The Feeling of a Racing Heart

On the arena.

Huo Wu supported her weakened body as she looked at Shui Bing'er, who still stood straight across from her. The unwillingness in her eyes gradually turned into acceptance.

She had lost—completely and utterly.

"Shui Bing'er, you really are strong... The Ice Phoenix far exceeded my expectations. I lost."

As Huo Wu's words fell, the entire venue fell silent for a moment.

"The match is over! Skywater Academy wins!"

The referee came to his senses and announced loudly.

"We won!"

"We won!"

"Shui Bing'er! Shui Bing'er..."

Deafening cheers instantly swept through the entire training grounds.

In the stands, Skywater Academy's blue banners surged like ocean waves as the students excitedly called out Shui Bing'er's name.

The members of both academies returned to the arena.

The cheers gradually died down.

The seven members of each team stood on opposite sides and bowed neatly to one another.

As long-established powerhouses among the elemental academies, Blazing Fire and Skywater represented two completely opposing attributes. Though they competed with one another, they had always maintained a good relationship.

After all, this was only an exchange match. Beyond victory and defeat, it was more about learning from and respecting one another.

After the bows, Huo Wu prepared to leave with Huo Wushuang supporting her.

She suddenly stopped, turned her head toward Shui Bing'er, and the sharpness in her eyes returned.

"Shui Bing'er, I lost to you this time. But next time, I'll do everything in my power to defeat you."

Shui Bing'er met Huo Wu's gaze.

"Thank you for the reminder just now. You'll become stronger, but so will we. I look forward to facing you again."

A smile tugged at Huo Wu's lips. She nodded and let her brother support her as she walked toward the edge of the arena.

All the teachers and students of Skywater Academy rose to their feet and gave Blazing Fire Academy a warm round of applause.

The applause was not only for the victors, but also for opponents who had given their all.

On the other side of the stands, in Godwind Academy's section.

Feng Xiaotian's gaze closely followed Huo Wu as she was helped away, his eyes full of heartache.

He understood Huo Wu.

That proud girl had given everything she had, even using the ultimate technique Ring Fusion, yet she still had not been able to win the match.

That sense of defeat must have been incredibly painful for her.

"Big Sister!"

Shui Yue'er, Xue Wu, and the others surrounded Shui Bing'er.

The seven girls gathered together to celebrate this hard-won victory.

"Big Sister, you were amazing!"

Shui Yue'er linked arms with Shui Bing'er, the excitement in her eyes not yet fully faded.

Yu Hairou exclaimed in amazement, "Huo Wu actually had such a bizarre soul skill! Fusing three soul rings into one doubled its power at the very least, yet it still failed to break through the captain's defenses."

Xue Wu was equally unable to hide her surprise. "Bing'er, when did your defense become so powerful? That was Huo Wu's all-out attack, yet you took it without suffering even the slightest injury."

At the mention of Huo Wu's final strike, the girls recalled the shocking scene from moments ago.

Three soul rings had fused into a profound purple ring, and the enormous Fire Ring had descended like heavenly punishment.

Even from outside the arena, they could feel that terrifying energy fluctuation.

"Huo Wu's talent is too frightening. Not just anyone can master a skill like that."

"But the captain is even more incredible!"

"Don't forget, the captain had already defeated Huo Wushuang earlier."

Everyone spoke at once, but no one noticed that Shui Bing'er, surrounded in the middle, was gradually blushing.

It was not she who had blocked that attack.

Thinking back on it now, she could still clearly feel that warm power surging up from behind her.

Those solid arms, almost tangible in their strength, and that chest that seemed capable of embracing everything, had filled her with a sense of security.

Being protected in someone's arms made her feel both safe and flustered.

Her heartbeat uncontrollably quickened.

A maiden's reserve kept her from dwelling on it, yet that warmth had branded itself deep into her heart, impossible to shake away.

"Sis, your face is so red!"

Shui Yue'er suddenly noticed Shui Bing'er's unusual complexion.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere? Or did you suffer some hidden injury just now?"

"N-No, I'm fine."

Shui Bing'er hurriedly shook her head, doing her best to remain composed.

"It's just that I used up a little too much Soul Power. I'll be fine after resting for a while."

The girls did not think much of it and cheered as they embraced one another again.

Amid the enthusiastic cheers and applause of the entire school, they left the arena like triumphant heroes.

At the arena exit, Feng Xiaotian was already waiting.

The moment he saw Huo Wu being helped out, he immediately stepped forward.

"Huo Wu, how are you?"

"I just ran out of Soul Power. I'm not going to die."

Huo Wu reluctantly straightened herself. Her face was still pale, but her eyes had regained their usual pride.

Feng Xiaotian turned to Huo Wushuang.

"With Huo Wu in her current condition, she probably won't be able to participate in the match against our academy this afternoon. How about we cancel this match? Our two academies are fairly close to each other. If we want to spar, we can do so anytime."

"No need!"

Huo Wu immediately cut Feng Xiaotian off. Though her voice was weak, it was resolute.

"Blazing Fire Academy will not avoid battle. Even if I can't take the field, my teammates will still give it their all."

Feng Xiaotian wanted to say something else, but Huo Wu had already pushed away Huo Wushuang's hand and stubbornly steadied herself.

"Brother, let's go!"

Watching Huo Wu's wavering yet upright back as she left, Feng Xiaotian could only smile bitterly.

Huo Wushuang patted Feng Xiaotian on the shoulder.

"Don't take it to heart. My sister has been competitive and stubborn since she was young."

"I understand."

Feng Xiaotian gazed in the direction Huo Wu had gone and softly said, "Losing to Shui Bing'er must have hurt her badly. She's still upset about it."

"Then we'll proceed with the match as usual this afternoon."

"Alright. But for the sake of fairness, I won't be taking the field."

Huo Wushuang froze for a moment before understanding Feng Xiaotian's consideration for Huo Wu.

Aside from Feng Xiaotian, Godwind Academy also had two three-ring Soul Elders. Their overall strength had already surpassed Blazing Fire Academy's by quite a bit.

Feng Xiaotian did not want a full-strength Godwind Academy to face a Blazing Fire Academy that had lost its primary controller, Huo Wu. Even if they won, there would be no glory in it.

"Then it's settled."

"Mm. Take good care of Huo Wu."

On the other side of the training grounds.

"Everyone performed very well."

Leng Qinghuan looked over each of the girls one by one before finally resting her gaze on Shui Bing'er.

"Especially Bing'er. You stayed calm in the face of danger and showed the responsibility expected of a captain."

"Big Sis was amazing!"

Leng Qinghuan smiled and nodded.

"I saw it all. You may enjoy the joy of today's victory for a little while, but do not become immersed in it. Tomorrow morning, we will face the even stronger Godwind Academy."

"Understood!"

"Remember, the purpose of this exchange tournament is to learn and grow. No matter what tomorrow's result may be, as long as you give it your all and display the spirit of Skywater Academy, that will be a victory. Now, go back and get some proper rest to recover. This afternoon's match between Godwind and Blazing Fire is something you should observe carefully."

"Yes!"

The girls exchanged smiles, their eyes filled with fighting spirit.