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#51
Chapter 51 Ye Lingling
The next morning, Chu Xinghe got up at six o'clock as usual to complete his morning exercise, a strict rule he had developed at the War Maniac Academy.
At seven o'clock sharp, the waiter brought breakfast.
Because I had specifically instructed them yesterday, today's meal was exceptionally lavish: three servings of ten-year-old soul beast meat ribs, two spirit fruits formed from ten-year-old plant-type soul beasts, and a large bowl of vegetable porridge made from blue silver grass.
Chu Xinghe ate slowly and deliberately, chewing each bite meticulously to ensure that the nutrients were fully absorbed.
After finishing breakfast, he strolled over to Dugu Yan's villa.
As expected, Yu Tianheng was already waiting there, like a vicious dragon guarding its prey.
"I don't care what you're trying to do." Yu Tianheng stepped forward, his body crackling with lightning. "Stay away from Yanzi."
Chu Xinghe smiled slightly: "Senior, pursuing beauty is human nature."
He paused deliberately, "Besides... it seems that your senior hasn't accepted your advances?"
"Insolence!" Yu Tianheng's eyes flashed with lightning. "I am the direct grandson of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and my grandfather was even the Thunder Douluo. We are a perfect match for Yan Zi. How dare you, a country bumpkin, compete with me?"
"What a pity," Chu Xinghe interrupted casually, "Your senior doesn't like you."
These words were like a sharp sword, piercing straight into Yu Tianheng's heart.
His expression shifted between light and dark, then he suddenly lowered his voice: "Fifty thousand gold soul coins, leave Yanzi."
This number is enough to ensure that an ordinary Soul Master will live a life free from financial worries.
Chu Xinghe chuckled softly, but his eyes, though bathed in sunlight, were as cold as a deep pool: "Senior, how can true feelings be measured by money?"
He scoffed. Even a random immortal herb from the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well was priceless. Fifty thousand gold soul coins? That's like throwing money away to a beggar.
"If you won't listen to reason, you'll have to suffer the consequences!" Yu Tianheng's soul power surged, and his first soul ring appeared faintly.
"Yu Tianheng!" A clear, cold female voice suddenly rang out.
Dugu Yan pushed open the door and stepped out. A well-tailored purple cheongsam accentuated her graceful curves, her short, dark purple hair fell neatly over her shoulders, and her emerald green eyes shone like jade in the morning light.
Chu Xinghe secretly admired: Purple is indeed very charming, alluring but not gaudy, captivating but not vulgar.
"As a senior, is this how you set an example?" Dugu Yan glanced coldly at Yu Tianheng, her disdain undisguised.
Yu Tianheng's Adam's apple bobbed, and he was about to defend himself when he heard Chu Xinghe say gently, "Senior, don't misunderstand. I'm just... worried that I'm not good enough for a woman as proud as you."
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Dugu Yan glared at him reproachfully. "A ten-year-old level 24 Great Soul Master, you can't find another one like him in the entire empire."
Yu Tianheng's face turned from green to black, and finally became so gloomy that it seemed to drip water.
He clenched his fists tightly, lightning crackling between his fingers, but in the end he could only glare at Chu Xinghe before turning and striding away.
...
The morning mist drifted slowly through the forest, and glistening dewdrops rolled off the leaves, wetting the tips of Chu Xinghe's boots.
He deliberately slowed his pace, maintaining a distance that was neither too close nor too distant from Dugu Yan.
Neither too close nor too distant.
"The training ground is just ahead." Dugu Yan pointed to the depths of the woods. "The special training class has a separate area, equipped with the most advanced simulated training environment."
The form-fitting purple cheongsam perfectly accentuated her beautiful figure.
Chu Xinghe noticed that as she spoke, she kept glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.
He chuckled inwardly, but pretended to be oblivious: "I've heard that a simulated environment can increase cultivation efficiency by 30%?"
"That's the basic configuration." Dugu Yan proudly raised her chin. "The best positions can reach 50%, but…"
She suddenly lowered her voice, "Those spots are usually occupied by Yu Tianheng and his group."
A hint of amusement flashed in Chu Xinghe's eyes. It seemed that even at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, the law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak, could not be escaped.
Just as he was about to reply, the outline of the training ground pierced through the morning mist and gradually became clear.
In the center of the field, a dozen or so figures were warming up.
Chu Xinghe keenly noticed that when Dugu Yan appeared, at least seven or eight pairs of eyes were cast upon her at the same time.
Some were envious, some were jealous, but most were inquisitive.
"Yanzi's here." A blond youth nudged his companion with his elbow. "Is that the new guy over there who caused such a stir at the Education Committee yesterday?"
"A ten-year-old in the 24th grade, I heard even the Zhilin Education Committee was alarmed." His companion clicked his tongue. "Look at the boss's expression, like he swallowed a dead fly."
Yu Tianheng's face was indeed ashen as he glared fiercely at Chu Xinghe and Dugu Yan as they entered the training ground.
"Ha, he's just a pretty boy who makes a living off his looks." Yu Tianheng cursed inwardly. "Once Yanzi's initial infatuation wears off, she'll naturally realize who the right match is."
Chu Xinghe took in all of this.
He deliberately leaned close to Dugu Yan's ear and asked, "Senior Yu Tianheng doesn't seem very friendly, does he?"
His warm breath brushed against Dugu Yan's ear, making her ears feel slightly hot.
"Ignore him." Dugu Yan curled her lips. "He's arrogant all the time because of his status as a member of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family."
