The bustling Soul Arena was alive with energy. Shouts of excitement, roars of combat, and the cheers of the audience filled the grand hall. This was the perfect place for Jiang Yun and his team to test their skills—both individually and as a group.
Jiang Yun stood at the edge of the preparation area, his calm gaze sweeping over the crowd. Zhu Zhuqing, Dugu Yan, Hua Yue, Feng Ming, Qiao Xuan, and Bai Ling stood beside him, each exuding a quiet confidence.
"Our goal is simple," Jiang Yun began, his voice steady. "Individually, you will test your skills and refine your abilities. But as a team, our coordination must be flawless."
Bai Ling, the gentle support type, smiled. "I may not fight alone, but I promise I will keep everyone safe in team battles."
"Good." Jiang Yun nodded. "Remember, we don't need to hide our identities. We are backed by the Azure Dragon Academy."
Excitement flashed in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes. "Then let's show them who we are."
The others nodded.
—
The individual matches began.
Feng Ming vs. Lightning Panther Clan Disciple
Feng Ming's opponent was a young man with a lithe, muscular build. As soon as the match began, his Lightning Panther martial spirit roared to life, electricity crackling around his body.
"Foolish bird!" he sneered, lightning gathering in his claws.
But Feng Ming only smiled. "Gale Falcon!"
A burst of wind erupted around him, and his body shimmered, becoming a blur. He weaved around the arena, each pass sending sharp wind blades at his opponent. The Lightning Panther tried to follow, but his claws slashed only at empty air.
"Wind Slash!" Feng Ming's voice rang out. A fierce gust of wind crashed into his opponent, sending him flying out of the ring.
"Victory! Feng Ming!"
—
Qiao Xuan vs. Ironback Ape Disciple
Qiao Xuan's opponent was a towering youth with a hulking build. His Ironback Ape martial spirit gave him immense strength, his body covered in a rocky, silver fur.
"Crush you!" the youth roared, slamming his fists together.
Qiao Xuan remained calm. "Earthbind Serpent."
The ground rumbled, and a massive serpent made of solid earth coiled around the ape youth. No matter how he struggled, his brute strength couldn't break free.
"Quake Strike!" Qiao Xuan clenched his fist, and the earthen serpent released a powerful earthquake which makes his opponent tumble, forcing his opponent to the ground and the already bound youth could not even struggle and conceded.
"Victory! Qiao Xuan!"
—
Hua Yue vs. Blazing Lion Clan Disciple
Hua Yue's crimson hair seemed to glow as she faced a burly young man whose Blazing Lion martial spirit radiated searing heat.
"Think you can beat my fire with brute strength?" the youth taunted.
"Crimson Tiger!" Hua Yue roared, her form enveloped in a blazing aura. Her claws shimmered with a red flame, and she dashed forward.
"Blazing Claw!" her opponent shouted, a massive flaming paw slashing toward her.
But Hua Yue's speed outmatched him. Her Crimson Tiger claws met his, and her flames surged with even greater intensity. His fire was overwhelmed, and with a fierce swipe, she sent him crashing out of the arena.
"Victory! Hua Yue!"
—
Dugu Yan vs. Venomous Snake Clan Disciple
Dugu Yan faced a girl with a dark green serpent coiled around her. Poisonous mist spread across the stage as the girl hissed.
But Dugu Yan smiled calmly. "Jade Phosphor Earth Dragon!"
Her martial spirit roared to life, a towering dragon with emerald scales and a faint earthen glow. Poison mist clashed in the air, but Dugu Yan's was thicker, more potent.
"Earth Dragon Domain!"
The ground shook, and her opponent stumbled, the mist growing denser and toxic. The girl's serpent writhed, weakened by the overpowering poison.
With a gentle wave of Dugu Yan's hand, the mist cleared, revealing her opponent collapsed.
"Victory! Dugu Yan!"
