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"What kind of soul beast is this from? Why does the flame feel so strange?" Huo Wu asked curiously.
"This is the soul ring of the Dark Flame Elephant, which is why my second soul skill inherits its dark flame," Quan Yi explained.
"Dark Flame Elephant?" Huo Wu frowned slightly. She had never heard of such a soul beast before, as she hadn't studied soul beasts in depth.
Quan Yi nodded. "Yes, it's a rare and powerful soul beast. Its Dark Flame is an extremely high-temperature fire with an adhesive property. My second soul skill, Dark Flames, enhances my flames by transforming them into Dark Flame, increasing their intensity by 30% and adding a sticky attribute."
However, while explaining, Quan Yi deliberately concealed a crucial detail—the true extent of Dark Flame's strength.
The actual enhancement effect of his second soul skill far exceeded that of a typical second-ring ability. If anyone knew the full truth, they would undoubtedly suspect that his soul ring's age was beyond the ordinary limit.
Revealing that could raise unwanted scrutiny, increasing the risk of exposing his overaged soul ring absorption plan.
Thus, Quan Yi decided to keep the power amplification effect hidden. After all, compared to the visible flames, the raw power increase was far more subtle and easier to disguise.
He also hadn't disclosed his overaged soul ring absorption plan to Huo Wu for two reasons.
First, secrecy—this was information best kept to himself.
Second, Huo Wu's martial soul, being a special-type beast martial soul, functioned differently from standard beast martial souls. It didn't significantly enhance her physical capabilities, meaning she wasn't suited for overaged soul ring absorption.
Unlike Quan Yi, who had been tempering his body through grueling training since childhood, Huo Wu had never undergone such extreme conditioning.
For her, attempting to absorb a soul ring beyond the recommended age limit would be far too dangerous.
Telling her would only add an unnecessary psychological burden.
"That's incredible," Huo Wu murmured in awe after hearing the soul skill's effects.
Quan Yi's flame temperature was already among the highest of his generation's fire-attribute soul masters. Now, with the power enhancement and adhesive properties added, his position as a dominant force among fire users was undeniable.
Yet, unlike a year ago, Huo Wu no longer felt envious of Quan Yi's growth.
Instead, she was genuinely happy for him.
Because she understood—Quan Yi's progress wasn't some miracle that had fallen from the sky. It was the result of relentless effort and unwavering dedication.
Talent played a role, yes, but Huo Wu had never seen anyone train harder than Quan Yi.
He had both talent and determination, and that combination had utterly convinced her.
At this moment, a spark of longing flickered in Huo Wu's eyes.
She gazed at Quan Yi intently, her heart surging with admiration—this was the goal she wanted to chase.
"Alright, that's enough of an introduction. Let's start training," Quan Yi said, feeling slightly embarrassed under her bright gaze. He quickly extinguished the Dark Flame and shifted the conversation toward training to distract her.
"Mm!" Huo Wu nodded firmly.
After briefly warming up with Huo Wu, Quan Yi began running laps around the training field.
So light…
That was his first impression.
He was running at the same pace as before his breakthrough, yet his body felt unrestrained, as if freed from the weight of gravity itself.
With each step, he propelled himself farther than expected, his movements effortlessly smooth.
With the increase in physical strength came an improvement in agility as well.
However, at his current pace, it would take much longer to reach his physical limit.
Thinking of this, Quan Yi began to accelerate—he wanted to test the full extent of his current condition.
As his speed increased, the breeze rushing against him gradually turned into a fierce wind.
The faster he moved, the greater the resistance pressing against his body. Moreover, his broader and more muscular frame increased the contact area with the air, further amplifying the sensation.
Yet, this feeling—this thrill of cutting through the wind—was something he had never experienced before.
For a moment, he was completely immersed in the exhilaration of speed, unable to pull himself away from it.
The overall improvement in his thigh strength, cardiovascular endurance, and core power filled him with an overwhelming sense of invincibility.
However, Quan Yi reminded himself that his goal was to adapt to his newly enhanced body and analyze its changes, not simply revel in the feeling.
Before the academy reopened, he needed to fully adjust to his sudden increase in strength and modify his training regimen accordingly.
After several days of intense effort, he finally fine-tuned his exercise plan just in time for the new semester.
It was once again time for the academy's opening ceremony, but this time, Quan Yi and Huo Wu attended as senior students.
Thanks to the dean's brief yet passionate speech, the ceremony didn't drag on too long, and soon, they were allowed to return to their classroom.
Inside, Quan Yi reunited with his classmates and teachers, and though a few students had grown stronger, it seemed that not much else had changed.
"Welcome to the new semester," the homeroom teacher, Bai Yan, began. "Starting this term, more students in our class will begin breaking through and absorbing their first spirit rings. Because of this, I may not have much time to give lectures. But don't worry—substitute teachers will be taking over during my absence."
In the elite class, it was common for students to start reaching their first major breakthroughs after a year of training.
Once a student reached level 10, they needed to obtain a spirit ring. However, in the genius class, very few students were capable of securing a spirit ring entirely on their own. This was where the academy stepped in, assisting talented students in obtaining their spirit rings.
It was both the academy's responsibility and the teachers' duty to guide them through this crucial process.
As the homeroom teacher, Bai Yan was responsible for leading students on their spirit ring hunts, which meant she would likely be absent for much of the semester.
After making the necessary announcements, Bai Yan promptly dismissed the class.
"Class dismissed. Quan Yi, Huo Wu, come with me to the office."
Without hesitation, the two of them followed.
"Yes, mam."
In the Office
"As for your afternoon combat training sessions, I've decided to end them here," Bai Yan stated bluntly, wasting no time in getting to the point.
Quan Yi remained calm as he analyzed the reason. "Is it because of your absence, Teacher?"
After all, Bai Yan would be traveling frequently, meaning she wouldn't have time to personally oversee their combat training.
"That's part of it," Bai Yan admitted. "But more importantly, this training is no longer useful to you. This isn't just a temporary break—it's a permanent conclusion."
"What? Why?!" Huo Wu asked in shock, clearly caught off guard by the decision.
Instead of answering immediately, Bai Yan turned to Quan Yi, her sharp gaze scrutinizing him.
"Quan Yi, have you had a breakthrough?"
Quan Yi met his teacher's eyes and answered without hesitation. "Yes."
Bai Yan nodded knowingly before continuing, "Huo Wu, you've seen it yourself. The two of you are no longer suited for structured team training. At your current level, combat practice requires a variety of sparring partners with different abilities."
"My role was to help you establish a strong foundation—but you no longer need me for that."
"That's why, instead of continuing our sessions, Quan Yi, I want you to begin training in the Great Spirit Arena."
The Great Spirit Arena.
Simply put, it was a soul master combat stage—a grand coliseum where thrilling battles and breathtaking duels drew countless spectators.
One of the largest entertainment industries on the continent, it also served as a training ground where soul masters honed their combat skills.
Bai Yan was right—if Quan Yi wanted to gain experience fighting against different types of soul masters, the Great Spirit Arena was the ideal place.
Quan Yi had long been interested in it, but he hadn't expected to start this early.