Formidable Attack

Next came a thin young man, his voice somewhat reedy. "New Student Class Two, Luo Tianba." His eyes held a trace of unyielding stubbornness.

The last thin man followed right after him. "New Student Class Two, Luo Tianlong." Put together, the three names carried an inexplicable air of dominance.

Wang Dong gave a soft snort. "The names certainly sound impressive. I wonder whether your strength matches them."

Lin Qianyi's tone was calm, her gaze as tranquil as still water. "New Student Class One, Lin Qianyi."

Huo Yuhao nodded slightly and steadily gave his name. "New Student Class One, Huo Yuhao."

Wang Dong remained composed. "New Student Class One, Wang Dong."

Xiao Xiao spoke last, her voice crisp and pleasant. "New Student Class One, Xiao Xiao!"

At this point, the six people on both sides took their positions. Tension filled the air as a contest was about to begin.

As soon as the referee's voice fell, the Luo brothers, Tianba and Tianlong, summoned their Martial Souls almost simultaneously—a pair of mantis arm blades that gleamed with an eerie golden light. As Agility Attack System Soul Masters, they coordinated flawlessly as they attacked Wang Dong from front and back.

Lin Qianyi had initially thought the two would target her first, and she had already raised her guard. However, the Luo brothers were astonishingly fast, their movements agile and varied, making them difficult for her to read at once.

At the same time, Xie Huanyue launched his attack. His body trembled slightly, and three soul rings appeared beneath his feet. Seeing this, Xiao Xiao could not help shaking her head, privately feeling that the academy's arrangement this time was somewhat inappropriate.

Xie Huanyue leaped up, curling his entire body into a ball as he shot toward Lin Qianyi like a cannonball. At the critical moment, Xiao Xiao swiftly summoned the Three Lives Soul Suppressing Cauldron to block him.

Just then, Huo Yuhao shouted, "Mental Interference! Mental Shock!" In an instant, an invisible ripple of Spiritual Power made Xie Huanyue's movements pause.

Seizing that fleeting opportunity, Lin Qianyi flipped into the air and swept out with a kick. Xie Huanyue reacted with incredible speed, curling himself into a ball again and using the force to deflect the blow, though it still sent Lin Qianyi several steps back.

Caught off guard, she involuntarily staggered back a few steps. She gave a soft grunt, instinctively clutching her chest as her face turned slightly pale.

Xie Huanyue seized the fleeting opening, suddenly curling into a ball and charging at Lin Qianyi like a cannonball packed with immense power. Lin Qianyi's eyes flashed with gravity. She swiftly summoned her Martial Soul, and a pair of gorgeous Azure Luan Wings unfurled from behind her, beating powerfully through the air.

"Second Soul Skill: Azure Luan Bodyguard!" Lin Qianyi's cool voice rang through the air. In an instant, the surrounding air seemed to ignite as countless azure feathers appeared from nowhere, rapidly merging before her to form a sturdy barrier.

Though she barely blocked Xie Huanyue's attack, the immense impact still forced her back several steps.

"Qianqian!" Xiao Xiao called anxiously. Her Three Lives Soul Suppressing Cauldron struck Xie Huanyue with formidable force, barely managing to knock him back. Xiao Xiao hurriedly supported Lin Qianyi, who curled her lips into a faint smile and said lightly, "I'm fine." Yet beneath her seemingly calm tone lay a trace of defiance. She added, "Protect Yuhao."

Lin Qianyi's strength was her prideful refusal to admit defeat. That pride was like a flame burning in her heart, granting her endless strength, yet it was also this very pride that could sometimes become her weakness.

On the platform, Zhou Yi was a stern teacher, yet after teaching her for only three months, she had already keenly noticed this obvious weakness in Lin Qianyi.

Xie Huanyue pounced again, and a dull collision sounded through the air. Xiao Xiao gripped the Three Lives Soul Suppressing Cauldron tightly with both hands and unleashed her First Soul Skill. "Cauldron's Tremor!" The huge soul tool released a powerful shockwave, sending Xie Huanyue back several steps. However, this opponent rebounded as swiftly as a spring, his attacks coming without end.

Not far away, Wang Dong was locked in a hard battle against the Luo brothers. Though she was holding on with difficulty, fatigue was beginning to show. Lin Qianyi, meanwhile, refused to yield an inch before Xie Huanyue's fierce attacks.