She didn't notice that her body unconsciously leaned slightly towards Chu Xinghe as she spoke.
This subtle movement did not escape Yu Tianheng's eyes.
His clenched fists cracked, his resentment towards Chu Xinghe growing even stronger.
Chu Xinghe pretended not to see it and turned his gaze to the corner of the venue.
There stood a figure that stood out from the crowd; it was a girl dressed entirely in black, her face hidden behind a thin veil.
Her cascading blue hair fell to her waist, and her eyes, the same color, were as still as a deep pool.
From her, one could only sense loneliness and desolation.
Unlike Dugu Yan, who was a thorny rose, this girl was more like a broken little white flower, exuding a heartbreaking loneliness.
"That's Ye Lingling, the Nine-Heart Begonia Soul Master," Dugu Yan explained, following his gaze. "Our academy's ace support, but…"
She lowered her voice and said, "He has a somewhat withdrawn personality and rarely communicates with others."
As they were talking, Yun Wuyai had already moved closer to Ye Lingling.
He specially changed into a brand new school uniform today, and his hair was neatly combed.
"Hello, I'm Yun Wuyai." He flashed what he considered his most charming smile. "I just passed the special training course assessment yesterday. Would it be an honor to meet you?"
Ye Lingling didn't even lift her eyelids, as if there was nothing in front of her.
"I heard you're a Nine Heart Begonia Soul Master? What a coincidence! My Star Spear desperately needs powerful support..." Yun Wuyai continued to strike up a conversation, unwilling to give up.
"Pfft—" A snicker came from not far away.
The blond-haired Yu Feng lazily stretched his legs: "Another delusional guy."
"I bet ten gold soul coins, he won't last three minutes." Osro, dressed in black, sneered, his face, more delicate than a woman's, filled with disdain.
Chu Xinghe observed this scene with great interest.
The most urgent task right now is to win over Dugu Yan, not to provoke Ye Lingling, that unattainable beauty.
As for being faithful?
Don't be ridiculous. In his eyes, Dugu Yan was nothing more than a stepping stone to the pinnacle of power, a task that had to be completed.
A beauty like Ye Lingling is the kind of woman whose life is truly worth enjoying.
"What are you looking at so intently?" Dugu Yan suddenly blocked his way, a hint of displeasure flashing in her green eyes.
Chu Xinghe immediately looked away and gave an apologetic smile: "I was just thinking that such an excellent support-type Soul Master should be able to join the Heaven Dou Royal Team."
"That's right." Dugu Yan nodded slightly. "Lingling will definitely take up one of the spots."
Ye Lingling possesses the Nine-Hearted Begonia, the number one healing-type martial soul, and has long been a slated candidate for the Heaven Dou Royal Family's battle, and is definitely a member of their team.
Seeing Chu Xinghe and Dugu Yan's intimate interaction, Yu Tianheng could no longer bear it. He gave a wink to the stone mill beside him, and the stone mill immediately understood.
"Hey! New guy!"
The burly Shi Mo walked over and looked down at Chu Xinghe: "I heard you were already at level 24 when you were ten? Did you take some kind of banned drug?"
The training ground fell silent. Everyone held their breath, waiting to see what would happen.
Chu Xinghe calmly straightened his collar: "This senior is joking. The bone age test was conducted by the Education Committee itself, how could it be false?"
His tone was calm, yet every word he spoke was piercing.
"You!" Shi Mo's face flushed red.
"Enough." Dugu Yan stepped between the two. "Shi Mo, have you forgotten the rules set by Teacher Qin?"
Upon hearing Qin Ming's name, Shi Mo reluctantly took a step back, but the hostility in his eyes did not diminish in the slightest.
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#52
Chapter 52 Yu Tianheng's Challenge
The lingering sound of the morning bell had just faded away.
Qin Ming stepped into the venue at the last second of eight o'clock, his black outfit highlighting his lean and muscular physique.
"I don't think I need to introduce myself." He stood in front of the crowd, his voice not loud but clear enough to reach everyone's ears.
His sharp gaze swept across the entire room, and all the trainees unconsciously straightened their backs.
Chu Xinghe noticed that when Qin Ming appeared, a hint of admiration flashed in Dugu Yan's eyes.
This is understandable; a level 58 Soul King at the age of 31 is a rare find on the entire continent.
"Two new members have joined the special training class." Qin Ming put his hands behind his back. "As is customary, let's start with self-introductions."
Yun Wuyai stepped forward impatiently, puffing out his chest: "I am Yun Wuyai, a graduate of Tianling Intermediate Soul Master Academy, fifteen years old, and a level twenty-six Battle Soul Master!"
He deliberately released his martial spirit, and a long spear shimmering with starlight materialized in his hand, "Martial Spirit Star Spear, also known as—"
He paused, then an exaggerated confidence appeared on his face: "The King of Guns!"
Several snickers immediately rang out in the arena.
Yu Feng poked Oslo in the ribs: "Did you hear that? A Great Soul Master dares to call himself a king."
Oslo rolled his eyes, his face full of speechlessness.
Despite the mockery, most students, except for top students like Yu Feng and Oslo, still had a hint of seriousness in their eyes.
A level 26 Soul Master at the age of 15 would be considered a top genius in any high-level academy.
Although the chances of making it into the first team are slim, he is definitely qualified to challenge for the second team.
When it was Chu Xinghe's turn, everyone's eyes were drawn to him.
