In the days that followed, Victor provided detailed explanations and hands-on guidance to Ethan on the precise acupoints to stimulate. After a whole afternoon of practice, as the class was about to end, Victor said, "Now, let's see you open it."
Ethan nodded, gathered his Yuan Force, and pressed on the acupoints, guiding the energy through his body. When his fingers pressed on the 'Hall of Impression' acupoint at his forehead, his body shook. A strong wave of Yuan Force was released, surging visibly around him. His hair fluttered, and his eyes seemed to burn with flames. He felt an inexhaustible strength coursing through him.
Victor nodded in approval and pointed to a wooden training dummy. "Strike it with 'Bone Shatter.'"
Without hesitation, Ethan approached the dummy, raised his arm, and delivered a fierce punch. Bang! The dummy flew three meters before crashing to the ground.
Victor walked over and tapped the chest of the dummy, which immediately cracked open to reveal splintered wood inside. Ethan glanced at his fist, thinking that if such a punch landed on a person, it would surely shatter bones to dust. Such was the power of 'Opening the Yuan Wheel.'
"Alright, that's enough. Close the wheel," Victor instructed.
As Ethan did so, he felt a wave of fatigue wash over him, confirming Victor's warning that 'Opening the Yuan Wheel' rapidly depleted physical energy and Yuan Force.
Victor continued, "That's basically it. You'll need to practice diligently before the deathmatch. You must reach the point where you can open the wheel with Yuan Force alone, without any assistance. That's when it will be truly useful in combat."
Ethan nodded in understanding. Victor patted his shoulder and said, "On the day of the deathmatch, I'll be on a mission and won't be able to watch. As compensation, when I return, I'll teach you how to open the 'You Wheel.'"
Ethan nodded vigorously, taking Victor's words as encouragement.
Marshal returned, carrying a wooden case. Victor bid him farewell and left. Marshal coughed twice and asked, "So, what did Victor teach you? A new combat technique?"
Ethan shook his head. "No, he taught me the secret method 'Opening the Soul Wheel.'"
Marshal was taken aback, then said, "Well, he's quite generous. Make sure you practice it well. That secret method was earned through life and death missions in exchange for military merits. Don't waste his effort."
Ethan realized the value of the secret method he had been taught. Marshal then handed him the wooden case. Inside, Ethan found a longsword lying there—the Star Splitter, with its black body and irregular blue patterns that resembled assembled fragments.
"Star Splitter?" Ethan looked up at his instructor.
Marshal nodded, "Try its feel."
Ethan lifted the sword, finding its weight perfect. He swung it at the wooden dummy, and an arm of the dummy fell off, the cut clean and smooth.
Marshal reminded him, "Make sure to read the manual in the case. Also, your 300 credits have been transferred. I suggest you exchange them for some emergency and stimulant drugs at the logistics department. You'll need them for the deathmatch."
Ethan agreed, "Alright."
The week passed quickly, and the day of the deathmatch between Ethan and Bryce arrived. The match was scheduled for 10 a.m. in Training Hall No. 3. The student council was responsible for the setup of the arena and maintaining order in the training hall.
Early in the morning, He Hao, a member of the student council, reluctantly followed his partner Su Jiu to the council office. The council president, Bai Zixi, stood by the window, his elegant figure bathed in sunlight, looking even more handsome.
He Hao scoffed, "There goes Bai, showing off again."
Su Jiu, smiling, replied, "The president is handsome, and you shouldn't feel discouraged. You're just not his type. You're more... casual, so don't mind it."
He Hao glared at her, "Are you still my partner or not?"
Su Jiu, dimples showing, countered, "Does being your partner conflict with liking President Bai?"
He Hao huffed and looked at the ceiling, "Silly woman."
Su Jiu laughed merrily, "Silly man."
At that moment, Bai Zixi cleared his throat, "He and Su, you're here. Now that everyone has arrived, let's begin. As you all know, today's deathmatch involves two individuals with significant backing—the third young master of the Qiming Conglomerate and a 'Natural Resonator' recommended by Victor. I've received word that several important figures from the city will be attending."
The room erupted with chatter. "President, we should stay out of this, right?" "If it were just academy staff, we could handle it, but how can we manage the bigwigs from the city?"
He Hao slammed his hand on the table and looked around, "Cowards! What does it matter if they're important? This is the Hundred Battles Academy. Even the mayor has to shut up and watch. Anyone who dares to make trouble gets thrown out!"
Su Jiu held her forehead, clearly exasperated, while the other council members pointed at He Hao, "Who are you calling cowards? You brute, if you can't speak politely, keep quiet and don't embarrass our academy."
Bai Zixi smiled, "Alright, He, let's be civil. Everyone, He is not wrong. Whoever comes to our academy must follow our rules. And the principal has assured me of his full support. So today, go ahead and do what you must. But remember, avoid physical confrontation if possible. We must give our guests the respect they deserve."
Bai Zixi's light tone carried a clear message—if anyone, no matter how important, disregarded the rules, they would face consequences.
He Hao stood up and headed for the door without looking back. Su Jiu followed, "Where are you going?"
"To Training Hall No. 3."
Bai Zixi smiled at the others, "You go ahead, I'll be there shortly."
In Training Hall No. 3, students were already setting up the arena when someone rushed in, "Teacher Huang is here!"
"Is it Teacher Huang Yong?" asked a council member overseeing the setup.
"How many Teacher Huangs do we have?" the student retorted.
The council member frowned, "The academy's rules state that the mentors of the deathmatch participants are not allowed to watch. This prevents them from intervening if their students are in danger, ensuring fairness. Teacher Huang is Bryce's mentor; why is he knowingly breaking the rules?"