"Alright, let the reserve team introduce yourselves first," Xuan Zi announced, turning to Chen Junting's group. "Hold nothing back—especially you, Soul Engineer."
All Inner Court students' eyes snapped to He Caitou—he was clearly the focus.
Flustered under their stares, He Caitou scratched his head, glancing around to deflect attention.
Chen Junting stepped in smoothly. "Senior He, since our seniors are so curious about your martial soul, why don't you go first?"
He Caitou hesitated, then warmed at the group's encouraging nods. "I'm He Caitou, fifth-year Soul Engineering Outer Court, Level 4 Soul Engineer. My martial soul is Cigar, and I'm Level 41."
Cigar!?
"You're a Food-type soul master!?" The Inner Court students gaped, eyeing his burly frame skeptically. He looked more like a Strong Attack Soul Master!
"What do your soul skills do?" Gongyang Mo's eyes sparkled with fascination.
He Caitou shivered—that look was unnerving—and rushed to answer: "They sharpen focus, amplify strength and defense, and reduce soul power consumption. About… 10% effectiveness, per Elder Xuan's assessment."
Genius!
A talent rivaling Ancestor Oscar!
Xuan Zi watched the Inner Court's mix of awe and regret, hiding a smirk behind his wine gourd. Now you feel my pain—finding a Food-type prodigy, only for Elder Mu to forbid recruitment.
He tore into his roast chicken and pointed at Chen Junting. "Brat, you're next. Go by Level: strongest first—you, the girl, then…"
Under Xuan Zi's direction, no one held back.
Chen Junting stepped forward, calm and poised.
"I'm Chen Junting, second-year Martial Soul Outer Court. Martial soul: Seven Kill Sword. Level 46 Strong Attack Soul Ancestor."
Next, the elegant Ning Tian:
"I'm Ning Tian, second-year Martial Soul Outer Court. Martial soul: Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. Level 45 Support Tool Soul Ancestor."
The Inner Court seniors reeled. They knew these two were Soul Ancestors—but their ranks topped the entire reserve team? At this pace, Soul Saints by their age seemed possible.
Then came Bei Bei's trio:
"Xu Sanshi, fifth-year, Xuan Wu Tortoise Shield, Level 43 Defense Battle Soul Ancestor."
"Bei Bei, fifth-year, Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, Level 42 Strong Attack Soul Ancestor."
"Jiang Nannan, fifth-year, Soft Bone Rabbit, Level 41 Agility Attack Battle Soul Ancestor."
The Inner Court nodded—these ranks were expected.
Finally, Wu Feng's group:
"I'm Wu Feng, second-year, Crimson Dragon, Level 33 Strong Attack Soul Master," she declared, fiery confidence turning heads.
Another Ma Xiaotao in five years, the six Inner Court members silently agreed.
Then Huo Yuhao—freshly promoted to Level 3 Soul Engineer—stepped up:
"Huo Yuhao, second-year. Twin martial souls: Spirit Eyes and Ice Jade Scorpion. Level 32 Control/Strong Attack Soul Master, Level 3 Soul Engineer."
"Wang Dong, second-year. Twin martial souls: Radiant Goddess Butterfly and Hao Tian Hammer. Level 31 Strong Attack Soul Master."
The Inner Court exhaled in relief. Finally—normal second-years. Those first two were monsters.
But then reality hit:
Twin martial souls… Ultimate Ice… the legendary Hao Tian Hammer…
Their faces paled.
These two… aren't human either.
After the reserves finished, Xuan Zi turned to Ma Xiaotao. "Xiao Tao—you're up."
Thus, Chen Junting's group learned the Inner Court's details:
- Ma Xiaotao, Fire Phoenix, Level 68 Strong Attack Soul Emperor.
- Dai Yueheng, White Tiger, Level 64 Strong Attack Soul Emperor.
- Gongyang Mo, Rainbow Dragon, Level 59 Support…
Ma Xiaotao's rank left all but Chen Junting and Ning Tian breathless.
Chen Junting knew: Only by consuming the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower's essence to resolve her Evil Fire could she reach Level 68 so soon.
With introductions done, Xuan Zi cut to the chase: A friendly match to deepen their familiarity from the class promotion exam.
"Ma Xiaotao's team versus Dai Yueheng's team," he declared. "But first—He Caitou and Wu Feng sit out. Ma Xiaotao, you're higher-ranked: take only two main team members—second pick. Dai Yueheng, you take three. Mix reserve and main team members."
"Begin."
Xuan Zi vanished. Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng locked eyes, then split apart.
"Captain," Dai Yueheng smirked, stressing the title, "I'll take Gongyang Mo and Ning Tian."
Ma Xiaotao's eyes narrowed. He's not convinced about losing the captaincy—but with his lower Level, this is his play: stacking top-tier supports to close the gap.
Her original plan—to grab two supports and obliterate his team—was ruined.
Damn him!
"Ma Xiaotao—your turn," Dai Yueheng taunted.
"No need to remind me," she hissed, snatching Yao Haoxuan for her team. Then, spotting Ling Luochen, she flashed a wicked grin. "I'll take Huo Yuhao."
Dai Yueheng's triumphant smile transferred to Ma Xiaotao's face. With Huo Yuhao on her team, Ling Luochen's control abilities were half-crippled—just as in the special exam.
When Dai Yueheng's turn came, he picked Chen Junting first.
Then, hesitating between Chen Zifeng and Xi Xi, he nearly skipped Ling Luochen—until Chen Junting murmured, "Senior, pick Senior Sister Ling."
"Huh?" Dai Yueheng frowned. "Are you sure? Ling Luochen's martial soul is crushed by Huo Yuhao's Ultimate Ice. She's half-useless—just like your strategy in the special exam."
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