As the crowd watched the lightning-fast clash, they all cast surprised glances at Xiao Yan. They hadn’t expected that this guy would dare to launch an attack against a Dou Shi-level expert. Although the attack didn’t achieve much, Xiao Yan wasn’t disheartened. He knew that if it weren’t for the clever combination of “Suction Palm” and “Wind Fire Palm,” he would have already been defeated by the ghostly long whip’s assault.
In mid-air, without a point of support, Xiao Yan’s body began to rapidly descend. But just as he was about two or three meters from the ground, the blue whip suddenly lashed out, wrapping around him like a venomous snake rising up. Curling his right palm, Xiao Yan forcefully sucked towards the ground, causing his descending figure to abruptly land. Using the “Suction Palm” once again, Xiao Yan narrowly avoided disaster. As soon as his feet touched the ground, he immediately stepped forward, arching his body and dashing ahead, finally entering the range where he could use his strongest attacks.
Xiao Yan wasn’t skilled with weapons; he preferred close combat. In the moment of close-range attack, every part of his body—fists, head, elbows, legs—became deadly weapons. As long as he had enough speed, he could unleash a storm-like barrage of powerful strikes in a very short time.
Approaching Tutor Ruolin’s body, Xiao Yan’s face was solemn. He unleashed a series of fierce attacks with fists, elbows, and legs, but each one was easily deflected by his opponent.
“Shattered Heart Palm!”
“Stone-Splitting Leg!”
“Heavy Elbow Strike!”
Seizing the opportunity to unleash a frenzied assault, Xiao Yan employed all the combat techniques he had learned. However, the effect seemed minimal. To Xiao Yan, Tutor Ruolin seemed to be covered in a slippery water film; every time his attacks hit her, they were strangely deflected, as if they were useless.
After another failed attack, Xiao Yan’s gaze met Tutor Ruolin’s eyes, and his body trembled slightly. He clearly saw a hint of mockery in those eyes. His heart alert, Xiao Yan tried to move, but to his horror, he found that a sticky force on the soles of his feet had glued him to the ground, immobilizing him.
The sudden change made Xiao Yan’s pupils constrict. Looking up, he saw Tutor Ruolin’s sardonic smile and gritted his teeth. No longer moving, he clenched his fist, gathering all the remaining Dou Qi in his body, and launched a heavy strike at Tutor Ruolin.
“Eight Extremes Collapse!”
As Xiao Yan’s shout echoed in his mind, the veins on his fists bulged, and a slightly deep yellow Dou Qi covered his fist. The punch, carrying a sharp whistling wind, fiercely attacked Tutor Ruolin.
The sudden increase in Xiao Yan’s attack strength caused a flicker of surprise in Tutor Ruolin’s eyes. She gently rotated her hand, and a small energy whirlpool appeared in her palm. It collided with Xiao Yan’s fist.
*Boom!*
A sound like a muffled thunder erupted in the open square, drawing everyone’s attention.
The clash of fists and palms lasted for an instant. Tutor Ruolin gracefully retreated a few steps, smiling at Xiao Yan. “It seems your holiday won’t be happening after all.”
Shaking violently, Xiao Yan managed to dissipate the force and looked down at his feet, realizing he had unknowingly stepped into the water created by the blue whip.
*So, that’s why she didn’t retaliate no matter how I attacked. She was luring me into her trap…* Recalling the previous moments, Xiao Yan understood Tutor Ruolin’s intent. She was trying to restrict his proud dodging speed.
*This woman is no pushover…* Struggling to lift his foot, Xiao Yan realized he couldn’t escape a Dou Shi’s carefully set trap.
“Xiao Yan, it’s all over. Last round!” Smiling, Tutor Ruolin coiled the blue whip around her arm. Grasping the handle, she infused a deep blue, powerful Dou Qi into the whip, which then surged out.
Huge blue energy, like a fountain, roared in the air, eventually forming a massive water snake several meters long. The water snake let out a silent roar, huge droplets falling from its body, soaking the ground.
Under Tutor Ruolin’s control, the water snake, with a terrifying momentum, pounced on the immobilized Xiao Yan. The crowd, watching the massive water snake, gasped in shock.
“Middle-rank Xuan Level Combat Skill: Water Mantra?”
“My God, Tutor Ruolin actually used this move. Xiao Yan will have a tough time now.”
Snow shook her head in amazement and looked sympathetically at the immobile Xiao Yan.
“Tutor is giving him a lesson. With his rebellious nature, if she doesn’t show her power, she might have trouble disciplining him later.”
Xiao Yu sighed helplessly, understanding Tutor Ruolin’s purpose.
Although Tutor Ruolin used a middle-rank Xuan Level Combat Skill, Xiao Yu wasn’t too worried. She knew Tutor Ruolin wouldn’t really hurt Xiao Yan. Otherwise, with her strength, “Water Mantra” would have been much more powerful.
Years ago, Xiao Yu had seen Tutor Ruolin use “Water Mantra” at full strength. The resulting water snake was seven or eight meters long, far larger than this one.
Rob, watching Xiao Yan’s predicament, smirked maliciously, wishing Xiao Yan would die under Tutor Ruolin’s attack.
In the arena, the massive water snake dived towards Xiao Yan, its tremendous pressure pressing his clothes tightly against his body. The powerful force from above made Xiao Yan sigh. A Dou Shi was indeed terrifying. Even now, Tutor Ruolin hadn’t shown half her strength, yet Xiao Yan was already at the end of his rope.
