The recently disheartened Dugu Yan brightened as she asked, "Really?"
"But if we do that, wouldn't it be somewhat unfair to the other students?"
She certainly didn't want to hurt others because of this!
Qin Ming rubbed her head and soothed her, "Yan Zi, you really are kind, but don't worry. The student who will be added to the competition roster might not even be willing to participate in the friendly match!"
After all, in such a grand competition, if anyone lost too badly, it wouldn't just be the face of Heaven Dou Royal Academy that was lost, but that of the entire royal household!
The former nodded slightly, "I understand, Teacher Qin. When I go back, I'll have Grandfather speak to Prince Xue Xing. If he disagrees, then there's nothing that can be done!"
"Alright, continue your chat. I've got things to do, I'll leave first!"
Making some excuse, Qin Ming left the infirmary...
Leaving only Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng staring at each other, neither knowing what to say...
Finally, Yu Tianheng was the first to break the silence, "Um, Yan Zi, thank you for coming to see me today!"
Dugu Yan chuckled lightly, "Tian Heng, what are you talking about? We're teammates, of course, we should help each other!"
"Also, I've been a bit wilful recently, making you and Yu Feng worry!"
"But now, I've completely figured things out!"
Yu Tianheng responded with a smile, "Really? That's great news!"
Dugu Yan didn't linger on this topic but leaned closer to him and curiously asked, "By the way, what were you and Teacher Qin talking about when I came? It seemed pretty serious!"
Yu Tianheng was startled, obviously not wanting to bring up the topic about Xu Sheng...
He shook his head, "It's... it's nothing, just that I've been overdoing it in my training, and my Soul Power has been depleted, that's all."
Dugu Yan mused, "I see. Then you must listen to Teacher Qin, don't continue depleting your soul power through training. Since I'll be participating in the friendly competition, we'll definitely achieve impressive results!"
"At least, we won't do worse than the Five Great Elemental Academies!"
The former, however, was a bit worried, "Yan Zi, are… are you sure you want to participate? You haven't cultivated in some time, your soul power rank might fall behind..."
Dugu Yan's beautiful eyes hardened, "What? Tian Heng, are you suggesting that my strength is lacking and that I will hold you back?"
These words frightened Yu Tianheng into hastily gesturing his denial, "Yan Zi, I didn't mean that. Knowing you'll be joining gives me even more confidence that we can defeat the other academies' students!!"
The former returned to her cheerful expression, "That's settled then. It's only been a few months of laxity; consider it a period of rest. Don't worry about the soul power rank, there won't be a big gap!"
However, she was thinking about something else entirely in her heart.
If Xu Sheng is receiving key training from Martial Soul Hall, he must participate in this friendly competition too, right?
If she could participate, then she would have the chance to see him again!
Yu Tianheng, oblivious to all this, continued to smile knowingly...
"Yes, together we'll participate, and we definitely won't lose to anyone!!"
He used to be unaware of her significance to him, but after the recent events, he had figured everything out!
So, from now on, the feelings for each other should really be cherished!
Dugu Yan blinked her beautiful eyes and said, "Alright, alright, don't think too much!"
"You should focus on resting. The other powers' representatives we'll face in a few days at the friendly match will surely be tough customers!"
...
Shrek Academy, Inner Court!
Elder Ya'li found Tang Wulin alone and led him to an open space...
Seeing the surroundings, Tang Wulin took the initiative to ask, "Elder Ya'li, did you bring me here to tell me something?"
Clearly, the conversation that was to follow was not suitable for discussion at Sea God's Pavilion; otherwise, she wouldn't have specifically chosen a secluded place!
Ya'li nodded slightly, "Yes, actually, I wanted to ask you about the Life Force!"
Tang Wulin was slightly surprised, "Life Force? Elder Ya'li, if there's anything you want to know, please feel free to ask!"
Ya'li took a deep breath, "Then I'll just say it, Wulin, can you show me the Life Force left by Xu Sheng?"
She could use Life Force herself, but the difference between theirs was not small!
So, she wanted to see for herself what exactly was amiss!
Upon hearing this, Tang Wulin, with a hint of apology, replied, "Sorry, Elder Ya'li, I'm afraid I can't do that."
"The Life Force we collected, after undergoing Fusion, was handed over to Gu Yue, because she is skilled at using various elements, so she should be able to use the Life Force better!"
Ya'li visibly felt a bit regretful, "I see, that is a pity. However, it's not wrong to do so. After all, controlling the Life Force left by Xu Sheng is not that simple!"
"With the slightest inattention, that Life Force might dissipate!"
Tang Wulin hesitated for a moment, then suggested, "Elder Ya'li, if you really want to know, I can call Gu Yue over. I believe she will not refuse!"
Elder Ya'li was one of the elders at Sea God's Pavilion who had treated Gu Yue the best!
Given her character, she would certainly not refuse!
Ya'li chuckled lightly and shook her head, "Wulin, you are kind, but there's no need for that. I was just curious to see. Since it's already given to Gu Yue, let it be!"
With that, she turned around, wanting to leave...
Seeing this, Tang Wulin promptly called out, "Wait, Elder Ya'li. Do you need the Life Force because of Lord Yun Ming?"
Ya'li, with her back turned, paused in her steps and noncommittally said, "Correct!"
"After Yun Ming destroyed his own godhood, he should have ceased to exist, but Xu Sheng used some power to preserve his soul!"
"As time passes, Yun Ming's soul has become weaker and weaker, with the constant risk of dissipating!"
Tang Wulin was astonished, "What? At risk of dissipating at any moment?"
He was aware of this matter, as Yun Ming's soul resided within his Martial Soul, the Sky-Piercing Divine Spear!
Ya'li smiled bitterly, "That's right. If we could use Life Force, I think it might be possible to restore Yun Ming's soul!!"
Coming back to his senses, Tang Wulin said solemnly, "Elder Ya'li, can you hand over the Sky-Piercing Divine Spear to me? I have some words I want to say to Lord Yun Ming!"
Upon hearing this, Ya'li turned back around...
"Alright!"
She didn't refuse, for if Yun Ming's soul had to dissipate, it might be better to let him see people he knew in his lifetime one last time!
Having said that, she released the Sky-Piercing Divine Spear and handed it over...
Tang Wulin carefully received it, instantly feeling the formidable aura contained within...
"The power of the Sky-Piercing Divine Spear is comparable to my Golden Dragon Spear, having reached the level of a quasi-Divine Artifact!!"
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