Start Special Training, But Your Opponent is Yao Chuan

Gu Yue's mood had plummeted to rock bottom.

Heavy-hearted, she appeared completely dejected, even feeling listless and unable to muster any energy during the afternoon physical education class.

While running, her gaze drifted involuntarily toward the figure surrounded by girls—Yao Chuan.

Her eyes were a mixture of unwillingness, frustration, and a faint, lingering resentment she hadn't even noticed herself.

Her meticulously prepared "mature style" debut had been KO'd before she even had a chance to get close.

The feeling was like throwing a full-force punch into cotton—no, into thin air!

It was stifling, absolutely stifling!

Am I the clown?

Gu Yue ranted frantically in her heart.

Yao Chuan keenly sensed that something was off with Gu Yue.

While dealing with the chattering, enthusiastic classmates around him, he kept an eye on the low-pressure purple-haired girl out of the corner of his vision.

What's wrong with her today? She's so distracted during training.

A trace of doubt surfaced in Yao Chuan's mind.

But before he could dwell on it, or find a chance to go over and ask, the day's physical training ended amidst a chorus of groans.

Just as everyone was dragging their exhausted bodies away, Wu Changkong's signature voice, which seemed to carry shards of ice, clearly pierced through the noise.

"Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, Gu Yue, Yao Chuan."

"Come find me after dinner."

The voice wasn't loud, but it carried an unquestionable tone of command.

The four people called out all froze in their tracks.

Tang Wulin and Xie Xie exchanged glances, both seeing the "here we go again" resignation in each other's eyes.

Gu Yue was forcibly pulled out of her emotional quagmire, subconsciously looking toward Yao Chuan with a complex expression.

Yao Chuan, however, remained calm, as if he had expected this, and simply nodded faintly.

"Yes, Teacher Wu."

The other students cast looks of either sympathy or relief before scurrying away, afraid of being caught in the crossfire.

Night fell.

After a simple dinner, the four of them appeared at the appointed place on time.

Wu Changkong didn't waste any words, leading them directly through the dimly lit paths of the academy to the indoor training ground located deep in the rear.

The venue was vast, illuminated by bright soul-guide lights, and the air was filled with a cool, mixed scent of metal and plastic.

"Do you know why I called you here?" Wu Changkong turned around, his ice-blue eyes sweeping over the four of them.

Xie Xie answered first: "Teacher Wu, is there another special training session? Or a new physical fitness package?"

Tang Wulin felt a bit uneasy; he had to complete his forging tasks while training, and his time was already extremely tight.

Gu Yue remained silent, standing quietly.

Yao Chuan had his hands in his pockets, his posture relaxed, as if he were just there for a visit.

Wu Changkong's gaze lingered on Yao Chuan for a moment before he spoke slowly, his voice echoing through the empty training ground.

"Three months from now, the Class Promotion Tournament."

"Gu Yue, Xie Xie, Tang Wulin."

"The three of you will undergo special training with me to prepare for the tournament."

As soon as he finished speaking, the three reacted in different ways.

Tang Wulin first breathed a sigh of relief (at least it wasn't extra physical training), then immediately felt immense pressure (representing the class!).

Xie Xie's eyes lit up, eager to try: "Haha! Finally, the real deal! Don't worry, Teacher Wu, watch me, Xie Xie, sweep the field!"

Gu Yue remained calm, but her gaze became much more focused.

However, almost at the same time, the eyes of Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Gu Yue all subconsciously turned toward the most dazzling presence beside them—Yao Chuan.

Their faces were written with the same question: What about him?

Yao Chuan isn't competing? Why isn't he on the special training list?

He was the undisputed, recognized top combat power of Class Five!

Feeling the focus of the three, Yao Chuan raised an eyebrow slightly.

He shrugged his shoulders lightly, his tone carrying a matter-of-fact indifference as he spoke:

"Don't look at me."

"I have no interest in the Class Promotion Tournament."

"This kind of assessment holds little meaning for me."

This seemingly understated remark carried a strong sense of confidence, or perhaps one could even call it... a touch of arrogance.

"Within the same grade, there shouldn't be anyone capable of being my opponent."

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Arrogant!

Too arrogant!

Yet, strangely, neither Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, nor the prideful Gu Yue—not even the usually stern Wu Changkong—felt that he was bragging.

Standard operation, don't be surprised.

Xie Xie opened his mouth, wanting to retort, but then he recalled Yao Chuan's unfathomable strength... well, it seemed to be a fact.

Tang Wulin remembered the test in the cafeteria, where he had pulled with all his might only for the other party to remain completely unmoved, and he deeply agreed.

Gu Yue had even personally experienced the taste of being easily defeated by a single Wooden Spear.

Wu Changkong's pre-set attitude was the best proof in itself.

Coming from his mouth, it was damnably reasonable!