Her stubborn personality seemed to become tangible strength, supporting her as she met her opponent's attacks again and again, even as her face remained calm throughout.

On the platform above, Fan Yu and Zhou Yi quietly observed the battle.

"That child," Fan Yu sighed softly, "that refusal to admit defeat is both her greatest strength and her most fatal flaw. She never willingly concedes, always believing that there is still a chance to turn things around as long as it is not the very last moment."

Zhou Yi nodded in agreement. "Yes, Lin Qianyi's comprehension is indeed outstanding; there is no doubt about that. But her overly stubborn nature truly is a hidden danger.

"As her homeroom teacher, I know very well that when it is time to let go, not knowing how to give up will only lead her into unnecessary trouble."

Xie Huanyue swung his palm at Lin Qianyi again. Huo Yuhao's gaze sharpened. "Spiritual Detection!" His figure flashed like a ghost as he used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to instantly close in on his opponent. Then, with Controlling Crane Capturing Dragon, he knocked Xie Huanyue back several steps.

Before his opponent could react, Huo Yuhao had already gathered his strength. A fierce Soul Impact struck directly into Xie Huanyue's mind, leaving him briefly dazed. Huo Yuhao took the chance to withdraw from the battle and quickly adjusted his state.

Seeing this, Wang Dong did not hesitate to use her Second Soul Skill, Butterfly God's Light. In an instant, countless golden points of light fluttered like butterflies, slicing through the air with sharp whistles as they shot straight at Luo Tianlong and Luo Tianba.

Just as the two were about to lose, the referee stepped in and defused the crisis. Only Xie Huanyue remained on the field now, and his attacks grew even fiercer, making the situation more tense.

"Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, help me hold him off for ten seconds!" Lin Qianyi's voice was steady and resolute. Her two companions nodded in tacit understanding and swiftly took action. The air grew heavy, as though even time had stalled. Xie Huanyue sensed that something was wrong. I absolutely can't let her finish preparing! Just as he was about to stop her, Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao joined forces to block him.

Xiao Xiao fully activated her Soul Power. "Three Lives Soul Suppressing Cauldron, a weapon of national importance—Cauldron's Tremor!" The three cauldrons merged into one, releasing a long, clear hum. Yet repeatedly casting her skills had drained her stamina immensely. Wang Dong was struggling as well, and the two were gradually forced back step by step.

At that moment, the cry of the Azure Luan split the sky. It circled once behind Lin Qianyi as three soul rings appeared in succession: purple, purple, black! The sight stunned everyone present. Even Xuan Zi on the platform could not stop the wine cup in his hand from slipping. "This child... is indeed extraordinary."

Empowered by the Azure Luan, Lin Qianyi spun like a whirlwind, and an azure blade of light packed with powerful Soul Power howled forth. Xie Huanyue realized the danger and sent out a cry for help, but the referee was already too late to intervene. At the critical moment, Xuan Zi acted, releasing a blade of light that neutralized the crisis.

After the battle ended, Lin Qianyi helped Xiao Xiao to her feet, while Huo Yuhao hurried over to support Wang Dong. Xiao Xiao smiled as she panted. "We won..."

The match came to an end, and the arena gradually returned to calm. Teacher Wang Yan's voice sounded behind Lin Qianyi. "Qianyi, stay behind for a moment."

She had been about to leave with Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao, but stopped when she heard him call. Her three companions looked at her questioningly. After she gave them a light nod, they left first. Only teacher and student remained in the arena.

"Teacher Wang Yan, did you need me?" Lin Qianyi turned and asked, her tone calm yet respectful.

"Student Qianyi, come with me." Wang Yan spoke as he took the lead. Though Lin Qianyi was puzzled, she did not ask further. Her composed and self-possessed attitude made Wang Yan secretly admire her. It was truly rare for a young girl to remain so calm in such circumstances. He nodded faintly in approval.

Wang Yan led Lin Qianyi through several quiet corridors before finally arriving outside an office deep on the top floor. He lightly knocked on the door and slowly pushed it open after receiving permission. By the window stood an elderly man dressed in white, his back facing the door. Lin Qianyi recognized him at once as the man she had met last time...

"Dean, I've brought her," Wang Yan said respectfully.

"Good, you may leave first," the white-robed elder replied gently. After Wang Yan left the room, he slowly turned around. "Little girl, we meet again. I am Yan Shaozhe, Dean of the Martial Soul Department."