Moon Spirit Internal Fight, Unexpected Sparring Method

Once the drawing ended, Qin Han and Han Yue had barely leapt down from the arena when the Moon Spirit members who had been waiting nearby immediately swarmed around them.

Several pretty faces were filled with tension and anticipation.

"Qin Senior, Sister Yue'er, what numbers did you draw? Who are your opponents?"

A girl with twin ponytails asked impatiently.

"Yeah, yeah, you didn't draw freaks like Liu Qing or Lin Xiuyai, did you?"

Another person chimed in, her eyes constantly darting toward Lang Ya, Lie Shan, and the others.

"Hehe, even if they did, there's nothing to fear! Qin Senior is a Dou Wang! They should be the ones hoping not to run into us!"

Several people chattered away.

Qin Han and Han Yue exchanged a glance, helplessness appearing on both their faces.

Qin Han said nothing, merely holding up the blue Number Three Bamboo Sign in his hand.

Han Yue silently raised her hand as well, a red Bamboo Sign marked with the number three pinched between her fingers.

The air fell silent for a moment.

The seven or eight Moon Spirit members surrounding them froze, the anticipation on their faces instantly stiffening as their eyes widened in disbelief, as though they had yet to process it.

"Th-three?"

"Blue Number Three, red Number Three..." The twin-tailed student counted on her fingers, then suddenly looked up and cried out, "You two are facing each other in the first round?!"

At that cry, Moon Spirit's little circle immediately exploded into an uproar.

"No way! What kind of luck is that?!"

"Oh my god, an internal fight in the first round? That's way too unlucky!"

"It's over, it's over. Sister Yue'er finally made it into the upper ranks of the Strong Ranking, and now..."

Several female students wore regretful expressions as they muttered softly, "If she hadn't drawn Qin Senior, Sister Yue'er might really have made it into the top ten this time..."

The commotion here was far from small and immediately drew many gazes from the surrounding area.

Once they saw the matching numbers in the two's hands, stunned surprise was followed by undisguised relief and whispers from all around.

"Heh, Blue Three against Red Three! It's actually those two!"

"Moon Spirit Internal Fight—great!"

"Qin Han is a Dou Wang. This directly eliminates one top-tier fighter, so our chances just got better!"

"What good luck. One major threat less."

The hushed voices were filled with undisguised schadenfreude.

Nothing was more delightful than having two powerful opponents tear each other apart in the first round, especially when it could also wear down Qin Han, the only publicly known Dou Wang.

Listening to the discussions around them, Qin Han and Han Yue exchanged another look. They saw the same helplessness in each other's eyes, which soon turned into faint, bitter smiles.

Their luck with the draw truly was unmatched.

On the high platform, Elder Su Qian gave a slight nod when he saw that the drawing had concluded.

He did not spare the minor disturbance below another glance. Casually drawing a Bamboo Sign from the sign container held by an elder beside him, his gaze swept over it as his aged yet resonant voice rang throughout the arena.

"First match, Number Seven."

As his words fell, apart from the two holding the red and blue Number Seven signs, all the other Strong Ranking students flickered away from the central arena, quickly leaving the grounds to the upcoming match.

Xiao Yan and the others also gathered around Moon Spirit at this point.

Xiao Yan spotted the signs in their hands at a glance, surprise appearing on his face before he smiled. "Qin Senior, Senior Sister Han Yue, this draw was... quite something. How about..."

He gave a teasing wink. "Qin Senior, why not show some gentlemanly spirit and yield to Senior Sister Han Yue?"

Hearing that, Qin Han tilted his head toward Han Yue beside him, a playful smile curling his lips. "I really am tempted to just concede. Losing to Moon Spirit's Leader wouldn't be embarrassing."

After a pause, his tone turned teasing. "It's just that I don't know whether she'd be willing to accept."

Han Yue shot him a sideways look with her cool eyes and snorted irritably. "Quit talking nonsense. On the arena, we rely on our own abilities. I don't need you to yield."

