Long chapter for this one~
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"Senior Xu, you've lost again."
With a sharp cry, Chen Junting struck decisively, sending Xu Sanshi flying from the arena. Without pause, he whirled around, his sword clashing fiercely against the incoming dragon claw!
Thunder roared as surging lightning engulfed him and the surrounding area. Streaks of vertical lightning, like serpentine bolts, filled the air, obscuring vision with a dazzling storm of brilliance.
The intense electric light scorched his white robe, blackened scorch marks blossoming across the fabric.
But Chen Junting stood firm.
In that instant, he and Beibei collided head-on!
A powerful, oppressive aura erupted from Chen Junting's frame — once invisible, it now materialized into a force that seemed to twist the very air around them. Under the storm of sword light, the coiling lightning serpents shattered one by one, unveiling the two figures locked in their fierce battle.
Elsewhere, Qin Lan, aided by Gao Ming, continued her duel with Jiang Nannan, whose strength had been constrained to that of a Great Soul Master.
But then — a flash of sword light split the stalemate wide open.
Chen Junting's Seven Killing Sword left behind a phantom blur, moving too swiftly for the eye to follow.
As the third purple, five-pointed star ignited upon him—
Shua—!
A white dragon, radiating an aura of pure slaughter, coiled around the sword. In a gleam of cold light, the Seven Killing Sword shot forth like a vengeful deity!
Beibei had no time to react. The dragon claw's scales, once impervious, were torn apart at the slightest contact, and a deep gash split open across his body. The overwhelming killing intent soaked the wound, causing blood to flow freely. The thunder and lightning that had danced around him moments before were obliterated by the sword's savage momentum.
"Beibei!"
Tang Ya, seated in the audience, could no longer sit still. She sprang to her feet, her face pale with alarm.
Just as she was about to rush to the stage, Ning Tian caught her arm and stopped her.
"Senior Xiaoya, don't panic. Look closer."
On the stage, Beibei broke out in a cold sweat. He had felt it — clearly, undeniably — the sword had deliberately veered off course to avoid a fatal strike. Had that blade truly aimed for his heart...
Beibei pressed his hand against his chest, a bitter smile creeping across his lips.
He exhaled slowly, keeping himself steady as he maintained his martial spirit's possession state. With both fists cupped, he lowered his head in respectful defeat.
"Brother Chen, I concede."
"Senior Beibei, thank you for going easy on me."
Chen Junting hurriedly stepped forward, carefully dispelling the residual killing aura from Beibei's wound. Producing a healing pill, he handed it over without hesitation.
Before long, the bleeding slowed to a stop, and color began returning to Beibei's face.
Chen Junting then turned toward Jiang Nannan.
"Senior, your team has lost."
Seeing herself as the last one standing, Jiang Nannan chose decisively.
Better to admit defeat than sustain pointless injuries.
"I concede."
But her curiosity had not waned. Beibei, still touching the scar across his chest with lingering fear, couldn't help but ask, "Little Brother Chen, that sword technique just now… what was it?"
He recalled vividly that Chen Junting's third soul skill, as announced during the match, was called "Sword Wings Flying" — a supportive, amplification-type ability.
Chen Junting offered a modest smile.
"That can be considered a self-created soul skill."
"One slash for the throat. One sword across a hundred steps."
He shook his head slightly, a trace of dissatisfaction flickering in his eyes. "But… this technique still hasn't reached the effect I desire. I need my third soul skill to complement it."
At his words, the others couldn't help but twitch at the corner of their mouths.
So arrogant!
After that, Xu Sanshi, Beibei, Jiang Nannan, and Tang Ya took turns sparring against Chen Junting's team, further refining their coordination and teamwork through battle.
With each round, Chen Junting's trio grew tighter, patching up gaps and honing their synergy.
Their joint training continued until dusk blanketed the sky.
During this process, Wang Dong also voiced his desire to join the Tang Sect.
Tang Ya, who had been deeply worried about the Tang Sect's dwindling numbers, was overjoyed. Without delay, she recited the Tang Sect's rules, officially inducted Wang Dong, and instructed Beibei to teach him all the Tang Sect's core techniques.
…
After leaving Nine Treasure Pavilion, no one rushed back to the academy. Instead, they wandered leisurely through the lively snack street, the atmosphere light-hearted and warm.
Well — mostly.
