Mystic Thunder Shock Flash

Li Hao and Chu Junliang exchanged a glance, then simultaneously charged out of the ranks, teaming up to strike at Xiao Li.

Li Hao's blade shimmered. "Junior, forgive me!"

"Mystic-tier intermediate Dou Technique: Ice Spirit Sword Whirl!"

Chu Junliang's fists erupted with flames, the explosive fire trailing behind him as thick smoke billowed out.

"Mystic-tier intermediate Dou Technique: Magma Burst!"

Ice and fire converged, the powerful energy fluctuations whipping up clouds of smoke across the plaza. Xiao Li braced his body, stabilizing his stance.

It's a good thing I obtained a powerful Dou Technique, otherwise I truly wouldn't be able to contend with two experts of the same rank.

The Dou Qi within Xiao Li's body drained rapidly, nearly thirty percent of his reserves vanishing in an instant.

The Thunder Scale Spear bloomed with spear flowers, lightning surging and currents crackling with intense ferocity.

"Mystic-tier high-level Dou Technique: Mystic Thunder Shock Flash!"

Lightning exploded, blue thunderbolts shooting straight into the sky. Xiao Li had poured all his energy into this technique lately, and today it finally erupted in full force, showing everyone present what it meant to possess the power of thunder!

The phantom fish on the Thunder Scale Spear flickered, appearing as if it might leap from the shaft. Its scales grew increasingly distinct, and the carp whiskers near its mouth became thin and resilient.

The fish stirred the winds and clouds as Xiao Li's figure soared into the air, plunging downward with his spear to pierce through the ice and fire.

Lightning shielded his body, the Thunder Scale Spear transforming into a sharp edge capable of piercing anything, pressing forward with unstoppable momentum!

The ice shattered, the flames were extinguished, and only the lightning remained, as fierce as ever!

A flicker of disbelief crossed Li Hao's eyes. "You aren't just a newly promoted Da Dou Shi—you're at the peak of the two-star level!"

As the lightning flashed, Li Hao's words dissipated into the air, leaving only two charred figures collapsed on the ground.

The entire arena fell silent. The participants in the ring stared at Xiao Li in disbelief.

One against two, and he won?

He actually won!

The hearts of the senior students who had defected to Xiao Li's side were pounding. They hadn't expected him to actually block the attack, let alone injure Li Hao and Chu Junliang in the process!

"Cough, cough." Li Hao struggled to his feet, his wounds covered in charred flesh, the blood unable to even flow out.

"Junior, impressive skill. I, Li Hao, am impressed."

With that, Li Hao retreated rapidly, putting distance between himself and Xiao Li.

Li Hao still had the strength to fight, but he understood that if he continued to clash with Xiao Li, he could forget about the top rewards—he might not even secure a spot in the top five. After all, many others were wary of his strength, and if he showed weakness, they would certainly kick him while he was down.

Chu Junliang did the same, silently rising and retreating. Today, Xiao Li's strength had completely won him over; to have cultivated a Mystic-tier high-level Dou Technique to such a degree—he was truly a genius.

It wasn't just Xiao Li's talent for martial arts that shamed Chu Junliang; the sheer depth and solidity of his Dou Qi cultivation were equally shocking.

"What a monster. To be such a genius and yet still have the patience to polish his Dou Qi—I am no match for him."

With the two of them defeated, the outcome of the battle was no longer in doubt. With a few helpers now on his side, Xiao Li no longer feared being swarmed.

Li Hao and Chu Junliang had eliminated a few people, and others had turned on each other, thinning the ranks until only thirty-two people remained on the field.

Xiao Li stopped waiting; now was the perfect opportunity.

He danced his spear repeatedly, lightning continuously pouring into the Thunder Scale Spear.

The phantom fish on the spear grew clearer and more agile. A flash of curiosity crossed Xiao Li's eyes, but he had no time to dwell on it now, deciding to ask Hu Gan about it once the fight was over.

Finally, only three people remained in the arena. Xiao Li stood with his spear retracted. Once he confirmed he had defeated thirteen people and secured first place, he stopped attacking, leaving the others to fight over the remaining two spots in the top five.

