The sun had just risen, and the morning atmosphere in the back garden of Suotuo Academy was still peaceful. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, giving a sense of calm to the training ground often used by Lu Xingchen and his friends. Today, they planned to continue their conversation about the combination technique they had tried some time ago. However, beyond training, they also felt it was important to understand each other better—especially the struggles and personal goals each of them held.
Lu Xingchen sat on a large rock, gazing at his friends who were starting to gather. They had already begun their morning training, but today felt different. There was a kind of tension in the air—not from threats or challenges, but from a decision to open up and share personal stories.
Zhan Wu, who was usually a bit reserved, walked slowly and sat beside Xingchen, starting the conversation without much preamble.
"Sometimes... I feel too burdened by people's expectations," Zhan Wu said, his voice heavier than usual. "As the eldest son, many people depend on me. My older brother... he failed to become a Spirit Master. That's something that can never be changed."
Xingchen looked at Zhan Wu, trying to digest his words. "That's a heavy burden," he replied, "but I believe you have the strength to bear it."
Zhan Wu nodded slowly, his face slightly bowed. "I often feel like I have to go further than just being strong. I want to make everyone proud... but on the other hand, I don't really know what I truly want."
Mei Yun, who had been sitting a bit farther away, heard their conversation and joined in. "We all carry burdens, Zhan Wu. You're not the only one who feels that way."
Zhan Wu smiled as he looked at Mei Yun and nodded. "Maybe. Then... what about you, Mei Yun? What drives you to keep fighting?"
Mei Yun was silent for a moment, her eyes staring at the wide blue sky. "I've felt lonely my whole life. As a child from a respected family, many people wanted to use me as a tool for their own ends. I just want to protect the people I care about, because they're the ones who bring color to my life."
"Like what we're doing for each other?" Qing Fei joined in, walking over to them. Her voice was light, but sincerity could be felt in every word.
Qing Fei always appeared cheerful, but there was sadness in her eyes that she rarely showed. She sat near them and began telling her story. "My brother once dreamed of becoming a great Spirit Master, but he failed. We only had a bit of power, so I had to train harder than anyone else. I don't want to disappoint my family, so I push myself. My brother might not have succeeded, but I won't stop."
Suddenly, Yao Han, who had always come across as cold and more reserved, joined them. His face was always serious, but this time, there was a different feeling. "Losing people taught me a lot. When I lost my parents... the world felt empty. I didn't know who could fill that void. So I decided to rely only on myself. I don't want to be weak, and I don't want to depend on anyone anymore."
There was a moment of silence among them. Lu Xingchen reflected for a moment, deepening his understanding of his friends' struggles. "We all have reasons to fight," he said in a quiet but firm voice. "But not just for ourselves. We fight for the ones we care about, to protect what we believe in."
Mei Yun smiled and patted Xingchen's shoulder. "You're right. That's what makes us stronger."
But today wasn't just about sharing stories. They had also decided to continue experimenting with the combined technique they had previously tried.
"We've talked enough," Xingchen said as he stood up. "Now it's time to strengthen our power as a team."
With those words, they resumed their training. Lu Xingchen led the team in attempting more advanced combinations. This time, they focused on synchronizing their spirit powers.
The "Star Light Arrow" created by Xingchen would be the main weapon. However, this time he asked Zhan Wu to activate his defensive technique, using more concentrated spirit power. Mei Yun and Yao Han would focus on defense using illusion mist and spiritual energy barriers.
Training began with the attempt to fire a larger Star Light Arrow, while Mei Yun's illusion mist shrouded the area, creating visual distractions for enemies. Zhan Wu stood as the shield, forming a layer of energy to block counterattacks, while Yao Han prepared to strike back if an opening appeared.
On the first attempt, they failed. The Star Light Arrow was too weak and couldn't pierce through the mist. But instead of backing down, they immediately discussed how to improve the technique. Zhan Wu suggested improving the synchronization between defense and attack.
With renewed spirit, they tried again. This time, the Star Light Arrow managed to pierce through the mist and shattered part of the barrier formed by Zhan Wu. Although the result wasn't perfect, it was a big step forward.
"Look, that's better," Mei Yun said, her eyes shining.
"Yes, we just need to train harder," Xingchen replied with a satisfied smile.
In the following days, their training became more intense. Every conversation they had after training brought a deeper understanding of how to work as a unit, as a team bound by friendship and trust.
Meanwhile, their individual cultivation also progressed inevitably. Lu Xingchen, who had reached Level 16, felt a significant increase in his strength. Though still far from his ultimate goal, he felt more prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
As night fell, they sat together beneath a sky adorned with stars. They weren't just training to grow stronger, but to remain united—supporting one another through every step of their journey.
"This world is full of challenges," Xingchen said in a quiet voice. "But we can face them together. We no longer have to fight alone."
Each team member looked at one another, their smiles filled with determination. They knew the journey had only just begun, and even though many obstacles awaited, they would face them together.
That night, they rested in peace. They knew the friendship and strength they were building together were priceless.
As they rested under the stars, their discussion continued. Lu Xingchen looked at each of his friends, gratitude and admiration clear in his eyes. Though each came from a different background, their struggles and determination to grow together were precious to him.
"So, what's the next step?" asked Zhan Wu, breaking the silence with a serious voice, though there was a small smile on his lips. "We've started learning how to work together better, but there's still much to improve."
"Right," Xingchen replied, looking up at the quiet night sky. "The first step is making sure we all have enough strength to face whatever comes. We'll focus on this combination technique. After that, we'll train physically to enhance our endurance and resilience."
Yao Han, who had been more serious than usual, nodded in agreement. "I agree. A strong body is the foundation of everything. If we're physically weak, how can we rely on our spirit power?"
Mei Yun smiled while brushing back her slightly messy hair. "And don't forget to keep the balance between soul and body. Both must grow in harmony. I feel we need to find ways to deepen our understanding of our individual techniques."
This conversation brought them even closer. One by one, they began to open up more, speaking in greater depth about their goals, fears, and what they hoped for on this journey. They were no longer just teammates, but more than that. They were people who complemented, supported, and strengthened each other.
With newfound resolve, they promised to keep moving forward together. In training and in life, they knew that no challenge was too great if they faced it as one. Even though the path they chose was full of trials, they believed they could overcome them—together.