Not long after leaving the academy's conference room, while walking along a quiet path on campus, Lin Fan spotted Zhu Zhuqing up ahead, her expression as cold and aloof as ever.
"This little girl again… What does she want now?"
Lin Fan muttered inwardly, maintaining his usual cold persona as he walked past her.
As he tried to walk around her, Zhu Zhuqing suddenly asked two sharp questions:
"Lin Xuan, didn't your uncle mention me?"
"Where is he currently in seclusion?"
Lin Fan replied calmly,
"So you're the female disciple my uncle mentioned? You do have some talent."
"As for where he's training... I'm not sure myself."
"If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way."
He turned to leave, not wanting to get into a long conversation. After all, the more you say, the more likely you slip up.
But Zhu Zhuqing pressed on,
"Wait! Did your uncle not say anything special about me?"
Elsewhere, Yu Xiaogang was explaining to the team:
"Tian Dou Empire's Royal First Team is also competing, but they only participate in the playoffs and finals—not the preliminary or ranking rounds."
"The Royal Hunting Ground has been modified. Although there's a toxic mist barrier, only soul masters above Soul Saint level can enter."
Later, the Shrek group was assigned military camp quarters alongside other qualifying teams.
"Military barracks?" Dai Mubai asked, a little surprised.
At the edge of the forested area were rows of carriages drawn by soul beasts, escorted by soldiers.
In one corner, Dugu Bo noticed Lin Fan had already arrived and silently observed the area—no wonder he had occasionally spotted him during battles in the arena.
The entire Royal Hunting Ground was tightly sealed, guarded by many empire troops. Each team had its own assigned camp within a well-secured area.
"Let them be." Dugu Bo casually found a quiet platform to sit and meditate.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing confronted Yu Xiaogang and asked:
"If you can't perform a Spirit Fusion Technique, how do you expect to beat us?"
Yu Xiaogang responded flatly,
"Fusion techniques require not just compatibility of martial souls, but also emotional resonance. If two people don't share a deep enough bond, even if they manage to merge martial spirits, the power is limited."
Zhu Zhuqing lowered her eyes.
"With our identities, seeking personal freedom is a luxury…" she said with a bitter smile before turning and walking away.
The Royal Hunting Grounds had been adapted to accommodate the elite teams. While minimal in structure, each kingdom and duchy was given a set space for their respective teams.
"Welcome, Shrek Academy, to the Royal Hunting Grounds," said an official upon their arrival.
Flender's team, known as Frander Academy in official registration, checked in and was guided to their designated camp.
Later that evening, Lin Fan quietly slipped away and entered the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well to rest.
Some background logistics were explained:
The Heaven Dou Empire had eight competition zones: seven from various kingdoms and duchies, and one central zone directly under the empire.
Each of the seven external zones had two qualifying teams, while the central zone (Heaven Dou City) had seven due to its size and prominence.
With Tian Dou Royal First Team automatically advancing, that made seventeen teams, and with one extra directly under Spirit Hall's control, eighteen total teams were set for the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament Finals.
In Shrek's training schedule, Yu Xiaogang tailored different regimens based on each team member's strengths.
Back at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, Dugu Bo was surprised to see Lin Fan in his true form.
"You're here?"
Lin Fan nodded.
"Just avoiding trouble. I need some peace before the next stage of the tournament."
The day before the playoffs began, Bishop Salas had returned to the Spirit Temple to report recent developments. At the same time, Qian Renxue wrote to Bibi Dong, urging her not to harm Lin Fan's "nephew"—Lin Xuan.
This led Bibi Dong to deduce:
"So Lin Fan gave the Pope's Decree to his nephew. No wonder he said he'd show up at the finals..."
"Good. Once the finals end, I'll make sure Lin Fan has no choice but to come collect his precious nephew…"
At camp, Lin Fan, still avoiding everyone, continued meditating in the medicinal hot spring of the Ice and Fire Well.
Elsewhere, the Royal Empire's training coordinator explained:
"All expenses for your stay here are covered by the Empire."
"The location is secure, the mist barrier only allows high-ranking soul masters through, and the facilities have been specially adapted for your safety."
Eventually, Shrek's instructors gathered the team for a status check.
Yu Xiaogang, looking serious, turned to the group and said:
"Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing… You two have known each other for over a year now. Why haven't you achieved Ghost Nether White Tiger, your Spirit Fusion Technique?"
Zhu Zhuqing stayed silent, and so did Dai Mubai.
Lin Fan, walking past, threw a cold glance and muttered:
"If you two can't even complete a fusion technique after all this time, don't expect it to save you in battle."
Shrek's instructors sighed.
"Let it go. Fusion techniques aren't something to force. Even if they succeed now, the power will be limited without the emotional bond to back it up."
Thus, with camp settled and training underway, the playoffs drew closer.
The venue for the ranking tournament had been officially declared by Emperor Xue Ye—it would be held within the sealed grounds of the Royal Hunting Territory, and not open to the public.
Each kingdom and duchy would send their top two teams, while Heaven Dou City would send seven—including Shrek Academy.
The eighteen finalists would soon face off… and the continent would witness a new chapter in the Soul Master world.