long hair tied back neatly to reveal her clear, delicate features. She held the Starwheel Ice Staff in her hand, her aura calm and steady. Clearly, she had already finished meditating and showed none of the grogginess of someone who had just awakened.

"Morning, Brother." Xu Xiaoyan came to a stop before him, her eyes curving into crescents as she spoke gently. "I just took a look around the training grounds. Lizhi already got there ahead of us and steamed some hot soul power buns. Xie Xie went along to help him. Nobody was late."

"Thanks for coming so early." Tang Wulin smiled and nodded, warmth filling his heart. Having such reliable companions and a little sister gave him even greater confidence in the coming match. "Let's go together. We need to make the tactics we set last night work perfectly, especially the illusion coordination between you and Gu Yue. You need to practice until it's seamless."

"Mm, I remembered everything. I even went over it several times in my head before sleeping last night." Xu Xiaoyan nodded seriously, without a trace of fear in her eyes. After gaining experience through several matches, she had long shed her initial immaturity, gaining the steadiness and certainty of a control-type soul master.

The two walked side by side toward the Inner Academy training grounds. Morning dew still covered the stone path, making faint damp sounds beneath their footsteps. Quite a few students were already up training, each standing tall with their soul power restrained. Shrek's rigorous academic culture was reflected in every detail.

From afar, they spotted figures on the training grounds. Xu Lizhi was bustling around a small soul tool steamer, from which clouds of steam rose. The rich fragrance of buns drifted through the air, making everyone's appetite stir. Inside were high-grade soul power buns he had spent the night preparing—some meat-filled, some vegetarian, each plump and round, brimming with abundant soul power and specially made to prepare his companions for battle. Meanwhile, Xie Xie bounced around beside him, occasionally reaching out to steal one, only for Xu Lizhi to dodge away with a smile. Their playful scuffling eased the tension before the match.

Gu Yue, Ye Xinglan, Yuanen Yehui, and Le Zhengyu had also arrived. They stood apart, each meditating as soul power flowed steadily around them, their expressions solemn. Gu Yue lightly twirled a strand of hair around her fingertip with her eyes closed. Elemental power quietly stirred around her as wind, fire, water, and earth gently circled her body. She was clearly familiarizing herself with elemental control in advance, preparing to work with Xu Xiaoyan to break illusions today. Ye Xinglan rested one hand on her sword hilt, meditating with her eyes closed. Her sword aura was restrained, yet still sharp. Yuanen Yehui stood upright, the aura of the Titan Giant Ape faintly dormant within her, steady as a mountain. A soft holy radiance lingered around Le Zhengyu, gentle yet powerful, ready at any moment to strengthen the others.

When they saw Tang Wulin and Xu Xiaoyan approaching, everyone rose to their feet, ending their meditation and gathering around them.

"Wulin, Xiaoyan, you're here! Hurry and have some buns—they've just come out of the steamer. Eat up and you'll be full of soul power!" Xu Lizhi hurriedly lifted the steamer lid and took out several steaming buns, handing them out to everyone. His honest face was full of smiles. "I specially added extra soul power grass. They restore strength better than the last batch. Eat more, so you'll have more energy for training."

Xie Xie took a bun and bit down hard, his mouth full of fragrance as he mumbled, "Lizhi's buns are still the best. With these, we'll definitely perform beyond our limits in today's training. What's the Heaven Soul team anyway? We'll definitely take them down easily!"

"Don't underestimate them. The Heaven Soul team is stronger than both Star Luo and Dou Spirit. We have to give it everything during training. There can't be even the slightest slacking." Tang Wulin accepted a bun and took a small bite. Warm soul power slid down his throat and instantly filled every corner of his body. His tone was calm as he reminded everyone, with no hint of relaxation on his face.

Everyone nodded, quickly finished their buns, replenished their soul power, and rapidly took up formation. Their morning group training officially began.

"Follow the first set of tactics. I'll engage first to restrain them. Xiaoyan, test the waters with control. Gu Yue, be ready to provide elemental protection at any time and guard against surprise illusion attacks!" Tang Wulin gave the order loudly, his clear voice piercing through the morning mist.

The moment he finished speaking, he moved first. Gold Dragon soul power erupted instantly, golden dragon patterns climbing his arms as three soul rings—yellow, purple, purple—steadily rose around him. Holding nothing back, he charged toward the preset assault position. His steps were steady, his attacks fierce, and every strike was precise and powerful, perfectly simulating the state of the Heaven Soul team's captain, Blazing Sun Tiger.

Xu Xiaoyan followed closely behind, holding the Starwheel Ice Staff as she lightly flicked her wrist. Icy-blue starlight slowly spread outward. Rather than recklessly unleashing full-scale control, she first tested a small area. The starlight was soft yet incredibly resilient, continuously simulating movements meant to bind a powerful assault opponent. At the same time, she remained alert to her surroundings, guarding against illusion attacks from the Illusive Vine. Her eyes were focused, every movement precise.

