Knowing When to Stop

Jia Youcai shook out his arm and grinned. "Senior Sister, the combination of your Second Spirit Skill and First Spirit Skill is truly powerful, but you're still far from beating me!"

Huo Wu raised a brow and shouted sweetly, "Don't get so smug. We're only getting started!"

Jia Youcai smiled at Huo Wu as he secretly calculated. She had already used the skills from her First and Second Spirit Rings. Her Third Spirit Ring was merely the defensive Resisting Fire Ring. It seemed her offensive methods ended there.

Still, a flicker of curiosity rose in Jia Youcai's heart. Which was stronger, her Resisting Fire Ring or his Frenzied Slash Storm?

At that thought, excitement flashed through Jia Youcai's eyes, and Soul Power began surging around him. "Senior Sister Huo Wu, if you're done attacking, then have another taste of my Frenzied Slash Storm!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he stomped the ground fiercely. The Great Saber in his hand was once again shrouded in dense azure Soul Power, its blade humming.

As he shot forward like lightning, the Great Saber carved sharp arcs through the air. Everywhere it passed, the air was violently sliced apart, letting out piercing whistles.

A fierce gale swept up the saber shadows, forming a massive storm that surged toward Huo Wu with overwhelming force.

Huo Wu's expression turned grave. She could clearly feel the terrifying power contained within the Frenzied Slash Storm and did not dare relax in the slightest. She swiftly unleashed her Third Spirit Skill, Resisting Fire Ring. A massive fiery-red halo spread outward from her in all directions.

The Resisting Fire Ring was her ultimate defensive technique. Not only could it block an enemy's attacks, but it could also knock back any enemy who approached.

The Frenzied Slash Storm and Resisting Fire Ring collided with a deafening boom. Wind and flames intertwined, forming a chaotic field of energy as light flickered and Soul Power spilled everywhere.

Immediately afterward, both Jia Youcai and Huo Wu were knocked backward by the powerful impact.

Jia Youcai steadied himself, his eyes filled with excitement and fighting spirit. "Senior Sister, your Spirit Skill truly lives up to its reputation." With that, he swung his Great Saber again and charged at Huo Wu.

As long as Huo Wu kept her Resisting Fire Ring active, Jia Youcai could not break through her defense with his First Spirit Skill alone.

Then they would compete in endurance and see whose Soul Power ran dry first.

After one clash after another, Huo Wu was visibly beginning to tire. She gritted her teeth as fine beads of sweat continuously rolled down her forehead. The Soul Power consumed by her Third Spirit Skill was far greater than that of her First Spirit Skill.

The surrounding spectators were left dumbfounded by the sight, and for a moment, the area fell silent. Only after quite a while did someone react, and exclamations erupted from the crowd.

"Th-this guy is way too strong!"

"Yeah, who would've thought this new student could fight Senior Sister Huo Wu to a standstill?"

"What do you mean, a standstill? Senior Sister Huo Wu is clearly about to collapse."

The discussion around her further provoked Huo Wu. What had begun as an ordinary spar gradually became a situation where she could not afford to lose.

Jia Youcai saw what was happening. He still wanted to stay at this academy peacefully, and he had no desire to completely offend the dean's daughter. Better to stop while things were still cordial.

With that thought, Jia Youcai withdrew his martial spirit, extended a hand, and smiled. "Senior Sister, your strength is unfathomable. I concede."

Huo Wu was slightly stunned, then immediately understood Jia Youcai's intention. She put away her martial spirit and quickly took the offered way out. "You're not bad either, Junior Brother."

At that moment, the surrounding crowd burst into enthusiastic applause and cheers. Someone shouted loudly, "Senior Sister Huo Wu, your elegance remains unmatched..."

Jia Youcai waved his hand with a smile, feigning humility. "You flatter me, Senior Sister. I only relied on the brute strength of my martial spirit. Your control over flames is astonishing, and the transition between your First Spirit Skill and Second Spirit Skill is as smooth as flowing water. If it were anyone else, they probably wouldn't even have a chance to get close. The only reason I managed to hold on until now is because you went easy on me."

Huo Wu was initially stunned by his words, but Jia Youcai continued speaking without pause. "Senior Sister, your combat experience is abundant. You always accurately judged the direction of my attacks and responded in advance, making every strike of mine feel as if it landed on cotton. I had strength but nowhere to use it."

Huo Wu gave a soft laugh. "You certainly have a sweet tongue."

Jia Youcai wanted to keep going, but just as he was about to speak, he felt waves of cold wind blowing against his back.

Jia Youcai instinctively turned around but found nothing unusual. When he turned back, a gentle breeze carrying bone-piercing chill brushed past his ear.

This time, Jia Youcai understood completely.

He looked toward Instructor Sun. "Instructor, that means we passed the test, right?"

Instructor Sun nodded. "You passed, though you're quite a clever kid."

As he spoke, his gaze swept back and forth between Jia Youcai and Qian Renxue.

Qian Renxue gave a light cough. "Instructor, since we passed the test, then the arrangements afterward..."

Instructor Sun nodded and looked at Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang nearby. "Next, the two of you will take them around to familiarize them with the academy and collect their supplies along the way."

"Huh?" Huo Wu glanced at Huo Wushuang beside her.

By now, Huo Wushuang had understood Instructor Sun's intentions. The Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament was approaching, and they were currently recruiting team members. If these two could join them, Blazing Academy's chances of winning the championship would improve by several degrees.

Therefore, in Huo Wushuang's view, it was very necessary to win the two of them over.

With that in mind, Huo Wushuang patted his sister on the shoulder and gave her a meaningful look.

Huo Wu was initially stunned, but she gradually understood as well.

Huo Wu gave a light cough and looked at Jia Youcai and Qian Renxue. "Sure, then follow us. There are plenty of fun places in the academy."

Huo Wushuang also smiled and nodded from the side.

Jia Youcai and Qian Renxue exchanged a glance. Jia Youcai grinned. "Then we'll have to trouble Senior Sister and Senior Brother."

Qian Renxue also nodded slightly in thanks.

The group of four headed into the academy. Along the way, Huo Wu acted like an enthusiastic tour guide, chattering nonstop as she introduced the academy's various buildings and facilities.

"Look, that over there is the Teaching Building. Most of our classes are held there, and all the teachers inside are elites of the Soul Master World." Huo Wu pointed at a grand building in the distance.

Jia Youcai followed the direction of her finger and could not help exclaiming, "Wow, it looks so impressive."

Huo Wu smiled proudly. "Of course. Blazing Academy ranks among the best in the entire Soul Master World."

Next, they arrived at the Training Ground. Huo Wu introduced it, saying, "This is the Training Ground. We usually conduct practical combat training here to improve our Spirit Skills and combat techniques."