018 The first thing is your lies

Tian Tian's weapon was a sword, unsurprisingly.

The group practiced several formations and, once their respective positions were clear, went to spar with other teams.

Tian Tian performed quite impressively!

After several sparring matches, she diligently guarded by Jiang Ruyi's side, using her petals to shield the Goddess from wind and rain.

Deng Yutang had once been the team's sole defensive gatekeeper, and whenever he was breached, Lu Ran had to rush to the rescue.

Now with the Sword Lotus believer on board, Deng Yutang's pressure dramatically decreased, and Lu Ran could roam freely.

Jiang Ruyi was on a killing spree!

With a relatively stable environment to output her attacks, her Electric Shackles Talismans flew everywhere, causing the Martial Arts Arena to crackle with electricity!

Round after round of battle, the sparking electricity at her fingertips frightened the onlooking students.

It has to be said, the school's team change was well thought out~

Until school was out for the morning, Tian Tian, with a face full of gratitude, bowed to everyone and then briskly walked away.

That morning, she had been fully cared for, and her teammates spared no praise.

Even when mistakes were made, Jiang Ruyi did not scold her.

For Tian Tian, who was shunned and marginalized, this team environment was something she did not dare to even dream of.

"This teammate isn't bad, just lacks confidence," Deng Yutang said as he took off his sweat-drenched red headband and shook out his hair.

This gesture had become his usual routine after combat.

It really felt like an "end-of-battle animation."

"Mm," Jiang Ruyi sighed softly as she watched Tian Tian leave.

"What do you think?" Lu Ran asked, sitting on the concrete floor, looking at Jiang Ruyi's tall figure.

"She's pretty good, very obedient," murmured Jiang Ruyi, "She's a great fit for our team."

"Indeed," agreed Lu Ran.

This morning on his way to school, he thought about Wu Shanshan leaving the team: Goodbye and good riddance, the next one will be better behaved!

To his surprise, they really got an obedient girl.

She would do whatever she was told, unconditionally following Jiang Ruyi's orders.

Even when interacting with Jiang Ruyi, Tian Tian would unconsciously lower her head, showing a respectful, humble demeanor.

Hmm... maybe a bit too meek?

"We can help her build confidence," thought Jiang Ruyi, "Once the Lotus Sword is drawn, our team will undergo a qualitative improvement..."

Before she could finish, Jiang Ruyi suddenly began to tremble slightly.

Waves of Divine Power surged, surprising and delighting Lu and Deng.

Was their leader about to level up?

Lu Ran had leveled up on the fifth day of the lunar new year; today was the seventh, showcasing that Jiang Ruyi also had impressive talent.

After a moment, Lu Ran turned to look at Deng Yutang and slightly raised an eyebrow.

A simple gesture caused Deng Yutang's face to flush red.

"Hmph," Deng Yutang turned his head away, pretending to be tough, "The young master is also close to leveling up, what's the rush?"

Lu Ran chuckled softly.

Who's in a hurry, only they know~

Deng Yutang simply strode away: "I'm going home to eat."

Lu Ran called out: "Don't forget to come back at half past one in the afternoon; we still have other students to try out."

Deng Yutang did not look back, just waved his hand with suave dismissal.

"Mm~"

Meanwhile, Jiang Ruyi let out a comfortable nasal sound.

Lu Ran... well, he felt pretty good about it too.

He was all too familiar with the feeling of leveling up, indulging in the sensation.

Absolutely exhilarating!

"Don't tell anyone," Jiang Ruyi suddenly whispered.

"Huh?" Lu Ran was puzzled, looking at Jiang Ruyi surrounded by the Immortal Fog.

Was there any need to hide her leveling up?

"Never mind," Jiang Ruyi's face turned red, realizing she was overthinking.

Mainly, the nasal sound from before made her feel embarrassed.

Feeling awkward, she casually stirred the fog around her, drawing out strands of mist that looked dreamlike and magical.

This fog... was truly misty.

"You want to hide your strength?" Lu Ran found it baffling, yet intriguing.

In front of Tian Tian, Jiang Ruyi was a gentle elder sister.

But with him, she reverted to a girl who often blushed.

Quite interesting, huh?

"How about you, when can you level up to the third stage of the Mist Realm?" Jiang Ruyi asked as she walked towards the edge of the arena.

"You look beautiful," Lu Ran quipped, following her.

"Speak properly," retorted Jiang Ruyi, slightly annoyed.

"I meant your thinking is beautiful!"

Jiang Ruyi: "..."

"I just leveled up two days ago... uh, stop kicking, put your leg down, be more ladylike."

...

At noon, Lu Ran excitedly rushed home to report the joyous news of ranking first on both lists to Lord Immortal Goat.

However, Lord Immortal Goat did not descend with a message.

The bossy and aloof sheep remained high and mighty.

Lu Ran didn't linger; he simply started practicing in front of the shrine.

Of course, he longed to advance to the third stage of the Mist Realm soon so that he could learn the New Divine Skill·Immortal Hoof.

This skill significantly enhanced his speed, making him even more adept at moving about and striking down enemies.

Although, Lord Immortal Goat's original purpose in creating the Immortal Hoof was to help his followers avoid strife and stay away from battlefields...

No matter,

Once the Divine Technique·Immortal Hoof was in Lu Ran's hands, how it was used was up for interpretation.

After all, Lu Ran was the type of guy who could beg for mercy while swinging a chair to hit someone.

On the seventh and eighth days, Lu Ran's team trialed all four students.

The subsequent three students had their unique traits, but the team felt something was lacking.

Until the evening of the eighth, the trio unanimously decided to put Tian Tian's name down to the class teacher.

With that, Squad 98's reformation was complete!

The team did not dare to slack off, rigorously training and refining their coordination every day, just waiting for the final exams on the fifteenth day of the lunar month.

Days passed, and the thirteenth of the lunar month arrived quickly.