"Challenge Yu Tianheng?"
The three academy elders all showed a trace of surprise in their eyes.
Yu Tianheng was a direct descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan, known for his powerful physique and lightning-based attacks! His soul power had already reached Level 39,eight levels higher than Yang Yunhai. With Yang Yunhai's spirit control abilities, could he really stand a chance?
They felt it would be a tough match.
Exchanging glances, Meng Shenji, the chairman of the committee, turned to look at "Xue Qinghe."
Qian Renxue simply smiled. "It seems I am fortunate today to witness a battle between prodigies."
Meng Shenji stroked his beard and smiled. "I believe, with Yang Yunhai's strength, he will surely gain the recognition of the entire team through this sparring session."
Then he turned to his side. "Zhi Lin, would you mind informing Instructor Qin Ming personally?"
"Alright." The other elder nodded and stood up.
At this moment, Yang Yunhai suddenly interjected, "There's another personal matter I hope the three elders can approve."
"Oh? Please speak, Student Yang," Meng Shenji responded immediately.
"My martial soul is Blue Silver Grass, but it also carries a lightning attribute, which makes my cultivation path quite unique. Unfortunately, the academy's simulated environments aren't suitable for my training. So, I hope the three elders can help me find a quiet place in the nearby mountains where Blue Silver Grass grows for my daily cultivation." Yang Yunhai continued, "Also, I'd like to request that the fact my martial soul possesses a lightning attribute be kept secret,for now. I ask that the three elders and His Highness the Prince not tell anyone."
"This includes the team's leader and its members."
"If even the team doesn't know, then other Soul Master Tournament teams certainly won't know either."
Upon hearing this, Meng Shenji's eyes lit up, and his impression of Yang Yunhai improved. Stroking his beard, he smiled and said, "Student Yang is thoughtful. Of course we support your request. As for your training ground, don't worry,I'll arrange it as soon as possible."
Qian Renxue also smiled. "Rest assured, Brother Yang, I will keep this secret for you."
This Yang Yunhai... even smarter than I expected, she thought to herself.
"Then I thank Your Highness and the three elders," Yang Yunhai said with a polite bow.
It was likely that Qin Ming would accompany the Heaven Dou team to Shrek later. Yang Yunhai simply didn't want his martial soul's lightning attribute exposed too early,especially not to Tang San and the others.
After all, they would be future opponents.
"Haha, of course," Meng Shenji laughed. "Student Yang is doing this for the betterment of the academy's team. Naturally, we support it." Although he didn't know the true strength of Yang Yunhai's lightning attribute, keeping such a trump card hidden could certainly provide a tactical advantage.
Just knowing that possibility was enough.
Zhi Lin, who had already stood up, smiled slightly and exchanged glances with Meng Shenji. He bowed slightly to "Xue Qinghe" and then turned to leave.
About fifteen minutes later, footsteps echoed outside the door.
"Looks like they're back," Meng Shenji smiled as the door opened. Qin Ming entered with Zhi Lin, prompting Meng Shenji to rise from his seat. "Student Yang, let me introduce you. This is Instructor Qin Ming, the leader of our Heaven Dou Team One. We three elders fully recognize his teaching ability."
Yang Yunhai stood and politely cupped his hands. "Greetings, Instructor Qin."
"No need to be so formal," Qin Ming replied with a warm smile, speaking straightforwardly. "Elder Zhi Lin has already briefed me on your martial soul's capabilities."
"To be honest, Student Yang, your spirit control ability is exactly what our team lacks. We welcome you to join. As for the sparring match, Elder Zhi Lin has also informed me. Since you're willing, I think it's a great opportunity for the team to see your skills and get familiar with your soul techniques. So, I've already agreed to it. The team is currently waiting at the training field. We can go anytime."
"Haha, excellent," Meng Shenji joined in.
"There's still time before lunch break. After the spar, Instructor Qin, you can take Student Yang and Student Zhuqing to the team dorms to familiarize themselves, and maybe share a meal together,help them bond."
"Exactly what I was thinking," Qin Ming nodded with a smile.
