Huo Wu's Kiss!

Chen Feng looked at the Azure Lotus Sword.

The blue-gold lotus leaf mark at the end of the hilt was giving off a faint glow in the night.

Group Leader: [It went smoothly.]

Group Leader: [Azure Lotus Ten Thousand Forms suited me even better than expected.]

My Son Isn't a Bastard: [That's good.]

My Son Isn't a Bastard: [I'm growing very quickly in the Icefire Yin-Yang Well.]

My Son Isn't a Bastard: [Dugu Yan waters me every day.]

Group Leader: [She doesn't know your identity.]

My Son Isn't a Bastard: [A Yin didn't tell her.]

My Son Isn't a Bastard: [A Yin won't tell anyone about Group Leader's identity either.]

Group Leader: [Focus on restoring your origin.]

Group Leader: [Once the Soul Master Tournament is over, I'll find a way to help you take human form again.]

Icefire Yin-Yang Well.

The leaves of the Blue Silver Emperor gently unfurled beneath the moonlight.

Pale golden patterns lit up one after another.

My Son Isn't a Bastard: [A Yin will wait for Group Leader.]

Chen Feng closed the private chat.

The public group chat was still discussing the tournament from earlier that day.

Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue had started arguing again over Spirit Hall's affairs.

Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan, meanwhile, were arguing over who exactly owned that box of osmanthus cakes.

A faint smile appeared on Chen Feng's face as he watched the messages scroll rapidly past.

Only A Yin knew.

The Chen Feng the group members were discussing.

And the Group Leader they revered every day.

Had always been the same person.

Blazing Fire Academy Strikes! Huo Wu's Challenge!

Royal Soul Arena, Heaven Dou City.

After the opening match ended, the Imperial Team won several matches in a row.

Chen Feng still had not allowed his teammates to truly make a move.

Every time he stepped onto the stage, simply summoning the Azure Lotus Sword was enough to rob his opponents of the ability to keep fighting.

As the tournament progressed, the academies in the Heaven Dou Division began rearranging their matchups.

On this day.

The Imperial Team was about to face Blazing Fire Academy.

Inside the rest area.

Dugu Yan leaned beside Chen Feng, her jade-green eyes fixed on the seven soul masters across from them.

"Blazing Fire Academy's fire-element martial souls are very strong."

"Their captain, Huo Wu, is a level forty-three control-type Battle Soul Ancestor."

"Her Flame Shadow Martial Spirit can control flames and can also use ring fusion techniques."

Yu Tianheng nodded.

"Huo Wu is Blazing Fire Academy's core."

"As long as we restrain her, the others won't be much of a concern."

Chen Feng sat in his chair, lightly tapping his fingers against the table.

"We'll compete as usual."

"I'll go alone."

Yu Tianheng did not object.

After several battles, he had thoroughly understood Chen Feng's strength.

Before absolute swordsmanship, so-called tactics and numbers held little meaning.

On the other side.

Huo Wu was watching the Imperial Team.

She wore a scarlet team uniform.

Its tailored cut accentuated her slender waist and long, well-proportioned legs.

Her long fiery-red hair fell behind her back, with several strands before her forehead swaying gently as she moved.

Her beautiful face carried a distinct heroic air.

Huo Wu had been Blazing Fire Academy's favored daughter since childhood.

Her Flame Shadow Martial Spirit had given her formidable control abilities.

Among her peers, almost no one could suppress her brilliance.

Yet Chen Feng's existence left her deeply unconvinced.

A level fifty-five Soul King.

A hundred-thousand-year fifth Soul Ring.

Defeating the Shrek Seven Monsters alone.

Ever since this information reached Blazing Fire Academy, Huo Wu had wanted to personally test Chen Feng's strength.

"Huo Wu."

Huo Wushuang frowned as he looked at her.

"This match isn't suited for acting alone."

"The Imperial Team's lineup is very complete, and Chen Feng possesses combat strength far beyond that of a Soul King."

Huo Wu withdrew her gaze.

"I know."

"But if we don't even have the courage to face him, what are we competing in this tournament for?"

