The flags of the Xingluo Empire's border garrison fluttered in the morning breeze, the ink-black characters "Xingluo" exuding a chilling aura. Soldiers moved back and forth in the camp, the clanging of armor echoing throughout, completely dispelling the deathly silence and coldness of the dense forest.
Wang Yan carefully handed the unconscious Huo Yuhao to two students for support, then turned to look at the disheveled Shrek Academy students behind him.
Everyone's clothes were tattered, their bodies were covered in wounds, the bloodstains had long since dried and turned black, and their faces were pale and haggard. Having survived a life-or-death ordeal, even after reaching a safe place, the shock in everyone's eyes had not yet dissipated.
When the border guards saw a group of Soul Masters appear covered in wounds, they immediately stepped forward to question them. Wang Yan took out Shrek Academy's exclusive token and briefly explained that he had been ambushed by evil Soul Masters.
Upon seeing that they were from Shrek Academy, the guards dared not neglect them and immediately reported to their superiors. They then arranged for temporary tents and basic medical supplies, as well as water and dry rations.
Inside the makeshift tent, everyone sat scattered about, and no one spoke; the atmosphere was extremely oppressive.
Ma Xiaotao leaned against the side wall of the tent, closing her eyes to regulate her breathing. She had exhausted her soul power and suffered a serious internal injury. Even with the relief from the spiritual light barrier that Electrolux had created before his death, she was still sore all over, and her soul power was sluggish and difficult to move.
Her fingertips curled slightly as the image of Huo Yuhao's transformation replayed in her mind. His lifeless, gray-black eyes and the aura of death that seemed to come from the depths of the underworld were etched into her heart like a brand, leaving her with unsettled emotions.
Dai Yueheng sat to the side, simply treating the open wound on his arm. He didn't even frown when he wrapped the wound with a coarse cloth bandage, but his eyes were serious.
The whereabouts of Elder Xuan are still unknown, and his fate is uncertain. This is his greatest concern. In addition, there is the suspicion of a traitor within the team, as well as the sudden mysterious and terrifying power emanating from Huo Yuhao. All of these things are making it hard for him to breathe.
The trainees in the reserve team remained silent, some wolfing down their dry rations to fill their already empty stomachs.
Some were still in a daze, immersed in the fear of being hit by a soul skill and facing death.
Occasionally, people would glance at Huo Yuhao, who lay unconscious in the center of the tent, their eyes filled with awe and doubt.
No one could understand why Huo Yuhao, who seemed so ordinary on ordinary days, could unleash such power.
Ning Tian sat in the corner, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul quietly appearing in his palm, a faint golden halo flowing around it, nourishing his damaged meridians on its own.
As a successor of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School, she had witnessed the power struggles and crises both inside and outside the sect since childhood, making her far more astute than her peers.
From the previous inexplicable interception to the uneasy suspicion within the team, all of this was by no means accidental. There must be an invisible net behind it, aimed at Shrek Academy.
Wang Yan looked at the silent crowd, coughed lightly, and broke the deathly silence in the tent.
His face was still grim. As the team leader, the team had suffered such a heavy blow, the traitor was still unknown, and there were strong enemies all around. The pressure on his shoulders was far greater than anyone else's.
"Gentlemen, we are safe for now."
Wang Yan's voice was hoarse, filled with exhaustion, "The border guards have made arrangements here. You can rest here for half a day to recover your strength and treat your injuries."
Upon hearing this, no one responded; they simply focused on regulating their breathing and making the most of every minute to recover their strength.
Half a day passed in the blink of an eye, and sunlight streamed through the gaps in the tents, falling on everyone and bringing a touch of warmth.
After a short rest and medical treatment, everyone's injuries were slightly relieved, their soul power recovered a little, and their faces were no longer as pale as paper.
Huo Yuhao remained unconscious, his breathing steady, though his brows were slightly furrowed, as if he were bearing some kind of burden even in his sleep. His sea of consciousness was completely silent, and the aura of Electrolux had vanished without a trace, as if it had never existed.
Seeing that everyone's condition had improved slightly, Wang Yan's expression became serious. He stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, and said in a solemn tone, "I have gathered you all here today because there is an important matter that requires your joint discussion and decision."
Everyone looked up at Wang Yan, already guessing that he was about to talk about the upcoming itinerary.
"We originally had two missions for this trip," Wang Yan said in a deep voice. "First, we were to go deep into the Mingdou Mountains to complete the surveillance mission assigned by the academy."
Secondly, he was to travel to Star Luo City to participate in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Battle Tournament.
As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere inside the tent instantly became subtle.
Everyone knew that after this battle, it was impossible to balance both tasks.
On their way to the Mingdou Mountains, they were ambushed and suffered heavy losses.
Now that Elder Xuan is missing, everyone is still injured and their soul power has not recovered, and there is an unidentified traitor hidden within the team, going deeper into the perilous Mingdou Mountains would undoubtedly be like lambs to the slaughter.
However, if they were to abandon their monitoring mission and rush to Xingluo City to participate in the competition, it would be tantamount to disobeying the academy's orders. As Shrek Academy students, retreating in the face of battle would be anything but honorable.