Tang Wulin scratched his head, but couldn't help asking the key question:

"Um... if Brother Yao Chuan isn't participating, Teacher Wu, why did you specifically call him over tonight..."

He looked at Yao Chuan, then at Wu Changkong.

Right, if he isn't competing, why call him here? To watch the special training?

Xie Xie and Gu Yue also pricked up their ears.

Yao Chuan also looked at Wu Changkong, his eyes carrying a hint of inquiry.

He was also curious about the intentions of this cold-faced, cool guy.

The corners of Wu Changkong's frost-like mouth seemed to twitch upward ever so slightly, a curve so small it was almost negligible.

Meeting the gazes of the four, he gave an unexpected answer.

"I had originally considered asking Yao Chuan to be your sparring partner."

"But now, there is a more suitable candidate."

His gaze locked onto Yao Chuan.

"Yao Chuan."

"During the special training, your task is to act as their combat opponent."

After a pause, Wu Changkong added the most crucial restriction.

"Of course, you must suppress your strength to the level of a one-ring Spirit Master."

As soon as these words were spoken, the eyes of Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Gu Yue lit up instantly!

Having Yao Chuan as a sparring partner? And with his strength suppressed to the one-ring level?

This... this was simply a massive "benefit"! An opportunity to observe, learn from, and even challenge a top-tier expert at close range!

However, Wu Changkong's next sentence was like a bucket of ice water, instantly igniting their competitive spirit.

His cold gaze swept over Tang, Xie, and Gu, his tone carrying a hint of imperceptible mockery and provocation.

"It's normal to lose to him in a one-on-one."

"But if the three of you go together, and you still get defeated by him while he's suppressed to one-ring strength..."

Wu Changkong deliberately paused before slowly spitting out the devastating second half of his sentence.

"That would be too embarrassing."

"It would be a total disgrace to Grade One Class Five."

Boom!

Wu Changkong's words were like a spark falling into an oil drum!

Tang Wulin felt a rush of hot blood surge to his cheeks, and his fists clenched involuntarily.

Xie Xie was like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, nearly jumping up.

"What?! Teacher Wu, you're underestimating us! How could we possibly lose three-on-one?!"

Although Gu Yue didn't speak, a clear flame of fighting spirit burned in her beautiful purple eyes.

The three of them had been completely provoked by Wu Changkong's words!

The awe they felt toward Yao Chuan's strength just moments ago was instantly suppressed by their burning desire to win.

Three against one! And his strength was restricted!

If they lost this, how could they ever hold their heads high in front of Yao Chuan again? How could they even survive in Class Five?

They couldn't lose! They absolutely, positively could not lose!

The three exchanged a glance, instantly forming a silent alliance.

It was time to show this big shot who was suppressing his strength some "color."

Yao Chuan watched the three little ones, who were suddenly brimming with fighting spirit as if they had been injected with adrenaline, and a playful smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Interesting.

It seemed Teacher Wu was well-versed in the art of "drawing aggro."

He didn't say much, walking straight to the weapon rack beside the training ground.

His gaze swept over the wooden swords and blades used for training, finally coming to rest on a pitch-black wooden spear.

Length, weight, feel... hmm, it would do.

He picked up the wooden spear casually and weighed it in his palm.

He turned his head to look at the trio, who had already taken their stances with eyes as fierce as wolf pups.

Yao Chuan held the spear in one hand, pointing it lazily toward the ground, while his other hand remained tucked into his pocket.

"Come."

His voice was flat, yet carried an invisible pressure.

He gestured for the three of them to attack with a gesture that was the height of nonchalance.

His posture suggested he wasn't facing a three-on-one battle, but rather beckoning children over to play.

"Go!"

Xie Xie let out a low roar, unable to hold back any longer!

He was full of pent-up frustration; he had been insta-killed by Gu Yue during the day and "looked down upon" by Teacher Wu at night!

The Shadow Dragon Dagger appeared in his hands instantly, and the first Soul Ring beneath his feet flared!

"First Soul Skill, Light Dragon Blade!"

His speed was astonishing; the two dagger edges, carrying golden halos, tore through the air, striking at Yao Chuan's flanks like a viper flicking its tongue!

This was the signature speed of an Agility-type Soul Master!

Almost at the same moment Xie Xie launched, Tang Wulin moved too!

He didn't charge directly at Yao Chuan, but instead stomped his foot hard!

"Blue Silver Grass!"

With a low shout, several thick Blue Silver Grass vines erupted from his palms like living creatures, spreading rapidly along the ground with the clear goal of binding Yao Chuan's feet!

Control first! Restrict movement!

At the same time, a flash of purple crossed Gu Yue's eyes, and her fair fingers moved elegantly and rapidly before her.

Her affinity for and control over elements were displayed to the fullest!

"Wind!"

"Rock!"