"Then, shall we go, Student Yang, Student Zhuqing?" Meng Shenji turned to Yang Yunhai.
"Alright," Yang Yunhai replied concisely with a nod.
The group then set off, following Qin Ming to a dedicated training ground built for the team.
The field was an oval-shaped area with a track around the perimeter. Benches were placed at intervals for resting, with shade canopies on both sides. The center was stone-paved and bore many signs of battle,clearly a combat arena.
"So basic…" Yang Yunhai thought to himself. Scanning the area, he didn't see any training equipment.
This was supposed to be a training ground? For the Empire's Royal Academy?
Thinking of the original novel, where the master Yu Xiaogang devised tough training programs for Shrek, he was momentarily speechless.
Lost in thought, he followed Qin Ming toward the canopy on the right.
Meanwhile, under the canopy on the other side, the team members of Heaven Dou were already watching them approach.
"That's Yang Yunhai? He's really a guy?" Oslo's eyes widened in disbelief.
"No wonder Elder Zhi Lin told Instructor Qin to remind us not to get it wrong. It's absurd,a guy looking that good?"
Beside him, Yufeng, Shimo, and Shimo's twin brother nodded silently, glancing at Zhu Zhuqing with envy.
"Hmph, just a pretty boy," Dugu Yan scoffed. "He looks weak, and he dares to challenge Tianheng? Overestimating himself. Blue Silver Grass is such a trash martial soul,I don't believe it could be powerful."
Yu Tianheng shook his head. "If Elder Zhi Lin personally came to notify Instructor Qin, then he must be something special."
With that, he stood up. "We'll be teammates from now on. Let's go greet them."
Seeing this, Dugu Yan said nothing more and followed along.
Soon, the two groups met.
"Greetings, elders. Greetings, Your Highness," the Heaven Dou team bowed respectfully.
"No need for formalities. I'm only here by coincidence," Qian Renxue replied with a casual smile, waving her hand.
Qin Ming then spoke. "Let me introduce everyone. This is Yang Yunhai, the student I mentioned before. Beside him is his companion, Zhu Zhuqing. Starting today, both will be joining our team."
Zhi Lin, a Contra, had already sensed Zhu Zhuqing's soul power level and had previously informed Qin Ming of her identity and martial soul. He also believed she'd be a good reserve member for the team.
"Yang Yunhai. Greetings, seniors," Yang Yunhai said with a polite bow.
Zhu Zhuqing followed suit, bowing slightly. "Greetings, seniors."
"No need for formality. I'm Yu Tianheng, captain of the team. Welcome to both of you," Yu Tianheng said with a smile.
"Welcome, welcome!" Oslo chimed in.
The other male teammates echoed the sentiment. Only Dugu Yan and the usually quiet Ye Lingling responded with a simple nod or smile.
Seeing this, Qin Ming smiled and continued, "Alright then, Tianheng."
Yu Tianheng immediately understood and cupped his hands toward Yang Yunhai. "Junior, please."
"Please," Yang Yunhai replied in kind.
"Everyone, let's head to the canopy to watch," Qin Ming said.
"Alright," Meng Shenji nodded slightly, and the group followed him to the seating area.
Soon after, everyone was seated.
Meanwhile, Yang Yunhai and Yu Tianheng walked toward the center of the arena.
Seeing them standing face-to-face, Qin Ming began officiating.
"Both sides, please show proper sparring etiquette and prepare your martial souls for battle," he said in a loud, clear voice.
"Senior Tianheng, I ask for your guidance," Yang Yunhai bowed slightly, cupping his hands.
"You're too polite, junior. It's just a friendly match,let's learn from each other," Yu Tianheng replied with a polite smile.
"Well said, senior," Yang Yunhai nodded.
With that, both withdrew their hands, straightened their backs, and activated their martial souls almost simultaneously. Yang Yunhai stood still as his soul rings appeared, blue silver grass vines dancing in his palm. On the other side, Yu Tianheng, with a beast-type martial soul, took a standard combat stance.
"Begin!" Qin Ming's voice rang out.
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