A sparring partner for the team

The private dining room was spacious and well ventilated, with clean, neatly arranged tables and chairs. It could seat more than a dozen people with room to spare.

Everyone took their seats in turn, finally relaxing after a whole morning of physical and mental tension.

A server soon brought tea and appetizers to the table. Yang Ke, the most attentive and steady of the group, immediately stood up and picked up the teapot, deftly pouring hot tea for everyone. His impeccable manners and attention to detail instantly won them over.

The server then handed them a thick menu.

Li Jiaojiao eagerly took it. A natural at handling social situations, she turned to each person in turn to ask about their tastes—what they avoided, who preferred meat, and who liked sweet or lightly seasoned food. She checked every detail, worried that someone might not enjoy the meal.

Once she had confirmed everyone's preferences, she carefully selected a range of meat and vegetable dishes, handed the menu back to the server, and said brightly, "Please bring the food as soon as you can. Thank you!"

While they waited for the food, the private room grew especially lively.

They chatted in groups of two or three, reviewing the details of the morning's team battle, discussing their Martial Soul traits and cultivation weaknesses, and occasionally teasing one another. In no time, the awkwardness between them vanished completely, and their coordination quietly improved as well.

This was their first meal together with every member present since the team's formation, giving it a special significance.

Before long, steaming dishes arrived one after another. Their enticing aromas filled the room, and the sight of a whole table laden with food whetted everyone's appetite.

They ate and chatted, their conversation drifting from cultivation to everyday life. Laughter never