Looking at the various expressions on everyone's faces, Wang Yan continued, "We are in a difficult situation now. Our injuries have not yet healed, the traitor has not been eliminated, and the road ahead is uncertain. I will give you two choices."
"First, after resting, we will set off immediately, escorted by the border guards, to Xingluo City to prepare for the Soul Master Competition."
This location is relatively close to Xingluo City, and the journey is relatively safe. It avoids the dangers of the Mingdou Mountains, ensuring everyone's safety and allowing them to participate in the competition on schedule.
"Secondly, postpone the trip to Xingluo City. After resting, continue deeper into the Mingdou Mountains to complete the surveillance mission assigned by the academy."
However, this journey is fraught with peril. Evil spirit masters are watching us closely, and there are many unknown dangers. If we are ambushed again, we may not have the same luck as this time.
With two choices before them, the tent fell silent instantly as everyone pondered.
Ma Xiaotao was the first to speak. She opened her eyes abruptly, a hint of determination in them, and said in an unquestionable tone, "I choose the second option: to continue to the Mingdou Mountains and complete the surveillance mission."
Upon hearing this, everyone was startled and turned to look at Ma Xiaotao.
Ma Xiaotao stood up, glanced at everyone, and said in a deep voice, "We are students of Shrek Academy, here on the orders of the academy. Our primary mission is to monitor the situation, so how can we give up halfway?"
Having been ambushed by evil spirit masters and with Elder Xuan's whereabouts unknown, we must uncover the truth. If we back down now, how can we face the academy's training and the sacrifices of our fallen comrades?
She harbored a burning anger, partly out of resentment towards the evil spirit masters for their indiscriminate killing of innocents, partly out of concern for Elder Xuan's safety, and partly out of a sense of resentment.
As a student of Shrek Academy's inner court and a top genius, she had never been so embarrassed or passive. She would never back down.
Dai Yueheng immediately nodded in agreement, his expression solemn: "I agree with Ma Xiaotao's opinion. The task assigned by the academy must be completed. Elder Xuan is still in the direction of the Mingdou Mountains. If we leave, and Elder Xuan escapes, there will be no one to help him, and the consequences will be unimaginable. Even if the road ahead is dangerous, we cannot back down. Shrek Academy has no rule against desertion in the face of battle."
The two men's statements made the atmosphere inside the tent even more tense.
Just then, Ning Tian slowly stood up. She looked up at Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng, her tone calm but firm.
"I object. I suggest we go directly to Star Luo City to participate in the Soul Master Competition."
Ma Xiaotao frowned instantly, looked at Ning Tian with dissatisfaction in her eyes: "Ning Tian, what do you mean by that? Backing down in the face of battle is not something a Shrek Academy student should do."
Ning Tian was not intimidated by Ma Xiaotao's gaze and calmly said, "I am not backing down, but rather acting prudently."
Senior Ma, Senior Dai, think about it calmly. Since we set off, how many ambushes have we encountered? Every single one was a targeted attack. Clearly, our itinerary had been leaked long ago, and a mole within our team has been hiding among us, passing messages to the enemy.
"We are still recovering from our injuries and our soul power has not been restored. Elder Xuan is missing, and we have lost our strongest support. If we go any deeper into the Mingdou Mountains, we will be courting death."
Since the evil spirit masters dared to openly ambush us, they must have laid a trap in the Mingdou Mountains, just waiting for us to walk into it.
"The Soul Master Competition is a highly anticipated event across the entire continent, concerning the honor of Shrek Academy. If we are to be wiped out in the Mingdou Mountains because we insist on completing the surveillance mission, thus delaying the competition, it will bring shame to Shrek Academy."
"As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood. The safest option is to head to Xingluo City first, participate in the competition, then report the situation here to the academy and request that they send stronger individuals to provide support. Only then should we explore the Mingdou Mountains."
Ning Tian's words were clear and logical, hitting the nail on the head. Many reserve team trainees listened and showed their approval.
They had been terrified by the repeated ambushes and knew that entering the Mingdou Mountains again would mean certain death. In comparison, going to Xingluo City to participate in the competition was the best choice, as it would be safe and allow them to complete another task for the academy.
Upon hearing this, Ma Xiaotao's face instantly turned cold, and the faint flame soul power around her fluctuated slightly. Her tone was filled with anger: "Ning Tian, you are just a coward! Elder Xuan is still waiting for us, and the academy's mission is not yet completed, but you only think about avoiding the important issues and only care about participating in the Soul Master Competition, ignoring the team's mission!"
"I'm not afraid of death, I'm just being rational." Ning Tian retorted sharply, his tone suddenly becoming stern. "Senior Ma, you're acting recklessly, disregarding everyone's safety, and insisting on leading us into a death trap. This is irresponsible towards the entire reserve team and the lives of every student! You want to be a hero, but there's no need to drag everyone down with you!"
"Who are you calling a bully?" Ma Xiaotao was completely enraged. She took a step forward, and the temperature around her body instantly rose. Although her fiery soul power had not fully recovered, it still carried an extremely strong sense of oppression as it pressed towards Ning Tian.
