After five months, Su Ming and his team showed clear progress. Su Ming had reached level 57, Xiao Wu level 55, Zhu Zhuqing level 49, Ning Rongrong level 47, Dugu Yan level 54, and Ye Lingling level 46. Today, their team received a challenge letter from Tianshui Academy, proposing a friendly match before the Soul Master Tournament.
The three academy commissioners were happy to agree, but with Su Ming's team's current strength, it was clear Su Ming, as the captain, didn't even need to participate. Dugu Yan could lead the other Soul Sect-level team members, and it would likely be enough.
Since this friendly match was a great opportunity, the academy decided to make it a more significant event, showcasing the strength of Tiandou Royal Academy. In the past, their team struggled against other renowned academies, but now, with the new talents joining them, they had a real shot at the top title. This friendly match was the perfect way to bring attention to their academy's reputation before the main tournament.
The arrangements for the match were left to Dugu Bo as the team leader, with one request: Su Ming and Xiao Wu would not participate to keep some of the team's strength hidden. After all, it was clear that Tianshui Academy's visit was a tactic to gauge their strength, and it wouldn't do to expose all their abilities prematurely.
Meanwhile, at Tianshui Academy:
Shui Yue'er, beaming with excitement, spoke to Shui Bing'er, "Sis, we're finally going to see Su Ming! How did you think to set up a friendly match with Tiandou Royal Academy?"
Shui Bing'er shook her head, slightly exasperated at her sister's infatuation. "It just made sense. We can't wait until the tournament to make an impression on Su Ming. Besides, we know how much he seems to like our Tianshui girls. For a friendly match, why not start with a dance performance? He'll likely remember us after that."
"Not to mention, this gives us one last chance to improve our skills. Maybe there'll be a nice reward."
Shui Yue'er shrugged. She wasn't too focused on improving her abilities. What mattered most was seeing if Su Ming was as attractive as he seemed in the broadcast. Meanwhile, Xue Wu laughed, "If Huo Wu from Blazing Academy hears we're going to meet Su Ming first, she'll be furious!"
"But let's face it," Xue Wu continued, "our academy's strength is probably no match for Su Ming's team. If our guesses are right, they have at least three Soul Kings: Su Ming, Xiao Wu, and Dugu Yan."
Shui Bing'er replied calmly, "Winning isn't the priority here. This is a friendly match, after all, and they're sure to hold back some of their abilities. Su Ming will likely just watch from the sidelines."
Xue Wu nodded in agreement. "You're right. It's impressive you managed to convince the dean to let us do this."
A few days later, Shui Bing'er and her team arrived in Tiandou City, their teacher leading them to the academy's hotel. Meanwhile, the teacher headed to Tiandou Royal Academy to discuss the match's details with the three commissioners and Dugu Bo.
Elsewhere, at Blazing Academy, Huo Wu was furious she hadn't thought of organizing a friendly match with Tiandou Royal Academy herself. "This is definitely Shui Bing'er's doing!" she muttered.
Having focused on training, she hadn't considered an early encounter with Su Ming, though her teammates were worn out from her intense regimens. While she worried about the upcoming competition, her team had made notable progress, giving her some reassurance. Still, she was anxious. In the past, Blazing Academy and Tianshui Academy were evenly matched, but with three Tianshui members having Su Ming's diary, Huo Wu feared they might get rewards that could tip the balance.
Just then, Huo Wushuang approached her. "Sis, did you hear about the friendly match between Tianshui and Tiandou? With only a month left until the tournament, aren't they afraid of exposing their strengths?"
Huo Wu scoffed, "That's the mindset of the weak. True strength doesn't fear exposure. Even if their abilities are revealed, it won't matter if their power far surpasses ours. Planning alone won't help if we lack the strength to execute it."
Though her words stung, Huo Wushuang couldn't argue. He scratched his head awkwardly, realizing she was right.
"Sis, I get it, but we need a final push. With just a month left, rather than worrying about their match, we should focus on improving our own abilities to qualify in the tournament!"
With a reluctant nod, Huo Wushuang agreed. As her intense training sessions continued, he found himself more fatigued than she was. Despite being the older sibling, he couldn't match Huo Wu's talent, feeling the strain of their sessions much more.
Back at Tiandou, Shui Bing'er and her team checked into the hotel arranged by the academy, awaiting their friendly match. The excitement and anticipation in the city were palpable as news spread quickly.