Oscar took a deep breath, feeling a wave of pressure. "Is the Spirit Hall team really that powerful?"
At this, Tang San couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, who do you think is stronger in this tournament—Su Ming's Heaven Dou team or Spirit Hall's team?"
Yu Xiaogang shook his head. "I can't be certain. But from what I've heard, Spirit Hall's team is the strongest they've ever assembled. They have three spirit masters known as the 'Golden Generation,' all above the Spirit King level. One of them is rumored to be close to breaking through to Spirit Emperor before the tournament."
Yu Xiaogang paused, seeing the disappointment on his students' faces. With a confident expression, he puffed his chest out. "But don't worry! Strong individual powers mean little without teamwork and strategy. Team battles rely on coordination. I'll develop a strategy that allows each of you to reach your full potential!"
Tang San's face lit up with excitement. "Really, Teacher?"
Yu Xiaogang nodded confidently. Understanding Su Ming's Heaven Dou team's strengths, he had spent countless hours pondering a solution, finally coming up with an idea: a Seven-in-One Fusion Technique.
If he were to share this concept with others, they'd think he was mad; the continent had no record of a seven-in-one fusion. But people often forgot that there had been no record of a three-in-one fusion before he invented the Golden Holy Dragon technique, one of his few notable accomplishments. Strictly speaking, his success with the three-person fusion had been as much luck as skill, but the credit was his.
However, this seven-person technique wasn't what people might imagine. It wasn't a traditional seven-in-one martial spirit fusion but a Soul Power Fusion Technique. Six people would channel their power into one, temporarily increasing their soul power level, allowing that person to activate a spirit avatar briefly.
Yu Xiaogang was hopeful. If Su Ming had been present, he would have laughed; while the technique wasn't a true seven-in-one spirit fusion, it was undeniably effective. Yu Xiaogang's lack of strength had given him the time to focus on research. Otherwise, figures like Bibi Dong, with even greater theoretical knowledge, might have achieved it first, but she was often too preoccupied with her own cultivation and trials for such endeavors.
When Yu Xiaogang finished explaining the tournament format, Ma Hongjun couldn't help but mutter, "Master, this tournament's rules are really complicated. I'm starting to get dizzy just listening."
Dai Mubai gave him a look. "So? Just keep winning! With our strength, aside from the Heaven Dou team, the Star Luo team, and Spirit Hall, there's nobody we need to worry about!"
Dai Mubai purposely mentioned the Star Luo team, knowing they were formidable even if they didn't have all Spirit Ancestors. The spirit fusion technique of Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun alone could trouble Thunder Academy.
Yu Xiaogang nodded slightly. "Dai Mubai's right. You'll understand the format better as you progress. At first, we won't need to reveal our full strength since five teams from each region advance. These spots typically go to the Five Elemental Academies, so we needn't be overly concerned."
At that moment, Yu Tianxin, as team captain, asked, "Uncle, what lineup would you recommend for the preliminary matches?"
Yu Xiaogang smiled. "I've considered various scenarios. Although our team consists entirely of Spirit Ancestors, only three should participate in the preliminaries, unless we encounter unusual circumstances. The guaranteed members include Ma Hongjun, Oscar, Xiao Yunjue (Thunder Spider), and Lei Jiuchong (Electric Umbrella). The remaining three spots can be decided among yourselves."
The team had no objections to this arrangement. However, Yu Tianheng cautiously asked, "Uncle, with this lineup, we'll likely advance, but if we face Godwind Academy or Tianshui Academy, we'll probably lose."
Yu Xiaogang's tone turned cool. "No confidence already? I said this is only the preliminaries. Revealing too much strength early on will only make the finals harder. The other Elemental Academies won't be foolish enough to play all their cards in the preliminaries."
Chastened, Yu Tianheng fell silent. He detested losing, and aside from his defeat in Soto City, he hadn't lost before, which left him feeling inadequate.
Yu Tianxin subtly glanced at Yu Tianheng. How did someone with such weak resolve become the main family's favored successor? Simply because he's the clan leader's grandson? To Yu Tianxin, Yu Tianheng's talents were wasted by his lack of resolve.