Xiao Yan vs. Xu Kun, First Match of the Second Round

Xiao Yan slowly lowered his hand, looked at the pale-faced Sun Qingyang, and walked over slowly.

"Senior Sun, your 'Qingyang Palm' possesses refined Dou Qi and impressive explosive power. Your family's fire control techniques are also unique. If others encountered it, they certainly wouldn't be able to neutralize it so easily. But..."

He paused slightly, then smiled and said:

"My physique is rather special, and I also have the aid of Heavenly Flames. As long as your main attack is fire, it poses no threat to me. In a way, it's a perfect counter to you."

Upon hearing this, Sun Qingyang was completely convinced.

He never expected that his most powerful attack would be so perfectly countered by Xiao Yan!

Who would have thought?

In the past, even those who possessed Heavenly Flames relied on its Heavenly Flames power to deal with and crush ordinary Beast Flame or other Heavenly Flames.

But Xiao Yan is different.

This guy actually has a way of neutralizing the flames, and even...

It absorbed those flames!

After repeatedly reflecting on and considering this point, Sun Qingyang had already made some deductions.

Judging from the feeling during our exchange, Xiao Yan must have used some method, or as he said, perhaps due to a special physique?

In short, it seems that his Qingyang Fire was directly absorbed by Xiao Yan.

That's so weird!

How can we fight like this?

Thinking this, he slowly withdrew his hand, straightened up, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Xiao Yan, then looked up at the referee's platform not far away and declared loudly, "I concede!"

On the referee's platform, Great Elder Su Qian nodded slightly and announced with a smile:

"Xiao Yan this battle!"

After a brief silence, the stands erupted in a deafening uproar and gasps of amazement!

"My god! Catching Dou Technique with his bare hands! Just how strong is Xiao Yan now?!"

"Judging from Sun Qingyang's completely convinced expression, Xiao Yan's method of neutralizing his attack must be quite extraordinary... That's too exaggerated!"

"Even Dou Wang expert would probably be no more than this, right? Is Xiao Yan really only 13 years old?"

Xiao Yan looked at Sun Qingyang, a gentle smile appearing on his face, and cupped his hands slightly, saying, "You flatter me."

Sun Qingyang nodded, then, filled with shock, turned and jumped off the competition platform.

His back view showed no sign of defeat or frustration, but rather a sense of excitement.

I've chosen the right person to follow!

President Xiao Yan is indeed a genius among geniuses. In the future, he will surely become famous Dou Qi Continent!

We absolutely must cling to this powerful figure!

Xiao Yan, amidst the awe, curiosity, and shock of the entire audience, returned directly to the stands where the women were.

That tall, imposing figure carrying the Heavy Profound Ruler seemed to radiate all the light at that moment, becoming the most dazzling focal point in the entire Central Plaza.

"Can you understand what Xiao Yan did?"

On the stands, looking at Xiao Yan who was the center of everyone's attention, Gu Qingyang asked Gu Yao beside him.

"Can't read..."

Gu Yao's expression was somewhat solemn.

They initially thought that no matter how talented Xiao Yan was, he was only at the Dou Ling, and the gap between him and them was quite large.

But now it seems that this guy's talent is far more terrifying than they imagined.

Given his rapid progress in cultivating Dou Qi, his Alchemy have reached the Fifth-Grade, and his Dou Technique have also reached such an astonishing level. Even if he had started cultivating from the womb and spent a full thirteen years, probably no one could have reached such a terrifying level as Xiao Yan.

This situation is as if a powerful being has been reincarnated with memories, and it cannot be understood using normal thinking.

It's important to understand that while they could relatively easily neutralize Sun Qingyang's attacks, it was unlikely they could do it as effortlessly as Xiao Yan.

At least on the surface, Xiao Yan simply stretched out his hand, used his Heavenly Flames, and that was it.

Keep in mind that Xiao Yan didn't use any Dou Qi at all just now.

How exactly did he do it?

"Using the suppression of ordinary flames by the Heavenly Flames, and with precise control over Dou Qi and the Heavenly Flames, I refined the Dou Qi and flames within Qingyang Palm..."

Looking at Xiao Yan's incredible Fire Energy control, Huo Zhi felt that the Xiao Yan in front of her was terrifyingly strong!

This guy's Fire Energy is enough to put some of the elders of the Yan Clan to shame.

"A body-refining Dou Technique that absorbs flames to strengthen the body? It can be used like this? This is truly eye-opening..."

Shi Xuanxuan also seemed lost in thought.

She didn't know how to counter the Qingyang Palm technique.

