On the arena, Ma Hongjun stood opposite Xiao Wu, cold sweat streaming down his forehead.
His small eyes were full of panic. He looked like a startled, fat chicken, every bit of him trembling.
He was on full alert, Soul Power surging wildly through his body. He was just waiting for the referee to give the signal so he could unleash every one of his Soul Skills at Xiao Wu all at once.
Phoenix Fire Line, Bathing Phoenix, Phoenix Sky-Screaming Strike—he'd use everything he could and throw everything he had.
That way, he could not only deal with the academy's teachers, but also lose with a little more dignity.
Maybe he could even earn himself a fine reputation for "fighting bravely."
Reality, however, rarely went according to plan.
As the referee's arm swept down, the call of "Begin!" rang out.
Pink Soul light blazed around Xiao Wu in an instant, dazzling and brilliant, like peach blossoms in full bloom.
Ma Hongjun opened his mouth, about to shout the name of his Soul Skill. But before he could utter a word, that pink figure had vanished from where she stood!
The next instant—
"Take this!"
A sharp cry burst beside his ear!
Xiao Wu pushed off the ground, twisted her waist, and drove a beautiful half-moon kick straight into Ma Hongjun's right kidney!
Thud! A muffled impact rang out. Ma Hongjun felt a spasm of pain in his lower back, as if he'd been hit by a charging rhinoceros!
"Ah! What the hell—!"
He let out a scream. The Soul Power he'd just gathered scattered instantly, and he flew forward like a kicked ball!
Thump!
Ma Hongjun hit the ground hard and rolled several times, only coming to a stop at the very edge of the arena!
"My kidney! My kidney—!"