The boy who had caused such a stir on the education committee was now simply standing there calmly.
"Chu Xinghe, Martial Soul Agu Beast, from the Battle Maniac Intermediate Soul Master Academy." His voice was unhurried, yet carried a strange penetrating power. "Ten years old, Level 24 Great Soul Master."
The simple combination of numbers sent a chill down everyone's spine.
The room was completely silent.
Even these arrogant and haughty students of the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy had to take this ten-year-old boy seriously at this moment.
A ten-year-old level 24 Soul Master, whose talent of breaking through four levels in four months is enough to make any genius pale in comparison.
A hint of appreciation flashed in Qin Ming's eyes: "Very good. From today onwards, you are all members of the special training class."
He glanced around, his tone suddenly turning stern: "Here, strength is the only passport. No matter which family you're backed by, you'll settle things with your fists!"
Qin Ming continued, "I need to select a squad leader to assist in managing daily training."
His sharp gaze swept across the crowd. "Anyone volunteering?"
The air froze instantly.
All eyes turned in one direction at the same time: Yu Tianheng had already strode out of the line.
"I'll do it." His voice was deep, yet carried an undeniable arrogance.
As the strongest in the special training class, this should have been a no-brainer.
But the next moment, his gaze locked onto Chu Xinghe like a venomous snake: "But before that..."
A cold smile curled at the corner of his lips. "I want to take care of some personal matters first."
Lightning crackled around Yu Tianheng, and his first spirit ring lit up: "You hiding behind a woman, do you dare to fight me?"
The training ground erupted in an uproar.
Thirty-three against twenty-four – this is an unequal contest.
Dugu Yan suddenly gripped Chu Xinghe's sleeve tightly: "Ignore him!"
Her blue eyes were filled with anxiety, "The gap between a Soul Master and a Great Soul Master cannot be bridged by talent alone..."
Chu Xinghe gently patted the back of her hand.
Sunlight filtered through the trees, dappling his face and outlining his resolute features: "Senior, some battles aren't about winning or losing."
Chu Xinghe's voice was soft, yet everyone around him heard it clearly, "It's to prove—"
He stepped forward slowly, each step seemingly treading on the heartbeats of everyone present: "I, Chu Xinghe, am not a pushover to be manipulated!"
The sidelines erupted in chaos.
Yu Feng whistled: "Interesting, a Great Soul Master dares to challenge a Soul Venerable?"
Oslo narrowed his eyes: "This kid is either crazy, or..."
"Or they really have the confidence." Qin Ming continued, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes.
He could have stopped this unequal contest, but now he was more interested in seeing what tricks this boy, who had alarmed the Education Committee, was up to.
Yu Tianheng laughed in fury: "Fine! Very well!"
His body suddenly swelled, lightning crackling between his muscles. "Today I'll show you what a world of difference truly means!"
Chu Xinghe calmly unbuttoned his cuffs.
He knew better than anyone the disparity in this battle: a nine-level difference in soul power and the suppression of a top-tier beast martial soul. This was almost certainly a battle he was destined to lose.
But who says you have to win to achieve your goal?
In this battle, Chu Xinghe is not seeking victory.
But we must make sure Yu Tianheng is badly hurt, so everyone can see his pathetic state.
As the orange dragon scale patterns began to spread across Chu Xinghe's arms, the temperature in the training ground seemed to rise a few degrees.
Unnoticed by everyone, Ye Lingling, who was in the corner, raised her head for the first time, a strange light flashing in her eyes beneath the black veil.
...
In the center of the training field.
Yu Tianheng was the first to complete the Martial Soul Possession. His right arm suddenly swelled up in the dazzling lightning, transforming into a ferocious dragon arm in an instant.
Its bluish-purple scales gleamed with a metallic sheen in the sunlight, its five fingers transformed into sharp dragon claws, each joint bulging out and coiled with tiny electric snakes.
Unlike ordinary soul masters, the three soul rings—yellow, yellow, and purple—are directly coiled around this mutated dragon arm, highlighting the special nature of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul.
Chu Xinghe was equally quick.
Orange soul power surged like flames, his arms swelled to nearly twice their normal size, fine dragon scale patterns appeared on the panel surface, and his hands transformed into sharp dragon claws.
Unlike Yu Tianheng's regional dragon transformation, his transformation was more balanced, with his entire upper body shrouded in a faint dragon aura.
"Back off! All of you, back off!" Shi Mo's rough voice broke the silence.
The trainees stepped back, leaving a circular space with a diameter of thirty meters in the center of the field.
Qin Ming had already completed the Martial Soul Possession at some point.
Fiery yellow flames danced on his body, and his once-fitting training clothes were stretched taut by his bulging muscles.
The wolf's eyes, now vertical pupils, were fixed on the two people in the arena, ready to intervene at any moment.
"Yu Tianheng, Martial Soul: Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex, Level 33 Power Attack Type Battle Soul Master." Yu Tianheng's voice was accompanied by a faint rumble of thunder.
He deliberately slowed down his speech so that every word was clearly audible.
As a direct descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he had to maintain his composure, especially in front of Dugu Yan.
Chu Xinghe's lips curled slightly. He noticed that although Yu Tianheng appeared calm on the surface, his dragon claws were unconsciously opening and closing. This detail revealed the other party's inner anxiety.
On the sidelines, Dugu Yan unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes.
Her blue eyes were filled with worry: "The gap is too big..."