But she did understand the step where the body was tempered by flames.

No wonder his physical abilities have improved so quickly. It seems that Xiao Yan has already come a long way on the path of tempering his body with fire!

Is this what true genius is?

As for the other women, although they didn't quite understand the specifics, they could tell that Xiao Yan's move was extraordinary. So, when Xiao Yan returned, the women all congratulated him on his first victory with smiles. The sight of him surrounded by beauties made some people around them both angry and envious.

But they can't even beat Sun Qingyang, so if they provoke Xiao Yan...

Isn't that just asking for trouble?

Damn it, this kid deserves to die. He's so young and already so freakish. I wonder which power or family poured all their resources into raising this monster!

After Xiao Yan, the women took turns fighting and easily defeated their respective opponents.

Xiao Yan paid special attention to Hu Qingqing, the former number one on the Strong Ranking List.

Although this guy was a man, his elegant demeanor gave him a somewhat effeminate air. With a blink of his peach blossom eyes, he knocked the other person down and plunged them into an endless illusion.

He seems difficult to deal with...

However, Bewitchment Technique probably won't have much effect on someone with such strong soul power and unwavering will, right?

The first day's twenty-five matches lasted from morning until evening, finally ending amidst the lingering anticipation of countless viewers. Due to the presence of the Ancient Clan group, Huo Zhi, Zi Yan, and others around Xiao Yan, as well as the original top three on the Strong Ranking List —all of these exceptional individuals—nearly a quarter of today's battles were one-sided massacres with no suspense whatsoever, which clearly failed to satisfy the audience.

Furthermore, everyone knows that the truly exciting battles will not be the first round of elimination matches on the first day, but rather the second round of elimination matches on the second day, and even the final rounds on the third day!

Therefore, almost all the viewers were eagerly anticipating tomorrow's even more exciting and intense confrontation!

As night fell, the Inner Academy, which had been bustling and lively all day, finally returned to silence. The scattered lights in the vast Inner Academy stood out conspicuously against the backdrop of these towering mountains.

In Xiao Yan 'Xiao Yan room, the faint moonlight streamed in through the window, falling on his face. At this moment, the latter had his eyes closed, his breathing long and rhythmic. Threads of tiny energy from the surrounding world flowed into his body through his breath, and after being refined, they were transformed into the most precise Dou Qi.

After an unknown amount of time, Xiao Yan's eyes trembled slightly, then he slowly opened them and exhaled a breath of stale air.

"Tomorrow's match will likely be even more dangerous than today's, and I wonder who I'll face..."

Xiao Yan pondered to himself.

Of the top 25, the Student Union directly occupied 8 spots. In addition, the three members of the Ancient Clan who advanced, the original top three on the Strong Ranking List, and the rest are all experts at least at the Eight-Star Dou Ling level.

"Fortunately, the Great Elder dealt with the Gu Yao and Gu Xing of the Ancient Clan beforehand. Even with the worst luck, I would only have to deal with three of them at most. These descendants of Ancient Clans are powerful and probably have many hidden cards. Although I'm not afraid of them, dealing with them is still too much trouble..."

Xiao Yan slowly clenched his fists and sighed softly.

Although he spoke arrogantly, he still held these Ancient Clan prodigies in high regard in his heart.

These prodigies basically represent the most outstanding young people in the Dou Qi Continent.

We shouldn't underestimate them.

Besides...

"Teacher, you must have seen Hu Qingqing make her move today, right? How did it feel? Did it seem familiar?"

Xiao Yan's mind raced, and he said softly.

Upon hearing this, the Old Yao flew out of the ring, his expression somewhat solemn.

"You should know that I have a good friend named Venerable Feng Xian."

Xiao Yan nodded upon hearing this.

"Back then, the Saintess of the Demon Clan would drag him around every day to practice her Bewitchment Technique. The methods Hu Qingqing used seemed quite similar to those bewitching arts. But it's been so long, I don't remember very clearly..."

The Old Yao said with a hint of helplessness.

"It does seem to be somewhat possible..."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan nodded. That made things easier.

As long as there's information, it can be found sooner or later.

I'm afraid there won't be any news at all...

On the Back Mountain peak behind the pavilion, a graceful figure stood tall and elegant under the moonlight, while behind her, an old man stood with his hands at his sides.

"Miss, news has come from within the clan. The Clan Chief and that person from the Soul Clan have fought, and the battle was evenly matched. It seems the Soul Clan is about to become active again. It is indeed not safe for you to be out there. You must return; there is no room for maneuver."