"See?" Qin Han spread his hands toward Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan smiled, then turned serious as he addressed them both. "Senior Sister Han Yue, there's no need to feel too disappointed either. According to the rules, once the main matches are over, there'll still be a challenge round. You'll still have a chance to challenge for a higher ranking and prove your strength."

Han Yue nodded, her expression easing slightly. "I understand."

"By the way," Qin Han changed the subject and looked toward Xiao Yan, "who's your opponent?"

"Bai Cheng." Xiao Yan grinned, clearly very satisfied with the result. "An old rival."

"Bai Gang's Bai Cheng?"

Qin Han raised a brow. Then, as though recalling something, he turned to Han Yue and waggled his brows, lowering his voice with a laugh. "Looks like you aren't the only one with bad luck today!"

His slightly teasing expression diluted the earlier atmosphere of helplessness. Though Han Yue wanted to snap at him, the corners of her lips still lifted slightly as she rolled her eyes at Qin Han.

Everyone in the Inner Academy knew about the grudge between Xiao Yan and Bai Cheng. Now that they had met, Bai Cheng was likely in for a grim fate.

The few of them conversed in low voices.

Meanwhile, the battle on the arena had long since begun.

Of the two combatants, one wielded verdant, wood-element Dou Qi, while the other blazed with fiery red Dou Qi.

Both ranked in the thirties on the Strong Ranking, and their strength was nearly equal. Their fight was exceptionally fierce, and each clash of Dou Techniques drew waves of exclamations from below the stage.

After roughly the time it took an incense stick to burn, a violent collision finally shattered the fire-element student's Dou Qi Armor. A tricky wooden spike pierced his shoulder, and with a muffled grunt, he was sent flying off the arena.

Although the wood-element student had also expended a great deal of energy and suffered injuries, he ultimately remained standing on the arena, earning a wave of applause.

Elder Su Qian appeared at the edge of the arena at just the right moment and announced the result of the first match.

Then, he reached into the drawing tube once more.

The entire audience focused their attention again.

"Second match, number three!"

He casually raised the lot, the number "three" carved upon it especially conspicuous beneath the sunlight.

"Will the holder of number three please take the stage."

After a brief silence, every gaze, carrying all manner of complicated emotions, turned in unison toward Moon Spirit's group.

Under countless watchful eyes, Qin Han gently exhaled and gave Han Yue a look that said, Let's go.

Han Yue gave Moon Spirit's members a slight nod, then turned and walked shoulder to shoulder with Qin Han toward the Central Arena beneath everyone's gaze.

This matchup was far more interesting than the previous one.

Leaving aside the fact that the two were far stronger than the previous contestants, their relationship as Moon Spirit's Sect Master and Vice Sect Master, coupled with Qin Han's flamboyant entrance earlier, was more than enough to make the spectators look at their match with the peculiar eyes of gossip-hungry onlookers.

Seeing that these two would be facing each other, even Su Qian wore an odd expression. Suppressing the smile at the corners of his mouth, he raised a hand and declared, "Strong Ranking Challenge, second match, begin!"

The instant his voice fell, Han Yue's gaze sharpened. She did not hesitate in the slightest.

Her jade-like hand brushed over her Storage Ring, and a longsword suffused with moonlight appeared in her grasp.

The blade was slender and long, its edge flowing with a cold gleam.

Han Yue lightly tapped the ground with her toes, and her figure shot forth. With a flick of her wrist, the sword tip cut through the air, drawing a crisp arc of light as it stabbed straight toward Qin Han's chest!

Her initiative and the ferocity of her move immediately drew cheers and applause from below the arena.

Yet faced with this sword strike aimed directly at his vital point, Qin Han remained where he stood, the faint smile on his lips not changing in the slightest.

