Heaven Dou's Military Faction

"Everyone, quiet down. Warm up on your own first, and I'll arrange the matchups."

"Support System and Food System Soul Masters won't take part in the practical combat test, but you still need to warm up."

Standing before the students, Qin Ming spoke clearly and motioned for everyone to get moving.

Just then, a student raised his hand. "Teacher Qin Ming, may I request a specific opponent?"

"Zhou Cang, who do you want to face?" Qin Ming had yet to realize how serious the problem was.

After all, students had requested specific opponents before.

So this guy's name is Zhou Cang. Dai Xuanyu looked over as well.

Dai Xuanyu had committed his face to memory.

This was the very student who had deliberately asked him during the break whether Heaven Dou Royal Academy or Star Luo Royal Academy was better, trying to stir up trouble.

Under everyone's gaze, Zhou Cang spoke with a grin.

"Teacher Qin Ming, I'd like a practical combat test against our new exchange student, Dai Zhuang."

He grinned as though he were asking for something perfectly ordinary.

But many sensed that something was off.

Quite a few students were nobles who had come only to coast through to graduation.

That did not make them fools. They could still read the room.

Dugu Yan stepped in. "Zhou Cang, if you're looking for trouble because you've got nothing better to do, I can spar with you."

Dugu Yan had not been in Heavenly Supreme Class One for long, but she had become class monitor as soon as she arrived on the strength of her abilities. Everyone had learned that firsthand.

She commanded considerable respect among her classmates.

That was true even without considering that her grandfather was a Titled Douluo.

After all, the poison of the Jade-Scaled Serpent Martial Soul was formidable in the early and middle stages.

Her words struck a chord, and several others chimed in.

"Exactly, Zhou Cang. You're going too far."

"If you really want a fight, I'll take you on."

"..."

Hearing Dugu Yan and the others, Zhou Cang complained, "Come on, class monitor."

"I just want to see what the exchange student can do. Is that so wrong?"

As he spoke, Zhou Cang dropped the pretense altogether. "Besides, our new classmate hasn't objected."

"Why are you all so worked up? Just because he's from the Star Luo Empire?"

With that, Zhou Cang had plainly cast aside all courtesy.

Dai Xuanyu was astonished. Was the man really that stupid?

Was he picking a fight this openly, this obviously? He was not even pretending anymore.

Dai Xuanyu answered without hesitation. "If classmate Zhou Cang wants to test himself against me, I have no objection."

Standing just ahead and to his side, Dugu Yan said softly, "Classmate Dai Zhuang, you don't have to force yourself."

"Zhou Cang is deliberately trying to make things difficult for you."

"He claims he's level twenty-six, but he actually broke through to level twenty-seven a few days ago."

"And he's a Power Attack System Soul Grandmaster with an extremely rare Azurewood Flood Dragon Martial Soul."

"On top of that, Zhou Cang goes to the Great Soul Arena for Soul Fighting matches all the time. He has a wealth of practical combat experience."

"If you rush into a match with him, you could come out badly."

Dai Xuanyu was an outsider, but he was still a guest.

As class monitor, Dugu Yan did not want a major conflict to break out.

At the same time, she felt a deep disgust for the faction behind Zhou Cang.

They've even reached into the academy?

His surname is Zhou, and his Martial Soul is the dragon-like Azurewood Flood Dragon. So he's from Heaven Dou's military faction.

Dugu Yan's information made everything click for Dai Xuanyu.

No wonder Zhou Cang kept provoking him.

If the alliance between the two nations held and peace endured, the hawks in the Heaven Dou Empire's military would be miserable.

It was only natural that they would want to sabotage the alliance.

Then you'll be the first snake I cut down. A ruthless thought flashed through Dai Xuanyu's mind.

Since he had decided to make a name for himself at Heaven Dou Royal Academy by showing his strength, the stronger his opponent, the better.

Dai Xuanyu smiled at Dugu Yan. "Don't worry, class monitor. It's only a sparring match."

"I'm sure classmate Zhou Cang won't complain even if he loses..."

As he spoke, Dai Xuanyu gradually raised his voice.

Everyone around them heard him clearly.

None of them had expected Dai Zhuang to be so confident.

They even heard arrogance and contempt in his words.

But where did he think he was?

This was their Heaven Dou Royal Academy!

How did an exchange student dare talk like that?

Discussion erupted at once.

Yes, that's exactly the reaction I want.

Dai Xuanyu took in his classmates' attitudes with satisfaction. This was precisely the effect he wanted.

"Suit yourself."

Seeing that, Dugu Yan said no more. She had given him all the warnings she could.

Whatever happened next was none of her concern.

She was the class monitor, not a nanny.

Besides, Dai Zhuang's arrogant words had left her uncomfortable too.

Zhou Cang had started it, but he was still one of their own in the Heaven Dou Empire.

With Dai Zhuang being a member of the Star Luo Imperial Family, his attitude made it difficult for her to take his side.

Until she knew whether Dai Zhuang truly had the strength to back up his words or was merely running his mouth, Dugu Yan had no intention of talking to him further.

"Since classmate Dai Zhuang has agreed, you two will take the first match."

Seeing this, Qin Ming gave his consent.

Dai Xuanyu had agreed, so Qin Ming had nothing more to say.

He then began drawing up the match list.

The students started warming up for the coming matches.

Once the match list was ready, Qin Ming called to Dai Xuanyu and Zhou Cang. "Dai Zhuang, Zhou Cang, come up."

"Remember, this is only a sparring match. Don't go too far."

Under the eyes of Class One, Dai Xuanyu and Zhou Cang stepped onto the arena from opposite sides.

"Both sides, release your Martial Souls." Qin Ming, acting as referee outside the ring, waved his hand.

Dai Xuanyu spoke first. "Dai Zhuang, level twenty-five Power Attack System Soul Grandmaster. Martial Soul: White Tiger."

"Zhou Cang, level twenty-six Power Attack System Soul Grandmaster. Martial Soul: Jiawood Flood Dragon. Please teach me a thing or two."

Zhou Cang spoke with a grin, but Dai Xuanyu caught the ruthless glint in his eyes.

Looks like I'll have to cripple you, Dai Xuanyu thought.

If Zhou Cang was not even going to pretend, he could not blame Dai Xuanyu for showing no mercy.

"Let the Soul Fighting begin!"

The moment the words fell, Zhou Cang made the first move in the arena.