"We're all ready now!"
"This time, as we head to Heaven Dou City to compete, we represent Monster Academy!"
"We must let the world know—our strength is not to be underestimated!"
"Let's move out!"
Lin Feng stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across every team member as he declared loudly.
"Yes!"
The group responded in unison, their voices resounding across the training ground, leaving a lingering echo.
Then, the team marched proudly out of the academy gates, heading toward Heaven Dou City.
"Monster Academy, good luck!"
"Monster Academy, you're the pride of our city! Bring that championship home!"
As they stepped outside, members of the Lin Clan and the city's residents lined the streets, cheering them on with great enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, other academies were also making their final preparations for the tournament in Heaven Dou City.
Upon hearing that Monster Academy would be participating, Elephant Armored Academy was unsurprised—but extremely wary.
"This Monster Academy just popped up out of nowhere. That's one less opportunity for us now."
"Everyone needs to stay on high alert. We absolutely can't let our guard down."
A teacher furrowed his brows, speaking to his students with deep concern.
At Godwind Academy—
"There are five qualifying slots—Godwind Academy is taking one of them for sure!"
"That so-called Monster Academy is just a bunch of newcomers. Nothing to be afraid of!"
Standing tall and proud, Godwind Academy's team captain boasted loudly.
Meanwhile, at Blazing Academy—
Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang had just returned, and were greeted by their father, Huo Long, and several teachers, all smiling warmly.
"Grandpa!"
"Hahaha, my precious daughter, you're finally back! You've grown into a fine young lady!"
"And all of you—look how much you've changed."
Huo Long beamed with joy, stepping forward with eyes full of pride.
"Dean, teachers! My soul power is now Rank 44!"
Before anyone could even ask, Xiao Huo excitedly announced.
"Twenty-two years old and already a Soul Ancestor? Very impressive."
"Huo Liu, what about you?"
Huo Long nodded approvingly, then turned toward Vice-Captain Huo Liu.
"Dean, I've reached Rank 43."
Huo Liu replied calmly.
The remaining five members followed suit, reporting their levels one by one.
"Dean, I'm at Rank 41."
"I'm Rank 38."
…
"What?!"
"Three Soul Ancestors and four Soul Elders—did I hear that right? Heavens above, Blazing Academy is thriving!"
"Seriously! When have we ever had such a stacked lineup in our team?"
"Three innately Rank 7 students already Soul Ancestors—and even the Rank 6 ones are at 38? Goodness! Is this what they call Monster Academy?"
"Incredible!"
The teachers were initially shocked, then broke into wide grins of joy.
"Excellent! At this rate, Blazing Academy is going to make a name for itself in the tournament—maybe even take the championship!"
Huo Long couldn't hide his excitement.
However, the members of the Blazing Team looked a bit awkward hearing their praise.
"Father, with this strength… we don't even rank in Monster Academy."
Huo Wu shook her head, stepping forward helplessly.
"What do you mean, 'don't rank'?"
"Huo Wu, do you even know how strong this is? None of the other four Elemental Academies have ever had such a powerful lineup!"
Everyone was stunned.
"Teachers, don't you see? We only improved this much just from a short exchange program with Monster Academy."
"Imagine how strong their actual team members must be."
"For them, a Soul Ancestor is considered entry-level."
"Especially that one named Lin Jian—he's already a Soul King!"
"And then there's Lin Xue…"
Huo Wu went on to detail the key members of Monster Academy's team, leaving everyone utterly speechless.
"She's right, Father. We still have a long way to go."
Beside her, Huo Wushuang—who had remained silent—nodded in agreement.
At Monster Academy, he had truly come to understand the phrase: "There's always someone stronger out there."
"Do your best. At the very least, within the Five Elemental Academies, we still hold a great advantage—we've secured the top position."
After a brief pause, Huo Long comforted them with a firm tone.
The team members nodded one after another, their smiles gradually returning.
Meanwhile, Huo Long felt a sense of relief deep down.
If his daughter hadn't insisted on going to Monster Academy, he never would've realized the gap between them.
Now that the team had returned from the exchange, their strength had undergone a qualitative leap.
Clearly, it was time to start preparing the next batch of exchange students.
---
Half a day later — outside the preliminary arena on the north side of Heaven Dou City.
"We're finally here."
Dugu Yan stretched and leaned out the carriage window, gazing at the bustling crowd in the distance.
"Yeah, this year's prelims are being held on the north side. They used to be on the south."
"I heard it's because the finals will be hosted in Heaven Dou City, so the south side is currently being renovated."
Liu Erlong explained to her with a smile.
"Let's get off the carriage."
Lin Feng added casually.
"Okay!"
Xiao Wu perked up and hopped off the carriage cheerfully.
Soon, the group—including the academy's team members—gathered in front of the venue entrance.
"Teacher Flender, you and the others take our team to rest at a hotel near the Lin Clan compound."
"The prelims start tomorrow, so everyone must rest well tonight."
"Yan'er and I will walk around a bit."
Lin Feng issued his instructions.
"Yes."
Flender bowed respectfully.
Ever since he had been granted the [Loyalty] trait, he had become much more respectful and well-behaved—though few noticed the change.
"Ah, it's been so long since we last got to go out like this."
As the others left, Dugu Yan finally let out a sigh of relief.
"Yeah, Sister Yan."
"I haven't really explored Heaven Dou City either."
Xiao Wu added excitedly.
"How about we go shopping? The Lin Clan owns a lot of businesses here."
"Lin Feng, if we use your name as Young Master, do you think we'll get a discount?"
Dugu Yan suddenly flashed a sly smile, leaning in close.
"Uh… cough!"
"Yan'er, if you're saying that, you already know the answer."
"Just charge it to Second Uncle. We can save where we can, but spend when we want—right?"
"Hehe, I was waiting for you to say that."
Dugu Yan's expression flipped instantly. She gleefully took the Young Master token from Lin Feng's hand.
"Xiao Wu, Lingling, Auntie Erlong—let's go!"
"I'll pass. I'll stay by the Young Master's side."
Liu Erlong responded calmly.
Right now, she only wanted to stay close to Lin Feng—and protect him.
"Alright then!"
"Hey, what about me?"
Ma Hongjun called out anxiously from behind.
"You? Just stay with the Young Master."
"Let the girls do girl things—don't butt in."
Xiao Wu puffed out her cheeks as she teased.
"Aww… alright."
Rejected, Ma Hongjun sulked and lowered his head.
After they left, Yu Kuang quietly began tailing them from the shadows.
One of his current missions was to ensure the safety of the girls.
Over the past four years, with the Young Master's help, his soul power had reached Rank 55.
In terms of raw combat strength, he might not match Lin Jian.
But when it came to agility, even Lin Jian had to admit defeat—Yu Kuang was the fastest by far.
---
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