As the two cold syllables rang out from Roho’s mouth, the entire rubble field and the slope became suddenly hushed. Clearly, from the taut atmosphere ready to explode, everyone understood at once: the matter might not be resolved peacefully today. A brutal confrontation appeared inevitable.
Xiao Yan’s eyes locked tightly onto Roho’s face for a span of time before faintly noding, his voice growing heavier as well. “Since Senior Loho won’t allow ourselves passage, apologies shall be extended then.” He placed his palm slowly upon the Heavyweight玄重尺’s handle and sharply drew it forth. Black shadow pierced the air as violent gusts hurled small stones from the ground and sent them flying; he levelled the weapon’s end against the ground, jade斗气 rushing from within him in waves. Given the circumstances, there existed not a slight trace of wavering, leaving only the path of conflict open.
Responding to Xiao Yan’s motion, the others, particularly Xuanyan trio, began to surge their斗气 rapidly within. Their rising energies locked sight upon Central’s key threat – Roho, the prime antagonist; subduing the leader always the initial aim against the formidable squad named “White Reaper” squad, whose challenge ranked paramount, defeating the remainder being insignificant.
“I’ll hold off Xiao Yan’s quartet; Ye Hand and remaining comrades, intercept those incoming freshman. Remain in tightly-knitted ranks during confrontation: numerous though they may seem, without harmonized tactics, steadfast unity, with coalesced same-typed斗气’s virtue in battle, assured likelihood in victory shall abound.”
Thin white vapour continuously permeated from Roho as his sharp eyes evaluated Xiao Yan and his team momentarily and instructed one squad comrade coolly and effectively detecting inherent weakness of incoherency of the rookie unit. “Yes!” four ‘White Reaper’ nodded heavily in reply while surging斗气 within. Wisps of chill air trailed visibly from their very bodies themselves as they drew themselves out into an icy league: apparently all of the team practiced only the art of frost斗气.
Upon observing the frigid mists exuding from those four, Xiao Yan’s heart stirred slightly. Such synergy within unified斗气 would considerably magnify their joint force. In consideration alone, the overall might of this “White Reapers” exceeded by a measure compared traditionally to Sha Tie’s “Black Reaper”, hence justifying their selection as culminating gatekeepers of this contest. Lifting the audacity singlehandedly to confront four, Loho, beyond arrogant recklessness, indeed might possess deeper strengths to merit.
His mind mulling silently briefly, lowly instructing Xuyen trio Xiao Yan stated authoritatively. “No warm up in this war necessary; refrain yourselves no further. Subdue Loho swiftly without procrastination lest delays incite unexpected turns.”
“Huh…” The trinity agreed taciturn nods. Their斗气 roars violently now through meridians, swarming in their surroundings, surging ready – any minimal movement from them triggering massive waves upon impulse.
Tension heightened exponentially with battling斗气’s mingling in this explosive moment.
Among hills and slopes a hushed, watchful air settled. Observing the White Reapers as concluding trial for “Inferno Essence Capture Contention” this season; if not even Roho’s league could impede the freshman’s advance, it may well shatter legends of the fiercest of ordeals preceding academy’s core enrollment.
“Is Xiao Yan’s team equipped enough power enough overpower White Reaper team?” At slope terrain, Su Xue glanced below observing two forces poised like blade meeting awl and asked Tie Sha cautiously.
“Undoubtedly they still posses chance yet regardless either individual prowess or cohesiveness, White Reaper’s team seems vastly superior. Although Xiao Yan and party vanquishing ourselves remains verifiable, whether superiority transfers facing Roho’s team remains uncertain…”
Shakehead Tie, as unclear on outcomes himself, only answered Su’s inquiry murkily.
Such an answer, left Su smiling with helplessness, redirecting fixed eyes toward stone strewn confrontation.
The stage where all watched intently grew ever tighter within its atmosphere. Onlookers faces slowly turned grave,斗气 glow from skin expanding and withdrawing mirroring internal tumult.
Kaa~
A breeze wafted. A loose boulder on mount suddenly rolled downhill striking against another sending debris tumbling forth. The unexpected noise acted like giant stone cast into silent pond unleashing a massive splash. Dozens of various-colored斗気 gushed in the rubble, hues diverse, splendent.斗氣 swells drastically heightened surrounding oppressive force enough bent upright grass nearby flatwards.
“Haaa!”
Two identical battle cries simultaneously erupted nearly simultaneously from Xiao Yan & Loho’s lips. The moment the cry faded, the tension burst.
Human figures surged forward amidst warm war cries resounding through the pile.
Almost instantly he moved Xiao grasping heavily against his尺 handle planted heel deep, jade-energy erupted beneath it; the explosion launched propulsion transforming Xiao Yan into rapid shadow directly speeding central towards standing foe Roho amidst boulders. Barely Xiao’s form set to motion did the Xuanyang three trail close by with exact meter interval spacing maintained ensuring collective defense support from ambush angle.
