The shadow of a black fist surged forth, exuding a terrifying aura. It abruptly materialized before Xue Beng, leaving ripples in the very air it passed through. The sound as it pierced the space echoed with piercing sonic booms like rolling thunder, never ceasing.
Amid Xiao Yan’s fierce assault—like thunderbolts from the heavens—the stone floor itself began to creak and groan beneath the pressure. Under the shocked gaze of countless spectators, deep cracks snaked outward from where his feet pounded into the ground. His attack came swiftly as lightning itself.
Yet Xue Beng was no mere braggart. Though panic welled within at the sight of Xiao Yan’s power, his battle instincts remained sharp. At the last moment as the fist loomed huge within his pupils, he instantly abandoned the spear seized by his opponent. Stepping back a step, he snapped a finger against a ring at his waist, summoning forth a brilliant silver spear, forged meticulously from tempered steel.
The weapon now in hand, Xue Beng’s spirit surged forth anew like an ignited blaze. Letting loose a fierce battle cry, he circulated his斗气 to the extreme, spouting pale-red energy from his very pores. This battle chi quickly took form atop his body, manifesting into a scarlet chi-armor. Even as this happened, he moved with unremitting swiftness. The spear tip quivered madly, generating more than a dozen afterimages that converged with blinding velocity. Crimson light stormed into a unified surge—transforming the entire spear into a ray of intense vermilion that lashed forth with deadly precision toward Xiao Yan.
“Die in waves!” mentally thundered Xue Beng, wielding a relentless onslaught as he drove the spear headlong toward the attacking fist, with pulsing waves of red light like surging red-hot flame rushing out in a series. Across the great plaza, spectators observed—countless eyes locked onto a brilliant slash of vermilion light riding atop a tidal surge of deadly force, a sight which provoked many cries of shock.
Surely worthy of the Inter-Academy Trial, such elite students could muster attacks rivaling the might of the early斗师!
Amidst the brilliant crimson light rapidly expanding in Xiao Yan’s dark eyes, he remained utterly unflinching. Against far superior foes throughout his battles these past two years, greater assaults had rained on him ten or even a hundred fold. Thus, the notion that he would retreat out of fear before an enemy such as this—utter lunacy.
Still, he felt slight astonishment that his opponent had managed, in such swift time, to gather the wherewithal to fight without holding back. But nothing beyond that. His fist trembled imperceptibly as his chi surged forth, crystallizing rapidly into an amber-colored chitinous gauntlet upon his striking hand.
“No matter how hard you struggle today—there is always but one road!”
Fueled with amplified force, his gauntleted fist launched Xiao Yan forward as his lips curled slightly. At last, with no hesitation whatsoever, he swung forth, the fist streaking amidst countless eyes before crashing headlong into Xue Beng’s spear point in an earsplitting thunder-impact of ultimate force.
“Eight Extremes Collapse!”
“BOOOOM!” Upon collision, the moment shattered the air, splitting with a titanic sound wave so great, the stone platform underneath the blow exploded into dust. Like a spider’s web, massive fissures spiraled violently outward from the site of impact.
“Crack!” From the rising dust and debris of broken stones erupted immediately after yet another sharp, ear-splitting noise—a shearing sound of iron’s snapping! Almost simultaneously, a blur of motion was propelled violently from out within the dispersing haze of dust, a trail of crimson spurting skyward. His form hurtled for tens of feet along the floor before skidding to an uneasy halt.
The mass of spectators swiveled frantically following the ejected body’s trajectory, only to see at once the defeated opponent. Upon contact, profound silence blanketed the plaza.
At its farthest edge laid Xue Beng. Torn asunder, his once mighty garment of battle torn beyond recognition, his frame crisscrossed with dark welts brought from debris that had slammed into him, the smear of fresh blood across his lips a grim signature of his utter humiliation. Yet beyond all else, it was his fractured weapon—broken clean in half—that stood most stark against bloodied palms. Even to those among the crowd with a trained eye, they knew—the raw strength required to snap steel forged spears like this, even amidst high-ranking斗师, was no common feat.
This same Xue Beng, a youth whose presence even within Jinning College gained him no small respect. This name had once commanded fear, but now had crumbled—by an entirely rookie entrant in the brutal and most decisive of manners!
Eyes upon the bloodied youth slowly attempting to rise, their minds stirred by chilling trepidation, several individuals—those with earlier ambitious notions—felt ice crawl upon their spine. By all appearances this Xiao Yan, who arrived fresh from a two-year study furlong, was not some layman at all. Slowly within the plazas dust drifted downward a silhouetted robed form emerged.