"Nannan, this is the most famous fruit tea on the street! And this, this is the best barbecue you'll ever taste…"
Xu Sanshi staggered along, arms overloaded with snacks, wearing a fawning grin as he tirelessly tried to curry favor with Jiang Nannan. Yet, her expression remained colder than winter frost, her gaze distant and disinterested, as though she didn't even see him.
Even Chen Junting and his companions found it unbearable.
"What an embarrassment!"
Beibei sighed, covering his face with one hand. No matter how thick-skinned he considered himself, witnessing this display was too much to handle!
"Let's go, let's go…"
---
"Nannan..."
Xu Sanshi, his face beaming with the hopeful innocence of a loyal puppy, trailed alongside Jiang Nannan. His tone was soft and coaxing, as though speaking to a cherished treasure.
Jiang Nannan frowned deeply, her steps quickening as she coldly threw him a sharp glance.
"If you keep following me, I'll break your legs."
Xu Sanshi's expression stiffened, but he forced a pitiful smile. "Nannan, don't be like this..."
"Get lost!" Jiang Nannan snapped, thoroughly annoyed.
Hearing this, Xu Sanshi finally quieted down. He scratched his head awkwardly, but he didn't give up, trailing after her like a shadow. His persistence was as tireless as ever.
As they walked, they passed a street vendor selling candied hawthorns.
Chen Junting stopped in his tracks, his gaze locking onto the skewers of bright red fruits glistening under the lantern light. He chuckled softly and turned to the group.
"Senior Tang Ya, let me treat everyone to some candied hawthorns."
Without waiting for a response, he walked over and bought several sticks, distributing them among the group. His easygoing demeanor added a comfortable warmth to the chilly night air.
Tang Ya happily accepted hers, smiling brightly. "Thanks, Little Brother Chen."
Beibei, too, accepted a skewer, though he smiled wryly. "This reminds me of the times when I first joined the Tang Sect."
Wang Dong tilted his head. "What do you mean, Senior Beibei?"
Beibei chuckled. "Back then, candied hawthorns were a luxury for us. We barely had enough money to eat, let alone enjoy treats like this."
Hearing that, the group shared a small laugh, the bond between them subtly growing stronger.
Just as they continued down the street, a sudden commotion erupted ahead.
"Make way! Make way!"
A group of students in red uniforms hurriedly pushed through the crowd, their expressions tense.
At the center of the group, a tall, striking young woman strode forward with the pride of a phoenix. Her figure was bold and graceful, her fiery red hair cascading down her back like a blazing waterfall.
Her eyes, sharp as blades, scanned the crowd as if searching for something.
Beibei's expression darkened slightly at the sight of her.
"Ma Xiaotao..." he muttered under his breath.
Chen Junting raised an eyebrow, sensing the heavy atmosphere. "Senior Beibei, who is she?"
Before Beibei could respond, Tang Ya's expression grew serious as well.
"She's Ma Xiaotao, the Phoenix Goddess of Shrek Academy's inner court. Her martial spirit is the Evil Phoenix, and she's one of the academy's strongest students."
As Ma Xiaotao approached, the fiery aura surrounding her became almost tangible, distorting the air with waves of heat.
Her gaze fell upon Chen Junting and his group.
"Are you the ones who damaged the training grounds this afternoon?" she demanded, her voice cold yet carrying undeniable authority.
Chen Junting stepped forward calmly, his expression neutral. "It was us."
Ma Xiaotao narrowed her eyes. "Then, you should compensate for the damage."
Without waiting for a response, she raised her hand, and a fiery phoenix emerged, its wings spreading wide as it hovered above her palm.
The surrounding students backed away instinctively, fearing the heat radiating from her martial spirit.
Chen Junting remained composed, though a faint smile played at the corners of his lips.
"Senior Ma, the damage we caused was part of official training. The academy has provisions for this."
Ma Xiaotao's lips curled into a smirk, but her eyes remained sharp. "Official training or not, the cost remains."
Beibei quickly stepped between them, his tone earnest. "Senior Ma, we'll take responsibility for the compensation."
Ma Xiaotao gave him a cold glance but didn't press further.
"Good. Make sure it's settled by tomorrow."
With that, she turned gracefully, leading her entourage away. The oppressive heat that had filled the air gradually dissipated.
As the group watched her leave, Tang Ya let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
"That Ma Xiaotao is really something..."
Chen Junting's gaze lingered thoughtfully in the direction she had gone, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.
"She's strong."