“Advance forth!”
Behind the quartet, an undulating throng surged forth from freshmen’s ranks loud with war whoops. Disarray evident in their formations yet their sheer numbers empowered a bold momentum unseen in other units. Remaining calm the opposing Reapers quartet unfazed at numerical superiority. Raising white metallic clubs with a swift wave, slamming earth, they catapult through air at Xiao & gang forming spiraling wind club torrents interceptively halting dozens of freshmen mid surge.
Though rear-side howling gales rang, he turned no glance back, fixed Roho perched still mid a slab. Clasping尺 fiercely downwards unleashing a blade jade斗气 cutting skywards.
An externalized斗技 strike trademark of seasoned duelists—delineating distance battle for martial adepts alike.
Following behind jade slashes launched trio Xuanye, each formidable.
Flying over air four slashed furiously rushing forth Roho direction.
Facing down those incoming surging strikes expression stoic Roho raised arm and brandished out a meter-long frost-forged rod of translucent frigid steel. Firm in dual grasp rod’s tip thrusted. Momentarily rod shadows wove a canopy of unbroken strokes each solid impact upon four slashes, again and then again dissipating even heavily infused momentum in display beyond formidable might worthy awe.
“You must be at Spirit斗Master stage! Formidable strike indeed…”
That deflection stunned Xiao Yan visibly—analyzing how Roho quelled that quartet’s assault made him concede clearly Loho outclassing former rival Blood Order heir he slained previously back within the Devilish Angle domain—Certainly such youth acquired powers via shallow shortcuts leaving internal斗气 diluted; ultimately such prowess at Master斗师 limit barely even.
Such thoughts vanished quickly from mind, face grave he drove rod screaming cleaving sound of pressure booming forward mid flying arc towards Roho.
Chi~
Behind Xiao Yan three martial strikes materialized golden flames, green whip lashes, red sword slashes, each trailing mighty aura enveloping Rooh’s every route encased.
The elders atop slopes found themselves pale; realizing if placed in identical spots, they’d have already found themselves defeated utterly upon first engagement.
“They indeed are mighty—especially that hood figure in black…”
Thoughts of awe surfaced amidst the veterans; only now watching rookie talent with full understanding the true extent this freshman generation, the ones partook in the Inferno Capture must’ve been defeated in abject disgrace, finally realizing it wasn’t previous generation weak but rather these newcomers were astoundingly superior.
As such contemplations spread atop hills in that decisive moment central Rooh made his first gesture—fists tightened rod grip while ethereal vapor wafted from it’s length as chilling cry rose.
“Inscribed Circle Frost Rod!”
With utterance Roho’s rod twirled tracing enigmatic arc, vapor coalesced forming ice barrier globe engulf surrounding figure in icy bulwark fully encapsulated. Thud! The ensuing collisions struck shield sending deafening sounds echoing across the battlefield.
Colossal force channel through ice into terrain. Yet Roho’s expertise turned impact force into cracking waves rippling ground rock beneath his feet bursting rock fragments. HUAAAA~
Bodies bent slightly back.
“Raaa!”
With a roar, rod suddenly stilled, sharply thrusting outward in myriad rod flashes striking weapon-on-weapon against quartet sending four staggering backward.
Battling quartet solo yet remaining undefeated—proof stark divide between Master斗师 verses Spirit斗师 ranks impossible to quantify.
“Gooooood job! Let those brash newcomers a color lesson!”
At Xiao Yan’s failed attempt at engagement cheers exploded hillsides, as Xiao Yan backflip gracefully landed on slab and inhaled deeply fixated cold Roho’s impassive visage. Opposition far superior expectations wielding rod naturally defensive bent complicating any quick takedown between all four.
“What do we do?”
Three allies asked, equally troubled at opponent’s fortress-grade shielding like tiger confronting porcupine.
He shifted gaze momentarily surveying chaotic battle behind his frown growing deeper as the four Reaper warriors far outclassed anticipation. Whirling white rods met incoming attacks as quadruple metallic barrier deflecting force rebounding attackers injuring them back.
Within less five minutes of commencement over five freshman had been felled helplessly upon cold earth while injuries continued escalating a casualty per full minute. Distressing gap in strength evident—forty斗师 level freshman unable to dent four opponents at mere higher tiers. This battlefield imbalance was staggering.
With the conflict clearly tilting into an ill-omen Xiao Yan’s expression tightened with concerns spreading rapidly.
“This lot disunited no contest—only Xiao Yan’s leadership kept them coalesce from typical veteran dominance.” Observations echoed up along hills from Tie’s gaze, shaking heads in resignation.
Affirmative nods from Su & friends; despite no exceptional talent increase this intake stood distinct solely by having charismatic figure like Xiao Yan capable of assembling disordered mass into something organized yet even this proved insufficient against this last gatekeeping behometh.