She knew all too well the terror of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex; it was a top-tier martial soul comparable to the Clear Sky Hammer.
"Begin!" Qin Ming's voice boomed like thunder.
Yu Tianheng did not attack immediately.
He maintained an elegant stance, the lightning on his dragon claws flashing intermittently. As a Soul Master fighting a Grand Soul Master, it would be beneath his dignity to strike first.
More importantly, he wanted to demonstrate absolute dominance over Dugu Yan.
Not only must we win, but we must win beautifully and flawlessly.
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#53
Chapter 53 Chu Xinghe Admits Defeat
Without the slightest hesitation, Chu Xinghe shot out like an arrow.
As a Great Soul Master, he had no right to be as arrogant as Yu Tianheng.
As it sprinted forward, its first spirit ring suddenly lit up, and blazing flames instantly enveloped the dragon claw.
"First Soul Skill, Crimson Flame Dragon Claw!"
Crimson flames danced at the tips of the claws, and the air was distorted by the intense heat.
This attack was devoid of any fancy moves, carrying the fierce and domineering nature unique to offensive-type Soul Masters, and aimed straight for Yu Tianheng's face.
"Hmph, overestimating yourself." Yu Tianheng's lips curled into a mocking smile.
Faced with this ferocious claw attack, he advanced instead of retreating, and his first spirit rings shone brightly: "Thunder Dragon Claw!"
Blue-purple lightning gathered on the dragon's claw, transforming into a gigantic claw shadow composed of pure lightning.
Electricity crackled and sparked.
Yu Tianheng roared, "I'll show you that there are differences even between dragons!"
The two dragon claws collided with a deafening roar, their crimson flames and lightning intertwining and exploding, the deafening sound echoing throughout the entire training ground.
The scorching flames and violent lightning tore at each other, carving several charred tracks into the ground.
The difference in soul power was ultimately too great.
The nine-level gap in soul power caused Crimson Flame to retreat steadily, and it looked like it was about to be completely suppressed by Thunder.
At this critical moment, a sharp glint flashed in Chu Xinghe's eyes.
"Dinosaur Buster!"
A powerful pressure originating from one's bloodline suddenly erupted.
Although not as terrifying as WarGreymon, its suppressive power against dragon-type martial souls should not be underestimated.
Yu Tianheng felt a tremor in his heart, and the dragon blood flowing in his body momentarily stagnated.
The Thunder Dragon Claw, which had been unstoppable, paused for a moment, and the Crimson Flame seized the opportunity to counterattack, even showing signs of gaining the upper hand.
"What?!" Yu Tianheng's pupils shrank dramatically.
He had never encountered anything that could suppress the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex.
How could Chu Xinghe let this opportunity slip by?
The second spirit ring instantly lit up: "Small Flame, Triple Strike!"
Three orange-red fireballs shot out in a triangular formation, each containing a burst of violent fire-elemental energy.
This was a killer move he had practiced diligently for a long time, and now he unleashed it without reservation.
"You're courting death!" Yu Tianheng roared, and his third spirit ring suddenly burst forth with a dazzling purple light: "Wrath of Thunder!"
A violent burst of blue-purple lightning erupted from his body, making him appear as if he had transformed into a thunder god descending to earth.
Muscles bulged, veins stood out, and every inch of the panel pulsed with deadly electricity.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Three fireballs hit their targets in quick succession, unleashing a deafening explosion.
Thick smoke instantly engulfed Yu Tianheng's figure, and the pungent smell of burning filled the air.
The students watching from the sidelines held their breath in unison.
Dugu Yan covered her mouth, her emerald eyes filled with disbelief. Yu Feng and Oslo exchanged a shocked look.
Even Ye Lingling, who was usually indifferent, had a glint of something unusual in her eyes beneath the black veil.
As the smoke and dust gradually dissipated, Yu Tianheng's disheveled figure was revealed.
He withstood the three blows, and although he did not retreat an inch, his magnificent school uniform was already tattered, and his exposed face was covered with charred marks.
The most shocking thing was the glaring bright red at the corner of his mouth.
"puff--"
A mouthful of blood gushed out.
Yu Tianheng casually wiped away the bloodstains, his anger almost tangible: "Very well... you have successfully enraged me."
Thunder surged wildly around him, and the amplification from his third soul skill caused his aura to rise steadily.
Everyone knew that the next attack would be earth-shattering.
Chu Xinghe, however, revealed a smile of triumph.
He hadn't expected to win easily, but making the proud Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex look so pathetic was enough to achieve his goal.
Now, all he has to do is hold out long enough against the other side's furious counterattack.
...
Around the training ground, the spectators seemed to be frozen in place, their expressions a vivid picture of life in all its forms.
Yu Feng's face, which always wore a nonchalant smile, froze completely, his lips trembling slightly: "Leopard...Leopard, am I seeing things?"
He turned his head mechanically. "The boss... he's actually injured?"
Oslo's exquisite face was also filled with shock, his slender fingers unconsciously tightening around his collar: "You didn't see wrong... A Great Soul Master actually made a Soul Master with the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Martial Soul bleed..."
His voice grew softer and softer until it was almost a murmur.
Dugu Yan's purple eyes reflected the two figures in the arena, and her red lips were slightly parted.
As someone who had fought Yu Tianheng many times, she knew better than anyone the terror of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Even if she tried her best, she might not have been able to cause such damage.
And now...
A ten-year-old Soul Master actually did that?