Huo Wushuang did not try to persuade her further.

He knew his sister's temperament.

Once Huo Wu made a decision, it was difficult for anyone else to change it.

The announcement soon echoed throughout the Soul Arena.

"Next match."

"Heaven Dou Royal Academy versus Blazing Fire Academy!"

The two teams stepped onto the Soul Arena stage at the same time.

A fresh wave of discussion rose from the stands.

"The Imperial Academy again."

"They've already won several matches in a row."

"Blazing Fire Academy isn't weak either. Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang are both Soul Ancestors above level forty."

"This match should be exciting."

The referee raised his right hand.

"Release your martial souls!"

A phantom blue thunder dragon rose behind Yu Tianheng.

The Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor coiled behind Dugu Yan.

The Nine-Heart Begonia bloomed with a soft white light.

Chen Feng stood at the very front of the team.

The Azure Lotus Sword appeared in his palm.

Three purple, one black, and one red—five Soul Rings rose in succession.

The moment the crimson Soul Ring appeared, the temperature atop the Soul Arena stage rapidly dropped.

Everyone's eyes fell upon that Soul Ring.

Huo Wu's brows furrowed slightly.

"A hundred-thousand-year fifth Soul Ring."

"Is this what you relied on to defeat Shrek?"

Chen Feng did not answer.

A trace of anger appeared in Huo Wu's eyes.

"The match begins!"

The referee's words had barely fallen.

All seven members of Blazing Fire Academy unleashed their soul skills at once.

Flames erupted from every corner of the Soul Arena stage.

Huo Wushuang transformed into a fire dragon and charged straight toward Yu Tianheng.

The two fire dragons collided in midair, and a wave of heat quickly spread outward.

Huo Wu stood at the center of her team.

Her Flame Shadow Martial Spirit trailed several afterimages behind her.

A vast sea of flames gathered at her fingertips, transforming into a flaming cage in the blink of an eye.

Flame Dance Sunburst!

The flaming cage descended from above, completely enveloping Chen Feng.

Dugu Yan immediately released the Jade Phosphor Snake Emperor Poison.

But Blazing Fire Academy's flames blocked the poisonous mist in advance.

Ye Lingling raised the Nine-Heart Begonia and restored her teammates' soul power.

Huo Wu raised her hand.

The flaming cage continuously contracted.

"Chen Feng, this move can suppress a Soul King."

"If you don't use your hundred-thousand-year soul skill, you won't be able to escape."

Within the flames.

Chen Feng gripped the Azure Lotus Sword.

Crimson flames rose along the left side of the blade.

Blazing Fire Academy's flames were drawn in and rapidly gathered toward the Azure Lotus Sword.

Large gaps appeared in the flaming cage.

Huo Wu's expression changed.

"What's going on?"

Chen Feng raised his sword and swept it horizontally.

A gold-green sword light passed through the flames.

The sea of fire split apart from the center.

The soul skills of all seven Blazing Fire Academy members were severed at once.

Chen Feng took a step forward.

The Azure Lotus Sword became a streak of light.

Before the first Blazing Fire Academy member could react, the flat of the sword struck his chest.

He flew backward and landed directly outside the Soul Arena stage.

The second member had just raised an arm when the sword's edge stopped before him.

The referee immediately announced.

"One member of Blazing Fire Academy is out of bounds!"

Huo Wushuang roared and slammed his Fire Dragon Martial Soul toward Chen Feng.

Chen Feng did not turn around.

The Azure Lotus Sword traced an arc through the air.

Sword qi sealed both of Huo Wushuang's fists at the same time.

Then the flat of the sword struck his chest.

Huo Wushuang staggered back more than ten steps, shattering stone slabs beneath his feet one after another.

"Brother!"

Huo Wu's expression shifted.

She raised her hand and summoned several rings of fire, trying to restrict the Azure Lotus Sword's movement.

Chen Feng raised two fingers and guided it.

The Azure Lotus Sword bypassed the fire rings and passed through from the side.

Huo Wu retreated quickly.

Flames condensed into a shield before her.

The Azure Lotus Sword crashed against the fire shield.

