Skysea Alliance Tournament, Part 15

Xie Xie immersed himself in thought. "The Skysea Alliance has always been inferior to the central and western regions in terms of soul master ability. This might be because of different teaching methods and history. Mechas exist now. Normally, anyone with four rings or less is no match for a mecha. Most people choose to take the easy way out. As long as their soul power grows to a sufficient level, they can become a mecha pilot. It's a pretty good occupation too. This is also why the majority of students entering an advanced academy choose to join the mecha department to become mecha pilots."

"I heard things are different in the center and western regions. Apparently, becoming a battle armor master is a lot more popular there. That's why, many of those people choose to walk a pure soul master's path. They don't rush to increase their soul powers blindly. In order to be a battle armor master, it's important to also be a formidable soul master. Because of this mindset, there are more battle armor masters produced by the center and western regions. In their eyes, battle armor masters are the greatest military force on the continent; so, they all strive to become one. I believe this difference in perspectives has created the current gap in strength."

"I think Teacher Wu's teaching methods are similar to the center region's. In fact, they're probably from Shrek Academy's inner court. This should be why we're stronger than our peers."

Tang Wulin couldn't help but raise a brow at Xie Xie's theory. "How do you know these things?" He couldn't believe that this was something Xie Xie dug up himself.

Xie Xie smirked. "When I returned home for vacation, I wanted to play but my old man was bent on testing me. I gave him a nice surprise in the end. After I explained the training we'd been through, he told me about this stuff. My old man is quite perceptive, you know."

Tang Wulin nodded. "What Uncle said is reasonable. Let's all work hard to become battle armor masters." He extended his hand as he spoke.

Gu Yue placed her hand below his. On top were Xie Xie, Gloxinia, and Xu Xiaoyan's. The five friends smiled at each other, their confidence soaring.

Though, behind Gloxinia's smile something was hidden.

That something was sadness, as he knew that he would be leaving them for a long time soon, and even if he didn't want to admit it, he had formed connections with these people.

Of course, he could also choose to stay.. but then what? He didn't want to go through life with no goal.

He personally has no goals, there is simply nothing he wants to do. Hell, he felt like this even back on earth, as if he was simply living for the sake of living, and not for anything else.

This time, he wants to be different. Thus, he must rely on the goal the system has set for him. Even though it is not technically his own goal, he will still rely on it.

A life without a goal is not a life worth living.

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Gloxinia's team was able to attain easy victories in the following three matches. There was only one three-ringed opponent that appeared throughout the string of matches. The entire time, Tang Wulin served as the cornerstone of the team. He controlled the battlefield, protected his teammates, and dealt the most damage.

Overall, he was the 'star' who had the most attention on him in the team, something Gloxinia needed.

By their fourth win, the other teams in their group had taken notice of them. They were wary of Tang Wulin especially.

Tang Wulin's performances had been too dazzling, his attacks too intimidating. He also wielded a purple soul ring. The other teams realized that he always barged through as the vanguard. He kept the opposing team in check while his teammates did their part. As a result, he became a hot topic and a subject of research for those interested in his combat style, techniques, and weaknesses.

"I heard our opponents today are strong! They're probably the most formidable team in our group." Xie Xie said to Tang Wulin.

Tang Wulin nodded. "Mn. That's right! It's Sealand Academy's primary team. I heard that they have two three-ringed soul masters and one two-ringed soul master. Our group's overall strength is actually pretty low. Sealand Academy's team also has four wins in four battles so far. The top four teams in our group will enter the top sixteen. We just need to win one more match. It's practically settled already."

"What's the plan for this match?" Xie Xie asked. "You should let me show off for once. You've been hogging all the limelight! No one's paying attention to me!"

Tang Wulin lowered his voice, his words mysterious, "The ones who burst out in the end are the trump cards! Those like me are the worst. I can only show my strength in the beginning."

A look of astonishment crossed Xie Xie's face. "Really? But all the girls on the other teams only pay attention to you. I don't understand why since I'm more handsome than you!"

"Your skin sure is thick. You aren't even one third as handsome as our captain." Xu Xiaoyan fought hard to contain her laughter.

Xie Xie's face soured, wrinkling like a prune. "I hate people as blunt as you. Anyway, I want to show off a bit. I don't want to be a trump card. Just let me show off how awesome I am."

Tang Wulin shrugged. "Fine! We'll change our tactics."

Although Wu Zhangkong had brought their team here, he gave them free reign to do as they saw fit. He did not impart any advice.

Today, they would be facing off against Sealand Academy's primary team. Sealand City was the third largest city in the Skysea Alliance, preceded by Eastsea City. It was located two-hundred kilometers to the north of Skysea City. The city's denizens were valiant and Sealand Academy was famous, even eclipsing the repute of Eastsea Academy.

Sealand Academy's five representatives were nearing fifteen years old. The team was composed of a trio of three-ringed soul masters and a duo two-ringed. Even the two-ringed soul master's soul power hovered around rank 25 at least. In their previous matches, they had relied on absolute strength to crush their opponents. These adolescents were the one of the favorites of the tournament, thought to have a high chance of becoming the champions.

Their captain possessed one thousand-year soul ring, but had yet to use it in any of the matches. Its abilities were unknown.

The arenas used after the start of the round-robin tournament were larger and more secure than their predecessors.

Only junior-division matches were scheduled for the afternoon. Though the battles were broadcasted, there will still disgruntled spectators in the stands. Perhaps they would pay more attention once the top sixteen teams remained. This was just the five versus five competition, after all.

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Words: 1217

Author's Note: Plan unfolds in the next 1-2 chapters, then we start going off to explore unexplored areas of soul land.

Thank you for so many collections and powerstones!