"How is this possible..." Dugu Yan's pride made it hard for her to believe what she was seeing.
In a corner of the training ground, Yun Wuyai's expression was unpredictable.
Four months ago at the War Maniac Academy, he was able to fight Chu Xinghe to a standstill.
And now?
Looking at that figure who seemed to be handling the game with ease, an unprecedented sense of frustration welled up in my heart.
"Am I no longer even qualified to be his opponent?" This thought gnawed at his pride like a venomous snake.
The most surprising one was Ye Lingling.
This girl, who had always been indifferent to her surroundings, now had ripples in her eyes beneath the black veil.
She leaned forward slightly, the Nine Heart Begonia faintly visible in her palm—an unconscious reaction to her fluctuating emotions.
"Interesting…" Qin Ming narrowed his wolf-like vertical pupils, a playful smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
As the referee, he knew better than anyone what had happened in that instant.
That kid named Chu Xinghe was actually able to trigger the backlash of the dragon blood within Yu Tianheng's body; this was definitely not an ordinary martial soul suppression.
...
Facing Yu Tianheng's surging killing intent, Chu Xinghe was not afraid but laughed instead, his clear laughter echoing across the training ground: "Hahaha, is senior telling me to avoid your sharp edge?"
Before he finished speaking, a dazzling crimson light suddenly burst forth!
"Dragon's Wrath!"
The blazing flames coiled around Chu Xinghe's entire body like living things, illuminating him as if a fire god had descended.
In this state, his soul power, attack power, defense power, and even the temperature of the flames all experienced a qualitative leap.
However, it can only last for a short thirty seconds.
"Second Soul Skill, Small Flame!"
Chu Xinghe crossed his arms and swung them, sending out a barrage of compressed fireballs like a machine gun.
At this moment, he was like a fire mage, maximizing the advantage of long-range attacks.
"Bang!"
Yu Tianheng instinctively swung his Thunder Dragon Claw to block the first fireball, but his expression changed drastically the moment they made contact.
This fireball was more than twice as powerful as the previous one!
Even more terrifying, the intense heat penetrated the lightning defense, causing excruciating burning pain to his proud dragon claws.
"Damn it!" Yu Tianheng cursed under his breath.
He immediately changed his strategy and began to maneuver and dodge around the field.
Only when there is absolutely no other way to avoid it should one take a small flame head-on.
With each small flame he caught, his arm suffered a deeper burn, and the dragon-scale-like panel began to turn a horrifying charred black.
Thirty seconds passed in the blink of an eye.
As the flames gradually died down, Chu Xinghe's aura also weakened.
He flashed a bright, sunny smile and raised his hands in surrender: "Senior, your skills are outstanding, I admit defeat."
To Yu Tianheng, the word "surrender" was more grating than any mockery.
He looked down at his tattered clothes and charred panel, then compared them to Chu Xinghe's pristine attire, and an unprecedented sense of humiliation welled up inside him.
"Are you kidding me?!" Yu Tianheng's face was twisted into a near-grotesque grimace, his voice hoarse with rage.
Chu Xinghe helplessly spread his hands, his eyes filled with an infuriating sincerity: "Senior, please understand, I really have no soul power left."
He even swayed his body to match, pretending to be exhausted.
"Thunder Dragon Claw!" Yu Tianheng had completely lost his mind. Violent lightning gathered at the tip of his claws, and he rushed towards Chu Xinghe without regard for anything else.
In a flash, a burning figure suddenly appeared between the two.
"Enough!" Qin Ming shouted sharply, his wolf claws, burning with flames, steadily caught Yu Tianheng's killing move.
The blazing fire and thunder collided, unleashing a dazzling display of light.
"Yu Tianheng!" Qin Ming's voice boomed like thunder, "This battle ends here!"
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#54
Chapter 54 Special Training Course Schedule
Although Chu Xinghe voluntarily conceded defeat, everyone present knew the truth.
Throughout the match, Yu Tianheng was constantly suppressed and could hardly breathe. If the two were both at the Soul Venerable realm, the outcome would likely have been completely reversed.
"Junior, are you alright?" Dugu Yan quickly stepped forward, her blue eyes full of concern.
Her slender fingers unconsciously traced Chu Xinghe's arm, carefully examining any possible injuries.
This action nearly made Yu Tianheng, who was covered in scorch marks, spit out a mouthful of blood.
He gritted his teeth as he stared at the unharmed Chu Xinghe, inwardly roaring: This kid doesn't look injured at all!
"Thank you for your concern, senior." Chu Xinghe smiled gently and deliberately stretched his muscles. "Although Senior Yu was a bit heavy-handed, I usually pay attention to physical training, so I can handle it."
Upon hearing this, Dugu Yan immediately turned and glared at Yu Tianheng: "Have you no shame? It's one thing for a Soul Venerable to challenge a Great Soul Master, but to actually use a thousand-year-old Soul Skill!"
Yu Tianheng was struck dumb, clutching his chest and taking a half-step back.
Love or not, it's really obvious.
The difference between the two was now on full display. When had Dugu Yan ever cared about his injuries like this?
"Yanzi..." Yu Tianheng forced a pitiful expression, enduring the pain, "It's me who's injured..."
That already stiff face, coupled with that deliberately pitiful expression, made her look like a moving zombie whining.
Dugu Yan felt a churning in her stomach and almost vomited up her breakfast.
"Ugh—" she gagged, "Can you please stop being so disgusting?"