A dark-robed young figure stepped forth, every inch the image of calm composure; the robe worn over his figure bore not a single wrinkle as opposed to the battered figure that was Xue Beng—almost two entities from wholly different worlds. Any witness to this duel would immediately grasp the gap in their might. Clearly the power Xiao Yan wielded had far surpassed the level of ninth-grade斗徒 Xue Beng.
Since Xue Beng already stood upon the brink of becoming a斗师 of grand status, this victory proved without the shadow of doubt—an undeniable testament that this very fighter already stood amongst those of the esteemed grand斗师 tier! The grand audience’s astonishment now took audible form. Among the thousands filling the tiered stadium a new tension thickened the ambient atmosphere as astonished gazes fixed anew upon the young victor—the rare breed in the entire prestigious expanse and breadth of Jinning Academy that a斗师 of such youthful years would dare to arise amongst their exalted circles—a true elite among elites.
“Astonishing…simply astonishing!” gasped Xiao Yu and others, faces marked by stunned disbelief, their eyes fixed upon the slim, upright figure who strode forth amidst swirling clouds of dust on the field. An awestruck companion behind her whispered out amidst her own stunned wonderment, eyes starlit with admiration for such raw power unfurled like wildfire amidst a single decisive blow.
Who had dreamed within their right mind that Xue Beng—a warrior of the ninth rank斗徒 level—should be shattered so swiftly into defeat within merely one engagement, after unleashing his most advanced technique? What were once murmurs on just how much duration their fresh newcomer could weather the battle had swiftly given way under the overwhelming, stupefying results of a fight now concluded, leaving only gaping mouths and minds gone dumb.
“He’s certainly made tremendous progress over these two years,” chuckled Xiao Yu ruefully. Nearby, Tutor Ruolin gradually drew out of stunned silence while her line-of-sight remained fixated firmly amidst the young figure walking upright at the heart of this battlefield. To even now recall with difficulty that this particular student who had once defied proper academy standards, absent across a two-year sabbatical, had gone and toppled a top-level competitor from the higher classes’ tiered levels—and so thoroughly, not merely defeating but annihilating! Even recalling with vivid clarity how decisively his thunderous fist had launched his initial strike, she privately reflected—had she faced the same onslaught, would she be able to block it cleanly without a hairline slipup herself? Reflecting again as realization struck anew, she smiled bitterly. Two years—only an immature fledgling once so persistently hounded during those days back within Utarn city, having fought tooth and nail for a few brief minutes to survive just twenty exchanges before finally conceding within their former encounter. Yet now, he unleashed a force capable of causing even her deep contemplative unease before being certain of survival—an escalation of progress nothing short of terrifying.
“No wonder even someone as extraordinary as Xun’er cannot stop thinking about his exploits. It’s clear he carries such rare, formidable merit indeed.” With glances sidelong to the fair lass bearing delicate traces of proud pleasure upon her countenance—the figure smiling gently, Xiao Yan’s mentor let slip her contemplative whisper inward.
Elsewhere above, atop the other viewing platform arms cross at the chest, furrows of intense contemplation marked the face observing intently—the robed young master standing proudly still across the coliseum’s breadth. For an indefinite span of time he maintained silence and fixed attention, before slowly exhaling and permitting the barest trace of a smug, knowing grin across his lips:
“Admirable indeed. As expected, a modicum of promise. Only now would your strength begin to warrant my serious attention. Hopefully, fortune smiles and you may continue onward for several rounds yet—I would certainly anticipate the opportunity and pleasure one day to clash blades with you myself…”
“A formidable contender, true. That being the case—rest assured, her affections shall be mine.” Directing his stare toward the direction where Xun’er occupied momentarily, Baishan cast his view again—eyes fixated upon the vision dressed serenely in淡青 hues, encircled amid fair companions, the lissome form carrying herself amid the crowd—like an emergent blue lotus amidst spring blossoms, untouched and pure. Murmured beneath his lips in barely distinguishable hush his declaration, “Yes—hers shall be my destiny.”
“Woooahh—the punch was monstrous. Even Xue Beng’s “die in waves” defense couldn’t even hold up under that much raw power. I’d wager he may likely possess at least a 3rd-degree斗师 grade or higher now! His skill’s quite impressive indeed…especially the way in which he managed to manifest solidification of energies over selective zones for both offense and defense. Such mastery demands a refined hand in chi manipulation—one worthy enough, perhaps even equaling your own skills, elder sir…” remarked one lass draped in vermillion hues, possessing figures rivaled only by an unmatched grace while her mischievous pair of eyes fixed on the humbled, bloodied form now laying flatly amid defeat, surprised at having seen things unfold.