Gu Yue immediately followed. Elemental power moved as her heart commanded. Wind element formed a soft barrier around Xu Xiaoyan, while earth element condensed into thin shields to guard against sudden attacks. Fire and water elements alternated in circulation, ready at any moment to disrupt illusions. Her rhythm matched Xu Xiaoyan's control perfectly. The two needed no words; they coordinated through aura alone, thoroughly practicing the illusion-breaking tactics they had discussed the night before.

Xie Xie flashed forward, splitting into two afterimages as his agility-type martial soul erupted at full force. Swift as lightning, he charged toward the wooden post serving as the simulated ambush position. Following the tactical plan, he repeatedly practiced circling ambush techniques to disrupt the "enemy" formation. Ye Xinglan drew her sword, its light cold and sharp, and precisely circled behind to close in on the target simulating the support position. Her sword aura was fierce, yet perfectly controlled. Yuanen Yehui unleashed the aura of the Titan Giant Ape and firmly held the flank, protecting Xu Xiaoyan and Xu Lizhi with flawless defense. Le Zhengyu fully unleashed his holy soul power, and golden enhancement light enveloped the entire team, noticeably increasing everyone's speed and strength. Xu Lizhi remained at the rear, constantly watching everyone's soul power consumption, ready to hand out soul power buns and provide logistical support at any moment.

Soul power fluctuations continuously rippled across the training grounds. The youths sweated profusely as the morning dew evaporated in the heat, their clothes gradually soaked through with sweat. Yet not one of them complained of exhaustion, and not one stopped moving. Whenever a flaw appeared in their coordination, Tang Wulin immediately called for a halt, patiently pointed out the problem, adjusted their rhythm, and had them practice again and again until their teamwork was flawless.

"Xiaoyan, make your control half a beat faster so it connects perfectly with my attack rhythm!"

"Gu Yue, disrupt with your elements a little earlier. The moment the illusion rises, break it immediately!"

"Xie Xie, get your ambush timing more precise. Don't expose your own position!"

Tang Wulin's instructions were clear and timely, every sentence pinpointing the key issue. Everyone listened intently and adjusted at once. They refined their coordination over and over, from formation transitions to the cooperation between control and offense, then to their responses to unexpected situations. They repeatedly practiced all three sets of tactics until everyone knew them by heart and they had become muscle memory.

Fine beads of sweat covered Xu Xiaoyan's forehead, yet her gaze remained firm. She continuously adjusted the rhythm of her control, progressing from slight initial awkwardness to smooth, flowing movements. Her coordination with Gu Yue grew increasingly seamless. Even when they simulated sudden illusions, they could quickly break them and firmly seize the initiative in controlling the field. Her growth was plain to see.

The morning light gradually grew stronger, and the thin mist fully dispersed. Sunlight filled the entire training ground, casting the youths' striving figures into long shadows. Sweat ran down their cheeks and necks, dripping onto the ground, yet it nourished the brightest battle intent of youth.

The group training lasted a full two hours. Only when the sun had risen high and everyone had polished every tactic to perfection, without a single weakness remaining, did Tang Wulin announce a break.

Everyone sat on the ground, breathing heavily, but their eyes shone brightly and their battle intent ran high. After a morning of grueling training, their teamwork had become even more perfect, and their confidence in defeating the Heaven Soul team had grown stronger.

Xu Lizhi took out more soul power buns and handed them around with a smile. "Hurry and replenish your soul power. You must be exhausted. With our coordination now, we can definitely beat the Heaven Soul team!"

Tang Wulin remained seated, looking at his resolute companions beside him. His heart was full of emotion. From their initially immature team formation to their current flawless understanding, they had gone through matches together, trained hard together, and won victories together. They had long become the family each other trusted most.

He rose to his feet, his gaze sweeping across the group. His voice was firm and powerful, filled with certainty. "Everyone did very well in today's training. There are no more problems with our tactics. There's no need to be nervous about tomorrow's match. As long as we perform at today's level and work together as one, we will definitely win!"

"We'll definitely win!" everyone shouted in unison. Their voices rang across the training grounds, while the youths' battle intent seemed to solidify and soar straight into the heavens.

Xu Xiaoyan looked at Tang Wulin beside her, so high-spirited and confident, and a gentle smile lifted her lips. Her eyes were full of trust and pride. She knew tomorrow's match would certainly be a hard battle, but as long as her brother and her companions were there, they had nothing to fear.

With morning training over, everyone left the training grounds together. Sunlight fell upon them, warm and dazzling. Covered in sweat and brimming with battle intent, the youths headed back to their dormitories to rest and gather their strength, quietly awaiting tomorrow's ultimate showdown with the Heaven Soul team. This morning drill beneath the dawn light had already honed their battle intent and mutual understanding to the extreme. Tomorrow, they would reveal their sharp edge and continue their streak of glorious victories.