His hands hung naturally at his sides. He showed no sign of dodging, nor any intention of summoning Dou Qi Armor or any other defensive measure. He simply watched as the sword tip rapidly enlarged in his pupils.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Is this the composure of a Dou Wang expert? The Sword Light is already upon him, yet he remains as steady as a mountain. Impressive!"

"Impressive my ass! Qin Han's about to get stabbed to death!"

A wave of hushed gasps rose from below the arena, while Moon Spirit's members nervously covered their mouths.

Han Yue's brows drew together even more tightly, suspicion and uncertainty churning in her heart.

In a flash, the longsword was within inches of Qin Han's chest. Its fierce sword aura even pressed the fabric over his chest slightly inward.

One fraction closer, and it would pierce straight through Qin Han's chest.

At that critical moment, Han Yue clenched her silver teeth, a complicated look flashing through her eyes.

Her wrist suddenly exerted force, forcibly twisting the sword's trajectory. The blade gave a sharp tremor in the air, and borrowing that force, her slender waist spun deftly in midair. She forcefully diverted the thrusting sword, sending it past the corner of Qin Han's robe.

The moment she landed, faint anger and confusion filled her lovely face. She raised her eyes, about to demand, "You..."

Before the words could leave her lips, however, the smile on Qin Han's face suddenly deepened.

With a low chuckle, his body abruptly moved—not retreating or defending, but lunging straight at Han Yue, who had just withdrawn her move and had yet to steady her breathing!

There was no dazzling Dou Qi radiance, no frightening energy fluctuations. Qin Han's lunge relied on nothing but pure physical strength and speed. His five fingers formed a palm as he struck toward Han Yue's sword-wielding right wrist like lightning.

Han Yue had not expected him to counterattack this way at all. Caught off guard, she could only turn her wrist and try to block it.

But while Qin Han's strike appeared simple, it contained a subtle force. His fingertips lightly brushed the numbness point on her wrist.

"Hm—"

A wave of numbness instantly spread through her right arm. Han Yue's fingers loosened, and the longsword flew from her hand, plunging diagonally into the black stone floor with a ringing clang.

Having lost her sword, Han Yue reacted swiftly. Her left palm struck toward Qin Han's ribs while she rapidly retreated, attempting to widen the distance.

But Qin Han seemed to have anticipated it. He easily sidestepped her hasty palm strike and pressed forward in a continuous series of steps, following her like a shadow.

His arms spread wide, striking, blocking, and seizing in turn. His offensive came in an endless stream, yet he still did not use even a trace of Dou Qi. It was merely the most basic form of fists, kicks, and grappling.

Han Yue was somewhat flustered at first, but she quickly steadied herself. She lowered her shoulders and elbows, countering each move as it came.

For a time, a rather unusual yet pleasing scene unfolded atop the arena:

Qin Han's attacks were broad and forceful, his steps steady and powerful. Every fist and palm carried a faint whistle of wind. Though unenhanced by Dou Qi, the formidable foundation of a Dou Wang's Physical Body was fully displayed. His movements were simple and direct, brimming with masculine power.

Han Yue, meanwhile, was like willow fluff in the wind, like a startled swan reflected in water.

Her movements were light and graceful. As her skirts fluttered with every turn and leap, she evaded most of Qin Han's fierce attacks, occasionally using the edge of her palm or her elbow to block or borrow force for a counterattack. Her movements flowed as smoothly as clouds and water, carrying an elegant, clean beauty.

The two traded blows back and forth. Though there were no dazzling scenes of Dou Qi surging across the arena, hidden gales churned between their fists and palms, making for an exceptionally thrilling fight.

The spectators beneath the stage went from initial astonishment to becoming completely engrossed.

Accustomed to flashy ultimate moves and brilliant Dou Qi, they found this battle—which discarded the spectacle of Dou Techniques and returned to the most primal combat skills—to possess a unique, back-to-basics charm.

The close-quarters struggle lasted for about the time it took to burn a stick of incense.

