บท 360: Chapter 360: Pre-Match Preparations, Meeting Tang San Again

Yu Tianxin recalled how Yu Tianheng used to be extremely proud, even arrogant, before his defeat by Su Ming. Ever since that loss, Yu Tianheng had grown hesitant, even displaying a hint of inferiority. Sure, Su Ming was strong, but so what? Every powerful spirit master on the continent had endured defeat on their way to greatness. Even their clan leader, Yu Yuanzhen, had faced and overcome stronger opponents without losing resolve. Now, with Yu Tianheng's spirit dampened, Yu Tianxin sensed an opportunity to rise in the clan.

Yu Tianxin knew that Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan's relationship had fractured after the family assassination incident. He had worried about Yu Tianheng's relationship with Dugu Yan, fearing that if Yu Tianheng gained her support—and by extension, her grandfather Dugu Bo's support—he would become the indisputable heir. But now, that threat had disappeared, making way for Yu Tianxin's ambition.

After brief discussions, the team set their lineup. Yu Xiaogang confirmed four members who were essential for each match, including Tang San, who would take on the role of main control due to his higher spirit power level. The rest included Yu Tianxin, Yu Tianheng, and Lei Tian, who would cover the front line, with the others—Lei Mie, Lei Dong, and Dai Mubai—on standby, preserving their strength.

For Thunder Academy, the addition of Oscar as a support was especially valuable, given his spirit's capability to restore their energy. The academy had struggled without a way to replenish their spirit power, relying on high-powered attacks that drained them quickly, putting them at a disadvantage against consistent forces like Godwind Academy. Now, with Oscar's support, they could stay in the fight longer.

Meanwhile, in Heaven Dou City, the lively crowd amazed Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu. "Wow, look at all the people here!" they exclaimed, marveling at the bustling city streets filled with people eager for the tournament.

Su Ming wasn't fazed; he knew the city's hotels and inns were packed to accommodate teams from the Five Elemental Academies and various other spirit academies. In honor of the competition, Heaven Dou Imperial Academy had designed a new team uniform for them, bold and practical—a stark contrast to the notorious green uniforms from the original Shrek Academy.

Today marked the opening ceremony for the Continental Spirit Master Elite Tournament, with nearly thirty teams gathered in Heaven Dou City. Ordinary citizens watched in awe, eager to catch a glimpse of the competing teams.

Su Ming, Dugu Yan, and the rest of the Heaven Dou team carried themselves with a quiet pride. While they didn't need to compete in the preliminary rounds, the opening ceremony was mandatory, and they were interested in seeing what talent the other academies had brought.

The packed streets and crowded stadium tested their patience, but they eventually made it into the main arena. It was Su Ming's first time visiting the Heaven Dou Arena, and just as they were settling in, they spotted some familiar faces: Tang San and his teammates from Thunder Academy.

"Well, look who it is—Little San," Su Ming taunted, smirking. "It's been a while. Have you made any progress?"

Tang San's gaze instinctively shifted to Xiao Wu. She looked even more beautiful than he remembered, with a radiance he couldn't quite place. Unknown to him, Xiao Wu's appearance had indeed blossomed as her relationship with Su Ming deepened, though Tang San couldn't understand the reason.

Oscar, too, stole glances at Ning Rongrong, noticing her growing charm. Although he had tried to move on, his heart hadn't fully let go. With the tournament's onset, he saw this as his chance to prove himself to her—proving that being a support spirit master didn't mean he was any less capable.

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