While Yun Yibai and Yang Wudi were out hunting for Yun Yibai's fifth soul ring, over in the Heaven Dou Empire, within the Barak Kingdom's Soto City Great Spirit Arena, a thrilling 7-man team battle had just concluded.
"Hahaha! Teacher Qin, I didn't expect such a small place to have such a strong team! They gave us quite the challenge."
Yu Tianheng laughed cheerfully as he and the rest of the team returned to the resting lounge.
Qin Ming wore a gentle smile on his face. In his eyes, this had been a very satisfying outcome—even if the opposing team had been from his old alma mater, Shrek Academy.
Yu Tianheng and his team defeating Shrek Academy only validated his teaching ability, so he had no complaints.
"The boss is right. They even had a Martial Soul Fusion Technique—if not for that, we would've won more easily!"
"Yeah, and that Blue Silver Grass soul master… his movements were strange, really tricky."
"They're still so young and already close to Soul Elders. If they reach our age, we might not be a match for them at all."
"Hahaha! You're talking about my junior brothers and sisters, you know!"
Qin Ming laughed heartily.
"Do you remember the name of the team you fought?"
"Shrek Team?" Oslo muttered.
"That's right. I graduated from that very academy!" Qin Ming said, a nostalgic expression appearing on his face.
He sighed softly and continued, "Shrek Academy may be small in scale, but the teachers there are all exceptional soul masters. My teacher back then was none other than Principal Flender, one of the members of the famed Golden Iron Triangle. He was known as the Soaring Horn, a top-tier Agility Attack-type Soul Sage. His strength and vision were first-class."
Yu Tianheng was visibly surprised. He hadn't expected his respected teacher Qin Ming to have such a deep connection with Shrek Academy.
"So... that means we just defeated your alma mater?"
Shi Mo frowned slightly. He wasn't a fan of fighting against those closely tied to his mentors.
"You could say that. But on the path of soul masters, strength is all that matters—sentiment has no place. You all performed very well today. Facing such strong opponents, you remained calm and secured the win."
Qin Ming nodded in satisfaction. He knew just how important mental composure was for a soul master.
In the Heaven Dou Team's lounge, the atmosphere relaxed a bit.
"Come on, let me introduce you to them," Qin Ming added with a smile. The thought of seeing his old mentor and fellow students brightened his mood.
Currently, the Heaven Dou Team included Yu Tianheng, now at Soul Ancestor level, and six other Soul Elders: the Shi Brothers (Shi Mo and Shi Mo), Oslo, Yu Feng, Yuan Qingfeng, and Li Qinglin.
Thanks to Yun Yibai's influence, Yu Tianheng had advanced into the Soul Ancestor realm at this stage.
As for Ye Lingling… just like how Yun Yibai had his eyes on Feng Xiaotian, someone had also set their sights on her—though who exactly, well, that's an interesting story for another time.
Meanwhile, in Shrek Academy's lounge, the mood was much heavier.
"I can't believe we lost…"
Dai Mubai said softly, his eyes filled with frustration.
Tang San gently patted his shoulder to console him. "It's alright, Boss Dai. It was just one battle—we'll have plenty more chances. And honestly, we learned a lot from today's fight."
Xiao Wu pouted defiantly. "That Yu Tianheng and his Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul is strong, but it's not like we had no shot. Next time, we'll give them a proper fight!"
Ma Hongjun looked remorseful. "If I had moved just a little faster, maybe I could've caught them off guard with a surprise attack…"
At that moment, Principal Flender walked in. Seeing the dejected expressions on everyone's faces, he smiled warmly and said,
"Alright, kids. Victory and defeat are part of a soul master's life. You all did very well today—especially given the strength of your opponents. I'm proud of every one of you."
Hearing Flender's encouragement, everyone's spirits lifted a little. No matter the outcome, they knew their teachers and principal were always behind them.
"You all fought excellently today."
Alongside Flender was Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang.
"Your opponents included a Soul Ancestor with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul, and the rest of their team were all above level 35 Soul Elders."
"They had greater soul power and high-quality Martial Souls. The fact that you fought them to such an extent already exceeded my expectations."
"Principal Flender, Teacher, what should we do next?"
Tang San asked earnestly. He understood that failure wasn't scary—what mattered was whether they could learn and grow from it.
Yu Xiaogang answered, "Next, you'll need to review today's battle. Identify your weaknesses. Focus your training and strengthen your foundations."
"Once we get back, you'll have a short break, then I'll decide when your next training phase begins."
"…"
Just as he was about to continue, a knock came at the lounge door.
Ma Hongjun got up and opened it.
Standing outside were the Heaven Dou Team and Qin Ming. Qin Ming stepped forward, looked at Flender, and greeted with a respectful smile:
"Principal Flender, Vice Principal Zhao Wuji—it's been a while. Disciple Qin Ming pays his respects."
"Good kid! So it was you!"
Zhao Wuji laughed.
"You're the one leading the Heaven Dou Team now? Hahahaha!"
Flender adjusted his glasses slightly and said, "Looks like you're doing pretty well for yourself."
Qin Ming stood respectfully, hands by his sides. "No matter what, the two of you will always be my teachers. I will always be a disciple of Shrek Academy."
"Uncle!"
Suddenly, Yu Tianheng cried out. He had just spotted Yu Xiaogang standing in the room.
"Tian… Tianheng…"
Yu Xiaogang's lips moved slightly. He had originally planned to speak with Yu Tianheng after the match—letting the young man seek him out first would have been better for maintaining authority.
But now that Tianheng had greeted him first, the dynamic had shifted.
"You've grown, Tianheng. Not bad—you're already a Soul Ancestor. The most promising younger member of the clan right now," Yu Xiaogang said with quiet pride.
"Well… Uncle, I might not be the most outstanding one," Tianheng replied modestly.
"Oh?" Yu Xiaogang's interest was piqued.
But before he could pursue it, Yu Tianheng chose not to elaborate—there were outsiders present. Yu Xiaogang wisely didn't press.
The meeting between the Heaven Dou and Shrek teams marked a turning point: Shrek Academy would soon be heading to Heaven Dou City.
And as for the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament—
It was now just a little over a year away.