Even the usually serious Qin Ming couldn't stand it anymore and coughed lightly to break the awkward atmosphere: "Ye Lingling, come and treat Yu Tianheng."
A girl in blue walked slowly from the corner of the training field, her movements as light as a feather as she touched the ground with her toes.
Ye Lingling seemed to be used to this kind of scene. Without saying a word, she raised her fair hand, and the pink and white nine-heart begonia bloomed in her palm.
A delicate fragrance quietly permeated the air, contrasting sharply with the lingering burnt smell in the room.
As soul power was injected, shimmering white, petal-shaped light spots drifted from the heart of the begonia flower.
These halos seemed to have a life of their own, wrapping around Yu Tianheng's charred wounds. Wherever they passed, the hideous burn marks faded at a visible speed, and the newly grown skin glowed with a healthy pink.
Ah~
The extreme pleasure made Yu Tianheng groan involuntarily.
The loud, unrestrained panting sounded particularly jarring in the silent training ground, drawing everyone's attention.
Qin Ming coughed heavily, his sharp gaze piercing Yu Tianheng like a knife.
The latter then realized his lapse in composure and quickly tightened his signature zombie-like face, as if the one who had just made the shameful sound was someone else.
Dugu Yan turned her face away in disgust, her blue eyes filled with relief.
Luckily, I didn't accept the advances of this two-faced guy back then, otherwise how embarrassing would I be now?
Ye Lingling's treatment continued, but her gaze unconsciously drifted towards Chu Xinghe. Her eyes, hidden behind the black veil, were filled with curiosity; just who was this young man?
It's astonishing that someone with the strength of a Great Soul Master could suppress the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex to such an extent, even though it's a Soul Venerable.
In her memory, Yu Tianheng had never been so disheveled, let alone injured by an opponent with lower soul power than himself.
The Nine-Heart Begonia truly lives up to its reputation as the unparalleled healing martial spirit of the continent.
In just a short while, Yu Tianheng's wounds had healed completely, leaving not a single scar.
But everyone knows that some unseen scars will probably be forever etched in the heart of this prodigy.
Once Yu Tianheng and Ye Lingling returned to their seats, Qin Ming clapped his hands to draw everyone's attention.
"Now I will announce the official course schedule for the special training program." His sharp gaze swept over each trainee. "Listen carefully, everyone."
"Before nine o'clock every morning," Qin Ming held up one finger, "you can freely choose the simulation training area that suits you."
He pointed to the misty area behind the training ground, saying, "Fire, lightning, plant... all types of simulated environments are available."
Yu Feng couldn't help but interject, "Teacher Qin, can we select two areas at the same time?"
"Dream on!" Qin Ming glared at him. "Don't you understand the principle of 'don't bite off more than you can chew'? Oslo, keep an eye on your partner."
Oslo shrugged helplessly, earning Yu Feng a smirk in return.
"From nine to ten-thirty," Qin Ming continued, taking out a metallic vest from his storage soul tool. "Weighted endurance training. Fifty kilograms per person as standard; those who think they are geniuses can apply for more."
Stone Mill eagerly raised his hand: "Teacher, can I have 100 kilograms?"
"Okay." Qin Ming gave a meaningful smile. "However, I will personally apply double the soul power pressure to you."
Shi Mo's face immediately fell, which drew a burst of laughter from the crowd.
"From 11 o'clock to 12 o'clock." Qin Ming suddenly released a scorching aura, causing the students in the front row to unconsciously step back. "Different teachers will conduct resistance training for you."
He withdrew his oppressive aura and explained, "We will take turns experiencing the mental pressure of the control type and the attribute impact of the offensive type."
Dugu Yan muttered under her breath, "Isn't this torture..."
"That's right!" Qin Ming, with his sharp ears, caught the words and a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth. "I'm going to torture you to the limit! Want to become an elite? Want to represent the academy in competitions? How can you do it without suffering!"
He looked around, his voice suddenly rising: "Did you all understand?"
"Understood!" the trainees responded in unison.
Chu Xinghe stroked his chin thoughtfully. This training program, though seemingly harsh, actually aligns with the path to breaking through limits.
He glanced at Dugu Yan beside him and said softly, "Senior, it seems we're going to have to suffer together."
Dugu Yan returned a firm look: "Who's afraid of who?"
At the end of the line, Yu Tianheng stared at the intimate interaction between the two, his fists clenching unconsciously.
"The afternoon classes will be even more exciting." Qin Ming's lips curled into a dangerous smile, and the students immediately had a bad feeling.
"First up is the Martial Soul Combat Course!" He snapped his fingers, and dozens of circular arenas suddenly rose from the training ground. "Every day, you will be randomly matched with opponents to force you to adapt to various Martial Souls."
Yu Feng let out a wail: "Not again? Last week, my hands were numb for three days from the shock of that tortoise shell of Graphite!"
"Serves you right!" Graphite peeked out from the back of the line, patting his solid chest triumphantly. "Who told you, an agility-based attacker, to always try to break through my defenses?"
Qin Ming glared at them: "That's the key point! You won't get to choose your opponents on the battlefield."
"Next is the training on the accuracy of soul skills!" Qin Ming suddenly opened his arms, and dozens of white doves formed from soul power took off into the air. "These 'soul power doves' will fly at different speeds, and you get one point for each one you hit."
Oslo frowned: "Isn't this too easy?"
"Simple?" Qin Ming sneered. "Let's try it and see."
When the students unleashed their soul skills, they discovered that these pigeons could predict attack trajectories and dodge them with agility.
