The sun rose over a new day as Jiang Yun stood atop a hill, overlooking a vast piece of land gifted by Dugu Bo. Workers moved busily below, constructing the foundation of their school—a neutral academy open to all, regardless of background.
Dugu Bo, standing beside Jiang Yun, smiled with pride. "It's coming together nicely. With my reputation, we have already received applications from some decent teachers."
Jiang Yun nodded. "Our goal is clear. A place where anyone can grow strong, without the oppression of noble factions."
Zhu Zhuqing walked over, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "Jiang Yun, I've spoken with some of the teachers. They seem genuinely interested in our vision."
"Good," Jiang Yun replied, "But we must ensure they are trustworthy. Old poison, I'll leave the final interviews to you."
The old poison master chuckled. "Leave it to me."
Days turned into weeks, and soon the school was ready. The grand entrance bore the name "Azure Dragon Academy", a symbol of strength and wisdom. Dugu Bo was appointed as the dean, his reputation alone enough to attract talented commoner students.
But Jiang Yun's focus wasn't just on the academy's growth—he needed to test himself and train. That was why he, Zhu Zhuqing, and Dugu Yan found themselves standing in the bustling Soul Arena of the nearby city. The arena was packed, cheers echoing through the corridors.
"Are you both ready?" Jiang Yun asked, his voice calm.
Zhu Zhuqing stretched, her feline grace evident. "Always."
Dugu Yan smirked. "I can't wait to show off."
Their team registered under a false name—"Crimson Dragon Team." Their identities hidden, they wore masks for disguising themselves because the soul power level of Jiang Yun and other two will literally shock anyone if their information were released. As the announcer called their team, the crowd erupted with cheers and anticipation.
"Look at them. Newcomers?" someone in the audience muttered.
"I heard they signed up at the last minute. Probably some arrogant newbies," another commented, dismissive.
The opposing team stepped forward—three experienced soul masters, all wearing arrogant smiles. Their leader sneered. "You should have stayed home, little cubs."
The opposing team stepped forward—three experienced soul masters, all wearing arrogant smiles.
Jiang Yun stood at the front, his voice firm. "Stay sharp."
The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"
The opposing team immediately launched an assault, one of them unleashing a barrage of ice shards. But Jiang Yun was already moving.
"Henshin!" His voice echoed, and in an instant, a crimson light enveloped him. When it cleared, he stood in his mighty form—Kamen Rider Kuuga in red armor.
Gasps erupted from the audience.
"What is that? A soul skill? A battle armor?" someone exclaimed.
"Is it a martial spirit manifestation? But I've never seen one like that!" another cried.
One of the enemies sneered. "Impressive trick, but it won't help you!"
Jiang Yun's lips curled into a slight smile. "We'll see."
The first enemy lunged at him, claws coated in frost, but Jiang Yun raised his hand. "Crimson Lock." His second soul ability activated, a shimmering red light enveloping the target.
"Wha—? I can't dodge!" the opponent screamed, and before he could react, Jiang Yun surged forward, his fist crashing into the enemy's chest. The impact sent the man flying out of the arena.
"Did you see that? He locked onto him, and the strike couldn't miss!" an observer shouted.
"Is it a control-type ability? But that power… it's brutal!" another whispered.
Zhu Zhuqing appeared beside another opponent, her ghostly figure blurring as she struck with a series of swift claws. "You're too slow."
"Who is she? That speed… like a shadow," a young girl in the stands whispered, wide-eyed.
Dugu Yan's poison-filled attacks cornered the last enemy, and with a powerful earth-shattering blow, she knocked them out. Her opponent fell, struggling against the venomous mist that clung to him.
"That's poison! She's a poison-type master! But that aura is stronger than most!" a veteran soul master in the audience commented.
The referee hesitated, then raised his hand. "Crimson Dragon Team wins!"
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, their voices filled with awe and curiosity.
"Who are they? That red-armored warrior… what kind of ability was that?"
"Did they say Crimson Dragon Team? But who are they really?"
Back in the preparation room, the trio caught their breath. Zhu Zhuqing leaned against the wall, her chest rising and falling with steady breaths. "That… was exhilarating."
Dugu Yan grinned, her emerald eyes gleaming. "We're unstoppable with you leading us, Jiang Yun."
Jiang Yun removed his armour, his face calm but pleased. "This is just the beginning. We will train, grow, and let our names be known—both in the arena and in the world."
As they stepped out of the arena, they noticed the lingering gazes of other teams and spectators, their whispers trailing after them.
But as they were in disguise no one can recognize them, they can only guess what Jiang Yun, Zhuqing and Dugu Yan look behind the masks.
"Did you hear? They crushed an experienced team in minutes."
"Especially that red-armored warrior. His control and strength are terrifying."
Jiang Yun kept his expression calm, but inwardly he felt satisfaction. This was not just for fame—it was part of their training. In combat, in the arena, they would refine their skills and grow stronger.
Outside, the arena's staff whispered among themselves. News of the Crimson Dragon Team, especially the mysterious red-armored warrior, began to spread.
"We should keep coming here," Zhu Zhuqing suggested. "It's a perfect place to hone our abilities without unnecessary attention."
"Agreed," Dugu Yan added. "Besides, it's fun."
Jiang Yun smiled. "Then we'll make this a regular part of our training. But remember, this is just the beginning. Our true strength lies in our teamwork."
The three walked into the bustling city streets, the cheers of the crowd still echoing faintly behind them. The legend of the Crimson Dragon Team was only beginning.