Encountering Original Characters Again

"You beast, don't run!"

At one edge of the Star Dou Great Forest, a Fire Leopard with around six hundred years of cultivation was fleeing at full speed. Behind it, a figure was pursuing it just as swiftly. From the crimson wings on his back and the five spirit rings flashing around him—yellow, yellow, yellow, purple, purple—it was easy to tell that he was a Soul King. His martial soul was likely a fire-type flying beast martial soul, something akin to a firebird or fire crane.

A six-hundred-year soul beast was, at most, comparable to a Soul Grandmaster. Though leopard-type soul beasts excelled at running, and the Soul King behind it did not have the optimal spirit ring configuration, the enormous difference in their levels ultimately overshadowed all that. After fleeing for a while, the Fire Leopard was eventually cut off by the firebird Soul King.

Seeing that its escape route had been blocked, the Fire Leopard bared its fangs and roared at the Soul King. Its hind legs suddenly kicked off the ground, and it shot forward like an arrow loosed from a bow, lunging fiercely at him.

Even a Soul King did not dare underestimate the desperate final struggle of a hundred-year soul beast. More importantly, this soul beast had been prepared for his junior. If he killed it with a single slap, would not all this effort have been wasted?

His second and third spirit rings lit up as he used the advantage of a flying-type soul master to circle around the Fire Leopard, steadily wearing down its Soul Power.

Just as the man and beast were locked in battle, three more figures caught up from behind. At their head was a middle-aged man, followed by a boy and a girl. The boy was of average build but broad-shouldered. Soul masters developed physically faster than ordinary people, but the lingering childishness on his face made it clear that he was around eleven or twelve years old. Considering the connection between spirit ring and soul beast ages, it was not difficult to conclude that this Fire Leopard had been prepared for him.

The girl was even younger, around seven or eight years old. Her skin was fair, her features delicate, and her long dark-red hair fell in large waves. Once she grew up, she would certainly become a great beauty.

"Fifth Brother, come help me! Let's finish this beast quickly!"

Upon seeing the three arrive, the Soul King immediately shouted. The leading middle-aged man did not hesitate. He activated Martial Soul Possession, revealing a Fire Leopard martial soul identical to the soul beast's. Three spirit rings—two yellow and one purple—appeared around him. He was clearly a Soul Elder.

With the help of this Soul Elder, how long could a mere hundred-year soul beast last? In less than a minute, the Fire Leopard had been subdued by the two of them.

"Wushuang, hurry over and absorb your second spirit ring!"

The boy whose name had been called immediately beamed with delight and rushed over.

"That's amazing!"

The girl remained where she was, jumping with joy. "Big Brother is about to become a Soul Grandmaster!"

Amid their excitement, the group could not help lowering their guard. Just as Huo Wushuang ended the Fire Leopard's life and sat cross-legged to absorb its spirit ring, the Soul King, the strongest among them, suddenly widened his eyes and shouted at the girl standing leisurely in the distance, "Watch out!"

Before his words had even faded, a female Fire Leopard, slightly smaller than the one from before, darted out from the trees like lightning and charged madly toward the girl.

"Damn it, that Fire Leopard actually had a mate!"

The Soul King was already over fifty and well-traveled. How could he fail to understand that this female Fire Leopard was seeking revenge for her mate? Yet it was even weaker than its husband, so how could it possibly contend with a Soul King and a Soul Elder? That was why it had targeted the isolated little girl.

"Damn it!"

The instant the Soul King noticed the danger, he sprang into action. His fifth spirit ring lit up as he rushed toward the little girl at top speed.

However, there was still some distance between him and the girl, while the female Fire Leopard had gradually drawn near with the aid of the terrain. When it launched its attack, it was already less than three meters from its target. As for the little girl, her mind had gone blank in the face of the sudden danger, and she stood frozen in place.

"Second Spirit Skill, Shadow Gale Bursting Bullet!"

At that critical moment, countless dark spheres of light flew out from behind the girl. The charging Fire Leopard was struck head-on, letting out a miserable whimper as its speed immediately slowed.

"You beast, die!"

Seizing the chance created by the Fire Leopard's deceleration, the Soul King arrived at full speed and struck out with an enraged palm, instantly reducing the female Fire Leopard to dust.

Only after everything had settled did the little girl blankly come back to her senses. She hurriedly turned around and happened to meet the gaze of Xiao Yu, who was still in Martial Soul Possession.

It had to be said that Xiao Yu was rather handsome to begin with. In Martial Soul Possession, he gained an added air of nobility, leaving the little girl momentarily dazed again.

At that moment, the Soul King also arrived before the girl, while Hui Huo and Miao came to Xiao Yu's side.

"Thank you all for coming to our aid."

The Soul King clasped his hands in thanks and introduced himself. "I am Huo Kui, an intermediate instructor at Blazing Academy. May I ask your names? Blazing Academy will certainly offer a generous gift in thanks another day."

Blazing Academy?

Xiao Yu was slightly startled. He glanced at the little girl standing behind the Soul King, then at the boy still absorbing his spirit ring. Could they be the siblings Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang, who had appeared in the original story?

Xiao Yu's guess was correct. These siblings were Huo Wushuang, captain of the Blazing Academy team that would participate in the Spirit Master Competition twelve years later, and Huo Wu, its vice-captain. Huo Wushuang was currently eleven years old and had just broken through Soul Power Level 20, while Huo Wu was seven and currently at level 15.

"Instructor Huo Kui, there is no need to be so polite. We merely happened to be here!"

Of the three, Xiao Yu was too young, while Hui Huo was a man of few words. Miao was naturally the most suitable one to answer.

Before Huo Kui could say anything, Huo Wu, having recovered her senses, spoke up. "Big Brother, you were the one who saved me just now, right? I saw that your spirit skill also has a fire attribute. Are you interested in joining our Blazing Academy?"

Huo Kui also came to his senses upon hearing that. Looking at Xiao Yu, who had just exited Martial Soul Possession, he thought, This child looks about the same age as Huo Wu, yet he is already a Soul Grandmaster. If he can join Blazing Academy, then once he grows up and joins forces with the equally gifted siblings Huo Wushuang and Huo Wu in the Advanced Spirit Master Academy Tournament, even if they cannot match the teams produced by Spirit Hall, they will still have a strong chance at reaching the top three. Then Blazing Academy will become famous across the entire Douluo Continent.

With that in mind, he began promoting the academy to Xiao Yu and the others. "Everyone, Blazing Academy is one of the top Advanced Spirit Master Academies in the Heaven Dou Empire. Along with Thunder Academy, supported by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and Elephant Armor Academy, founded by the Elephant Armor Sect, we are one of the Five Element Academies. We possess a complete mimetic cultivation environment. If this young brother is interested, I, Huo Kui, can serve as his admission sponsor. With his talent, he will certainly receive the academy's full support."