Two hours later, the sound of running water gradually ceased in the luxurious bathroom beside Training Ground No. 1 of the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy.
After a thorough cleansing, the members of the Royal Fight Team emerged from the bathroom one after another, each looking refreshed and radiant—a stark contrast to their previously filthy and disheveled states.
Ye Lingling was the first to bounce out, her already fair skin now glowing with a translucent sheen, as if radiating a soft light. She excitedly ran up to Marco and twirled around. "Brother! Look! My body feels so light! My Soul Power circulates much faster and is much more obedient!" She channeled a bit of Soul Power, and a gentle halo enveloped her, the fluctuations noticeably stronger than before. "I think... I've advanced two Soul Power levels!!"
Marco smiled and nodded. "The Marrow Cleansing Pearl didn't just boost your Soul Power; more importantly, it purified your meridians and healed the hidden injuries in your body."
Next, Li Qiuyao trotted out, her cheeks flushed and her large eyes exceptionally bright. "Brother Marco! I feel so warm inside, it's so comfortable! My Soul Power has increased too!" She released a faint Soul Power fluctuation, indeed stronger than before. "I think I've advanced three levels too—I'm at level 24 now! And my mind feels clearer!"
Osler walked out while drying his hair with a towel, his face brimming with uncontrollable excitement. "Boss! This is incredible! I advanced two levels directly! I'm at level 44 now! And my Soul Power feels incredibly solid, circulating without any obstruction! It seems all the Pill Toxin accumulated from previous pill consumption has been completely expelled!"
Shimo and Shimo walked out side by side. Though still taciturn, their eyes sparkled with excitement. Shimo clenched his fist, sensing the surging power within. "Level 43." Shimo also nodded. "Level 43." Not only had their Soul Power broken through bottlenecks, but the defensive essence of their Black Tortoise Turtle Spirit seemed more stable and robust. (They had broken through and hunted Soul Rings upon returning to Heaven Dou City.)
Dugu Yan stepped out gracefully, her transformation particularly striking. Her originally enchanting features were now even more captivating, her fair skin tinged with a healthy rosy glow. The aura of her Muddy Earth Poison Spirit became more restrained yet dangerous. "Level 44," she said softly, her beautiful eyes shimmering with unusual brilliance. "More importantly, the restlessness and backlash in my Martial Soul have lessened significantly, and my control over poison has become much more effortless."
Yu Tianheng was the last to emerge, his change the most astonishing. Faint lightning currents seemed to swirl around him, the overbearing aura of his Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit more refined, with less of its previous restlessness. "Level 43," his voice trembled slightly.
Lu Zhou had appeared at some point, standing to the side. Though he said nothing, his aura was sharper and purer. He merely gave Marco a slight nod—words were unnecessary. His Soul Power might have only advanced by one level, but after the marrow cleansing, his meridians and the quality of his Soul Power had undergone unimaginable tempering and sublimation. The path ahead was now much smoother.
Everyone could sense the changes in each other, their faces brimming with astonishment and excitement. The Marrow Cleansing Pearl had not only elevated their Soul Power levels but also improved their innate talent, unlocked their potential, and solidified their foundations! Lingering internal injuries from past cultivation, residual Pill Toxin from consumed medicines, and even minor flaws in their Martial Soul origins had been largely purified by this thorough Marrow Cleansing and Meridian Tempering! Their future cultivation speed would undoubtedly accelerate, and breaking through bottlenecks would become significantly easier!
"This is wonderful!" Ye Lingling happily linked arms with Marco. "Brother, you're truly amazing!"
"Thank you, boss!" Osler bowed excitedly.
"This debt of gratitude, I, Yu Tianheng, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect will never forget!" Yu Tianheng pledged solemnly.
Dugu Yan, Shímò, and Shímó also expressed their gratitude in turn. Li Qiuyao smiled sweetly. Though Lu Zhou remained silent, his resolute gaze conveyed everything.
Marco waved his hand, a gratified smile on his face. "I'm delighted to see everyone gain so much. However..." His tone shifted, turning serious. "Do you all remember how much time remains until the Pan-continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament begins?"
At his words, everyone's expressions grew solemn. Yu Tianheng responded gravely, "There are less than nine months left."
"Exactly, nine months." Marco's gaze swept across the group. "By then, you will represent the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy on the continental stage, competing against talented Soul Masters from all regions. There, luck holds no sway—only true strength matters."