—
Zhu Zhuqing vs. Shadow Leopard Clan Disciple
Zhu Zhuqing's opponent had a similar speed type martial spirit—a Shadow Leopard. He grinned, believing his agility unmatched.
But the moment the battle began, Zhu Zhuqing vanished.
"Shadow Phantom." Her figure split into several afterimages, each one a deadly threat.
Her opponent struck at the illusions, but each vanished upon impact. Suddenly, a sharp claw swipe grazed his shoulder, then another struck his leg. He couldn't even see her real form.
"Hell Hundred Claws!" Zhu Zhuqing's voice rang out, and in a storm of shadowy strikes, her opponent was knocked out.
"Victory! Zhu Zhuqing!"
—
Finally, it was Jiang Yun's turn.
His opponent was a muscular youth with a Giant Axe martial spirit. "You look pretty relaxed. Let's see if you can stay that way!"
Jiang Yun smiled. "Henshin."
Golden light enveloped him, transforming into his crimson Kuuga Mighty Form. The audience gasped in awe.
"Show-off!" his opponent roared, swinging his massive axe.
But Jiang Yun moved like a phantom. His speed in armor was overwhelming, each step leaving afterimages.
"Crimson Lock."
A faint red mark appeared on his opponent's chest, and no matter how the youth moved, Jiang Yun's attacks struck the mark. A flurry of punches sent him staggering, and with a final Mighty Kick, the youth crashed out of the ring.
"Victory! Jiang Yun!"
—
Their individual victories brought them to the team battle.
Facing them was a team of six from various clans—speed, power, control, and a healer. Their teamwork was well-practiced, but Jiang Yun's team was sharper.
The battle began with Feng Ming's aerial strikes disrupting their formation. Qiao Xuan's Earthbind Serpent restrained two opponents. Hua Yue's Crimson Tiger tore through the frontline.
Dugu Yan's Earth Dragon Domain spread, weakening the enemies while enhancing her allies. Zhu Zhuqing's Shadow Phantom spread chaos, her clones attacking from all angles.
"Radiant Blessing!" Bai Ling's Radiant Lotus shone, healing her team and amplifying their strength.
Jiang Yun, in his Mighty Form, fought at the front, his strikes precise and devastating. He didn't even need to switch forms—his overwhelming strength was enough.
Within minutes, their opponents surrendered.
"Victory! Jiang Yun's team!"
The crowd roared, and the announcer's voice was filled with excitement. "A flawless victory! What incredible teamwork!"
But just as they were about to leave the stage, Jiang Yun noticed something unusual. A section of the VIP stands had a group of well-dressed individuals watching them with interest.
"Hmm?" Zhu Zhuqing followed his gaze. "Who are they?"
Dugu Yan's eyes widened. "That's… the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's insignia!"
Jiang Yun's expression remained calm, but his mind was racing. Among the group was a tall, elegant man with a gentle smile—Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. And beside him stood a young girl with a delicate appearance, her eyes sparkling with curiosity—Ning Rongrong.
"Why would they be here?" Feng Ming whispered.
"I don't know," Jiang Yun replied, his gaze not leaving them. "But it seems they're interested in us."
Ning Fengzhi whispered something to one of his guards, who quickly nodded and disappeared into the crowd.
"It seems we've caught their attention," Jiang Yun muttered.
"Is that a good thing?" Zhu Zhuqing asked.
"That depends," Jiang Yun said calmly. "But for now, let's not stand out too much."
As they left the stage, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of anticipation. Meeting the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan so soon… it was both an opportunity and a potential threat.
"Stay sharp, everyone," he reminded his team. "Things are about to get interesting."
—
Back in their resting area, as they caught their breath and discussed their battles, a polite knock sounded at the door.
A guard in elegant armor entered, bowing respectfully. "Honored guests, my master Ning Fengzhi, Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, wishes to invite you for a meeting."
Jiang Yun's eyes met Zhu Zhuqing's and Dugu Yan's.
"It seems we won't be resting just yet."