An easy finish

Morning light pierced the thin mist over Skysea City. Tang Wulin and Gu Yue quickly changed into Eastsea Academy's dark blue uniforms and met Wu Changkong and Long Bing in the hotel lobby. Though Wu Changkong's cultivation was only that of a Six-Ring Soul Emperor, his plain white robe set off a figure as straight as a pine. An ice-blue sash fluttered lightly at his waist, and the chill surrounding him quietly drove back the bustle around them.

"Teacher, we've checked all the equipment." Xie Xie carried a heavy bag of Soul Tools, excitement dancing in his eyes. Beside him, Xu Xiaoyan repeatedly checked the Star Staff in her hands, her fingertips paling slightly from the force of her grip.

Wu Changkong swept his gaze over his four students, his voice clear and cold as an icy spring. "Today is the Skysea Alliance Grand Competition. Your opponents are the elites of their academies. Remember, keep your soul power steady in actual combat, and coordinate seamlessly." He turned toward Long Bing, who gently straightened Tang Wulin's collar. "Don't be nervous. Just do what you do in training."

A red carpet covered the private passage, with Soul Guidance Lamps casting soft halos on either side. Once they passed through the corridor, an enormous circular arena opened before them. The crowd roared as the academy teams assembled below, colorful flags and the glow of Soul Tools weaving into a brilliant sea. Eastsea Academy's seats were on the eastern side of the arena, right beside Tianhai Academy's team.

"Look over there." Long Bing pointed toward the southeastern corner of the arena, where Tianhai Academy's lead teacher was adjusting a new Soul Tool Turret. Metallic clangs intertwined with fluctuations of soul power, forming a thunderous overture to the event.

Tang Wulin and Gu Yue stood