Such intense hand-to-hand combat consumed enormous amounts of stamina, especially for Han Yue, whose cultivation was slightly inferior and who primarily relied on nimble evasive movements.

Her breathing gradually became hurried, fine beads of sweat appearing on her forehead and dampening several strands of silver hair. Her movements visibly slowed by a fraction as well.

By contrast, Qin Han's breathing remained long and steady. Not only had his offensive not weakened, it had become even smoother and more effortless.

Finally, as they passed one another once more, Han Yue's footing faltered slightly. Though she immediately corrected herself, the opening had already appeared.

Qin Han did not seize the chance to press his attack. Instead, he withdrew two steps, smiling at her. "Tired?"

Han Yue stopped, her chest rising and falling slightly. Looking up at the smiling Qin Han, she knew full well that he had not used his true strength from start to finish. This might not even have counted as a warm-up for him.

She raised her slender fingers to straighten her slightly disheveled hair and collar, then revealed a helpless smile and shook her head toward the elevated platform.

"I'm not fighting anymore."

Her voice was clear and carried throughout the area around the stage.

The crowd below fell silent at first, before a wave of understanding yet regretful murmurs arose.

On the elevated platform, Su Qian took in everything, nodding faintly before his booming voice rang out.

"Match Three: Qin Han wins."

"Whoo—"

Qin Han had won, but unlike the victor of the previous match, he received no cheers. Instead, he was drowned out by whistles and jeers from the audience.

The two leaped down from the stage one after the other. They had barely returned to the section of stands where Moon Spirit and the others were when Lin Xiuyai's clicking tongue could be heard from nearby.

"Junior Qin, what fine manners."

He had approached at some point, giving Qin Han a thumbs-up. His gaze swept between Qin Han and Han Yue, whose expression had already returned to calm, making his meaning obvious.

Then he leaned closer, shielding his mouth with one hand as he whispered, "If you were going to go easy on her, why not go all the way?"

"Anyway, you already have the Fallen Heart Flame. The Heart Flame Body Tempering reward for the top ten won't do much for you."

Qin Han suddenly understood. "So everyone was booing me because I didn't hold back enough?"

Lin Xiuyai rolled his eyes wildly. "What else would it be?"

While the two spoke, the battles on the stage did not stop.

Su Qian drew lots time and time again, and match after match unfolded in succession.

Whenever true prominent figures of the Inner Academy like Zi Yan, Xiao Yan, Liu Qing, and Lin Xiuyai took the stage, they inevitably drew immense attention and heated discussion.

The strength of those at the top of the Strong Ranking was fully displayed through victory after victory.

Before anyone realized it, the sun had gradually shifted from the east toward the west, and blood-red sunset clouds spread across the sky.

When the final match had decided its winner and Su Qian announced the end of the day's schedule, many people were still immersed in the fierce clashes they had witnessed throughout the day, unable to fully recover.

The twenty-five arena battles of the first day had begun with the morning drawing of lots and continued until dusk had fallen.

There had been several matches that ended quickly due to a vast disparity in strength, and some participants had failed to perform to their fullest because of nerves and other reasons.

Yet overall, as the highest-level competition in the Inner Academy, the Strong Ranking tournament displayed a level of combat and excitement sufficient to leave those students unable to take the stage awestruck and yearning for more.

Moreover, anyone with even a little discernment understood that while today's elimination matches had been intense, they were not yet the most elite clashes.

The real main event was still to come.

After the ruthless selection of the first round, the remaining twenty-five participants had proven that, whether they advanced through luck or not, none of them were pushovers.

Determining higher rankings from among those twenty-five would undoubtedly produce battles far more intense and spectacular than today's.

Thus, even as the crowd gradually dispersed, anticipation and restless excitement still permeated every corner of the academy.

Many had already begun guessing what eye-catching matchups the next round of drawing lots would produce.

Liu Qing, Lin Xiuyai, Xiao Yan, Qin Han, Zi Yan... Any two of them thrown into a match would make for an utterly spectacular battle.