When the morning classes finally ended, Xuan Yan stretched slightly, feeling a sense of relief.
Hu Liena glanced at him, adjusting her robes slightly "Yan'er, let's grab something to eat. You must be hungry after all that boring theory," she teased lightly.
"Mhm."
At this time, Yan, who was behind them, called him "Little brother..."
Hm? Xuan Yan and Hu Liena turned to look at Yan who was standing behind them.
Yan spoke in a light tone "Xuan Yan, you are the disciple of Her Highness and the owner of twin martial spirits. Quite the reputation for someone so young. I can't help but wonder how much of it is true."
Hu Liena's eyes narrowed as she stepped forward, protecting Xuan Yan "Yan, what are you trying to say?"
Yan smiled, "Relax, Liena. I'm simply curious. As his senior, it's my responsibility to ensure he's up to the standards of our elite class. A friendly spar in the arena should suffice to test his strength."
Hu Liena scoffed, crossing her arms. "Friendly? That's rich coming from you. We both know what you're doing, Yan. You're just looking for an excuse to-"
"To do what?" Yan interrupted smoothly, his voice dripping with mock innocence. "Surely, you're not suggesting I'd bully our new junior? That would be beneath me."
Hu Liena's gaze narrowed "Then why now, Yan?"
"Why not wait for an official sparring session in class? You can't fool me with that fake politeness. You're just trying to provoke him because you can't handle the idea of someone younger being better than you."
Yan's smile wavered for a fraction of a second, his pride clearly stung. "I don't know what you're implying, Liena. I only want to welcome him properly."
Hu Liena was not ready to give up "If this is about proving himself, there's no need. Her Highness chose him as her disciple because she already saw his potential."
Yan's jaw tightened, but he forced another smile. "Potential isn't the same as ability."
"I'd like to see what he can actually do. Don't worry, I won't use my full power. After all, he is my junior."
Hu Liena's temper flared again. "That's enough, Yan! You're acting like a child. Yan'er doesn't need to prove anything to you. If you have a problem, take it up with Her Highness."
Xuan Yan gently placed a hand on Hu Liena's arm, diffusing her anger. "Sister Nana, it's alright. If Senior Yan wants to have a spar, I'm happy to oblige."
Hu Liena turned to him "No, Yan'er.. you don't have to waste time with this guy..."
However, Xuan Yan leaned forward and she crouched slightly to his height as he whispered "Sister Nana, don't worry about me... You forgot my rings?"
Only then did Hu Liena realize that Xuan Yan was already a Spirit Grandmaster of level 25 "Little Brother..."
Xuan Yan glanced at Yan "Sure Senior, I will take on your challenge."
Yan smiled upon hearing this "This will help me guide you in the future, junior, haha..."
[Ding!]
[Mission: He looks down on you, the 'Protagonist'. Beat the shit out of this bastard who calls himself a Flame Lord and show who is the fuking boss!.]
[Rewards : ???]
Xuan Yan's gaze flickered to the system screen 'Being the Pope's disciple, there will be surely many people in the future who will try to challenge me to prove themselves.'
'So having a battle with him here will shut down the future idiots who want to challenge me. I just need to show off a bit.'
Hu Liena tenderly patted his head "Don't go easy on him, Yan'er. He's been too smug for too long."
Seeing this, Yan's lips twitched in anger 'You dare to act intimate with her in front of me.. I need to disciple you, little brat.'
...
On one side of the arena stood Xuan Yan, his calm demeanor feeling like a stark contrast to the arrogance radiating from Yan on the opposite end.
The sun streamed in from the open roof above, casting long shadows across the battleground.
Xuan Yan could feel the anticipation in the air as students and teachers streamed in 'Fels like that moment where young master gets slapped.'
Whispers echoed throughout the arena, words like "Pope's disciple" and "twin martial spirits" swirling around like a rising storm.
"He's so young. Do you think he can actually match up to Yan?"
"I've heard he's the Pope's direct disciple."
"But he must have just awakened his martial spirit..."
"Is this the usual bullying?"
"But against Yan? Isn't Yan one of the strongest in the elite class?"
From his position, Xuan Yan caught sight of his homeroom teacher, Mei, entering the arena.
She moved to stand near the arena's edge. She caught Xuan Yan's gaze and gave him a slight nod, her expression calm yet expectant.
Clearly, she was interested in seeing what her new student could do.
Not far from the teacher, Hu Liena had also found a seat.
Her golden-blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight as she leaned forward, her focus entirely on Xuan Yan.
She didn't bother hiding her smile as she had complete faith in him.
Yan's voice broke the tension. "Ready to give up, little brother? You still have time to save yourself the embarrassment."
Xuan Yan replied keeping his smile "I can say the same to you, Senior. it's polite to show humility before the match begins. You might regret your words later."
As more spectators filled the arena, the murmurs grew louder, but Teacher Mei's voice cut through the noise. "Quiet, everyone."
The crowd hushed instantly as she stepped forward.
Her eyes flicked between the two competitors. "This will be a formal sparring match between Yan and Xuan Yan. The rules are simple: no fatal strikes, and the match ends when one of you yields or is unable to continue. Do I make myself clear?"
Both nodded in acknowledgment.
As Teacher Mei stepped back, Yan grinned as he stepped forward.
The air around him shimmered, heat waves distorting the air and his martial spirit flared as a fiery aura blazed around him, taking the shape of a molten, flame-like entity.
"The Flame Lord Martial Spirit."
Two soul rings materialized around him... a faint yellow ring first, followed by a slightly more radiant yellow ring.
Yan raised his hand, his aura surging again as flames began swirling around him.
The yellow ring at his feet glowed brightly, and flames erupted around him, rushing forward in a wave of molten fire.
The attack tore across the arena floor, sending embers and sparks flying as it headed straight for Xuan Yan.
"My first soul ring ability... Blazing Surge."
As Yan's attack surged forward, the blazing flames ripped across the arena like a tidal wave.
The heat from Yan's attack radiated outward, forcing spectators near the edge of the arena to shield their faces.
Just as the flames were about to engulf him, Xuan Yan moved.
*flick* With a swift sidestep, his small body blurred, slipping out of flame with an elegance that stunned the crowd.
*WOOSH* The flames roared past him, scorching the ground where he had just stood, but Xuan Yan remained untouched.
Xuan Yan looked down at his palm 'Hm, my Transcendant body is flexible, and with my physical strength... it seems like I don't even need to use my martial spirit to finish this one.'
'Huh? This brat... is quite agile.' Yan's eyes narrowed in thought.
Before he could respond, Xuan Yan dashed forward, closing the gap within seconds.
Yan tried to react, raising his hands defensively, but he was too slow.
Bam!
Xuan Yan's first punch slammed into Yan's stomach and the air left Yan's lungs in a painful gasp as he staggered back.
"Urghhh..." Before he could regain his footing, Xuan Yan followed up with a precise uppercut to his jaw.
*thud* Yan's head snapped back as he took three steps back.
Xuan Yan clicked his tongue 'Tch, my height.. I am shorter than him.. if else, I would have punched his face.'
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I hope you guys liked this chapter!
Added aux chapter, so add character pics if you have :)
Dont forget to drop powerstones