One week later, Chen Junting's group of nine gathered at the Soul Arena.
When Elder Xuan appeared, he delivered welcome news: Chen Junting's proposal had been approved. From now on, He Caitou and Wu Feng would join the seven provisional members in weekly special training.
Another week passed.
Elder Xuan had coached them twice—his "special training" could only be described as brutally simplistic:
Combat. Combat. Combat.
The first session pitted them in 5v4 teams under Xuan Zi's strict "no holding back" rule. Soul skills raged nonstop. Injuries and soul power exhaustion were instantly patched up by two Soul Emperor-level teachers—one healing-type, one food-type.
That night, everyone collapsed into bed—too drained even for meditation. Chen Junting dreamt of his childhood, when his master relentlessly drilled him in sword arts and secret techniques.
The second session was worse: Xuan Zi himself entered the fray. Facing a Level 98 Super Douluo, no one held back:
- Ning Tian used Ring Fusion.
- Wang Dong summoned his Hao Tian Hammer, fusing with Huo Yuhao's second martial soul into the Heavenly Emperor's Hammer. (T/N: One of their fusions, full name: Blaze Amidst the Frost, the Heavenly Emperor's Hammer)
- Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi triggered Bloodline Awakenings.
- He Caitou revealed his Cigar Martial Soul.
- Chen Junting unleashed the Seven Kill Sword's second verse—"Seven Emotions, Seven Wounds"—stirring Xuan Zi's sorrow and breaking his focus for a split second.
Even Xuan Zi was stunned. Upon learning of He Caitou's Cigar Martial Soul, he nearly poached him for the Martial Soul Department—though he ultimately relented with a wistful sigh.
Through this grueling regimen, the nine felt themselves grow stronger daily.
---
Third Week – Soul Arena
As scheduled, the nine arrived—only to find more than just Xuan Zi waiting.
Seven crimson-uniformed students watched them. Familiar faces all.
Chen Junting's lips curved upward.
Except for Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng, the other five had all fallen to their second-year squad in the class promotion exam.
Thankfully, Wang Lian hadn't been replaced by Ma Xiaotao back then. With her overwhelming power, flight capability, and Soul Emperor cultivation, they'd have stood no chance.
"Well, well—long time no see, juniors!"
Gongyang Mo broke the ice with a grin, triggering the others to approach. Even the aloof Ling Luochen joined in—only Dai Yueheng hesitated before following suit.
Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi blinked in confusion. Were these seniors... friendly now? Did beating us forge some bizarre bond?
But their confusion soon cleared.
- Xi Xi and Jiang Nannan—both Agility Attack Soul Masters—chatted animatedly.
- Ling Luochen cornered Huo Yuhao, probing his second martial soul. Wang Dong instantly sidled over, protective.
- Chen Zifeng and Gongyang Mo engaged Chen Junting and Ning Tian in martial soul discussions, pulling Wu Feng into the conversation.
"Junior," Chen Zifeng beamed at Chen Junting, "now we can finally have a proper duel!"
The special exam had left him bitter—he'd surrendered gracefully, but craved a true clash with the Seven Kill Sword.
"I'd be honored," Chen Junting replied, equally eager. He'd only scratched the surface of Soulchasing Sword's killing intent, and worthy sword-soul opponents were rare.
Meanwhile, Bei Bei, He Caitou, and Xu Sanshi stood awkwardly aside—until Dai Yueheng approached, easing their discomfort.
"Three juniors—I have questions," Dai Yueheng said, curious why his fusion-skill-wielding brother hadn't made the reserve team, and why there were nine members. From their answers, he learned of Xuan Zi's free-for-all, Dai Huabin's shattered fusion skill, and He Caitou/Wu Feng's "rotating reserve" status.
"That's… very him," Dai Yueheng chuckled, careful not to name Xuan Zi outright.
He then quizzed He Caitou on soul engineering—until He Caitou asked delicately, "I heard you once had a Soul Engineering senior… but now?"
Dai Yueheng's eyes flickered toward Ma Xiaotao. "Wang Lian was cut after Ma Xiaotao returned. She's captain now."
He Caitou frowned. Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi exchanged glances—they'd caught Dai Yueheng's resentment. The main team wasn't as united as it seemed.
Amidst the lively mingling, Ma Xiaotao stood apart—conflicted, then stoic, watching coldly.
"Ahem!" Xuan Zi coughed, signaling business.
Silence fell.
"You know the next Continental Team Competition is in ten days," Xuan Zi announced. "Though you're familiar—even fought—today's meeting ensures the revised main team and new reserve team fully understand each other's abilities."
He turned to the reserves. "Normally, reserves just cheer. But your strength surpasses 40% of all academies. If we face weaker opponents, you'll compete for experience."
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