One Attack, One Defense

At this moment, she seemed far too dejected and pessimistic.

Uh... forget it. Better change the subject.

Jia Youcai was racking his brains to find a suitable topic when Huo Wu suddenly grabbed him by the collar and slammed him hard against the wall beside them.

Huo Wu's face was inches from his. A blazing light flickered in her eyes, her breathing slightly rushed as her warm breath washed directly over Jia Youcai's face.

Caught off guard by her sudden move, Jia Youcai became a little flustered, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks. He steadied himself and asked, "What do you mean by this?"

Huo Wu narrowed her eyes slightly and said softly, "I want to try something different."

Jia Youcai's heart trembled as he stammered, "Something different... what kind of something different?"

"What kind of something different do you want?" Huo Wu's gentle voice echoed by Jia Youcai's ear.

With that, a captivating smile curved across Huo Wu's lips. She slowly leaned closer until their noses were almost touching, then whispered, "For example... like this."

Things had come to this, and Jia Youcai had already closed his eyes, ready to enjoy the wonderful moment about to arrive.

One attacking, one defending. This time, I'll experience being on the defensive. Next time, I'll definitely be the one taking the initiative.

Yet after waiting for a long time, the expected softness never came.

Wh... what's going on?

Jia Youcai opened his eyes and saw that Huo Wu had already turned away, her face flushed with shyness.

"No, no." She lightly patted her cheeks, trying to clear her head.

Huo Wu glanced back at Jia Youcai. Her gaze still held traces of heat mixed with a hint of panic, but after that hurried glance, she quickly looked away again.

Then she gently bit her lower lip, as if she had made some sort of decision, yet also seemed annoyed with her own impulsive behavior just now.

After that, she broke into a light run and left.

Jia Youcai stood where he was, watching Huo Wu's retreating figure gradually fade into the distance. He muttered, "A woman's thoughts really are impossible to figure out."

Not long after Huo Wu left, Jia Youcai noticed a small figure in a corner not far away.

"You've been sneaking around. How long are you planning to keep watching?" Jia Youcai shouted.

The figure in the corner trembled slightly, then skipped out. It was Yan Lingzhuo, her hair tied into twin ponytails.

With her hands on her hips, she wore a sly smile, her eyes curved into crescents. "Oh my, I got caught. Jia Youcai, what were you and Huo Wu doing just now? You were so intimate that I was completely stunned."

Jia Youcai's cheeks heated up. He coughed lightly and feigned composure. "You little brat, stop asking about things you shouldn't. How long were you hiding there and peeking?"

Yan Lingzhuo hopped over to Jia Youcai, tugged at his sleeve, and said coquettishly, "Not long, not long. I only saw Huo Wu pin you against the wall, then the two of you got really, really close. I almost couldn't stop myself from crying out."

As she spoke, she covered her mouth with one hand, excitement sparkling in her eyes.

Jia Youcai shook his head helplessly and lightly tapped Yan Lingzhuo on the head. "You're full of mischievous ideas. Don't go spreading this around. If she finds out, she definitely won't let you off."

Yan Lingzhuo stuck out her tongue and said playfully, "I know, I know. I won't say anything. But Jia Youcai, does Huo Wu like you? She was so proactive just now."

"Don't... don't talk nonsense. We were just messing around," Jia Youcai hurriedly replied.

Yan Lingzhuo clearly did not believe him. She circled around to stand before Jia Youcai, stared into his eyes, and said seriously, "Stop trying to fool me. I can tell that the way Huo Wu looks at you is different. And weren't you looking forward to it just now?"

"Enough, stop messing around." Jia Youcai turned away. "I'm going to train."

Yan Lingzhuo watched his back and giggled. "You're embarrassed. How fun. Hmph, I'm definitely going to find out what exactly is going on between you two."

Time quietly passed.

The day of the match between the two academies drew closer and closer.

Beside the Training Ground, the eight members of Blazing Academy sat in a circle, discussing tactical arrangements for the upcoming seven-versus-seven team battle.

Their supervising teacher, Zhuo Yaoyin, first raised a hand to signal everyone to be quiet before speaking. "Children, our opponents in this team battle are formidable, and we absolutely cannot let our guard down. If we want to win, we must fully utilize the strengths of each of your martial souls, work together closely, and display the spirit and might of Blazing Academy."

Huo Wushuang crossed his arms, his brows slightly furrowed. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Teacher, my Fire Dragon Martial Soul has strong offensive power. I can charge head-on and draw the enemy's fire. But I'm also worried that I'll become everyone's target."

Zhuo Yaoyin nodded slightly. "Wushuang, your courage and sense of responsibility are commendable. Leave the task of charging head-on to you. Everyone has confidence in you."

"And me," Yan Jinfeng said. "I can't be left out of the assault either."

Zhuo Yaoyin said, "Jinfeng, your martial soul excels at close-range thrusting. Once Huo Wushuang draws the enemy's attention, seize the opportunity to launch a surprise attack from the flank."

Then Zhuo Yaoyin looked at Jia Youcai and Yan Lingzhuo. "The two of you will be responsible for long-range attacks. In terms of explosive power, there probably aren't many people who can surpass you."

Yan Lingzhuo blinked and smiled playfully. "Naturally."

Then she looked at Jia Youcai beside her, stepped closer, and bumped him with her shoulder. "Don't you think so?"

"With that little body of yours, if someone gets close, you're probably done for," Jia Youcai teased.

Without hesitation, Yan Lingzhuo stomped on his foot.

"Ow!!" Jia Youcai grimaced in pain.

Yan Lingzhuo put her hands on her hips and said smugly, "Hmph, let's see if you dare look down on me again."

Watching the two bicker, Zhuo Yaoyin smiled helplessly before continuing, "All right, stop fooling around. Youcai, although Xiao Zhuo can be a little mischievous at times, her explosive power truly is very strong. If you two coordinate well at range, you can provide enormous support to the team. Also, pay attention to your own safety. Don't focus only on attacking and let the enemy exploit an opening."

Jia Youcai rubbed his stomped foot. "She's so tiny. Who could even see her?"

Upon hearing that, Yan Lingzhuo puffed out her cheeks in anger and raised her foot again to stomp on Jia Youcai. Jia Youcai quickly jumped away and said, "The same move won't work on me a second time."

Zhuo Yaoyin still wanted to step forward, but Huo Wu grabbed her. "All right, Xiao Zhuo. Deal with personal matters after we're done."

Zhuo Yaoyin gave a soft snort.

Afterward, Zhuo Yaoyin continued discussing tactical arrangements with the others.

Once the tactical arrangements were complete, Zhuo Yaoyin stood up, raised both hands in an encouraging gesture, and said loudly, "All right, children! Then let's train hard according to this strategy, defeat our opponents in the match, and bring glory to Blazing Academy! I believe you can do it!"

The others all stood as well, stretching out their hands and stacking them together as they shouted in unison, "Bring glory to Blazing Academy!"