Calm Before the Match, Facing a Formidable Rival

The sweat from morning training gradually dried, and the sun had already climbed halfway into the sky, warming Shrek Academy's tree-lined paths. The youths walked together, their steps slowing as they finally shed the tension of training and gained a measure of composure before the match.

Tang Wulin walked at the front of the group. The Gold Dragon soul power around him had settled, but the fighting spirit in his eyes had not faded—instead, it had become even steadier. Though his companions were breathing slightly hard, their eyes were bright. After a morning of rigorous team practice, everyone knew their coordination and planned tactics inside out. That confidence had long outweighed their slight unease toward a powerful opponent.

Xu Xiaoyan followed beside Tang Wulin, lightly holding the Starwheel Ice Staff in her hand. Its icy-blue shaft gave off a gentle glow. She raised a hand to wipe the lingering sweat from her brow, a faint smile on her lips. After repeated practice, she had fully grasped the rhythm of working with Gu Yue to break through illusions. Her initial concerns were gone, and as she looked at Tang Wulin's back, her heart was filled with reassurance. "Brother, I feel much more at ease after the practice. Gu Yue and I will definitely be able to stop the Heaven Soul Team's Illusive Vine."

Tang Wulin turned his head toward the determined girl beside him and smiled as he nodded, his tone full of trust. "I've never doubted you. Go back and soak in a soul power bath later. Recover the soul power you used up. This afternoon, we'll face them in our best condition."

Beside them, Xie Xie stretched lazily, his bones crackling softly as he wore a delighted expression. "We're finally done training. But honestly, now I'm looking forward to the match starting already. I've wanted to take on that Heaven Soul Team for ages. Our coordination is this good—we'll definitely take them down!" He had always been lively and restless, but never reckless. His seriousness during practice had already filled him with confidence in the team.

Xu Lizhi held the remaining soul power buns in his arms, smiling innocently as he repeatedly reminded everyone, "Go back to the dorms and eat something first. Don't go hungry. Matches use up soul power, so you have to eat your fill. I'll steam fresh buns for everyone this afternoon. There'll be plenty!"

Gu Yue spoke calmly, though her voice carried certainty. "The Heaven Soul Team's balance is an illusion. There's a half-second gap between their battlefield control and their heavy offense. If we seize that gap this afternoon, we can break their formation quickly." Her thoughts were meticulous, and she had already seen through the flaws in their simulated tactics during practice. That sharpness was one of the team's greatest strengths.

Ye Xinglan, Yuanen Yehui, and Le Zhengyu also nodded. They said nothing unnecessary, yet their eyes conveyed their resolve. All three were steady by nature and understood the importance of resting before a match. They did not speak much, merely gathered their strength in silence.

The group chatted and laughed as they reached the dormitory area, then said their farewells and returned to their rooms to rest. When Tang Wulin returned to his dorm, Na'er was playing with the teacher assigned to look after her. The moment she saw her brother return, she ran over on her short little legs and threw herself into his arms, tilting up her small face as she asked, "Brother, are you tired from training? Na'er will massage your back."

As she spoke, she stretched out her tiny fists and lightly pounded Tang Wulin's back. Her movements were clumsy, yet especially heartwarming. Holding his little sister, Tang Wulin felt his heart soften, and all the exhaustion from training vanished. He gently rubbed Na'er's hair and said with a smile, "I'm not tired. With Na'er massaging my back, I'm not tired at all."

After washing up, he had lunch with Na'er in his arms and played with her for a while before closing his eyes to meditate. He circulated the soul power throughout his body until it reached its optimal state. He was not nervous in the slightest, only calm. Again and again, he reviewed their tactics in his mind and considered every possible situation that might arise during the match, ensuring that he could make the most precise judgment at any moment.

Time passed slowly, and the afternoon sunlight gradually softened. The arena for the exchange tournament's semifinals was already packed with people, even livelier than the previous matches. As the previous runner-up, the Heaven Soul Empire Academy Team had always been highly popular. Meanwhile, the Shrek Seven Monsters had won match after match and become the center of attention. This clash between powerful teams drew participating academies, mentors, and spectators alike. The arena was completely full, and discussions rose and fell without end.

Tang Wulin led the Shrek Seven Monsters to the backstage area on time. Everyone had already changed into matching uniforms. They stood tall and spirited, without the slightest slackness or excessive tension. Calm and composed, they displayed Shrek's bearing in full. Xu Xiaoyan stood within the group and exchanged a glance with Gu Yue. They understood each other without words and had long since prepared for battle.

Before long, the arena broadcast sounded, informing both teams to enter.

Tang Wulin raised a hand in signal, then took the lead as he slowly walked onto the field with his companions. Sunlight fell upon them, and every gaze in the arena immediately focused on them. Cheers and discussions mingled together, deafening in their intensity. In the stands, Na'er waved her little hands with all her strength, constantly shouting encouragement for her brother, her small face filled with pride.

On the other side of the arena, the Heaven Soul Empire Academy Team entered at the same time. Every member possessed an extraordinary presence. Their captain stood tall, the aura of his Blazing Sun Tiger martial soul faintly emanating from him. Fiery soul power radiated around his body as his sharp gaze remained fixed on the Shrek Seven Monsters, carrying both the pride and vigilance of an established powerhouse. The control-system soul master in the team wore a calm expression, but cunning glinted in his eyes. He was clearly brimming with confidence in his Illusive Vine martial soul. Their formation was orderly and their auras steady. They showed no hint of underestimating their opponents, fully displaying the strength of a runner-up team.

The two teams faced each other from afar at the center of the arena. The air instantly grew heavy as their soul power fluctuations faintly collided, spreading an atmosphere of tension. There was no smoke of war, yet the situation was already taut as drawn swords.

Tang Wulin met the Heaven Soul Team captain's gaze without yielding in the slightest. Gold Dragon soul power lay quietly dormant within him, waiting only for the referee's command to erupt with full force. Xu Xiaoyan tightened her grip on the Starwheel Ice Staff and remained alert. Gu Yue's elemental power flowed quietly as their companions each took their places, their positions precise as they perfectly formed the tactical formation from their practice.

The referee slowly walked to the center of the arena, verified the information of both sides, and loudly announced the semifinal rules. The entire venue instantly fell silent. Everyone held their breath, anticipating this confrontation between powerful teams.

The sunlight blazed, and the arena was quiet. The youths' fighting spirit soared. Facing their strongest opponent yet, they felt not the slightest fear, only an unstoppable edge. This semifinal was destined to be a hard-fought battle, and the Shrek Seven Monsters were fully prepared. Once the battle began, they would reveal their brilliance and continue the glory of their winning streak.