New Teammate

The day after the grade-level Martial Arts Competition ended, Fang Yan and Chu Feng received notification for the school team's intensive training.

The training location was set at the special training base in the mountains behind the school. The environment here was serene, and the spiritual energy was much denser than within the campus. It was also equipped with various advanced training facilities and simulated combat arenas.

When Fang Yan and Chu Feng arrived at the special training base, Su Wan was already waiting for them. Besides them, there were two other familiar figures—Lin Mengyao and Li Hao.

Seeing Fang Yan, Li Hao's expression turned somewhat grim, but he didn't act provocatively like last time. After his crushing defeat in the Martial Arts Competition, he had realized the gap between himself and Fang Yan and had become much more composed.

Lin Mengyao smiled at Fang Yan. There was no trace of resentment in her eyes; instead, they were filled with admiration. "Fang Yan, congratulations on winning the championship. Your strength is truly impressive."

"Thank you," Fang Yan nodded.

Su Wan looked at the four of them and said, "Welcome to the school team. Starting today, you will undergo a month of intensive training to prepare for the National Collegiate Martial Dao League."

She paused and continued, "This league will be filled with experts, and the contestants from other schools are all very strong. Our goal is not just to achieve good results, but more importantly, to temper ourselves and improve our strength through the competition."

"During the training period, I will personally guide your cultivation and also arrange various combat training and simulated matches. I hope you can learn from each other, help each other, and progress together."

"Yes!" the four responded in unison.

Next, Su Wan formulated a detailed training plan for the four of them.

Every morning, they had to undergo basic physical fitness training and internal energy refinement. The mornings were for guidance on cultivation techniques and martial skills. Su Wan would point out their shortcomings based on each person's characteristics and offer suggestions for improvement. The afternoons were for combat training, where the four would spar in pairs or fight against virtual Exotic Beasts and opponents in the simulated combat arena. The evenings were for free cultivation time, which could be used to digest what they learned during the day or to exchange for cultivation resources.

The days of intensive training were very arduous, but all four worked extremely hard.

Fang Yan spent most of his time integrating the Ice Soul Art and Profound Ice Force. After several days of effort, he could now skillfully fuse the two types of internal energy together, forming the Profound Ice True Qi, which was even more powerful. At the same time, he also began practicing the newly acquired Ice Thorn, becoming increasingly proficient in his spear techniques.

Under Su Wan's guidance, Chu Feng began to break through to the fourth level of the Blazing Sword Technique. His progress was also very significant; his swordsmanship became more ferocious, and the temperature of his flames grew higher.

Lin Mengyao's Flowing Water Sword Technique was already agile and elegant. Under Su Wan's guidance, it gained an added sharpness. Her strength also steadily improved, reaching the Martial Master Early-stage Peak.

Although Li Hao was a bit dejected at first, he quickly adjusted. He practiced the Gale Step and the Thunderclap Sword Technique, exhibiting excellent speed and explosive power. In his sparring sessions with the other three, he also learned a great deal, and his strength made considerable breakthroughs.

The relationship between the four gradually grew harmonious. They were no longer opponents on the competition stage but teammates fighting side by side. During training, they would exchange insights and point out each other's weaknesses. When facing difficulties, they would encourage each other and overcome them together.

One afternoon, Su Wan arranged a simulated combat training session. The four were divided into two groups: Fang Yan and Lin Mengyao in one, and Chu Feng and Li Hao in the other. They would compete in the simulated combat arena.

The simulated combat arena could replicate different environments and opponents as needed. This time, Su Wan chose a "forest battlefield" and added several virtual Martial Master Realm Exotic Beasts.

"The match begins!"

With Su Wan's command, both groups immediately entered combat mode.

Chu Feng and Li Hao exchanged glances and immediately charged towards Fang Yan and Lin Mengyao. Chu Feng's long sword, wreathed in blazing flames, lunged directly at Fang Yan. Li Hao, utilizing the speed of the Gale Step, circled behind Lin Mengyao, intending to launch a surprise attack.

Fang Yan was prepared. He circulated his Profound Ice True Qi, swung the Ink Ice Spear, and blocked Chu Feng's attack. At the same time, he shouted to Lin Mengyao, "Watch out for Li Hao!"

Lin Mengyao reacted swiftly. She circulated the Flowing Water Sword Technique, her long sword dancing in a flourish, blocking Li Hao's sneak attack.

"Trying to ambush me? Not so easy!" Lin Mengyao sneered. Her swordsmanship suddenly changed, becoming sharp and aggressive as she attacked Li Hao.

Li Hao didn't dare to be careless. He immediately unleashed the Thunderclap Sword Technique, a faint electric glow appearing on his long sword as he engaged Lin Mengyao.

On the other side, Fang Yan and Chu Feng were locked in an intense battle. Chu Feng's fiery sword technique was powerful, forcing Fang Yan to go all out. However, Fang Yan's Profound Ice True Qi could counter flames, and coupled with his steady spear techniques, Chu Feng couldn't break through his defense for the time being.

Just then, three virtual Martial Master Early-stage Exotic Beasts suddenly appeared in the arena—two Black Wind Wolves and one Ironclad Bear. They lunged at the four, disrupting their battle.

"Not good!" Chu Feng exclaimed, forced to temporarily abandon his attack on Fang Yan and turn to deal with the charging Black Wind Wolves.

Li Hao was also entangled by a Black Wind Wolf, unable to continue his surprise attack on Lin Mengyao.

Fang Yan seized the opportunity. He said to Lin Mengyao, "Lin Mengyao, let's deal with these Exotic Beasts first!"

"Okay!"

The two immediately joined forces and charged towards the Ironclad Bear. Fang Yan thrust his spear, infusing it with Profound Ice True Qi, aiming for the Ironclad Bear's eyes. Lin Mengyao circled behind the Ironclad Bear, her long sword stabbing towards its rear.

The Ironclad Bear roared, trying to resist, but its eyes were pierced by Fang Yan's spear, causing unbearable pain. At the same time, Lin Mengyao's long sword struck its vital spot.

"Roar!"

The Ironclad Bear let out a scream and fell to the ground, disappearing in a flash of white light.

After dealing with the Ironclad Bear, Fang Yan and Lin Mengyao turned to face the two Black Wind Wolves. By then, Chu Feng and Li Hao had also dealt with the Black Wind Wolves in front of them.

The four looked at each other again, a glint of fighting spirit flashing in their eyes.

"Now, it's time to settle our own issues!" Chu Feng said.

Just then, Su Wan's voice suddenly came, "Alright, training ends now!"

All four stopped their movements, looking at Su Wan with some confusion.

Su Wan walked over and said, "The objective of today's training has been achieved. I wanted to see your reactions and coordination when facing unexpected situations. Overall, you performed well, but there is still much room for improvement."

She paused and continued, "Especially in terms of coordination, you are not yet in sync. In the National League, you are a team. You must trust and cooperate with each other to achieve good results. Go back and reflect on today's training, and continue to work hard tomorrow."

"Yes!" the four responded in unison.

Although the training was arduous, all four felt they had gained a lot. They knew that only through continuous training and integration could they achieve good results in the National League.

Back in the dormitory, Fang Yan lay on his bed, recalling the day's training. He could feel that his strength had improved slightly, and his coordination with Lin Mengyao had become more in sync.

"The National League is getting more and more interesting," Fang Yan murmured to himself, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

He knew that a more intense battle was about to unfold on the stage of the National Collegiate Martial Dao League.