Crimson firelight exploded on the spot.

Huo Wu was shaken back repeatedly, her long hair flying behind her.

Chen Feng did not stop.

The Azure Lotus Sword shot out once more.

Huo Wu clenched her teeth and thrust both hands forward at the same time.

Ring of Repulsion!

A blazing ring of fire spread outward from her.

Wherever the flames passed, even the air warped from the heat.

The Azure Lotus Sword paused for an instant.

Huo Wu seized the opportunity and swiftly turned around.

But the next moment—

A golden-blue sword ray pierced through the fire ring.

The flames were cleaved in two.

The Azure Lotus Sword stopped before Huo Wu's brow.

The sword tip was less than half an inch from her skin.

The Flame Shadow Martial Spirit behind Huo Wu swiftly dissipated.

The entire spirit arena fell silent.

She looked at the Azure Lotus Sword before her as the heaving of her chest gradually calmed.

"I lost."

Huo Wu withdrew her Soul Rings.

Chen Feng raised a hand and recalled the Azure Lotus Sword.

At the same time, Yu Tianheng and the others had already dealt with the remaining opponents.

The seven members of Blazing Fire Academy stood on the spirit arena.

Aside from Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang, all the other members had lost their ability to fight.

The referee announced the result.

"Heaven Dou Royal Academy wins!"

A wave of cheers erupted from the stands.

Yet Huo Wu did not leave.

She remained where she was, her gaze fixed on Chen Feng.

That sword strike had not been complicated.

Yet no matter what soul skill she used, she had been unable to stop the Azure Lotus Sword from drawing closer.

Huo Wu had never experienced such a completely one-sided battle.

"Chen Feng."

Huo Wu walked up to him.

"Next time, I will definitely win."

Chen Feng put away the Azure Lotus Sword and turned toward the contestants' passage.

Huo Wu watched his white-clad figure from behind.

She had refused to admit defeat since childhood.

The stronger the opponent, the more it stirred the fighting spirit in her heart.

But at this moment—

A feeling she had never experienced before had mixed into that fighting spirit.

Huo Wu raised a hand to press against her chest.

Her heart was beating even faster than it had during the battle.

Imperial Team's resting area.

Dugu Yan was straightening her sleeves.

The battle just now had not put any pressure on her.

She walked over to Chen Feng.

"Blazing Fire Academy lost quickly."

"Huo Wu's soul skills were indeed impressive. Too bad she ran into you."

Chen Feng lifted his teacup.

"Her control is pretty good."

"If her soul power were higher, she could cause you trouble."

Dugu Yan lightly pursed her lips.

"You're even praising her?"

"I'm merely telling the truth."

"Yanyan has control-type soul skills too."

Chen Feng looked at her.

"Your Jade Phosphor Snake Emperor Poison is more suitable for large-scale suppression."

The displeasure on Dugu Yan's face swiftly vanished.

"That's more like it."

Outside the lounge.

Huo Wu stood by the door.

She did not enter immediately.

She had heard every word of Chen Feng and Dugu Yan's conversation.

Huo Wu lowered her head and looked at her hands.

Blazing Fire Academy's uniform was a vivid red, its hem neatly tailored.

It clearly outlined her slender waist.

Her long legs were wrapped in fitted red trousers, making her figure appear tall and capable.

Huo Wu's features were not delicate or frail.

There was a fiery boldness between her brows and eyes.

But when she looked at Chen Feng, that boldness quietly receded a little.

"Huo Wu, why are you standing here?"

Huo Wushuang approached from behind.

"The match is over. We should head back."

Huo Wu did not answer.

Huo Wushuang followed her gaze into the lounge and quickly understood what she was thinking.

"Don't tell me you want to find Chen Feng?"

"I just want to ask him a few questions."

"You already lost once today. Asking another day would be the same."

Huo Wu lifted her eyes to her brother.

"I want to ask now."

With that, she directly pushed open the lounge door.

Dugu Yan turned around.

Seeing Huo Wu enter, a trace of wariness appeared in her jade-green eyes.

"Does Blazing Fire Academy need something else?"

