After the reserve team members finished introducing themselves, it was naturally time for the main team members to take the stage. Unlike the reserve team, which was ordered by age, the main team was introduced based on strength and level.
The first to step forward was naturally the strongest—Ma Xiaotao. She took a step ahead, her pretty face flawless, and said calmly, "Inner Court, Ma Xiaotao, Rank 69 Assault-Type Battle Soul Emperor."
Though Ma Xiaotao's tone was calm, the seven reserve team members all revealed expressions of shock. They all knew the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament had an age restriction—the maximum age being twenty. This meant Ma Xiaotao hadn't even turned twenty and was already considered a Soul Emperor-level powerhouse. So this was what it meant to be an elite of Shrek's Inner Court?
Terrifying.
Immediately following her, Dai Yueheng took a step forward and said, "Inner Court, Dai Yueheng, Rank 65 Assault-Type Battle Soul Emperor."
Since Ma Xiaotao's overwhelming presence came first, Dai Yueheng's Rank 65 didn't seem quite as shocking. But Zhu Ziyang keenly noticed that Huo Yuhao's body trembled slightly, ever so subtly. Clearly, Dai Yueheng's appearance stirred something in his heart.
Then it was Zhu Ziyang's turn. He stepped forward with a slight smile and said, "Inner Court, Zhu Ziyang, Rank 63 Assault-Type Battle Soul Emperor."
Among the reserve team members, aside from Xiao Xiao and He Caitou, the other five had good relationships with Zhu Ziyang. Upon hearing his strength, their reactions varied.
Tang Ya's gaze brimmed with admiration and envy. She didn't think it was surprising for Zhu Ziyang to be a Soul Emperor at his age—she thought it was only natural. Her belief was simple: the prophet and mentor leading Tang Sect's revival should be exactly like this.
Beibei and Xu Sanshi exchanged a glance, both seeing helplessness and wry smiles in each other's eyes. They knew catching up to Zhu Ziyang would not be a matter of just three to five years.
As for Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong, this was the first time they learned Zhu Ziyang's true strength. To be honest, they were very shocked—even more than when they found out Ma Xiaotao's level. After all, they knew Zhu Ziyang was the same age as Tang Ya and the others—only around fifteen years old. A fifteen-year-old Soul Emperor. Even someone as proud as Wang Dong didn't believe he could reach Soul Emperor level by fifteen. Huo Yuhao developed a sense of admiration toward Zhu Ziyang from the bottom of his heart.
Following Zhu Ziyang was Gongyang Mo, who raised his orchid-like fingers and said, "Inner Court, Gongyang Mo, Rank 61 Support-Type Battle Soul Emperor."
Yes, Gongyang Mo had reached the Soul Emperor level—an on-the-spot breakthrough, so to speak. He had just returned from the Star Dou Forest the day before, and no one had had time yet to ask what his sixth soul skill was.
Next came Chen Zifeng and Ling Luochen, "Inner Court, Chen Zifeng, Rank 59 Assault-Type Battle Soul King."
"Inner Court, Ling Luochen, Rank 57 Control-Type Battle Soul King."
Finally, it was Jiang Nannan's turn. With a smile, she said, "Inner Court, Jiang Nannan, Rank 56 Agility-Type Battle Soul King." Jiang Nannan had only recently achieved her breakthrough.
After everyone had introduced themselves, Elder Xuan nodded slightly and said, "Alright, now that you've gotten acquainted, today's training assignment will be a sparring match to deepen your understanding of each other. After all, battle is the best way to build synergy."
"Of course, considering the unpredictability of the Soul Master Tournament, main and reserve team members may need to mix together. This is to ensure we have the best chance at winning the championship."
"Now we'll begin dividing teams. Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, each of you will lead a team. Gongyang Mo will join Ma Xiaotao's team. Zhu Ziyang will go to Dai Yueheng's team. Ma Xiaotao, you may pick two main team members and three reserve team members. For fairness, Dai Yueheng, you go first."
The named Zhu Ziyang, Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, and Gongyang Mo separated into two sides, facing each other. Dai Yueheng stepped forward and said, "Elder Xuan, for main team members, I choose Chen Zifeng."
"Luocheng, Nannan." Ma Xiaotao called out without hesitation. Her face showed a gleam of excitement—she had long wanted to spar with Zhu Ziyang. Elder Xuan's arrangement suited her perfectly.
"Alright, now select reserve team members." Elder Xuan said.
