61 Skysea Alliance Tournament, Part 7

After bending over in a slight bow, the leader of Shrek Academy's team led his teammates off the stage.

How could a battle between generations last no more than a minute? It was simply a massacre. The Skysea Alliance team didn't even have a chance to display their strength.

The Shrek team's assault had been swift like an eagle, arriving instantly like a howling gale. It was as if a sleeping dragon awakened to swallow its foes in the blink of an eye.

Gloxinia heard a gulp beside him.

He turned to see Xie Xie wide-eyed and gaping, mouth opened as if attempting to catch a fly. "Th-this is the strength of Shrek Academy? Are they even human?"

A gentle sigh escaped from Tang Wulin's lips. "They look human. Our gap in soul rings isn't that large, yet their coordination and explosive power are truly terrifying. No wonder Teacher Wu always stresses the importance of teamwork. These guys are just too strong."

"Their teamwork doesn't seem like much on the surface, but their strengths are multiplied by supporting one another. If it wasn't so, then there's no way their leader could have single-handedly defeated the opposing seven-man team, even if he were that much stronger. They must have a secret to their strength. I don't think they only spirit souls; they must possess pure soul rings too. They've probably hunted real soul beasts, and maybe even have a soul bone," Xu Xiaoyan said with a grave expression. Within class zero, she and Xie Xie were the most knowledgeable about such matters by far if you don't count Gloxinia's knowledge from transmigation.

"That's all they are." Gloxinia's indifferent tone startled Tang Wulin and the others. When they faced him, they were met with arrogant eyes looking down at everything, as if he were a monarch.

'That's all they are'? Then what does he consider powerful?'

"We'll definitely be stronger than them once we reach their age." Gu Yue added, in a tone that left no room for doubt.

"Surpassing them doesn't count as anything." An icy voice washed over them like chilling a tide, drawing their attention. Unknown to them, Wu Zhangkong had appeared beside the group.

"They were merely Shrek Academy's outer court students," Wu Zhangkong said, his voice dropping the surrounding temperature by several degrees.

Everyone knew that Shrek Academy had both an inner and outer court. Only the inner court nurtured the academy's true elites.

This time, even Gu Yue was shocked.

Wu Zhangkong continued, "The outer court's brightest and most capable students are still required to pass an inspection in order to enter the inner court. Matriculating inner court disciples must be sixteen years old or younger. Therefore, none of those on that Shrek Academy team should be inner court disciples. The ones you should all take note of are the two youngest contenders. Since they were sent to represent Shrek Academy at such a young age, their talent surpasses that of common men without a doubt. They have likely already been selected as inner court candidates. As such, they will also be… your greatest rivals."

Wu Zhangkong word's shook the hearts of his students. 'Our greatest rivals? What does that mean?'

"Teacher Wu, why would we compete with them?" Xu Xiaoyan was flabbergasted.

Wu Zhangkong glanced at her. "That's because I'm training you all to enter Shrek Academy's inner court and fulfill my unfulfilled desire."

Tang Wulin said, "Teacher Wu, are you saying you couldn't join the inner court?"

Bitterness tugged at the corners of Wu Zhangkong's mouth. "I entered, but I never graduated."

'Of course you didn't.. You were too preoccupied chasing a girl!' Secretely shaking his head, Gloxinia couldn't help but have a desire to let everyone know that the Icily Arrogant Prince Charming, Wu Zhangkong, was actually a simp!

"These matters are too far in the future for you to worry about. Just do your best for now. Entering Shrek Academy will be a long and arduous road. I've drawn the lots; the matches begin tomorrow."

Wu Zhangkong didn't bother informing them of their opponents. For both the individual and team competition, the first round would be a knockout battle. Anyone who loses would be immediately eliminated from the competition.

The battles for the individual and team competitions would be held across the eight arenas prepared by the Skysea Alliance Tournament Comitte. For the individual event, Gloxinia was assigned to the Skysea Stadium.

The team competition was also conducted in the stadium, but in the afternoon. Since the individual competition was in the morning, he would have plenty of time in between.

Wu Zhangkong offered his students neither helpful analyses nor advice; instead, he simply told them to return to the hotel later to prepare. As for him, he would be going ahead.

"Teacher Wu is such an irresponsible man!" Xie Xie muttered.

Gu Yue looked at him. "Do you dare say that to his face?"

Xu Xiaoyan was even more direct. "I'm telling on you to Teacher Wu!"

Xie Xie said in indignance, "What have I done to provoke you two! Am I your mortal enemy?"

Xu Xiaoyan giggled. "Who told you to grow up not as handsome as Teacher Wu?"

"This big bro is handsome! People will understand in the future! You just can't yet comprehend how dashing I am." Disdain tinged Xie Xie's words.

"Let's go back. I think the reason Teacher Wu didn't give us any advice is because it would be pointless. Since that's the case, we'll only have ourselves to rely on. We have the individual competitions tomorrow morning; let's all do our best. We'll formulate some tactics when it comes time for the team matches." Tang Wulin spoke.

Tang Wulin had pretty much hit the nail right on the head in regards to Wu Zhangkong's line of thought. Practical combat experience at their age was more beneficial to their growth than anything else. The battles in the spirit ascension platform and spars with their teacher were engraved into their very being. Such experiences culminated into growth.

The city bustled with activity now that the Skysea Alliance Tournament was in full-swing. Tournaments attracted people, so visitors from all over the east coast had traveled to Skysea City.

The city came to life once night fell. People swarmed the restaurants, delighting in delicacies and fine liquor.

In one of the finer restaurants, Gloxinia sat, talking with an unknown person.

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Words: 1112

Author's Note: Early first chapter today, next one comes out today at 6 pm CST.

This chapter was honestly mid ngl... It's a lot of info dumps, which I apologize for.

Thank you for so many collections and powerstones!