When Gu La arrived at the designated open space in the center of Sea God Island, the seven team members that Yan Shaozhe had sent for had already been assembled.
They were gathered together, chatting with excitement mixed with nervousness.
"I never expected we'd get to represent Shrek Academy's main branch in the competition!"
Zhou Sichen, tall and thin, spoke with excitement. "I just wonder who the academy will send to be our captain."
Wu Feng, a fiery redhead with an equally fiery personality, crossed her arms and snorted: "Whoever it is, they definitely won't be as suitable as Ning Tian to be captain."
She had always been Ning Tian's most steadfast supporter.
Ning Tian, with her heroic and graceful demeanor, shook her head gently and scolded. "Wu Feng, don't talk nonsense. The academy chose us seven to compete for good reason—they must have considered everything thoroughly. We should trust the academy's decision."
These seven were from the same year as Gu La and Huo Yuhao. Back then, their class had been filled with prodigies, and they were the cream of the crop after rigorous selection. They knew each other quite well.
Besides Ning Tian, Wu Feng, and Zhou Sichen, there were also the sisters Lan Susu and Lan Luoluo, who had hair martial souls and could perform the martial soul fusion skill Inescapable Net, Cao Jinxuan, who controlled the mysterious time-attribute martial soul Time Elapsing Clock, and the defensive battle soul master Xie Huanyue, whose martial soul was Rubber Elephant.
When Gu La's figure appeared at the edge of the open space, the seven instantly fell silent, their gazes turning toward him in unison.
"It's you guys," Gu La said after a quick scan, recognizing these "old classmates."
Though they hadn't interacted much after being placed in different classes, they had been in the same class initially and had seen each other frequently.
"Gu La!"
The seven almost exclaimed in unison.
As inner court students, they had naturally witnessed Gu La's shocking seven-ring Soul Saint cultivation and terrifying four-black-three-red soul ring configuration at the Sea God's Fate event the previous night.
Wu Feng, the most straightforward of them, was the first to ask, her tone carrying both confusion and a barely perceptible challenge.
"Gu La? Shouldn't you be joining the Tang Sect team with your girlfriend Xiao Xiao?"
Gu La's expression remained calm as he replied flatly: "I haven't joined the Tang Sect. Neither their so-called unique skills nor their soul device technology holds any must-learn value for me. The academy has appointed me as your captain."
His gaze swept over the seven, his tone still calm but carrying undeniable authority.
"What? Not welcome?"
"Welcome, of course we welcome you! Having you as our captain is an honor for all of us. Everyone, applaud to welcome our captain!" Ning Tian reacted fastest, stepping forward immediately with a perfectly measured smile. Immediately, a burst of enthusiastic applause erupted, though it carried various complex emotions.
Gu La raised his hand slightly, and the applause stopped instantly.
"Alright, let's skip the pleasantries."
He cut straight to the point. "Since we all know each other, I won't waste words. This year's competition rules are special—sect forces are allowed to participate, making the competition unprecedentedly fierce. The Sun Moon Empire will undoubtedly deploy their strongest forces."
He paused, then delivered an even more shocking piece of information: "As for where the academy is focusing its support... the Tang Sect team has Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, and He Caitou—all six-ring Soul Emperors. Among them, He Caitou is also an eighth-grade soul engineer. Huo Yuhao is a seventh-grade soul engineer, and he and Wang Dong'er possess four martial soul fusion skills."
"Four martial soul fusion skills?!"
"Three Soul Emperors?!"
"Eighth-grade soul engineer?!"
Everyone sucked in a breath, their faces changing.
They knew Gu La was freakishly strong, but they hadn't expected the Tang Sect team to be so terrifying too. This lineup was ludicrously luxurious.
Lan Susu, with her admiration for Gu La clear in her eyes, tried to boost morale: "But... but Captain, you're a seven-ring Soul Saint! With three hundred-thousand-year soul rings, we'll definitely win in the end!"
Gu La nodded, not denying this: "Winning is naturally our goal. But the competition includes both team matches and individual elimination rounds, alternating throughout. You can't just stand by and watch me perform all the time."
His gaze landed on Zhou Sichen: "Zhou Sichen, you're currently at Level 49. We're heading to the Great Star Luo Forest next—partly to accompany Huo Yuhao in obtaining his soul ring, but also to hone team chemistry. You should strive to break through to Level 50 during this expedition."
Zhou Sichen scratched his head, feeling immense pressure: "I... I'll try my best."
His innate soul power had only been Level 7, making his cultivation speed relatively slow even among the talent-filled inner court. Besides him, only the Lan sisters had the lowest soul power at Level 48.
Gu La continued: "One more thing. Are any of you interested in or opposed to using soul devices?"
Without waiting for their answers, he continued directly, "I've been researching soul devices these past two years and have made quite a few finished products. I can lend them to you temporarily—you won't have to compensate for any damage during the competition. If we ultimately win the championship, these soul devices will be yours to keep."
