Chapter 14: Tianshui Team – The Strongest Substitute
Xiao Han could clearly sense that the aura emanating from Shui Bing'er had grown much stronger.
"Having a second soul ring really makes a difference. Bing'er, how many levels did your soul power increase?"
"Two levels."
"You've caught up to me already."
"Don't try to comfort me. I'm still nearly a level behind you."
Lin Zhiruo smiled and said:
"Bing'er, work hard and leave this brat in the dust."
"Dean Lin, I'd be lucky just to keep up with him."
"Don't underestimate yourself. You've got what it takes. So, what's your second soul skill?"
Shui Bing'er paused for a moment, then said:
"My second soul skill is a defensive one. When activated, it creates an ice ring that can attach to myself or a teammate. The target will be covered in a crystal-clear blue armor, capable of blocking physical attacks from opponents of the same level for five seconds. However, it can be broken by especially powerful attacks."
Lin Zhiruo nodded in satisfaction.
"Bing'er's first two soul skills are a group control and a group defense skill, respectively. They're perfect for team battles and can play a key role in combat."
Shui Bing'er's first two soul skills were just as Xiao Han had learned previously—unchanged.
Everything had happened naturally, and even though Xiao Han was a transmigrator who knew the plot in advance, he hadn't changed anything.
Fortunately, it didn't matter.
Shui Bing'er's soul skills were still quite good.
Soon after, the three of them left the Frozen Forest.
On the way back to Tianshui Academy, Xiao Han cultivated on the carriage and successfully broke through to level 23.
After returning to the academy, Lin Zhiruo reported everything that had happened in the Frozen Forest to Dean Zhao.
Dean Zhao was shocked after hearing it all.
"I really didn't expect Xiao Han to absorb a millennium-level soul ring as his second. I've never seen anyone do that before. This child has created yet another miracle."
"Yes. Even though he's a bit headstrong, he never fails to surprise us."
"Hmm. Xiao Han's martial spirit is somewhat similar to Lightfeather Douluo's Lightfeather Divine Bow from the Spirit Hall. Maybe one day, he'll reach—or even surpass—Lightfeather Douluo's achievements."
The Fifth Worship of the Spirit Hall, Lightfeather Douluo, possessed dual light and ice attributes, and had a soul power level of 96. He was highly respected by all ice-type soul masters.
However, he wasn't a purely ice-type soul master.
"Dean Zhao, you really believe in Xiao Han?"
"Of course. He's already created two miracles at such a young age. His future is limitless."
"Let's hope so."
Dean Zhao nodded in satisfaction.
"Bing'er is also excellent. It's great that these two can grow together."
"Yes. Honestly, I'm already looking forward to the Soul Master Tournament seven years from now."
"Who isn't?"
The two exchanged smiles, full of hope for Xiao Han and Shui Bing'er's future.
Tianshui Academy had never had young soul masters as talented as Xiao Han and Shui Bing'er on their competition teams before.
The two of them were sure to be part of the academy's team and might even lead Tianshui Academy to a miracle—reaching the top three in the finals.
Time flew, and two years passed.
During this time, both Xiao Han and Shui Bing'er increased their soul power by six levels.
Now, at eleven years old, Xiao Han's soul power had reached level 29, just a step away from breaking into level 30.
Shui Bing'er's soul power was at level 28.
Both of them were now qualified to join the academy's team for the next Soul Master Tournament.
In the recently concluded tournament, Tianshui Academy not only failed to advance but even dropped a rank.
The top four rankings ahead of Tianshui Academy were: Spirit Hall Academy, Thunderclap Academy, Divine Wind Academy, and the Royal Academy of the Star Luo Empire.
Tianshui Academy ranked fifth.
In the dean's office.
Dean Zhao looked serious, clearly displeased with this year's tournament results.
"Zhiruo, we're about to form an entirely new team. Although we have talents like Xiao Han and Bing'er, the other academies are also growing stronger.
Besides the powerhouse Spirit Hall Academy, Thunderclap Academy, which boasts the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial spirit, has always been dominant.
Feng Xiaotian from Divine Wind Academy will also be leading a team for the first time, and the children of Fire Heavenming, the dean of Blazing Academy, are not to be underestimated either.
The Royal Academy of Star Luo has also risen, giving us yet another strong rival.
But regardless, our goal remains the same—reaching the top three. Do you have any ideas?"
Lin Zhiruo thought for a moment.
She knew it was time to step up.
"Dean Zhao, how about letting me personally lead the team? After forming the new team, I'll train them myself for the next five years."
"Good. That's exactly what I was thinking. I believe that under your leadership, our team will achieve the best results in our history."
"Yes, I'll do my best."
Both of them were confident in the new team.
A few days later, the academy officially announced the team roster.
The seven main members were: Yu Hairou, Gu Qingbo, Xue Wu, Shen Liuyu, Qiu Ruoshui, Shui Bing'er, and Shui Yue'er.
In past tournaments, Tianshui Academy usually had eleven team members: seven main members and four substitutes.
Most of the time, the main team played. Substitutes were backups in case of emergencies.
Thus, the seven main members were chosen early, while the four substitutes were usually confirmed a year before the tournament.
However, this time was different because of Xiao Han.
Besides the seven main members, the announcement also listed Xiao Han as a substitute.
Everyone at the academy knew of Xiao Han's strength. Securing a substitute slot four years early was undisputed.
If not for concerns of favoritism, he would've definitely been one of the main team members.
The day after the team roster was posted, Lin Zhiruo called all eight members to the training grounds.
"Starting today, Tianshui Academy's new team is officially established. For the next five years, I will be your team leader, responsible for training you, supervising your cultivation, and leading you to the tournament until it concludes."
The students were all delighted.
They hadn't expected the new team leader to be Dean Lin herself.
This was also when Xiao Han found out the important news.
Lin Zhiruo continued:
"You all know that in the recent Soul Master Tournament, we only placed fifth. You're all young and full of potential, so Dean Zhao and I have high hopes for you. We want to s
ee you make it into the top three."
Xiao Han responded:
"Dean Lin, with you leading us, we're sure to achieve great results."
(End of Chapter)
---
Want more exclusive chapters and early updates? Support me on Patreon: patreon.com/_Dyxin.