Huo Wu ignored Dugu Yan.

She walked straight up to Chen Feng.

"I have something to say to you."

Chen Feng looked at her.

Huo Wu no longer wore the pride she had displayed in the arena.

Yet her eyes remained bright, carrying the persistence of someone unwilling to concede defeat.

Dugu Yan folded her arms.

"What is there to say that can't be said in front of everyone?"

Huo Wu looked at Dugu Yan.

"This is between Chen Feng and me."

Dugu Yan lightly raised an eyebrow.

"You only just met."

Huo Wu did not back down.

"So what if we only just met?"

Chen Feng set down his teacup.

"Go ahead."

Huo Wu turned to Chen Feng.

"Why were you able to control my flames?"

"The Azure Lotus Sword possesses a fire attribute."

"Just having the same attribute lets you do that much?"

"Your control over the flames is not refined enough."

Huo Wu fell silent for a moment.

She had trained in flame control since childhood.

Among those her age, no one had ever surpassed her in that regard.

Yet Chen Feng had identified her problem with a single sentence.

"Then how should I improve?"

"Practice swordsmanship."

Huo Wu froze for a moment.

"I cultivate the Flame Shadow Martial Spirit."

"The sword path can help you control your power better."

Huo Wu carefully committed his words to memory.

She had originally come only to ask about the battle.

But now, she no longer wanted to leave right away.

Chen Feng rose to his feet.

"Is there anything else?"

Huo Wu looked at the white-clad figure before her.

Chen Feng was tall and slender, golden-blue sword patterns embroidered onto his sleeves.

At this closer distance, the pressure belonging to a sword soul master was even clearer.

Huo Wu recalled the moment the sword tip had pressed against her brow.

She had clearly already lost then.

Yet she had not felt humiliated.

She only wanted to know when she could stand before Chen Feng again.

"There is one more thing."

Huo Wu stepped forward.

Dugu Yan immediately straightened up.

"Huo Wu, what else are you trying to do?"

Huo Wu did not answer.

She rose onto her toes and swiftly planted a kiss on Chen Feng's cheek.

After that brief contact, Huo Wu immediately stepped back.

A blush spread across her fair face.

Even the tips of her ears grew hot.

The lounge fell silent.

Huo Wushuang stood outside the door, his entire body frozen in place.

Dugu Yan's eyes widened even further.

"Huo Wu, you..."

"This is a thank-you gift."

Huo Wu raised a hand to smooth the hair before her forehead.

"You told me how to control flames."

"And I accept today's defeat wholeheartedly."

Dugu Yan walked to Chen Feng's side.

"How come Yanyan never heard that Blazing Fire Academy's thank-you gifts involved kissing?"

Huo Wu looked at her.

"This is my own thank-you gift."

Dugu Yan linked her arm through Chen Feng's.

"Then are you done thanking him?"

Huo Wu's gaze fell upon their intertwined arms.

She did not answer.

After a moment, Huo Wu turned and walked out of the lounge.

When she reached the door, she stopped.

"Chen Feng."

"After the next match ends, I'll come find you again."

Huo Wu did not wait for a reply and left with Huo Wushuang.

Inside the lounge.

Dugu Yan looked at Chen Feng.

"She likes you."

Chen Feng lifted his teacup.

"She lost the match and just wants to save face."

Dugu Yan gave a soft snort.

"Does saving face require kissing you?"

Chen Feng did not answer.

Dugu Yan raised a hand and touched the side of his face.

The warmth left behind by Huo Wu's lips still lingered there.

The purple-haired woman's gaze became less than friendly.

"She kissed you here?"

"Mm."

"Yanyan wants a kiss too."

Chen Feng looked at her.

Dugu Yan lifted her pretty face.

"This is to check your injury."

With that, she lightly touched the other side of Chen Feng's cheek.

Fiery Chili Pepper! The Chat Group Welcomes a Newcomer!

After leaving the Royal Soul Arena.

Huo Wu did not say a word the entire way.

Huo Wushuang glanced at her several times before finally unable to hold back any longer.

"You kissed Chen Feng just now?"