He paused, emphasizing his next words. "Therefore, in these nine months, you must cultivate diligently without the slightest slack! Fully absorb and digest the benefits of this marrow cleansing, consolidate your foundations, and further enhance your capabilities! I want to see you shine with the most brilliant light on that battlefield, relying solely on your own strength!"
Hearing this, determination ignited in everyone's eyes. Yu Tianheng clenched his fist. "Rest assured, Brother Marco! We will give it our all!"
Dugu Yan, Shímò, Shímó, and Osler nodded firmly, their fighting spirits soaring. Ye Lingling and Li Qiuyao also tightened their small fists.
Seeing their fervent resolve, Marco's lips curled into a teasing smirk. "Still, there's something I must say upfront." He glanced around leisurely. "In this tournament, remember to go all out—and make sure you never force me to intervene."
The group stared at him, momentarily puzzled.
Marco chuckled lightly, his tone playful yet radiating absolute confidence. "Otherwise, I'm afraid I'll steal the spotlight. When that happens, you regular team members might just end up as mere background decorations, wouldn't you?"
After a brief stunned silence, they exchanged glances, helpless wry smiles spreading across their faces.
Osler scratched his head and grinned wryly. "Boss... to be honest, even if you don't lift a finger, having you on the team makes us feel like supporting characters anyway..."
Yu Tianheng shook his head ruefully. "Brother Marco's strength... truly far surpasses ours."
Dugu Yan sighed. "Sometimes I really wonder if you're actually our contemporary..."
Ye Lingling pouted. "Brother, can't you just be a little more low-key..."
Even the honest brothers Shímò and Shímó grinned sheepishly, clearly sharing the sentiment. Li Qiuyao blinked her large eyes, seeming to understand only partially. Lu Zhou's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.
Marco laughed heartily, patting Yu Tianheng on the shoulder. "Just a joke. But the competition is a team event—it requires everyone's strength. I believe that after this marrow cleansing and the rigorous training to come, you'll surely display strength that will astonish everyone!"
Just then, footsteps echoed from the training ground's entrance. Everyone turned to see the three deans—Meng Shenji, Bai Baoshan, and Zhi Lin—approaching slowly, their faces adorned with warm smiles.
"It seems your gains this time are quite substantial," Chief Meng Shenji remarked, his sharp gaze sweeping over the group. Sensing their noticeably heightened aura and more condensed Soul Power fluctuations, his eyes revealed both satisfaction and surprise.
Dean Bai Baoshan chuckled, "From afar, we could feel your surging Soul Power fluctuations. It seems Marco has bestowed yet another significant opportunity upon you."
Dean Zhi Lin also nodded in agreement. "Excellent. Your foundations are even more solid now. Very good."
The arrival of the three deans was clearly no coincidence. Yu Tianheng and the others promptly stepped forward to pay their respects.
Chief Meng Shenji looked at Marco, his tone filled with admiration. "Marco, you never fail to bring surprises. With you here, our academy's hopes of winning the championship have greatly increased."
Marco gave a slight bow. "You flatter me, Dean. This is the result of everyone's collective efforts."
Meng Shenji nodded, his gaze shifting to Yu Tianheng and the others as his expression turned serious. "The competition is approaching, and time is tight. Since you've all made breakthroughs, the training plan needs adjustment. Starting tomorrow, everyone will enter a state of full preparation! The academy will spare no resources to help you reach your peak condition within nine months!"
He paused, his voice resolute and forceful. "This time, the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy has only one goal—the championship! Do you have the confidence?!"
"Yes!" Led by Yu Tianheng, everyone responded in unison, their voices booming with soaring fighting spirit.
The three deans nodded in satisfaction, offered a few more words of encouragement, and instructed Marco to meet with them later before taking their leave. Clearly, they had come specifically to confirm the group's progress and to provide both motivation and pressure before the competition.
After the deans departed, the training ground fell quiet once more, but the atmosphere had completely transformed—now filled with the tension of an impending battle and a soaring sense of determination.
"Alright," Marco said, looking at everyone. "Head back and consolidate today's gains. Remember, in nine months, we'll see the real results on the competition grounds!"
Everyone nodded in agreement, bid each other farewell, and departed one by one. Each face bore a look of anticipation for the future and unwavering resolve.