“Yes, the fists delivered with a most piercing force indeed—an understanding evident in his grasp of localized hardening methods. Precision mastery not many wield with ease.” affirmed one nearby old gentleman with slow approving nods, surprise traceable amid the tone too.
“He has talent indeed. And with Xun’er favoring such a fine young lad over common men…Well, whether one of you or Baishan could overcome Xiao, I doubt many can be absolutely confident either way…” the older male continued sagaciously as his stare kept tracing the youthful frame across from them, laden with unspoken meanings.
“Ohhh? Well then. I guess I should get him matched against me somehow! And if I beat him, maybe I can ask for Xun’er as a gift too!… Hahaha~” retorted the vermillion-haired vixen with an exaggerated lift of thin, willowy eyebrows, lips curled in amusement laced with sly intentions.
“Ugh—this devilishly wild girl! There’re already so many elite young noblemen clamoring for your attention, but if you don’t care enough, at least do us a favor and leave innocent Xun’er’s heart at peace? Must you keep embarrassing me like this!” exclaimed the silverbeard, incensed as her reply flitted from lips and set an exasperated glare over her impish face.
“They all chase me for appearances anyway. If it wasn’t for my face—who else could bring any interest?” dismissed offhandedly the red-haired beauty with yet another playful pout as her nimble fingers danced over a face that held such a clever, cunning visage akin to a mischievous sprite.
Such was her unbridled temperament, that she could provoke ire like no others upon an otherwise venerable mentor. Fuming yet helpless, he exhaled hard, muttering under his breath and once again diverting attention instead toward the battlefield. There, now standing over his fallen foe, Xiao Yan cast one last glance toward the prostrate form lying motionless beyond as the victor then turned himself respectfully towards the panel of judgment seats ahead with the softness of smile.
“Honorable judges,” began our victor respectfully, with but gentle inquiry laced his voice as he stood beneath collective attention once again, “May I claim rightful conclusion as the victor today?”
“Hmmh hmmh—oh yes indeed, you may. Of that there remains no dispute…” The elderly arbiters seated amongst the official stand chuckled with warm approval, eyes glinting knowingly before giving a definitive nod.
With that confirmation, Xiao Yan humbly bowed one graceful arc in appreciation before raising his palm slightly—a subtle motion. Nearby, the black obsidian great-sword quivered once at being recalled mentally then, without another moment’s pause, hurtled flying like summoned by unseen string, straight into its master’s awaiting hand as swiftly as possible. The wielder, without wasting another instance, hoisted it back along his back in practiced rhythm with natural movement. Eyes flicked momentarily upward again as the victorious figure gazed fondly towards where sat the青衣-robed lady—a knowing twinkle of heart’s delight flashing ever-fleeting but clear within his dark eyes at seeing her gentle smile, her presence, always soothing like a summer breeze.
Gentle tap against floor and his silhouette already danced through space. In an instant, like a shadow upon water he glides from the elevated contest arena down below. Leaping once upward, the air carried him gracefully into his rightful position reserved amongst the ranks where黄 Tier Class Two held their seats together. And when he came at last, those few words slipped softly—greeted with affection as always.
Apology woven through those tender words as gentle hands slightly tugged the edge of scalp while eyes softened ever-familiarly at standing once again before his lady.
“My humblest apologies, dear heart—I arrived tardily.”
Facing such a sight, one could only pause time itself for just this very fleeting moment. As she lifted her eyes upward to peer at him fully again, that cherished profile so carefully etched deep within two hard-earned years of absence—the face had lost its youthful naivety; in return, it had gained something richer yet familiar—that very distinct mixture unique only unto Xiaoyan, bearing a composed and determined edge now.
Suddenly, a soft giggle danced from pink lips, soon giving way as Xuner turned herself about with slow, breath-halting beauty into a radiant grin that could have sent a dozen kingdoms crashing down under her spell in one instant. Then—a sight so utterly startling even to all present, frozen in complete astonishment.
Before any could draw a second breath amidst this stillness, this girl—renowned not just among students within this institution, but by common knowledge, was one never known even brushing a touch too close to any gentlemanly presence ever beyond that of ordinary friends. That girl stretched wide—arms flaring momentarily like soft wings of a dove sensing its long awaited sanctuary. She charged full into that awaited embrace—the warm familiar presence so dear over the past thousand lonely hours away.
She nestled in deep within two wide arms so dearly missed for these years beyond count, breathing in the air around this person who had been absent for these interminably long days, greedily soaking in the scent once immeasurably dear. There were no words exchanged amid those moments; only the beating of two hearts in synchronized rhythm, resonating across time lost and reunited.
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