Half a month later, Lin Qin had almost completely recovered from his injuries and regained his strength. He kept his promise and began sparring with Aileen.
The open ground in the center of the valley had been cleared to serve as a temporary training ground.
"I'll suppress my strength to the level of an Eighth-level Warrior and use only basic Battle Qi and physical strength," Lin Qin said, holding a broad sword as he faced Aileen. "You can use any magic you like. Your goal is to hit me or hold out against my attacks for long enough."
Aileen took a deep breath and gripped her short staff, her expression serious. "I'm ready!"
"Begin."
Lin Qin moved as soon as he spoke. He didn't immediately unleash his full speed, but charged forward at the ordinary pace of an Eighth-level Warrior, thrusting simply with his sword.
Aileen didn't dare let her guard down. She swung her staff and instantly released the spell she had prepared.
"Water Tornado!"
A massive waterspout appeared out of thin air, its swirling force surging toward Lin Qin in an attempt to block him and entangle his steps.
Lin Qin's charge didn't slow. Earth-yellow Battle Qi shimmered along his broad sword as he brought it down in a simple slash at the waterspout's core!
"Shhhk!"
His sword, imbued with concentrated Battle Qi, cleaved the waterspout in two, scattering the water. But the moment the waterspout split apart, Aileen's second wave of attacks arrived!
"Ice Crystal!"
The scattered water instantly froze in the low temperature, turning into countless tiny ice crystals that shot at Lin Qin like a dense shower of needles! It was a clever trick that combined changes in the Water Element's form with low-level ice magic.
A hint of approval flashed in Lin Qin's eyes.