"Yu Feng, Oslo, as Agility Attack System Soul Masters, your speed is undeniable. However, your weakness is a glaring lack of explosive attack power. At your current level, you can only harass the opponent from the sidelines without dealing a finishing blow."
Lin Mu looked at the two speedsters, a hint of professional critique in his eyes. The Royal Fighting Team was supposed to be the cream of the crop from the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, yet their lineup was inefficient. Carrying two agility types who couldn't secure kills was a waste of slots.
"In the upcoming Continental Tournament, it is highly likely that only one of you will be on the starting roster at any given time," Lin Mu said unequivocally. "Therefore, you are no longer just teammates; you are direct competitors. Whoever performs better in training will earn the right to play."
Yu Feng and Oslo exchanged stunned glances. Their years of brotherhood were suddenly complicated by the cold reality of professional sports.
"Brother Lin's arrangement is truly insightful," Xue Qinghe remarked, nodding in approval. "Internal competition breeds excellence. I admire your decisiveness!"
Xue Qinghe knew the team had plateaued under the previous system. Lin Mu's survival of the fittest approach was exactly what the Royal Academy needed to shake off its noble complacency.
"Your Highness is too kind," Lin Mu replied perfunctorily. His gaze then shifted to the two brothers standing silently at the rear: Shi Mò and Shi Mó.
These two were arguably the most underrated assets in the entire academy.
"Shi Mò, Shi Mó, whether we can actually win the championship depends entirely on the two of you."
The statement sent a shockwave through the group. Even the Shi brothers looked at each other in bewilderment. Why were they, the defensive anchors, being called the key to victory over the star attackers?
"Both of you possess the Black Turtle, a Martial Soul with the absolute pinnacle of defensive quality. More importantly, you are blood brothers. This makes you the ideal candidates to develop a Martial Soul Fusion Skill."
The brothers' eyes ignited with fervor. A Martial Soul Fusion Skill! If they could pull it off, their combined power wouldn't just be a shield; it would be a fortress that no one below the Soul Saint rank could breach.
"The key to a Fusion Skill is absolute trust," Lin Mu continued. "From today onward, you will eat, sleep, and train as one. Every night, you must synchronize your Soul Power. I will provide the cultivation method to guide your energies into a singular resonance."
"Yes, Teacher Lin Mu!" the brothers roared in unison, their respect for their new leader reaching a fever pitch.
Qin Ming, watching from the side, felt a deep sense of humility. 'I only saw them as shields; Lin Mu sees them as a trump card.'
"Teacher Lin Mu," Dugu Yan interjected, pointing to the quiet girl in the back with a playful smirk. "You haven't mentioned Lingling yet. What's her special training?"
"Lingling possesses the Nine-Hearted Begonia. Her healing is unmatched. In battle, your only job is to ensure her safety. Her effectiveness depends on your ability to protect her," Lin Mu said, his gaze softening slightly as it met Ye Lingling's expectant, shy blue eyes. "As for her specific technique... I will instruct her privately."
Yu Tianheng and the others looked on with envy, while Dugu Yan's smile became more meaningful. It was clear to everyone that the private instruction wasn't just about Soul Power.
Meanwhile, at Shrek Academy...
Under Yu Xiaogang's "Master" arrangement, Dai Mubai and the other four students had begun their Devil Training.
Under a merciless, scorching sun, the students were forced to carry heavy baskets of stones while running laps around the village. Sweat soaked their clothes, and the dust of the road turned into mud on their skin.
"This 'Master'..." Dai Mubai muttered, his veins bulging with effort. "He's only Level 29 himself. Why did the Dean put him in charge of our training? Sparring is one thing, but what is the point of this mindless manual labor?"
Beside him, Oscar looked like a walking corpse. As a Food System Soul Master, his stamina was nonexistent. "Brother Dai... stop talking... save your breath... I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel... and it's a funeral."
Ning Rongrong, her noble temper finally snapping, threw her basket to the ground with a loud thud. "I'm the princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect! I didn't come here to be a pack mule!"
Only Zhu Zhuqing and Ma Hongjun continued without complaint. Zhu Zhuqing's eyes remained icy and focused, her breathing rhythmic despite the exhaustion. Ma Hongjun, as Yu Xiaogang's personal disciple, was suffering the most. His load was equal to Dai Mubai's, despite being younger and heavier.
"Teacher... you're actually going to kill me," Ma Hongjun wheezed. He only kept going because of the True Fire Phoenix dream Yu Xiaogang had told him.
In the distance, Flender watched his students with a pained expression. "Xiaogang, is this really necessary? They are Soul Masters, not coolies."
Yu Xiaogang stood with his hands behind his back, looking profoundly wise.
"Brother Flender, you see stones; I see character. This isn't about their muscles; it's about tempering their will. If they cannot endure a simple run, how will they survive a battle to the death?" He looked at Flender with absolute authority. "You gave me full control. Do not question the process. When I am done, you will see a team of real warriors."
Flender sighed, looking at the exhausted children, and chose to trust his brother's expertise one more time.