After all, these were just practice pieces from his research process, taking up space in his storage soul devices anyway. Might as well put them to good use.
"Woah! Captain, you're way too generous!" The Lan sisters exclaimed simultaneously, their eyes sparkling.
Ning Tian was equally shocked. One set of soul devices per person? Given their current levels, that would mean at least four sets of sixth-grade and three sets of fifth-grade soul devices.
That would total at least two to three million gold soul coins—almost equivalent to a mediocre hundred-thousand-year spirit bone.
Even though she came from the immensely wealthy Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, she wouldn't casually give away such extravagant gifts.
As for whether they could win the championship?
With her Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda providing a terrifying sixty percent all-around enhancement, plus Gu La, this monster-level Soul Saint, Ning Tian had never doubted it.
Gu La didn't waste words. He directly started pulling items from his storage soul device.
Various soul devices poured out like trash, piling into a small heap that sparkled with different energy fluctuations, dazzling to behold.
"First, one latest-model flight soul device each—guaranteed better than what the academy provides."
"The invincible shield is too expensive—can't afford to equip them. Three sixth-grade soul power shields each—two passive triggers, one active activation."
He looked around, beginning targeted distribution: "Four of you are control-type soul masters—Zhou Sichen, Cao Jinxuan, Lan Susu, Lan Luoluo—your offensive power is slightly weaker. Each of you gets two high-speed soul device beam guns to supplement damage and provide long-range harassment."
"Wu Feng, you're a close-combat Strong Attacker. This pair of sixth-grade close-combat soul device gauntlets and the propulsion soul device on your feet will enhance your explosive power and agility."
"Xie Huanyue, your Rubber Elephant martial soul balances offense and defense, and your size changes—too many external soul devices won't suit you. Take one sixth-grade soul device paralysis beam to supplement control, plus one sixth-grade soul device shield to withstand damage in critical moments."
Finally, he looked at the fifth-grade soul engineer badge on Ning Tian's chest: "Since you're already a soul engineer, pick whatever you feel you're missing from this pile. These are all my practice pieces anyway—just taking up space."
The group looked at the pile of priceless soul devices on the ground, then at Gu La's "this is nothing" expression, momentarily hesitant and at a loss.
This gift was too heavy, and many of them were still uncomfortable with using soul devices.
Gu La's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone instantly carrying an undeniable oppressive force, "What? None of you want to take them? Do I need to 'invite' you to take them?"
He said the word "invite" with deep meaning. The seven instantly shuddered as if seeing a hundred-thousand-year soul skill coming down—they didn't dare hesitate any longer and hurriedly began selecting soul devices suitable for them.
Ning Tian no longer declined, not even mentioning buying them with money—that would make the other members from ordinary backgrounds too embarrassed.
For the next two days, Gu La began his "special training"—which mainly consisted of him fighting all seven of them alone.
He called it building rapport and practical combat skills, but Gu La held nothing back, especially giving "special attention" to Zhou Sichen who was about to break through. Various attacks often targeted him directly, forcing his potential to erupt. Zhou Sichen's soul power did indeed improve significantly under this pressure.
The seven suffered bitterly under Gu La's "abuse," but none dared complain.
After all, the captain had been so generous with his gifts—just strict training wasn't something they could complain about.
Even the Lan sisters, who had harbored some secret feelings due to Gu La's overwhelming strength and handsome appearance, saw those girlish ripples completely crushed after these two days of hellish sparring matches. Only reverence for their powerful captain and a determination to train harder remained.
On the third morning, Martial Soul Department Vice Dean Cai Mei'er arrived with Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong'er.
Cai Mei'er looked at the seven, who although tired, had sharp eyes and refreshed spirits, and nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. It was the right decision to entrust the team to you." She didn't give Gu La a chance to be modest, continuing directly: "Let's go—the Great Star Luo Forest awaits."
Four more people followed the team. One had an exquisite soul device prosthetic leg attached to his thigh and smiled warmly as he introduced himself:
"Hello, juniors. I'm Mo Xuan, martial soul Halo. I need to obtain my sixth soul ring and will be joining your expedition."
Then came Zhang Lexuan and Han Ruoruo as deputy leaders, and Li Yongle, a Level 60 agile attack soul master who also needed a soul ring.
After everyone got acquainted, they prepared to depart.
As Shrek Academy had been vigorously promoting soul devices in recent years, inner court students with sufficient funds mostly had flight soul devices.
Cai Mei'er had even borrowed some specifically for Ning Tian's seven, but seeing their uniformly new, high-quality-looking flight soul devices, she was momentarily stunned.
Learning the reason, she looked at Gu La and couldn't help but say: "I didn't realize you were so wealthy, kid."
Beside them, Huo Yuhao noticed the familiar Sun Moon Empire-style patterns on some of those soul devices. He vaguely guessed where the raw materials for Gu La's "practice pieces" had come from. His lips twitched slightly, but he remained silent.
He was envious, but he wouldn't say it.