Ning Tian remained calm and met Ma Xiaotao's gaze without fear: "I'm stating the facts. There's a lot of suspicion within the team right now. If you insist on going your own way, you'll only plunge us into an even greater crisis, or even lead to our complete annihilation!"
"Shut up!" Ma Xiaotao shouted sternly. "I was doing this to complete the academy's mission and to find Elder Xuan. How could I be acting so violently as you claim? As a successor of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School, you are so cowardly and weak, disgracing the sect and Shrek Academy!"
"I'm doing this for the whole team! Ma Xiaotao, you're blinded by anger and can't see the situation at all!" Ning Tian also raised his voice, and the two confronted each other, their eyes clashing in the air, sparks flying.
The atmosphere inside the tent instantly plummeted to freezing point. The group, already suspicious of each other due to the mole, was now completely divided into two factions.
Aside from Xiao Xiao and Jiang Nannan, almost everyone sided with Ma Xiaotao, believing that they could not abandon the mission, must uphold Shrek's honor, and search for Elder Xuan.
Ma Xiaotao and Ning Tian stared at each other, their eyes filled with dissatisfaction and doubt. The suspicions that had not been eliminated before finally erupted, and the team relationship instantly became extremely tense.
Seeing this, Dai Yueheng quickly stood up and stood between the two, raising his hand to stop them: "Stop arguing, we're all on the same side, let's talk it out!"
But at that moment, both of them were angry and wouldn't listen to any advice.
Ma Xiaotao glared at Ning Tian, her tone icy: "I don't care what you say, I must complete this surveillance mission. Anyone who wants to go to Xingluo City can leave on their own; I will not stop them!"
"You're being stubborn!" Ning Tian was also angered. "Senior Ma, you can't drag the whole team down because of your personal obsession! We're a team, not your personal follower!"
"A team? There's a traitor within the team now, and everyone's suspicious of each other. What kind of team is that?" Ma Xiaotao sneered, her gaze sweeping over everyone present, her eyes filled with disappointment. "If you don't even have the courage to face danger, and only care about eking out a living, how can you be worthy of being Shrek Academy's students?"
These words deeply stung Xiao Xiao, who agreed with Ning Tian. She couldn't help but stand up and retort, "Senior Sister Ma Xiaotao, we're not cowards, we really can't take any more risks. If we go to the Mingdou Mountains again, we'll all die!"
"If you're afraid of dying, then leave Shrek Academy!" Ma Xiaotao shouted sternly.
The scene instantly descended into chaos. The trainees began to speak, each sticking to their own version of events, and the constant arguing caused the already fragile team trust to completely collapse.
Looking at the chaotic scene, Wang Yan's face turned ashen, and he felt utterly powerless.
He had long anticipated that the two choices would inevitably lead to disagreements, but he did not expect the conflict to escalate so quickly.
Ma Xiaotao's stubbornness, Ning Tian's rationality, and the pre-existing suspicions within the team have pushed this Shrek reserve team, which has survived life-or-death situations, to the brink of complete collapse.
He raised his hand and slammed his hand on the wooden table beside him, making a dull thud, and shouted sternly, "Quiet down!"
This rebuke gradually silenced the arguing crowd, but they still glared at each other, and the atmosphere did not ease in the slightest.
Looking at the situation before him, Wang Yan was utterly exhausted. He said in a deep voice, "At this point, arguing is useless. Ma Xiaotao is right, the academy's mission cannot be abandoned, and Elder Xuan must be found; Ning Tian is also right, we are in a dangerous situation now, and we cannot rashly take risks."
"But we are a whole, and we cannot split up because of this."
Wang Yan's gaze fell on Ma Xiaotao and Ning Tian, his expression serious: "This matter cannot be decided by one person. I propose that we vote by raising our hands."
Those who agree to continue to the Mingdou Mountains to complete the surveillance mission, please raise your hands; those who agree to go to Xingluo City to participate in the Soul Master Competition, do not need to raise their hands.
Ultimately, the opinion of the majority should be followed, and no further disputes should arise.
Upon hearing this, Ma Xiaotao's expression remained cold, but she did not object. Instead, she straightened her body and raised her hand first.
Dai Yueheng followed closely behind and slowly raised his hand.
Immediately afterwards, three or four other students who were close to the two and had strong willpower also raised their hands.
Xiao Xiao and Jiang Nannan, who remained, both kept their heads down and did not raise their hands, clearly agreeing with Ning Tian's choice and wanting to go to Xingluo City.
Ning Tian stood still, not raising his hand, looking at the few people who had raised their hands. His eyes were calm, but carried an undeniable firmness.
Looking at the situation before him, Wang Yan already knew the outcome. He spoke slowly, his voice heavy: "The majority have chosen to continue the surveillance mission."
As soon as he finished speaking, Ning Tian looked at the students who were standing on Ma Xiaotao's side, his eyes filled with disappointment and helplessness.
With the rules in place, even if she was dissatisfied, she could not go against the wishes of the majority.
However, she kept feeling something flashing above her head.
...............