Even more terrifying, they can suddenly split into several phantoms.
"Damn it!" Yu Tianheng exclaimed, a bolt of lightning striking the sky, his face extremely grim.
Dugu Yan's poisonous fog did envelop a few pigeons, but it was soon discovered that these pigeons were immune to the toxin.
She stomped her foot angrily: "This is not fair at all!"
"Finally..." Qin Ming's voice suddenly turned sinister, and a deep passage opened up in the ground, "Welcome to the 'Trial Corridor'."
The clattering of mechanisms turning echoed from the dark passage, along with the faint roars of beasts.
Yun Wuyai swallowed hard: "Could it be... that they want us to go inside?"
"You got it right!" Qin Ming grinned. "It's a mix of hidden weapons, traps, and century-old soul beasts. You have to go in and challenge it once a day. Ye Lingling is there for you if you get injured."
Chu Xinghe noticed that Ye Lingling's lips twitched slightly under her black veil when she heard these words.
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#55
Chapter 55 Picking Up Ye Lingling
Halfway through the afternoon's combat training, Chu Xinghe keenly noticed that Dugu Yan's movements suddenly became sluggish.
Her bright, pretty face was now as pale as paper, fine beads of sweat slid down her cheeks, and her emerald eyes had lost their usual sparkle.
"Senior, are you alright?" Chu Xinghe appeared beside her in a flash and asked in a low voice.
Dugu Yan forced a smile, but her lips trembled slightly: "It's nothing... it's an old problem."
She forced herself to stand up straight. "I won't be attending tonight's class. Could you ask Teacher Qin for leave for me?"
Before Chu Xinghe could respond, she had already strode towards the exit of the training field.
That figure was so thin that it seemed as if a gust of wind would knock it over, yet it still stubbornly straightened its back.
Chu Xinghe watched her leave, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
He knew all too well what was going on: the backlash from the venom of the Jade Phosphorus Serpent.
As the granddaughter of the Poison Douluo, Dugu Yan has been surrounded by poison since childhood, and her young body is already riddled with holes.
"How ironic..." he sighed inwardly, "The heir of a family of poison masters has to endure the pain of poison consuming his body every day."
Chu Xinghe fell into deep thought. If he chased after her now, with the information he had, he could at least alleviate Dugu Yan's pain.
but...
"It's too early." He shook his head slightly.
Pointing this out now will only alert the enemy.
Dugu Bo, that old poisoner, is inherently suspicious. If we become wary of him because of this, our plan to seize the immortal herb will be in vain.
"Chu Xinghe! What are you daydreaming about!" Qin Ming's reprimanding voice came from behind. "It's your turn to go on stage!"
"Here I am." He composed himself and turned to walk towards the center of the training field.
But in the following sparring session, his offensive became noticeably more aggressive, as if he wanted to unleash all his pent-up emotions on his opponent.
...
As the last rays of the setting sun faded, the soul-guiding lamps of the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy lit up one after another.
The trainees dragged their tired bodies toward the teaching building; the day's combat training had almost exhausted them.
"I have classes tonight?" Yu Feng groaned, slumped in his chair. "My soul power is almost completely drained..."
"Shut up!" Osro kicked him. "Who was sleeping in the last Soul Beast class? And then they mistook a Netherworld Wolf for a Gale Demon Wolf in the Star Dou Great Forest!"
At that moment, the classroom door was pushed open, and a middle-aged man with a refined demeanor and gold-rimmed glasses walked in.
"Good evening, everyone." He pushed up his glasses. "I am Tan Jun from the Department of Soul Beast Research, and I will be in charge of tonight's 'Soul Beast Atlas and Weakness Analysis'."
With a wave of his hand, his soul power condensed in the air into a lifelike phantom of a mandala snake.
"Can anyone tell me its fatal weakness?"
Yu Tianheng immediately stood up and said through the passage: "There is a purple ring at the seven-inch mark, which is its most vulnerable point."
Teacher Tan smiled slightly: "The answer was from three years ago. The latest research shows that the weakness of the mutant Datura snake is shifted to below its reverse scale."
He tapped his finger lightly, and the illusory image immediately changed, displaying a new mark.
Yu Tianheng muttered to himself, "That's too cunning..."
"Only the cunning can save your life," Teacher Tan said meaningfully. "In the next class, you will personally dissect the corpses of soul beasts to deepen your understanding."
Ye Lingling's fingertips trembled slightly.
...
The anatomy classroom was filled with a chill.
Several frozen corpses of century-old soul beasts were displayed on a metal platform, their bodies covered in frost and gleaming with a cold, eerie light under the dim lamplight.
The air was filled with the stench of blood and the bitter aroma of preservative herbs, making people unconsciously hold their breath.
"Dissect in groups of two." The teaching assistant's voice was particularly clear in the quiet classroom. "Today's task is to find the soul core of the Flame Lizard."
The trainees quickly formed teams, but Ye Lingling stood alone in a corner, her black veil hanging down, making her skin appear almost transparent. Her fingertips were slightly clenched, as if she was somewhat uncomfortable with the bloody scene.
Yun Wuyai's eyes lit up, and he immediately stepped forward, speaking in a solicitous tone: "Lingling, don't be afraid, I'll guide you through the dissection. I'm a professional."
Ye Lingling didn't even glance at him, but simply turned slightly to avoid his approach.
At this moment, Chu Xinghe walked over slowly, his voice low and gentle: "Senior, would you like to come along?"