"My first reserve pick is Huo Yuhao," Dai Yueheng said. His choice surprised everyone—Ma Xiaotao even raised an eyebrow. Why did Dai Yueheng pick Huo Yuhao? It was simple curiosity. He wanted to know what kind of person could drive his foolish younger brother to use the family's influence.
Huo Yuhao silently walked over to Zhu Ziyang's side. His gaze briefly landed on Dai Yueheng, carrying a hint of scrutiny and confusion. But as soon as he saw Zhu Ziyang smile at him, he immediately returned the smile.
"Beibei, Xu Sanshi." Ma Xiaotao called out. Without hesitation, she picked these two twin stars of the Outer Court.
It was Dai Yueheng's turn again, but this time, he didn't speak immediately. Instead, he turned to Zhu Ziyang and asked, "Ziyang, I'll leave the remaining three picks to you."
"Alright, then we'll take Tang Ya, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao," Zhu Ziyang said directly without refusing.
Tang Ya, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao immediately joined their side. Tang Ya giggled and said, "Zhu Ziyang, you really have good taste!"
Two completely new teams were formed. One side had Zhu Ziyang, Dai Yueheng, Chen Zifeng, Tang Ya, Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao. The other had Ma Xiaotao, Jiang Nannan, Gongyang Mo, Ling Luochen, Beibei, Xu Sanshi, and He Caitou.
"Heh heh!" Elder Xuan looked at the teams and chuckled with satisfaction.
"Very good. Now that the teams are set, you have ten minutes to discuss strategy. After that, the match begins. The losing team will be punished—each person must loudly shout 'I am a pig.'"
Upon hearing Elder Xuan's words, everyone couldn't help but reveal strange expressions. What they thought would be a casual spar suddenly carried consequences. No one wanted to yell something like "I am a pig"—especially Inner Court students.
The two sides moved apart, each occupying one side of the training field, and began discussing their plans.
On Zhu Ziyang's side, Dai Yueheng, as the nominal captain, spoke up, "We have four assault-type soul masters, two support-type, and one control-type. Huo Yuhao, Xiao Xiao, which of you will act as the main control soul master?"
Faced with the question, Huo Yuhao remained quiet, while Xiao Xiao turned to look at him—the meaning obvious.
"Yueheng, let Huo Yuhao be the main controller. Tang Ya and Xiao Xiao can assist. Wang Dong will protect Huo Yuhao directly, and Zifeng will defend Tang Ya and Xiao Xiao." Zhu Ziyang suggested.
Though Dai Yueheng had some doubts about the arrangement, he didn't argue. Compared to Zhu Ziyang, he knew far less about the Outer Court disciples. He nodded and said, "Very well, we'll go with Ziyang's plan. Any additions?"
"None," Chen Zifeng said plainly, then fell silent again.
"We're good too." Tang Ya replied cheerfully on behalf of the four.
"Ziyang, we're fighting side by side again. Let's win and make Beibei and Nannan yell 'I am a pig!' Heh heh!"
"With me here, victory is certain!" Zhu Ziyang replied confidently. He then looked at Huo Yuhao. "Yuhao, let Yueheng and Zifeng experience your first soul skill."
"Okay!" Huo Yuhao nodded, his eyes glimmering with light.
At that moment, a clear image appeared in Zhu Ziyang's mind. Though it was his second time experiencing Huo Yuhao's Spiritual Detection Sharing, he still couldn't help but marvel. 'This soul skill is incredibly useful.'
If even Zhu Ziyang was so impressed, Dai Yueheng and Chen Zifeng were naturally even more shocked. Dai Yueheng's eyes were wide with surprise. It was clear now why Dai Huabin had lost to someone with only two rings. Even Chen Zifeng showed rare astonishment.
"So, what do you think?" Zhu Ziyang asked, watching their reactions.
"Isn't Huo Yuhao's soul skill really convenient?"
"Absolutely!" Dai Yueheng and Chen Zifeng both nodded in agreement.
"In that case, let's make sure to listen to Huo Yuhao's commands during battle." Zhu Ziyang smiled.
"Agreed!" Dai Yueheng nodded seriously. "Just this one skill qualifies him to lead me!"
"Yuhao, did you hear that?" Zhu Ziyang turned to Huo Yuhao, giving him a firm pat on the shoulder.
"Brother Ziyang, don't worry. I'll give it my all!" Huo Yuhao looked at Zhu Ziyang with gratitude in his eyes.
Both teams had finished planning.
The battle was about to begin.
(End of Chapter)
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