The group scattered to find places to sit, some checking their weapons, others silently resting and recovering.

Xu Wuyi walked to one side and picked up his spear.

His recent display of speed and reflexes had caught everyone’s attention once more.

Tana sidled up and clapped Xu Wuyi on the arm. "Hey, Xu Wuyi, you were damn fast just now! Not a bit slower than that slippery eel, Li Hao!"

Hearing this, Li Hao shot Tana a cold glance but said nothing.

Luo Liang watched Xu Wuyi, his gaze complex. He had to admit that if Xu Wuyi hadn’t stepped in to provide support when he did, the team would have probably lost a member.

Ding Haichuan walked over and said earnestly, "Mr. Xu, thank you."

Xu Wuyi shook his head. "Just doing my part."

Zhao Qingwei gazed at Xu Wuyi, a thoughtful glint in her cool eyes.

’She’d noticed that Xu Wuyi’s performance had been the most consistent amidst the chaos of the battle.’

’He wasn’t just personally powerful—adept with his Spear Technique, Body Technique, and Spiritual Domain—but more importantly, his powers of observation were exceptionally keen.’

’He always appeared exactly where he was needed most, whether it was to plug a defensive hole, support an assault, or rescue a teammate.’

’In a team battle like this, his all-around capabilities were proving to be invaluable.’

When the break was over, Zhao Qingwei stood up.

"Let’s continue." She didn’t say much else but adjusted their deployment. "Xu Wuyi, you’ll have a more flexible role. No need to stick close to me. Support the others as needed, especially Ding Haichuan and any gaps that form in our defense."

Xu Wuyi was momentarily surprised, but then he nodded. "Understood."

This arrangement made him the team’s floater, responsible for going wherever he was needed.

It was a role that demanded immense personal strength, judgment, and adaptability.

As for the others, she didn’t say much. It was impossible for Martial Artists to have a completely rigid division of labor—assigning specific roles for offense, defense, and support—anyway.

Even Luo Liang, with his superior defense, possessed some burst power. Conversely, even an Archer like Ding Haichuan was by no means weak in close-quarters combat.

In the simulated battles that followed, the team learned from their mistakes. While their coordination was still far from seamless, they were at least no longer as disorganized as before.

Xu Wuyi weaved through the battlefield. At times, he would appear at Luo Liang’s side to help relieve the pressure on the front line. At others, he was near Tana, using his Soul Suppressing Domain to slow the Star Beasts so she could unleash her attacks more securely. He intercepted agile Star Beasts that tried to flank them and eliminated any threats that got too close to Ding Haichuan.

His Instant Shadow Step, which had reached the Minor Success Realm, gave him all the mobility he needed. His powerful Spiritual Perception allowed him to grasp the shifting tides of battle, while his immense burst power ensured he posed a major threat no matter where he was on the field.

After a few successful rescues and support actions, the others grew accustomed to his presence. They started, consciously or not, to entrust him with the areas they found difficult to cover.

After coordinating with Xu Wuyi yet again to effortlessly slay a Star Beast attempting a sneak attack, the hostility in Luo Liang’s gaze faded, replaced by a measure of approval.

But Tana immediately piped up, "Xu Wuyi, this floater role is awesome! It’s way better than being stuck behind Luo Liang, that big turtle shell!"

Luo Liang’s expression darkened, but seeing how much easier his defensive duties had become with Xu Wuyi’s support, he could only let out a grunt and didn’t retort.

As for Ding Haichuan, his sense of security soared, allowing him to concentrate on sniping the most dangerous targets from afar.

Zhao Qingwei observed all of this and nodded inwardly in approval.

’I invited Xu Wuyi hoping that the two of us together would have an easier time recruiting others. I never thought his combat skills would be so exceptional; he’s already become the heart of the team.’

The simulated training lasted for several hours.

When the final wave of simulated Star Beasts was eliminated and the desolate desert landscape slowly dissolved back into the metallic hall, everyone was mentally fatigued, but their eyes shone with a newfound brightness.

The training session had been rocky, but the outcome was better than they had anticipated.

At the very least, everyone had started to find their place on the team and had gained a more intuitive understanding of their teammates’ strengths and abilities.

Moreover, Xu Wuyi’s role as the team’s "all-purpose troubleshooter" left a deep impression on everyone. His presence significantly raised the team’s fault tolerance and adaptability.

"That’s it for today’s simulation," Zhao Qingwei said, looking at the team with a slight smile. "It went better than expected. Now we just have to wait for a real mission to become available."

"We’ll prioritize local missions within Central Province. According to Federation regulations, if a Star Realm Rift appears and no team accepts the mission to deal with it within four hours, the military takes over. I expect everyone to be ready at a moment’s notice."

Everyone nodded and logged off one by one.

Xu Wuyi’s consciousness returned to his body, and he sat up in the Cultivation Pod inside his Hidden Dragon Garden villa.

Recalling the simulated battle on the Battle Network, he let out a light sigh.

’Team combat is completely different from fighting solo. There are so many more variables to consider.’

’On the other hand, coordinating with such a diverse group of talented teammates creates a unique synergy. It’s good training for me, too.’

...

「Four days later, at noon.」

Sunlight streamed through the windows of Villa #7 in Hidden Dragon Garden.

Xu Wuyi had just finished his morning cultivation, and the roiling Qi and Blood around his body slowly calmed.

In the basement, the warm energy radiating from the Earth Fire Marrow was still plentiful.

His Life Energy Level had stabilized at 25.1. He was deliberately holding himself at 99% completion of the Entry Level for the Hundred Refinements Melting Furnace, accumulating the power needed to push for the Nine Transitions of Heart Fire.

His personal communicator vibrated. The screen displayed the caller’s name: Zhao Qingwei.

Xu Wuyi accepted the call.

"Xu Wuyi." Zhao Qingwei’s voice was as cool and clear as always, but she spoke a little faster than usual. "We’ve just accepted a team mission: to clear a newly emerged Star Realm Rift."

"It’s located in Lingqiu City in Central Province, not far from Yuntai City. We can get there in under half an hour by flyer."

"The AI’s initial scan shows the Rift’s maximum Energy Level is around 26, and it has assessed that our squad is capable of handling it. Rendezvous in fifteen minutes at the Seventh Airport, east of the university."

"Understood. I’ll be on time," Xu Wuyi responded succinctly.

He ended the call and, without a moment’s delay, quickly inspected his gear.

A sealed case with C-Level Life Potions, a few tubes of High-Energy Nutrient Paste, and the spear that had been his long-time companion, its blade glinting with a dark luster.

With everything in order, he immediately departed for the airport.

「The Seventh Airport, east of Star Martial University.」

Squad members began to arrive next to a streamlined, medium-sized flyer.

Zhao Qingwei stood silently to one side, cradling her longsword, seemingly cut off from the surrounding noise.

Luo Liang arrived. His gaze flickered when he saw Xu Wuyi, but he still gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.

Tana was her usual enthusiastic self, the Heavy Hammer on her back drawing stares. Li Hao arrived without a sound, materializing at the rendezvous point like a shadow.

Last to arrive was Ding Haichuan. He carried a longbow shimmering with a faint cyan light on his back. He pushed up his glasses and nodded at the others.

"Everyone’s here. Let’s board." After confirming everyone was present, Zhao Qingwei was the first to step onto the flyer.

The hatch sealed shut. The flyer lifted off smoothly, then shot forward like a streak of light, racing toward Lingqiu City.