In the shadows at the back of the classroom, Yu Tianheng leaned against the wall, watching the scene with a thoughtful gaze.
He had only come to retrieve his lost notes, but unexpectedly stumbled upon this fascinating scene.
Seeing Chu Xinghe take the initiative to approach Ye Lingling, a playful smile appeared on his lips.
Tomorrow, this news might pique Dugu Yan's interest.
Yun Wuyai chuckled, crossed his arms, and waited to see Chu Xinghe's equally pathetic state of being ignored.
However, Ye Lingling raised her eyes, her gaze lingering on Chu Xinghe's face for a moment beneath the black veil, as if scrutinizing him.
"I have fairly extensive experience in dissection," Chu Xinghe said calmly, handing over a pair of gloves. "You just need to record the data; leave the actual dissection to me."
After a brief silence, she nodded gently and followed him to the control panel.
Yun Wuyai stared wide-eyed, his face filled with disbelief.
On what grounds?
Yu Tianheng narrowed his eyes, his slender fingers gently stroking his chin.
Interesting, this newcomer actually managed to impress Ye Lingling.
He pulled out his notebook and quickly jotted down the scene. He knew this information would surely be of great interest to Dugu Yan when he saw her tomorrow.
After all, everyone knows that Ye Lingling has always been indifferent to the opposite sex, while Dugu Yan pays special attention to this junior...
Chu Xinghe put on gloves, his slender fingers gripping the scalpel, the blade gleaming coldly under the light.
His movements were fluid and graceful, the blade precisely slicing through the lizard's scales without the slightest hesitation, as if he had dissected it a thousand times before.
"The Flame Lizard's soul core is usually hidden below its heart," he explained in a low voice, his fingertips gently parting the muscle tissue with a light and precise movement. "But in mutated species, it might be located near the spine…"
Ye Lingling stood to the side, her gaze slowly shifting from the lizard's corpse to his profile. His expression was focused and serene, as if the world at that moment consisted only of the scalpel in his hand and the subject before him.
"…You're very skilled." She finally spoke, her voice as light as the wind brushing across the water, almost too soft to catch.
Chu Xinghe smiled slightly: "I used to work part-time at the slaughterhouse, so I'm used to it."
Ye Lingling paused slightly, her eyes flickering beneath the black veil. She didn't speak again, but simply lowered her head to take notes, her pen moving more smoothly across the paper than before.
Yu Tianheng closed his notebook and silently left the classroom.
He could already imagine Dugu Yan's expression when she heard the news tomorrow.
...
Soul Ring Pairing Strategy Lesson.
The white-haired old man stood with his hands behind his back, his fingertips swirling with soul power. Various illusory soul rings appeared on the crystal plate, shimmering faintly in the dim classroom.
"The choice of spirit rings determines the upper limit of a spirit master's growth." He tapped the blackboard lightly, and chalk dust fell. "Taking the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex as an example, what is the best choice of spirit rings?"
"Naturally, it's a lightning-attribute offensive type!" Yu Tianheng stood up proudly, his pale yellow school uniform fluttering in the wind as his soul power surged.
He glanced at Chu Xinghe out of the corner of his eye, a hint of provocation in his eyes.
The old man shook his head: "That's too one-sided. Students from Thunder Academy often choose agility-type spirit rings to compensate for their lack of mobility."
He turned to Chu Xinghe, "Your Agumon martial spirit is quite unique, I suggest you consider it first..."
"Fire attribute amplification and dragon attribute suppression." Chu Xinghe answered calmly, his fingertips lightly tapping the table, producing a rhythmic sound.
"Not bad." The old man stroked his beard approvingly. "It seems you have seriously studied your martial spirit."
Yun Wuyai snorted coldly from his seat and said sarcastically, "Anyone can talk the talk but not walk the walk. Real combat is the only criterion for testing truth."
He deliberately raised his voice, attracting the attention of the surrounding students.
As night deepened, the sky was filled with stars when the class ended.
The students left the classroom in twos and threes. Ye Lingling carefully put her notes into her storage soul tool. She looked up and found that Chu Xinghe was still sitting in the same place, his brows slightly furrowed as if he was deep in thought.
"Aren't you... coming?" She hesitated for a moment before finally breaking the silence.
The voice was very soft, but it made Yu Tianheng, who was about to leave, pause in his steps.
Chu Xinghe snapped out of his reverie, a gentle smile curving his lips: "I was thinking about the soul rings."
He casually flipped through his notebook, "Senior, do you have any thoughts on the soul ring pairings for the Nine-Heart Begonia?"
Ye Lingling's fingertips trembled, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes beneath the black veil.
At the classroom door, Yu Tianheng and Yun Wuyai stopped in their tracks and pricked up their ears.
"Healing type..." Ye Lingling's voice was almost inaudible, "...prioritize soul rings with amplification range and healing effect."
Chu Xinghe's eyes lit up: "I see, thank you for your guidance, senior."
Ye Lingling nodded slightly, and as she turned to leave, her skirt traced an elegant arc.
Yu Tianheng narrowed his eyes, thoughtfully stroking his chin. Yun Wuyai, on the other hand, had a gloomy face, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked.
In the corridor, Yun Wuyai finally couldn't hold back any longer: "What makes this kid so special..."
"Interesting." Yu Tianheng interrupted him, smiling with amusement. "Looks like I'll have to have a good talk with Yanzi tomorrow."
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