Beibei nodded gravely. "Not just strong — she's one of the academy's most powerful combatants. Her phoenix flames can burn through even the sturdiest defenses."
Chen Junting's lips curved into a faint smile. "Then it seems I'll have to spar with her someday."
Hearing his confident words, the group couldn't help but exchange glances.
Arrogant, indeed.
Yet none of them doubted him.
Night had fallen completely now, the stars twinkling like scattered gems across the velvet sky.
Their steps continued forward — toward the future that awaited them.
---
...It was during this time that Wang Dong unexpectedly expressed his desire to join the Tang Sect.
Tang Ya, of course, was overjoyed. Without hesitation, she accepted Wang Dong as a disciple on the spot.
However, Chen Junting had keen eyes and sharp instincts. He noticed something unusual the moment Tang Ya performed the sect's initiation ceremony. He subtly tugged at her sleeve and whispered, "Senior Tang Ya, I believe there's something odd about him."
Tang Ya tilted her head, puzzled. "Odd? In what way?"
Chen Junting's gaze never left Wang Dong. His eyes seemed to pierce through appearances, studying the boy closely.
"His martial soul is not ordinary," Chen Junting said in a low voice. "Not just because it's powerful, but because of its aura. It's noble, with a faint pressure of regality. Either he hails from a powerful clan… or there is a deeper secret."
Tang Ya frowned slightly, conflicted, but in the end, she smiled gently. "Even so, if he wishes to join the Tang Sect, that's enough for me."
Chen Junting nodded, not pursuing the matter further—for now.
---
Not long after, following the training, the students disbanded to rest.
But Chen Junting remained restless. His mind buzzed with thoughts of their upcoming challenges and the strength of Shrek Academy's elites.
Suddenly, a chill wind swept across the training field.
From the shadows emerged a tall figure, bathed in the glow of sunset. Her fiery red hair cascaded down like a waterfall of flames, and her crimson eyes were filled with pride and untamed spirit. Even from a distance, her presence seemed to radiate scorching heat.
Chen Junting's eyes narrowed.
Ma Xiaotao.
The infamous "Fiery Phoenix" of Shrek Academy had arrived.
She walked straight toward him, exuding a casual arrogance that felt natural, not forced.
"You're Chen Junting, right?" Ma Xiaotao asked, her voice smooth yet powerful, like molten steel.
Chen Junting didn't bow or show any sign of intimidation. Instead, he met her gaze evenly, his own sharp and unwavering.
"I am."
Ma Xiaotao's lips curved into a slight smirk. "You injured Beibei during the sparring match. As his senior sister, I have to demand some compensation."
Her tone was playful on the surface, but a fiery pressure laced her words, pressing down like a smoldering sun.
Chen Junting didn't flinch. His reply came cool and steady, like water quelling fire.
"If Senior Beibei himself accepted the outcome of the battle, I see no reason for compensation," he replied calmly. "Unless Senior Ma Xiaotao believes that strength should not determine the result?"
The surrounding students held their breath. The tension between the two could be cut with a knife.
Ma Xiaotao chuckled, yet there was no mirth in her laughter. Instead, her Phoenix flames flared, wrapping her figure in blazing crimson fire.
"Sharp tongue," she commented. "But words alone won't be enough."
Without further warning, she raised her hand, and a fiery phoenix erupted into life. It soared above her head, casting shadows of dancing flames across the courtyard.
Chen Junting's gaze turned cold.
In response, he stepped forward, raising his sword as his aura swelled.
A sword intent so sharp it seemed to slice through space itself burst forth, colliding with Ma Xiaotao's phoenix flames. The clash of elemental energies created a vortex of fire and wind that forced onlookers to retreat, shielding their faces from the sheer force.
Just as the storm reached its peak, a calm yet commanding voice interrupted.
"Enough."
An elder of the academy arrived, releasing a gentle pressure that instantly dispersed the raging energy.
Both combatants took a step back. Chen Junting lowered his sword without a word, while Ma Xiaotao withdrew her flames with a faint snort.
"I will remember you," she said, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly. "Next time, there will be no elders to stop us."
With that, she turned and left, her silhouette wreathed in residual flame.
As silence settled over the field, Chen Junting exhaled softly, sheathing his sword. His expression remained indifferent, but within his heart, a flicker of anticipation was ignited.
Fiery Phoenix Ma Xiaotao... interesting.
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(End of Chapter)
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My stoness~