Li Hao and Chu Junliang exchanged bitter smiles. Eventually, Chu Junliang willingly withdrew, taking third place in the selection tournament.

Li Hao cupped his hands in respect. "Junior's strength is truly astonishing. This senior wishes you a smooth path into the Inner Academy and that you may ascend to the top!"

Xiao Li smiled and returned the gesture. "You are too kind."

Li Hao smiled but said nothing more, simply walking off the stage on his own. He was a convinced loser.

Seeing only Xiao Li left in the arena, Hu Gan rose on his wings and landed in the center of the ring to announce the results.

"The first place of this elimination tournament is Xiao Li from the Huang-tier Class One!"

As his voice fell, thunderous applause erupted. This was the only time a freshman had ever taken first place in the selection tournament.

Once the applause died down, Hu Gan pressed his hands downward, signaling for silence.

"Tomorrow, the top five students of the selection tournament are to come to me, and I will take you to choose your Dou Techniques."

After speaking, Hu Gan turned to look at Xiao Li. "Follow me. I have your reward ready."

Xiao Li followed Hu Gan out of the ring, a sense of anticipation rising in his heart. A Tier 4 medicinal pill would surely increase his strength significantly, giving him more confidence for the Fire Energy Hunting Competition upon entering the Inner Academy.

The Fire Energy Hunting Competition involved senior students with the strength of Dou Ling. Xiao Li knew he was no match for a Dou Ling right now; at best, he could only protect himself.

In Hu Gan's office, Xiao Li and Hu Gan took their seats. This time, that little girl Hu Jia was not present.

Knowing Xiao Li was impatient, Hu Gan didn't beat around the bush and pulled a box from his Storage Ring.

The moment the box appeared, a wave of medicinal fragrance wafted out. Xiao Li felt his cultivation improve just by smelling it.

A smile appeared on Xiao Li's face as he took the box and opened it. A cyan pill with two markings appeared—one yellow and one red—looking exceptionally mesmerizing.

"Dean, this is!"

Xiao Li's breathing grew heavy; he had already recognized what this medicinal pill was.

Hu Gan nodded with a smile, "That's right, a Two-Pattern Green Spirit Pill. It can raise your strength by two stars. Although there is a certain risk of backlash, the quality of this pill is excellent. Given your foundation, you shouldn't fail."

A flicker of burning intensity appeared in Xiao Li's eyes. This single pill could save him half a year of bitter cultivation.

"This student thanks the Dean."

Xiao Li stood up solemnly and bowed.

Hu Gan nodded, then added, "It is a pity, though; once you consume this pill, you won't be able to take the higher-grade Three-Pattern Green Spirit Pill. That is somewhat unfortunate, but I suppose there isn't an alchemist in this world capable of mastering three types of flames anyway."

Xiao Li nodded, though in his heart, he knew his third brother would be able to in the future.

"Dean, I have one more thing to ask."

Hu Gan raised an eyebrow, "It's rare for a genius to have questions. Go ahead and ask."

Xiao Li took out the Thunder Scale Spear. The roaring of lightning echoed in his ears as he looked at the increasingly lifelike fish swimming upon it, asking, "I wanted to ask about the fish on my spear. It seems to help me in battle."

Surprise flickered in Hu Gan's eyes, "I couldn't tell from a distance back then, but looking at it now, this is truly a fine spear."

"All great weapons possess a spirit. When that spirit reaches a certain level, it manifests physically. Your weapon is exactly that," Hu Gan continued to explain.

Hu Gan stroked his chin, "An extraordinary weapon. Rare, truly rare."

With good fortune coming in pairs, the joy in Xiao Li's eyes was almost impossible to hide, "Thank you for informing me, Dean."

Hu Gan waved his hand, "The weapon spirit you have is of a very high grade. I can see it hasn't reached its final form yet; it only assists in combat for now. I wonder what it will be like in the future."

Hu Gan sighed with emotion. Perhaps this is what a genius is—cultivation, weapon, and temperament all far exceeding their peers. Others might surpass their generation by excelling in one area, but a true monster is a master of all. It was no wonder that Li Hao and Chu Junliang were no match for Xiao Li, even when joining forces.

It wasn't just a gap of one or two stars.