After closing in on Yan, You Chen retracted his dragon wings, as they were significant consumers of soul power. Even though his soul power, nearing the Soul King level, was sufficient, he couldn't afford wastefulness at the Soul Elder stage.
However, as his first soul ring lit up again, the dragon wings re-emerged, now seemingly coated with a layer of azure energy.
First Soul Skill, Wind Blade Wings!
In simpler terms, which You Chen preferred to call it, "Wing Attack"!
Back in the days of the Wind Hatchling, he didn't have the ability to manifest dragon wings; it was merely a soul skill forming illusory wings from wind energy to attack.
Similar to the Wing Guillotine of Wang Dong, the former female lead in Douluo 2, though with a different name and attribute.
However, its power was significantly weaker.
But after You Chen gained the ability to manifest dragon wings, the scenario changed.
Using Wind Blade Wings in this state brought its power and speed to the level of a millennium soul skill!
Yan, having stabilized his stance with the arm guards and widened the distance, watched as You Chen's first soul ring lit up. Seeing the dragon wings unfurl, his second soul ring also activated.
It wasn't a calculated perfect timing, more coincidental, as the rising magma layer clashed with the advancing You Chen.
The defensive soul skill turned offensive, launching You Chen skyward.
Watching You Chen soar, Yan was momentarily stunned, but as someone seasoned by the Soul Arena, he quickly realized this was a golden opportunity not to be missed.
Raising his right arm, he reformed the cannon barrel that had collapsed during You Chen's initial attack due to disrupted soul power control.
As his first soul ring lit up, a perfectly executed Infernal Magma Shot was launched.
Boom!
A direct hit, dust and smoke billowed!
A figure fell from the sky.
"Cough, cough."
Brushing away the dust, a slightly disheveled You Chen emerged.
With a dark expression, he looked at Yan, making him a bit nervous, and said, "Sitting too long in classrooms and labs has made me rusty, forgetting you have a second soul skill..."
With Yan's improved control over "Form Alteration," the cost-inefficient Lava Barrier saw less use compared to Yan's Armored Gauntlets.
The last time You Chen recalled Yan using this in their sparring was nearly a year ago.
But not for Yan.
This skill had low soul power efficiency, and the lava wall's rise was preceded by subtle ground signs, which their teacher could easily spot, hence its rare use.
However, in battles with others, this skill hadn't fallen out of favor.
So, when You Chen charged again, Yan reflexively used this "mistake" of a move.
Ironically, it worked brilliantly, launching You Chen skyward.
Thus, Yan felt no pride, instead sheepishly scratching his head, "Just a fluke."
You Chen raised an eyebrow, grateful Yan wasn't rubbing his nose while saying it; otherwise, he might've punched his foolish disciple.
With a wry smile, he said, "Alright, don't act modest after a stroke of luck. This time, you win."
"Huh?"
Yan was puzzled, questioning, "But teacher, aren't you still fully capable of fighting?"
Though confident in the power of his Infernal Magma Shot, Yan didn't believe it had reached the damage threshold set by You Chen's restrictions.
One consumed more soul power, the other theoretically sustained more damage.
Victory was far from certain; it was still evenly matched.
Annoyed, You Chen replied, "I accidentally used a bit more power than allowed. By our rules, that means I lose."
In duels with Yan at the Soul Elder stage, restrictions included not just soul power levels and the use of third and fourth soul skills, but also a hidden constraint—Wuhun.
Yan always sparred against You Chen using the "Star Dust Dragon" Wuhun; it wouldn't be fair to unilaterally use "Star Skeleton Dragon" level power without prior agreement.
Precisely suppressing Wuhun's power to pre-evolution levels wasn't easy. Only someone with You Chen's knowledge could gauge how much suppression was appropriate.
During his airborne mishap, You Chen had unconsciously exceeded the allowed power, by their rules marking his defeat.
Hearing this, Yan felt a bit disheartened.
This was the first time in years he felt a real chance of surpassing his teacher.
He didn't want a victory that felt "given."
But defying his teacher's command was unthinkable. You Chen's authority was deeply ingrained in Yan's heart. Even if he surpassed his teacher in the future, he doubted he'd dare defy him.
Seeing Yan's disappointment over this "gifted victory," You Chen narrowed his eyes and spoke sternly, "Do you feel like your wings are fully grown after finally defeating me? Even if you won, do you think your performance was flawless? Hm?"
Facing You Chen's strict demeanor, Yan shivered, "I wouldn't dare! Your disciple would never think that, teacher!"
Ignoring Yan's bitter expression, You Chen pulled him aside to review the battle.
This had become a tradition between them.
Even with Yan's "simple mind," years of accumulation had brought change. Without it, he might not have devised his previous strategy.
Today, Yan's combat mindset was unparalleled among his peers.
Combined with his proven formidable strength, he was emerging as the leader of the Golden Generation trio in the Spirit Hall.
Now, no one questioned You Chen's teaching abilities.
Especially since Hu Liena's overall performance was inferior to Yan's.
With such a comparison, many in the Spirit Hall privately believed You Chen surpassed the Pope in teaching skills.
However, this shouldn't impact the Pope's authority since her primary role wasn't in theory or education. Being less capable than the professors and lecturers of Spirit Hall wasn't a major issue.
But everyone knew the ostracism You Chen faced was due to something else.
It implied the Pope's poor judgment and suppression of capable subordinates, damaging her reputation.
Yet, the power struggles within the Spirit Hall hadn't affected You Chen and Yan.
Their relationship remained pure and harmonious, driven solely by the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, martial spirit, and strength.