Slowly raising his head, Xiao Yan looked at the monstrous water snake under the sunset. Closing his eyes, he muttered, “Heavenly Elder, it’s time. A Dou Shi is truly beyond my reach.”
“Little fellow, you’ve finally realized your current strength is nothing to a true expert. You’re just taking your first steps on the path of strength!”
A faint, old voice echoed in Xiao Yan’s mind.
“Indeed, very strong.” Nodding, Xiao Yan clenched his fists, his gaze through the transparent water snake fixing on the distant, smiling beauty. “But I believe I’ll become stronger than her someday!”
*Boom!*
The massive water snake crashed onto Xiao Yan, causing the ground to tremble, and water to spray high.
Watching the water veil, Tutor Ruolin smiled. This attack should knock Xiao Yan unconscious.
“Yuer, bring him out. Soaking in water isn’t good for his body…”
Turning to Xiao Yu, Tutor Ruolin spoke softly. But before she finished, her expression changed, and she turned back, her eyes fixed on the misty field.
A light mist filled the small square. Suddenly, footsteps sounded in the mist, and a young man’s tall figure emerged, standing in the square. Looking at Tutor Ruolin’s shocked face, he scratched his head and smiled, “Tutor Ruolin, sorry, it seems this year’s holiday can’t be avoided…”
Seeing the smiling young man standing in the mist, the crowd was stunned!
Looking at Xiao Yan, whose clothes were completely dry despite standing in the water, Tutor Ruolin’s shock faded. She took a deep look at the grinning youth and said, “You indeed have some skill. I underestimated you.”
“Just luck. If Tutor used her full strength, I’d definitely lose within three rounds.”
“Using full strength on a four-star new student? Do you want me to quit the academy?”
Smiling, Tutor Ruolin sighed, “Since you’ve met the conditions, I’ll give you the year off, but… I’m not exactly happy about it.”
“Thank you, Tutor.”
Xiao Yan breathed a sigh of relief, his face glowing with joy.
“Others are eager to stay in the academy, but you, this little freak, want such a long break. It’s quite troublesome. I’ll be busy with the paperwork after we return.”
Seeing Xiao Yan’s excitement, Tutor Ruolin laughed bitterly.
Xiao Yan awkwardly smiled, choosing to remain silent.
“Alright, let’s end today’s recruitment. We’ll continue for the next seven days in the city.”
Seeing Xiao Yan’s silence, Tutor Ruolin shook her head and put away her whip, speaking softly.
Xiao Yan nodded. Now that things in Wu Tan City were mostly settled, he only needed a few more days to prepare before leaving with Heavenly Elder for training.
“Tutor, during your stay in Wu Tan City, will you stay at our Xiao family residence?” Seeing Tutor Ruolin about to leave, Xiao Yu rushed forward, grabbing her arm.
“Stay at the Xiao family?” Pausing, Tutor Ruican frowned, “The Canan Academy has a designated reception area in Wu Tan City. Wouldn’t it be a bother to stay at the Xiao family?”
“Don’t worry. It would be an honor for the Xiao family to host a Canan Academy tutor. Everyone in the Xiao family would be delighted.”
Xiao Yan walked forward, smiling.
As a renowned academy, Canan Academy held great influence in the Jia Ma Empire. Compared to the Mistel Auction House, it was far superior. As a superior force, the Canan Academy viewed the local powers in Wu Tan City with a condescending attitude. Thus, the recruitment teams rarely interacted with the local powers, let alone accept invitations to stay with them.
Understanding this, the local forces in Wu Tan City were aware of the gap between them and the academy. They didn’t dare to be too forward, maintaining a respectful distance. They knew that weaklings couldn’t expect kindness from the strong.
With this mindset, the various forces in Wu Tan City didn’t dare to fawn over the Canan Academy’s recruitment team. They respected them but kept their distance, knowing that any attempt to curry favor might result in ridicule.
Living in Wu Tan City for over a decade, Xiao Yan understood the Canan Academy’s status. If Tutor Ruolin stayed at the Xiao family, their influence in the city would rise, possibly surpassing the Mistel Auction House.
Given Tutor Ruolin’s status, even a casual show of favor to a minor force would result in a surge of visits. Though exaggerated, Tutor Ruolin held the key to entry into the Canan Academy, a highly sought-after privilege. Therefore, any slight chance would be eagerly seized.
If Tutor Ruolin accepted Xiao Yan’s invitation, many forces in Wu Tan City would try to curry favor with the Xiao family. Given the recent profits from the healing potions, having Tutor Ruolin show goodwill would solve many issues.
Just a few days’ stay could bring so many benefits, making it clear why Xiao Yan was so eager.
Hearing Xiao Yan’s request, Tutor Ruolin pursed her lips. She knew her influence in Wu Tan City. Normally, the tutors wouldn’t bother with the local forces. But Xiao Yan’s request made her hesitant. She couldn’t ignore this student, who had the greatest potential in the last hundred years of Canan Academy. If he left, she’d never find such a talented student again.
Frowning, Tutor Ruolin nodded, smiling, “Alright, I’ll stay with the Xiao family for a few days.”
Seeing Tutor Ruolin agree, Xiao Yu happily hugged her waist.
“Rob, you and Gela can return to the reception area. Continue tomorrow, and don’t cause trouble!”
Patting Xiao Yu’s head affectionately, Tutor Ruolin instructed the group at the tent.
Nodding, Rob watched the group of girls laugh and walk away. He and the others, without being invited, had no choice but to pack up and leave the square, feeling dejected.
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