Within the Spirit Hall Battle Team, most of the daily training and instruction was handled by Teacher Liu Can. He was meticulous and strict, understanding every student's strengths and weaknesses as if they were written in a book.
Teacher Lin Zhendong, on the other hand, rarely appeared except at critical moments, using his experience and wisdom to offer guidance and encouragement when it mattered most.
Just now, the intense duel between Yan and Xie Yue had created quite a disturbance, drawing the attention of both teachers — which was why they had come over.
"Greetings, Teacher Lin! Greetings, Teacher Liu!"
Everyone spoke in unison and saluted respectfully.
Lin Zhendong's sharp gaze swept across the group, finally resting on Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena. A faint, satisfied smile appeared on his face.
"It seems that the three of you have completed the mission assigned by Her Holiness the Supreme Pontiff — all of you have successfully broken through to level forty and obtained your fourth spirit rings. Very good."
As captain, Xie Yue spoke on behalf of the trio.
"Yes, Teacher. Just as you said, we have done it."
Yan and Hu Liena simply nodded slightly in confirmation.
Lin Zhendong continued,
"I heard from the others that you two had a little sparring match earlier — it sounded quite intense. I'm curious… what was the result?"
Xie Yue calmly admitted his defeat.
"Teacher, I lost."
"Oh? You lost to Yan?"
Liu Can looked slightly surprised. He exchanged a glance with Lin Zhendong, both clearly intrigued by this unexpected outcome.
"Yes, Teacher. I lost to Yan's self-created spirit skill — Blazing Sand Prison."
There was no trace of frustration or unwillingness in Xie Yue's tone, only calm acceptance.
"Blazing Sand Prison?"
Liu Can raised his eyebrows.
"Yan, did you develop that technique yourself in just these two months?"
"Teacher, I had already been studying it for some time," Yan replied evenly. "At first I only wanted to try fusing fire and earth elements to create a technique capable of trapping an opponent. I didn't expect it to succeed."
His voice was steady and modest, exuding a quiet confidence. Both teachers found themselves newly impressed.
They could clearly sense that after the training expedition in the Death Canyon, Yan had changed. He was no longer the overbearing, sharp-tempered youth he used to be. Now, he carried himself with composure and humility.
In Yan's own memory, his relationship with Lin Zhendong had not been an especially warm one. Lin possessed a natural pride, though he did respect talent when he saw it. Yan's formerly arrogant temperament had never been the kind of student Lin favored.
Even before his teachers, Yan had sometimes displayed a sense of superiority.
Within the Spirit Hall Battle Team, Lin Zhendong had always preferred the calm and disciplined Xie Yue and the steady, mature Sun Chuantao.
Yan knew full well that anyone personally appointed by Bibi Dong, the Supreme Pontiff, to serve as the team's chief instructor would naturally be both capable and knowledgeable. Lin Zhendong not only had great strength but also a deep understanding of martial theory.
If he wanted to become stronger, Yan understood, he had to learn with humility.
"Good."
Lin Zhendong nodded lightly, uttering only that single word. He did not press further about Yan's self-created technique.
Then he announced the new training plan:
"Xie Yue, Yan, and Nana — since all three of you have broken through to level forty, your previous training regimen is no longer suitable. Starting tomorrow, I will assign you new training content."
"Understood."
The three answered in unison, full of expectation and determination.
Lin Zhendong then turned to the others.
"The rest of you as well — focus on your cultivation and break through to level forty as soon as possible."
"Yes, Teacher."
Sun Chuantao and the other three responded crisply.
Satisfied, Lin Zhendong nodded, then departed the training grounds together with Liu Can.
Having just returned to Spirit City that day, Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena had no scheduled training. They could finally rest for a day and recover their energy for the challenges ahead.
Yan left the training field first.
Xie Yue and Hu Liena also started back toward their quarters, chatting as they walked.
"Brother, I wonder what kind of training Teacher Lin will give us tomorrow."
"Who cares? Whatever the challenge, we'll face it calmly."
"Of course."
"By the way," Xie Yue asked casually, "did Her Holiness the Supreme Pontiff summon you for anything special?"
"No, she just wanted to talk for a bit."
Thinking about her brother's loss to Yan, Hu Liena still felt a trace of resentment.
"Brother, were you really serious today — about recognizing Yan as our leader?"
"Of course. Didn't you notice? Yan has changed — he's stronger, more mature, more responsible. Having someone like him as our leader isn't a bad thing."
"But…"
The rest of her protest caught in her throat.
After thinking it over, Hu Liena had to admit her brother was right. Yan had undergone a transformation since their trial — almost like he had been reborn.
"Nana, you shouldn't be so resistant. Yan didn't even use his external spirit bone. If he had, I'd have lost even worse."
"I know."
"So don't ignore him like before. I have a feeling Yan will soon surpass us by a long way. We'll need to work even harder to keep up."
Hu Liena frowned slightly but said nothing, only repeating silently to herself:
"Yan… I won't lose to you."
When Yan returned to his quarters, he didn't go straight to rest. After tidying up briefly, he headed out again.
Night had already fallen, and the city was draped in darkness.
Walking quickly through several streets, he finally arrived before an imposing mansion — the residence of Elder Yue Guan, Chrysanthemum Douluo.
Yan looked up at the gilded plaque above the gate, took a deep breath, and stepped forward to knock.
Before long, the door opened. A servant peeked out, surprised to see him, but quickly went to report to Yue Guan.
Moments later, Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan himself appeared, curiosity and mild confusion on his face.
"Yan? At this hour? What brings you to me so late at night?"
"Elder Chrysanthemum, I apologize for the intrusion. I've been troubled by something — I couldn't sleep, and I hoped to seek your guidance."
"Oh? Then come in, quickly."
Yue Guan studied him for a moment and, seeing his earnestness, stepped aside to let him in.
Yan usually lived in the Spirit Hall Academy dormitories; this was his first visit to Yue Guan's private residence.
As one of Bibi Dong's closest confidants, Chrysanthemum Douluo lived in elegance and luxury. The mansion's interior décor was magnificent, exuding refined taste and noble grace.
After they sat down, Yue Guan ordered tea to be served.
"Yan, there's no need for formality between us. Speak frankly — what's on your mind?"
Yan took a sip of the fragrant tea, then slowly voiced the question that had been weighing on him.
"Elder Chrysanthemum… do you know of any method to help me restrain the fiery aura within my body?"
At those words, Yue Guan frowned slightly, a puzzled expression crossing his face.
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