Tianhai Stadium roared with energy—packed to the rafters.
Fang Yang's group stood ready—today, Donghai Academy would face Hailu City's Hailu Academy in the Three-Person Team Finals.
"Tang Wulin—WHERE IS HE?!"
Xie Xie paced frantically, eyes darting to the entrance.
"The team match starts any minute!"
"He'll come," Fang Yang said calmly from the sidelines.
"Forging ended moments ago—he's rushing here."
Just then—a familiar figure burst through the gates.
Tang Wulin sprinted in, sweat beading on his brow, clearly sprinting nonstop.
"Sorry I'm late!" he panted, apologetic smile on his face.
"FINALLY!" Xie Xie dramatically wiped his brow.
"We thought Senior Sister Mu Xi kidnapped you!"
Tang Wulin's ears turned pink. "I just won the Forging Championship and came straight here!"
"Champion?!" Xu Xiaoyan gasped, eyes sparkling. "Wulin—you're amazing!"
Fang Yang clapped his shoulder. "Well done. Now—focus on the team match."
Tang Wulin nodded fiercely, resolve blazing in his eyes. "I won't let you down!"
"Watch for their Martial Soul Fusion Skill," Fang Yang warned.
Tang Wulin froze, then grinned. "Got it."
Zhang Yangzi's eyes gleamed with battle-lust. "Wang Jinxi—let's show them whose fusion skill reigns!"
"Yes," Wang Jinxi growled—the silent giant finally animated.
---
VIP Box 1—Tianhai Stadium
Reserved for Tianhai City's elite, this box usually hosted federation officials during key matches.
Today, it held two heavyweight figures:
Long Huantian—Headmaster of Tianhai Intermediate Academy, Six-Ring Soul Emperor.
Zhang Zhenpeng—Headmaster of Hailu Intermediate Academy, also a Six-Ring Soul Emperor— here to secure Shrek Academy slots for his students.
"Brother Huantian," Zhang Zhenpeng cut straight to the chase, "My students are exceptional. Let's discuss allocating three slots to Hailu Academy."
Long Huantian frowned.
Shrek Academy recruited only every three years—Alliance cities nominated prodigies under 15, unique talents prioritized.
Tianhai Alliance's 120 slots were fiercely contested—Tianhai Academy alone claimed 20.
Other cities? 2–3 at best.
"Brother Zhenpeng," Long Huantian replied coolly, "Hailu always secures slots. Why negotiate?"
"Because I want Inner Court slots!" Zhang Zhenpeng hissed.
Long Huantian jolted upright, aura flaring.
"Inner Court?! Only five exist in the entire alliance!"
Their value was astronomical.
He leaned back, voice tight: "Currently… only Donghai Academy's prodigy qualifies."
"Donghai?" Zhang Zhenpeng scoffed, contempt dripping. "A Tier-2 backwater deserves an Inner Court slot?"
Long Huantian fell silent.
True—Donghai was small. Could they even protect such a precious slot?
Zhang Zhenpeng pressed his advantage:
"Brother Huantian—let's quietly reassign that slot. No one need know…"
(Shrek rewarded regions whose nominees entered the Inner Court with more slots later!)
Long Huantian's eyes narrowed.
"Risky. That Donghai genius might have hidden backing…"
"Brother Zhenpeng," he deflected, "Inner Court slots require Alliance Council approval—not mine alone."
Zhang Zhenpeng smiled thinly—he knew empty formalities when he heard them.
Long Huantian would never hand over the slot.
"Then at least consider my students for the remaining four slots!" Zhang Zhenpeng pushed. "Judge their performance today!"
"We'll see," Long Huantian murmured noncommittally.
The box's soul-guided glass shifted—live feed of the arena.
Below, both teams entered.
---
Arena Floor
Donghai Academy's trio ignited cheers—Fang Yang's annihilation of Ye Xinglan yesterday had made them legends.
Hailu Academy's all-female team drew equally loud applause:
Wang Dongqi (1.75m, slim, sharp-eyed)—Team Captain, Level 33 Assault Soul Elder, Martial Soul: Flash Thunder Sword.
Behind her—twin sisters Zhou Hanyou (blue hair, Ice Martial Soul, Level 32) and Zhou Tian'er (green hair, Wood Martial Soul, Level 31)—capable of Martial Soul Fusion.
"Donghai beating us? Delusional!" Zhang Zhenpeng boasted. "Hailu's victory is assured!"
Long Huantian studied Tang Wulin's group, brows furrowed.
"Is this Donghai's other team? Not the champion's squad?"
Zhang Zhenpeng hurried to brief him.
"Three! Two! One! BEGIN!"
The referee's voice shook the stadium.
The battle commenced!
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