First in Both Subjects

On the Martial Training Ground, the autumn wind swept up clouds of fine dust.

This was the final part of the monthly assessment, and the one that carried the most weight—the practical combat test.

Compared with the precise control displayed in the Spell Arts assessment, the practical combat test was more like a baptism of blood and fire.

Although formations protected the arena and instructors kept watch, the pressure of fists striking flesh and spells roaring across the platform still left many new students struggling to breathe.

"Class Three, Chu Bai versus Tao Mingzhi!"

As Instructor Lei Lie's voice rang out like a great bronze bell, the entire Martial Training Ground fell silent.

Every gaze turned toward the two figures on the platform.

This was a fight everyone had been waiting to see.

A month ago, Chu Bai had beaten Tao Mingzhi in the practical combat test, but it had been a hard-won victory. Only his desperate instincts had let him turn the tables at the last possible moment.

In many eyes, that had owed more to Tao Mingzhi underestimating him—and to Chu Bai's strangely uncanny luck.

Yet now, a month later, the atmosphere around their rematch felt different.

Tao Mingzhi stood on the platform, the phantom Blazing Sun Saber behind him condensed until it looked almost solid. Scorching spiritual pressure radiated from his body, and his eyes were faintly red. Clearly, he had endured grueling training over the past month and taken plenty of elixirs to increase his Spell Power. He had now reached the threshold of Qi Refining Second Layer.

Chu Bai, by contrast, merely stood there in silence, his expression as still as a deep pool.

"Chu Bai, this time I won't give you another chance!" Tao Mingzhi growled, flames surging around him.

Chu Bai said nothing.