Seeing the gray wolf attacking their archer, Chu Yan mobilized his movement skills.
Wind Shadow Step!
During the past half a month, Chu Yan also learned the movement skills he got from school. Even though his current proficiency is only a small success, his speed has already surpassed most of the early-stage Martial Artist realm practitioners.
In an instant, Chu Yan appeared behind the gray wolf, kicking its back. The gray wolf rolled back a few meters before it stabilized its body.
"Thank you, Chu Yan."
"Remember to retreat after an attack. Your weapon is a bow. You should keep the distance between you and your opponent."
"I understand."
"Li Fui, attract its attention."
"Alright, Captain."
Zhang Yu immediately retreated, while Chu Yan and Li Fui headed toward the gray wolf. With Li Fui as the vanguard, Chu Yan deployed a two-man strategy.
The battle intensified. Chu Yan could sense the wolf's desperation. It fought with a ferocity born of survival, each move calculated and dangerous. Chu Yan's training paid off as he anticipated the wolf's attacks, countering them with swift and powerful strikes. His Gale Wind Sword technique amplified his attack powers, with each strike hitting with the force of a gale.
Su Ming and Li Fui closed in, surrounding the wolf and cutting off its escape routes. The wolf, sensing the danger, made a final, desperate charge at Chu Yan since he was the strongest among the group. With a powerful thrust, Chu Yan drove his sword into the wolf's side, ending the battle.
The wolf collapsed, its fierce eyes dimming as it took its last breath. Chu Yan stood over the fallen creature, calming his muscles from the intense fight.
"Well done, Chu Yan," Li Fui said, clapping him on the shoulder. "You handled that perfectly. Without you, I'm afraid we probably won't last long in a fight."
"Thanks, you too." Chu Yan replied, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Your heavy sword skill is perfect for vanguard."
Suddenly, they heard movement nearby as they were about to turn around. Out of the forest came Ouyang Feng and his group, carrying the carcass of another gray wolf. When Ouyang and Chu Yan's gazes locked, a rivalry between them sparked.
"It looks like we both succeeded," Ouyang Feng said, a hint of a smirk on his lips.
Chu Yan nodded, his expression calm but determined. "It seems so. Good work, Ouyang."
"Not bad." With that, Ouyang Feng turned back and left, followed by his teams.
Seeing Ouyang Feng leave, Chu Yan shook his head. He knows the reason why Ouyang Feng appeared, even though his team's training ground is opposite Chu Yan.
That is to simply assess his strength. Of course, Chu Yan didn't display his true strength in the previous fight with Gray Wolf.
Besides Chu Yan, Zhang Yu chuckled, "Congratulation, captain. It seems like student Ouyang Feng considers you his rival."
Chu Yan sighed. "Probably."
After a few hours, the practical session ended. Instructor Bai Heng gathered all the groups as he took note of each group's success, praising their efforts and skills. Except for a few injured students, most of the students were fine, which was better than expected.
As the sun fell from the sky, casting a warm gleam over the forest, Chu Yan felt a deep sense of accomplishment. He had faced the challenge head-on and emerged victorious, but he knew this was far from over.
Later that evening, as the students gathered in the dining hall, the atmosphere was charged with stories of their battles and the day's achievements.
Chu Yan sat with Su Ming, Li Fui, and Zhang Yu, their plates piled high with food. They recounted their battle with the gray wolf, each adding their own perspective to the story.
"That final charge was something else," Zhang Yu said, shaking his head. "I thought it was going to break through our line."
"But Chu Yan's counter was perfect," Li Fui added, clapping Chu Yan on the back. "He anticipated its move and struck with precision."
As they ate, Ouyang Feng approached their table, his expression unreadable. "Today was just a taste of what's to come, Chu Yan. The real test is yet to arrive."
Chu Yan met his rival's gaze with calm determination. "I welcome the challenge, Ouyang. We'll see who comes out on top."
Chu Yan stood outdoors later that night and gazed up at the starry sky. The night air was cold and comforting after the day's activity. He reflected on the journey of the past half month, the intense training, and the battle with the gray wolf.
He began his training with a series of deep breaths, centering himself. His mind cleared, and he focused solely on the present moment. He moved into a series of stretching exercises, loosening his muscles and preparing his body for the practice.