During the half-year of cross-level special training, Yan, Xie Yue, and Hu Liena had each demonstrated extraordinary strength.
Throughout this training, the three of them endured countless challenges — yet every time, they persevered.
Win or lose, each battle brought them new growth.
However, unlike the brother and sister, Yan never once revealed his full power.
He had never used his Flame Wings, the external spirit bone that granted him flight.
Even so, relying solely on his mastery of the dual elements of fire and earth, Yan still managed to defeat numerous opponents of Spirit King level.
Over those six months, as Lin Zhendong trained them day and night, he came to understand Yan's transformation on a deep level.
Yan's temperament had grown increasingly calm and composed. No matter what challenge he faced, he remained clear-headed — neither arrogant nor impulsive — always analyzing, strategizing, attacking, and countering with poise.
Seeing Yan's growth filled Lin Zhendong's heart with genuine satisfaction.
He truly admired Yan's talent and diligence, and so, after the special training concluded, he called him aside for a more personal conversation.
Yan followed behind as the two walked together.
Lin Zhendong began:
"Over these past six months, the three of you have performed admirably. All of you have improved greatly — especially you."
Yan replied humbly,
"Teacher Lin, we have you to thank. It was your cross-level training plan, and the diverse opponents you arranged for us, that allowed us to make such progress."
Lin Zhendong chuckled softly.
"Enough with the modesty. You really have changed, child — and I'm glad to see you putting all your energy into cultivation."
Yan gave a slightly embarrassed smile. He knew exactly what Lin Zhendong was referring to.
In the past, everyone at Spirit Hall Academy knew of his infatuation with Hu Liena.
Hu Liena, being viewed by Bibi Dong as her successor, was proud and distant, and naturally paid him no attention.
But in the past half year, Yan had completely overturned his old image.
He no longer pursued Hu Liena; instead, he devoted himself wholly to training.
"Teacher Lin, I was immature before — I must have made you laugh. I'll continue to focus on cultivation and strive to grow stronger."
Lin Zhendong nodded approvingly.
"That's the right mindset. With your top-tier ancient beast martial soul and dual fire-and-earth attributes, you're one of the most gifted members of the Golden Generation.
As long as you cultivate earnestly, your future achievements will be boundless."
"Yes, Teacher Lin. I will remember your words."
Satisfied, Lin Zhendong slowed his pace slightly.
"I've heard," he said, "that you've acquired an external spirit bone, haven't you?"
Yan paused, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
"So, Teacher Lin… you already knew."
"Of course. I found out the second day you returned to the academy.
I was surprised, though — during these six months of training, you never once used it.
I hear it's a pair of wings?"
"Yes. I call them the Flame Wings."
Yan guessed that Bibi Dong must have been the one to inform him, but it no longer mattered.
Lin Zhendong continued,
"With your current level of combat skill, combined with flight, you're already no weaker than any Spirit King."
Hearing such affirmation from his mentor filled Yan with renewed confidence. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of training would come next.
"Teacher Lin, will there be another round of special training?" he asked.
Lin Zhendong nodded.
"Indeed. It's time to test the results of your training. You'll soon face an even harsher — and more realistic — challenge."
"What kind of challenge?" Yan asked curiously.
Lin Zhendong stroked his graying beard and smiled faintly.
"Even I don't know exactly what opponents you'll face. They'll come from all corners of the continent, but every one of them has the same goal — to prove their strength through the Spirit Battle Arena."
Yan immediately understood what he meant.
"Teacher Lin, are you saying… you're taking us to the Spirit Battle Arena to compete?"
"Yes. Only in the arena can you unleash your full strength without restraint — showing your true abilities.
It's also the best place to hone your combat experience and temper your spirit."
Hearing this, excitement surged within Yan.
As someone who had lived once before, he knew all too well how brutal — and rewarding — the Spirit Arenas could be.
The spirit battles came in several forms: one-on-one duels, two-on-two matches, and full team battles.
Each was filled with uncertainty, danger, and challenge.
"Teacher, will the three of us be together for this?"
Lin Zhendong shook his head.
"No. The three of you together would draw too much attention. I'll be separating you — and at the same time, this will encourage some friendly competition among you."
"Separate us? You mean… each of us will go to a different arena under different instructors?"
"Exactly."
Yan's eyes lit up.
"Teacher Lin, when will this new training begin?"
"Don't rush. The three of you represent the future of Spirit Hall — we can't afford any mistakes.
I'll report this to the Pope first, and we'll proceed after receiving her approval."
Yan realized this was an excellent opportunity.
"Teacher Lin, if possible, I'd like to invite Elder Ju to accompany me. There are many things I wish to learn from him."
"Elder Ju?"
Lin Zhendong's brows furrowed slightly at the mention of Yue Guan.
In his impression, the Chrysanthemum Douluo was eccentric and difficult to approach.
Moreover, as one of Bibi Dong's closest confidants, he was often occupied with important assignments — asking him to take part in this would not be easy.
"Inviting Elder Ju along… I'm afraid that might not be possible."
"Please don't worry, Teacher. I'll go to him personally — I believe he'll agree."
Seeing Yan's confident expression, Lin Zhendong's doubts lessened.
He nodded slowly, granting his tacit approval.
"Very well. If you're that confident, give it a try.
But let me offer you some advice — your martial soul is of the fire attribute.
When you enter the Spirit Battle Arena, you should seek out opponents with water-attribute martial souls.
Facing those who naturally restrain your element will not only deepen your combat experience, but also strengthen your control over fire."
"Understood. Thank you, Teacher Lin, for your guidance."
Lin Zhendong went on,
"Across the continent, the region with the most water-attribute spirit masters is Tianshui City, in the northeastern part of the Heaven Dou Empire.
Next to it, in the capital of Tokes Province, there's a large Spirit Battle Arena — the Tokes Grand Arena.
You might find many powerful water-attribute spirit masters there."
"Alright. I'll remember that, Teacher."
Yan's heart surged with excitement.
He knew that the Sunset Forest lay to the east of Heaven Dou City — in the same direction as the Tokes Grand Arena.
That meant he could conveniently make a stop at both locations on his journey.
After Lin Zhendong departed, Yan didn't return to the academy.
Instead, he went straight toward Yue Guan's residence.
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