An invisible breeze rose from the ground, not to attack Yao Chuan, but to brush gently against Xie Xie's back, causing his sprinting speed to suddenly increase even further!

Simultaneously, two hard, thick stone walls emerged without warning from the ground to the left and right behind Yao Chuan!

In front, Xie Xie's dual-blade assault.

Below, Tang Wulin's vine entanglement.

Behind, left and right blocked by stone.

Gu Yue's tactical intent was crystal clear—to trap Yao Chuan in a confined space, leaving him no room to dodge Xie Xie's lethal strike!

This was the first time the three had attempted to coordinate, and it was surprisingly methodical!

Wu Changkong stood on the sidelines, his ice-blue eyes brightening slightly.

A bit interesting.

Facing this siege that could almost be called a "net of heaven and earth."

Yao Chuan's expression remained completely unmoved.

He didn't even look at the stone walls rising behind him.

His gaze remained calmly fixed on Xie Xie, who was charging from the front.

Just as those two golden blades were about to strike!

Yao Chuan moved!

His left hand, tucked in his pocket, remained perfectly still.

Using only one hand!

With a flick of his wrist!

The seemingly cumbersome black wooden spear felt weightless in his hand, transforming into a blurred black shadow!

Fast!

Unimaginably fast!

Starting later, but arriving first!

"Snap! Snap!"

Two crisp sounds, like hitting wood, rang out almost simultaneously!

Yao Chuan's wrist flipped, and the wooden spear, like a viper flicking its tongue, precisely struck the weak points on the sides of the two golden light blades Xie Xie had thrust out!

The angle was tricky, the timing perfect to the extreme!

Xie Xie felt an irresistible, strangely rotating force transmitted from the dagger blades!

"Ugh!"

He cried out in surprise, his arms involuntarily flung outwards. His body, propelled by his forward momentum and this deflecting force, instantly lost balance, spinning like a top for half a circle!

The attack shattered!

The perfect coordinated assault, with two effortless pokes from Yao Chuan, crumbled like dust!

Xie Xie staggered to regain his footing, his face filled with shock.

Too fast! Too accurate! This control of power... a complete monster!

Yao Chuan's movements didn't pause for a moment.

As he deflected Xie Xie's blades, he hadn't even moved his feet.

His left foot merely stomped lightly on the ground, seemingly casually.

A hidden force transmitted through the ground.

"Pfft, pfft, pfft!"

The few Blue Silver Grass vines about to wrap around his ankle, as if hitting an invisible barrier, abruptly halted less than half an inch from his ankle, then were gently repelled by a soft yet resilient force, drooping limply to the ground!

Tang Wulin's pupils contracted!

He could clearly feel the feedback from his extended Blue Silver Grass against that force—not a destructive head-on collision, but a more skillful dissipation and redirection of force!

Like a mud ox entering the sea, with nowhere to exert force!

Control failed!

In the flash of lightning and thunder between Xie Xie being deflected and Tang Wulin's vines being repelled.

Gu Yue's second wave of attack arrived!

She hadn't expected the first coordinated strike to succeed and had already prepared a follow-up!

"Ice!"

"Fire!"

Her hands moved in succession!

In the air on both sides of Yao Chuan's body, cold air suddenly condensed! Seven or eight sharp ice cones appeared out of nowhere, whistling with a piercing sound as they shot from tricky angles towards Yao Chuan's neck and ribs!

Simultaneously, above his head, a ball of scorching orange-red fire formed out of thin air, carrying a searing heat as it smashed down!

A double-pronged attack of ice and fire! Attacked from above and below!

The timing was perfect! It was the moment when Yao Chuan's "old strength had just faded, and new strength had not yet arisen"!

Wu Changkong, watching from the sidelines, narrowed his eyes slightly. Gu Yue's elemental switching speed and attack rhythm were indeed far beyond her peers.

Facing this deadly situation of simultaneous attacks from above and below, alternating between cold and heat.

Yao Chuan finally moved his feet for the first time.

But the extent of his movement was incredibly small!

His body swayed extremely subtly, like ripples on water.

The amplitude was no more than five centimeters!

However, this minuscule sway caused the ice cones, with their tricky angles, to whistle past, almost brushing the edges of his clothes and the tips of his hair!

All missed!

The icy cold air even lifted the hair on his forehead.

At the same time, the wrist of his right hand, holding the spear, flicked again!

The tip of the wooden spear, as if alive, drew a graceful arc, precisely striking the edge of the falling fireball!

No head-on collision!

Just a gentle "guide"!

Like using four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds!

The scorching fireball, as if gently nudged by an invisible hand, had its downward trajectory subtly altered!

Instead of smashing onto Yao Chuan's head, it...

Whoosh!

Flew directly towards the head of Xie Xie, who had just regained his balance and was still shaken!