“This conflict delay unfavorable to Yan’s group—each moment prolonged odds turn darker; freshmen scatter unable enclose Reaper unit, following present course within twenty minute interval their resistance shatter—free fighters then overwhelming Yan’s side irrevocably.”
Resigned voice Tie’s admission, acknowledging though greatly awed by Xiao Yan’s unique jade fire, Roho skillfully evaded fire suppression using rod dexterity sufficiently deterring victory still for Xiao Yan side. Thus his prior amusement at Yan hardship, clearly premature in hindsight.
While deliberations brewed amongst Tie & others Xiao Yan too reached same realization.
Exhaling long, murmuring, “Cannot waste anymore time…”
With swifth his尺 plunged deep into fissures, commanding trio grimly; “Stall for me.”
He snaps fingers, flicked a violet-coloured pill directly into mouth, chewed briefly and exhaled; immediately releasing a substantial mass purple flame within palm under universal witness gasping eyes amidst surrounding observers—gasps reverberating through hills while prior resigned expressions twisted astonished on Tie’s contingent; having not even guessed this fellow wielded not one jade, but yet another hue.
Meanwhile atop stone elevated stands, both Su Sage & Qing Elder brows jumped in disbelief.
Paying no heed amidst astonished onlookers, Xiao Yan clutches purple fire within left palm and gently stroked open right palm, igniting ethereal jade-flames erupting anew, hovering above fingers within. The rising embers raised the ambient temperatures swiftly; bi-coloured heat casting surreal glow upon the crowd expressions of shock turned nearly cartoonish.
“…Th—is t—th—”
Seated relaxed Su Sage & Qing Elder faces twisted sharply at that momentary green emergence into tense vigilance; rigid postured locked onto flowing jade flame, sharing glances revealing same underlying astonished thoughts in their eyes…”Heterogeneous Flame(异火)？”
Unlike Tie class’ shallow insights their wisdoms ran deeper, identifying it immediately at first emerald glimpse.
“Fools! That damnable Huge-Qian… keeping such matters secret from us… truly a senile mind..”, hushed whispers of mutual frustration emerged lingering awe etching further their expressions.
Locked onto twin hues burning at the youth’s palm, Roho’s cold disposition finally cracked under pressure of realization—the chill energy sluggish, disrupted abruptly upon encountering the emerald flare moments ago.
“What sort of flame could interfere my essence flow like this!!?” Loho voice tinged mixture awe and grimness tightened grip along frost-bar; forcing steady circulation to dispel blockage slowing inner chill energies unnervingly.
Xuanye’s team observing Xiao’s flame grasped their strategy; nod once then immediately launched into triangular attack pattern surging fiercely upon Rooh their斗気 peaked. Though apprehensive regarding potential flame backlash against his back Loho now focusing entirely fending against these three, calculating if he subdued them Xiao’s own force diminished without allies beside, then battle tipped greatly toward success for Rooh. Plan was sound.
Xuanye team’s cooperation however far beyond ordinary greenhorns—coincident harmony cultivated during recent confrontations now granting a fraction disciplined unity allowing them at least stave off interference while Xiao Yan prepped in isolation.
With such delay tactics Xiao Yan prepared openly before multitudes gaze. Observers clueless excepting Sage Su and Elder Qing at platform stood grim aware—knowing such flame fusion risks and potential yields.
“Shall we intervene? That child’s toying recklessly!” Elder questioned gravely turning toward Elder Su.
Silently Elder Su’s eyes unblinking watching composure on Xiao Yan’s face for long while before a faint negating bob, “He knows something perhaps…?”
“Is it possible!?!Even Kings dared not tread thus lightly. A failure to control the fusion might well annihilate everyone!!!”
Yet only an observing “We’ll watch…” slipped softly past Elder Su’s lips.
With exasperate sigh Elder Qing readied斗气 internally bracing for worst possible case considering presence multitude students watching battle unfold.
Under focused gazes, Xiao Yan’s dual fire merged—twisting tendrils spreading outwardly, the area’s very space contorted slightly upon initial fusion contact.
Remained stoic, he swiftly clamped palms forcefully together, resolute. At his mental force command and a sharp pop! the merging process sealed. Two opposing embers twisted, spirallin inwards shrinking rapidly beneath Sage’s scrutinizing stares and awe till contraction ceased at size slightly beyond fist width remaining quavering flames, pulsating momentarily.
Then gently splitting further; an enchanting jade-and-violet colored lotus of seething elemental fury floated mid-air.
“Retreat now Xuanye…”
Lifting face pallid tone yet confident smirk curved. Flickered fingertip brushed flower core—a meteor of beauty hurtling skyward beneath entire crowds’ breath-hold watching trajectory—a vividly luminous lotus trail following.
Its destination?
ROHO！
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage