Chapter 43: New and Old Members

(Just woke up…)

Early this morning, nearly a month had passed since the last big melee, and today was also their final day learning under Old Xuan.

Soon, the few of them walked from the class to the Soul Arena, only to find that besides Old Xuan, there were already seven people present.

Seeing them, Su Yun Tian raised an eyebrow; the seven were all wearing red school uniforms, marking them as inner‑court disciples of Slake Academy and as its most elite members.

Su Yun Tian only knew one person there: Ma Xiaotao.

Today Ma Xiaotao tied her flaming red hair into a ponytail, looking clean and tidy; when she caught Su Yun Tian's gaze, the corner of her mouth lifted into a playful smile.

The others stood where they were, occasionally glancing at those inner‑court disciples, their looks mixing envy with admiration and reverence.

The red‑clad inner court truly represents Slake Academy's strongest combatants, and it is they who uphold the honor of Slake Academy, the continent's top academy.

Old Xuan saw everyone assembled, nodded, and said, "All right, everyone's here. There are only a few days left before the continent‑wide Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Arena Tournament begins. Today I'll introduce you to the new and old generations of the Slake Seven Monsters."

As he spoke, Old Xuan turned his head toward Su Yun Tian and the six others, "Don't ever think that this trip to the competition is just as spectators.

On the contrary, unless there are special circumstances, each of you will almost certainly have a chance to appear.

When the opponents we face aren't too strong, we'll mainly have you compete, so as to better conceal the abilities of the main roster."

Hearing this, the few felt a surge of eagerness; they had thought they were merely spectators, yet now they also had a chance to take the stage!

Old Xuan hummed and said, "Don't get ahead of yourselves. Sending you out is inevitable, but only victory is allowed.

If anyone carelessly makes us lose the match, hehe, you'll know the consequences yourself.

As long as I live another day, they'll never think of entering the inner court again.

Moreover, each of you must set your mindset right; in this tournament you are merely auxiliaries to the main team. All orders must be obeyed—understood?"

"Understood!" the seven of Su Yun Tian shouted in unison.

Old Xuan nodded and continued, "Alright, introduce yourselves, starting with the reserves."

"Su Yun Tian, Outer Court second‑year, dual martial soul, Six-winged Angel, Ice Jade Scorpion, Attack Class, level 36 Soul Venerable." Su Yun Tian stepped forward and spoke.

In an instant, everyone's eyes were drawn to him; Su Yun Tian already had striking looks, now further cloaked in a halo of genius.

"Six-winged Angel? Isn't that the heirloom martial soul of the Spirit Hall from ten thousand years ago?"

"Ice Jade Scorpion, the ultimate ice!"

There was a lot of such chatter, but Su Yun Tian paid no mind.

"Wang Dong, Outer Court second‑year, martial soul Light Goddess Butterfly, Attack Class, level 31 Soul Venerable."

Wang Dong stepped forward second.

"Ning Tian, Outer Court second‑year, martial soul Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, Support Class, level 34 Vessel Soul Venerable."

"Dai Huabin, Outer Court second‑year, martial soul Evil Eye White Tiger, Attack Class, level 37 Soul Venerable."

"Zhu Lu, Outer Court second‑year, martial soul Netherworld Spirit Cat, Attack Class, level 29 Soul Master."

"Lan Susu, Outer Court second‑year, martial soul Hair, Control Class, level 28 Soul Master."

"Lan Luoluo, Outer Court second‑year, martial soul Hair, Control Class, level 28 Soul Master."

After the seven finished their self‑introductions, Ma Xiaotao's expression toward the seven was truly vivid.

Second year, second year, damn it, it's second year!

There are only four Soul Venerables in total; this lineup would be terrible even in a soul master tournament from ten thousand years ago!

But since they have become the Slake Seven Monsters, besides their innate talent they are also very steady, so there's no reason to look down on them.

Old Xuan nodded, pointed at the seven inner‑court members, and said, "Your turn."

Naturally, the first to step forward was captain Ma Xiaotao; now she was far calmer than her usual hot‑tempered self.

"Inner Court, Ma Xiaotao, Attack Class, level 68 Soul Emperor."

Even though Wang Dong and the others knew Ma Xiaotao was formidable, the number 68 still made them gasp.

The competition requires participants under 20, meaning Ma Xiaotao's age is still under 20!

Reaching Soul Emperor at such an age speaks volumes about her talent.

Originally Ma Xiaotao's soul power level should have been 67, but with Su Yun Tian's help the evil fire was constantly suppressed, allowing her to reach level 68.

It's clear that without the evil fire, given Ma Xiaotao's talent, she would even have reached Soul Saint.

After Ma Xiaotao left, a tall man resembling Dai Huabin in appearance stepped forward, his voice deep, "Inner Court, Dai Yuesheng, Attack Class, level 64 Soul Emperor."

Dai Huabin's expression darkened noticeably when he saw Dai Yuesheng.

Dai Yuesheng glanced at Dai Huabin, gave an inscrutable smile, "Congratulations, Huabin, for making it onto Slake's reserve team."

Dai Huabin merely snorted coldly and ignored him.

After Dai Yuesheng, another male student stepped up; he wasn't as burly but was lanky, with a warm smile, and said, "Inner Court, Chen Zifeng, Attack Class, level 57 Soul King."

The fourth, also a woman, looked completely ordinary in both appearance and figure.

"Inner Court, Xixi, Agile Attack Class, level 56 Soul King." A simple introduction, yet she gave off an impression that was hard to remember.

As soon as she finished speaking, she seemed to dim, completely eclipsed by the brilliance of those before her.

The fifth was also a female student; compared with Xixi, she was far more beautiful—a cool, aloof beauty, unlike Ma Xiaotao's fiery charm and unlike Wang Dong's sprightly wit. Her cold, solitary elegance, like a lone plum blossom, left a deep impression.

Her skin was porcelain‑white, and she moved as if she weighed nothing.

"Inner Court, Ling Luocheng, Control Class, level 55 Soul King." Besides Attack and Agile Attack, a Control‑class Soul master finally appeared.

The sixth was a small, slender male student, about 1.6 m tall, even shorter than Ling Luocheng, yet his eyes sparkled with vigor.

"Inner Court, Yao Haoxuan, level 55, Control‑Support Class Soul King." Another control, but also with support?

The last inner‑court disciple was strikingly handsome—yes, truly handsome. Though clearly male, his slender build and jade‑like face gave him an almost pitiable elegance, and even his voice was soft and delicate: "Inner Court, Gongyang Mo, level 59 Support Class Soul King."

(End of Chapter)