After several rest stops during flight, the group finally arrived at the outer regions of the Great Star Luo Forest.
After landing and resting, the team—led by Vice Dean Cai Mei'er, inner court senior sister Zhang Lexuan, and the experienced seniors Han Ruoruo and Li Yongle—cautiously entered the forest. They chose a relatively safe spot in the inner regions to camp for the night.
As expected, the task of cooking fell to Huo Yuhao. He skillfully prepared the ingredients, mainly various fish, ready to display his grilling expertise.
The grilled fish emerged, fragrant and appetizing.
Huo Yuhao, following etiquette and seniority, first offered the best-grilled fish to Cai Mei'er, Zhang Lexuan, Han Ruoruo, Li Yongle, and other seniors, then to Gu La and his group, and finally to Wang Dong'er.
When giving Wang Dong'er her fish, his movements were especially gentle, and he took the opportunity to whisper something only the two could hear, causing Wang Dong'er's cheeks to flush slightly.
Huo Yuhao's grilling skills were indeed extraordinary. His precise control with the Spirit Eyes martial soul, combined with the million-year soul skill Spiritual Detection's perfect grasp of heat and fish texture, made each grilled fish crispy outside, tender inside, with perfectly balanced seasoning—earning unanimous praise from everyone.
As night deepened, the camp arranged a rotating night watch. For the first shift, Cai Mei'er specifically assigned Zhang Lexuan and Gu La to work together.
Her intention was clear: Zhang Lexuan was the universally recognized senior sister of the inner court—high prestige, strong strength, destined for the Sea God Pavilion in the future.
Gu La, with limitless potential and unfathomable strength, was also a future pillar of the academy.
Having them get acquainted now would greatly benefit the academy's future management and unity.
The others entered their tents to rest. The campfire crackled in the center, illuminating their faces.
Zhang Lexuan looked at Gu La sitting across from her, understanding the vice dean's intention. She broke the silence first, her tone slightly teasing:
"Junior brother Gu La, your performance at the Sea God's Fate event was quite astonishing. I heard afterward that a large number of female students have been privately inquiring about you. You've truly captured many hearts."
Hearing this, Gu La showed no pride. Instead, he stated matter-of-factly,
"Them? They're just vulgarly enamored with my handsome appearance and strong strength. This shallow attraction comes quickly and fades just as fast."
"Compared to that, I value more the kind of affection that has been tempered by time, brewed through companionship and shared experiences."
His words carried implication—they referred to him and Xiao Xiao... and a group of girlfriends.
Zhang Lexuan was slightly stunned, then chuckled softly without pursuing the topic further.
Her gaze turned to the dancing campfire, her eyes gradually becoming dreamy as she sank into her own memories.
She remembered many things. Remembered being saved by Dragon God Douluo Mu En and brought back to Shrek, raised as Bei Bei's "child bride."
She had silently accepted this arrangement, striving to be excellent, waiting for that day.
But as Bei Bei grew up, he was naturally drawn to the mischievous Tang Ya...
Even though Mu En had explicitly stated before his death that she was free to choose, releasing her from this bond, how could she easily overcome that hurdle in her heart—the years of habit and faint expectation?
Gu La keenly sensed Zhang Lexuan's low spirits and that deep, hidden sorrow, but he didn't probe or comfort her.
Everyone has their own stories and obsessions. Outsiders can hardly truly understand them, let alone interfere.
He sat quietly, his mind stirring. The eighth-grade close-combat soul device "Sky Piercer" spear he had made appeared in his hands.
He placed it flat on his knees. His powerful spiritual power flowed like invisible water around the spear, isolating all energy and sound leakage.
Then he began slowly channeling his soul power and willpower into the spear's core array—which simulated a trace of Yun Ming's spear intent.
This wasn't destruction, but confrontation and learning.
His spiritual power carefully sensed, analyzed, and guided that domineering, peerless spear intent, trying to persist longer within it, understand its operating principles and contained laws, thereby tempering his will and enhancing his control over "intent."
This process consumed enormous mental energy and required extreme concentration. Gu La became completely immersed, as if forgetting the passage of time and Zhang Lexuan's presence.
Until late at night, when all was silent except for the crackling campfire and occasional insect chirps from the distance...
"Rustle... rustle... rustle..."
An extremely subtle but unnaturally dense sound came faintly from the dark forest in the distance.
At first very faint, it quickly became clear—as if countless feet were crawling and rubbing against fallen leaves and bushes, approaching their camp from far away.
Gu La's eyes snapped open. The Sky Piercer spear on his knees vanished instantly.
His sharp gaze shot toward the source of the sound. His spiritual power spread like a tide to investigate ahead.
Almost simultaneously, Zhang Lexuan jolted from her reverie, standing abruptly. The lazy expression on her face vanished completely, replaced by extreme seriousness and alertness.
She had sensed the unusual movement too.
The two exchanged a glance, seeing the same judgment in each other's eyes—something was wrong! A large number of creatures were approaching!
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