The silence lasted for a moment, then Ling Ying raised her head and said with some helplessness.

Her delicate body trembled almost imperceptibly, and after a long while, a soft sigh escaped her lips, "I knew, but I didn't expect it to be so soon... I haven't figured out how to tell Brother Xiao Yan yet, but I think I'll be able to make it in time for the day Brother Xiao Yan becomes number one on the Strong Ranking List?"

Ling Ying nodded and comforted him, "Even I couldn't understand Young Master Yan's methods today. Perhaps he really can defeat Gu Qingyang."

He definitely can.

Upon hearing this, Xun'er's beautiful eyes filled with affection as she looked down at the distant pavilion, then stopped at one of the rooms where a faint light still lingered.

"Brother Xiao Yan, Xun'er will cultivate diligently and come out to find you as soon as possible!"

In the pitch-black night, the girl's voice echoed softly atop the Back Mountain.

The following day, as the first rays of dawn pierced the sky, the quiet Inner Academy was once again filled with a cacophony of noise. After a quick breakfast, the students rushed off in groups toward the square.

Half an hour after Xiao Yan and the others arrived at the square, the elders also took their seats one after another. After the Great Elder Su Qian took his seat, the second day of the competition was about to begin!

"After yesterday's eliminations, only twenty-five contestants remain, so a new draw is needed." Su Qian's faint laughter echoed clearly in everyone's ears from the judges' stand. "However, one person will receive a bye this time, so there will only be twelve battles today. The person who draws a blank draw will advance unconditionally."

Su Qian's words caused a stir in the stands: unconditional advancement?

This seems a bit too easy, doesn't it?

If someone is lucky enough to get a good chance of making it into the top thirteen, wouldn't they be able to go straight for it?

"Hehe, once you leave the academy, you'll understand that luck is also a part of strength." Su Qian smiled, then said, "If there are no objections, let's begin the draw."

Su Qian smiled and nodded, pointing to the bamboo tube on the stone platform in the center of the arena.

Upon hearing this, the people on the stage immediately rushed onto the stage and took out bamboo sticks from the bamboo tubes in turn.

Number 10.

Looking at the blue number ten in his hand, Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow.

"The second round of the Strong Ranking Tournament, Match 1, Number 10! Number 10 with red background and Number 10 with blue background will compete!"

Seeing that everyone had finished drawing lots, Su Qian waved his hand and shouted.

As Su Qian's shout fell, Xiao Yan was also stunned, and then he stayed on the stage.

The women also saw the draw number in Xiao Yan's hand, so they didn't find it strange. They simply returned to the stands to watch the match.

"Holy crap! You're number ten?"

However, the next moment, a voice filled with disbelief rang out behind Xiao Yan.

Center-parted hair, black top, overalls?

Xu Kun? It's actually him? He's already facing Dou Wang -level expert so quickly?

Seeing his opponent, Senior Xu Kun, completely replicating the appearance of an old friend, Xiao Yan felt a sense of familiarity.

"Good heavens, Xu Kun and Xiao Yan are actually going head-to-head? This guy is said to have already broken through to the Dou Wang level!"

Off the field, when everyone saw that the two players competing in the first match were these two, their eyes suddenly became intense.

One was once ranked third on the Strong Ranking List, the other a dark horse freshman who had only been in the Inner Academy for half a year. Besides, it was rumored that this senior, Xu Kun, had a crush on Shi Xuanxuan, one of the Three Beauties of the Inner Academy, and had tried to recruit her many times but failed. As a result, as soon as Xiao Yan established the Student Union, Shi Xuanxuan joined the Student Union along with Yao Ling. In a sense, this could be considered as stealing someone else's love...

Thinking of this, many people's gazes became even more fervent.

"Sigh, I didn't expect to run into you today. I heard from Brother Qing that you can hold your own against Junior Sister Zi Yan, so I'll treat you as an opponent of equal skill!"

Xu Kun never expected that his opponent would be Xiao Yan.

Although he did indeed admire Shi Xuanxuan quite a bit, the girl never gave him a second glance. He initially thought that Shi Xuanxuan was simply uninterested in matters between men and women and was purely a cultivation fanatic. However, after seeing some of Shi Xuanxuan's behavior towards Xiao Yan these past few days, he realized that she really just didn't fancy him.

Comparing yourself to others can sometimes be really infuriating...

"Senior, please don't be shy, just come on over."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan simply smiled faintly, extended one hand in a "please" gesture, exuding an aura of confidence that made many female senior students in the stands's eyes light up.