"Do you yield?" Tai Long glared at Ma Hongjun, his fist once again suspended in mid-air.
As long as Ma Hongjun uttered half a word of dissent, this fist would dare to smash down.
The surrounding laughter grew louder and louder, and Oscar's group almost buried their heads in their chests.
Ma Hongjun looked at those mocking gazes below the stage, especially Xiao Wu from Blue Tyrant Academy who was laughing so hard she was doubled over; his face turned the color of pig liver.
"I..." Ma Hongjun gritted his teeth, wanting to hold out, but the sharp pain coming from his wings was truly unbearable. In the end, he could only shout aggrievedly, "I yield! I admit defeat!"
Only then did Tai Long let go, standing up to brush the dust off his body, and glanced down at Ma Hongjun from above: "Wouldn't it have been easier if you'd done this earlier?"
Clutching his arm and wings, Ma Hongjun scrambled up in a sorry state, gave Tai Long a vicious glare, and turned to rush off the stage, not even finishing hearing the referee announce the result.
If he stayed any longer, he feared he would be drowned by the laughter.
Tai Long raised his chin triumphantly and made a gesture toward Blue Tyrant Academy's rest area, drawing a burst of cheers.
Xiao Wu leaned over, her eyes squinting into slits from laughing: "Tai Long is pretty good! Seeing him rub that turkey into the ground was so satisfying!"
Zhu Zhuqing said flatly: "The strength suppression was good, but the technique is still too crude."
"When we get back, let Brother Yuan teach him properly!" Xiao Wu patted Xu Yuan's arm.
Xu Yuan nodded with a smile, but his gaze inadvertently swept across the VIP seats and saw Xue Qinghe looking at him.
Xue Qinghe noticed Xu Yuan looking at him and gave Xu Yuan a slight nod.
After this, Tai Long won everything; the possibility of wanting to lose wasn't high unless Tang San was allowed to take the field.
After the competition ended, Xu Yuan's group returned to the academy.
Just as they reached the academy gates, Xu Yuan's group saw a man standing there.
It was an old man with graying hair and beard, his short hair standing upright on his head like steel needles.
His physique was extremely burly, and his gaze was very deep. Standing there, he was like a towering mountain, immovable, giving off a sense of natural majesty without even being angry.
The person was precisely Tai Tan.
"It's Tai Tan," God King Tang San said with some nostalgia upon seeing Tai Tan.
There weren't many people who satisfied him, but Tai Tan was one of the few who did.
For no other reason than his absolute loyalty.
Whatever he said was law; he didn't worry about Tai Tan betraying him at all.
Now that Tai Tan had arrived, his Sect plan could begin.
Seeing his grandfather arrive, Tai Long happily ran toward Tai Tan.
"Grandfather! Why are you here?" Tai Long rushed in front of Tai Tan like a child.
The triumph on his face hadn't faded yet, and now a bit more surprise was added.
Looking at his grandson, Tai Tan's gaze softened slightly. He reached out and patted Tai Long's arm with no small amount of force: "I heard you showed your face on the field? You didn't lose face for our Tai Tan Family."
"Of course!" Tai Long puffed out his chest. "I beat the people from Heaven Dou Academy into the ground!"
A faint smile curled at the corners of Tai Tan's mouth, and then his gaze moved past Tai Long to land on Xu Yuan.
That gaze instantly became as sharp as an eagle's, carrying scrutiny and pressure, as if it wanted to see through a person from the inside out.
"This must be young friend Xu Yuan?" Tai Tan's voice was low and powerful, like two giant boulders colliding. "I am Tai Tan, Tai Long's grandfather. I have long heard that Blue Tyrant Academy produced a young talent; seeing you today, your bearing is indeed extraordinary."
Xu Yuan could feel the spirit power fluctuations from the other party as heavy as a mountain. He nodded slightly, neither humble nor arrogant: "Senior overpraises me, I am Junior Xu Yuan."
"Not arrogant or impetuous, not bad." A flash of approval passed through Tai Tan's eyes, and then his tone shifted, "I came this time, firstly to see my grandson, and secondly... I have something I want to chat with you about."
Xu Yuan raised an eyebrow: "Senior, please speak."
Tai Tan looked around at the surrounding Blue Tyrant students and lowered his voice slightly: "This isn't the place for talking. I wonder if young friend could change locations to chat?"
He was moved by Xu Yuan's talent and strength and wanted to take Xu Yuan for his own use.
Xu Yuan pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over his companions beside him, and said to Liu Erlong: "Dean, I will go with Senior and return shortly."
Although Liu Erlong had concerns, seeing that although Tai Tan's Aura was pressing, he bore no ill will, she nodded: "Go ahead, be safe."
Tai Tan led Xu Yuan to a quiet spot on the back street of the academy. Few people were here, only a few old locust trees swaying in the wind.
Tai Tan stopped his pace, turned around, and looked at Xu Yuan with a heavy gaze: "Does young friend know why I specifically sought you out?"
Xu Yuan met his gaze calmly: "Senior might as well speak plainly."
"Good!" Tai Tan nodded in appreciation and got straight to the point, "I see that young friend is so strong at such a young age, and can even lead a reckless boy like Tai Long so well; it's clear you are not only exceptionally talented but also have the talent for leadership."
Tai Tan paused, his tone becoming solemn: "The Strength Clan I lead, though no longer possessing its former glory, still has many skilled craftsmen and plenty of brute force to use. I want to invite young friend... to join my clan."
He knew Xu Yuan's potential and even knew Xu Yuan could perform Alchemy. With him joining, the Strength Clan could definitely rise.
Hearing this, Xu Yuan shook his head calmly: "Senior's kind regard is appreciated, and I take it to heart. However, I already have my own path to walk, and I'm afraid I must fail your good intentions."
His tone was sincere, yet carried a firm resolve that brooked no argument.
The sharpness in Tai Tan's eyes faded slightly, but was replaced by more inquiry: "Does young friend feel that my Strength Clan is not worthy of you?"
"Senior, you overstate it." Xu Yuan bowed slightly, "I have long heard of the Strength Clan's prestige; it's just that our Daos are different, so we cannot plan together."
Tai Tan was silent for a moment and then suddenly laughed. His laughter, like a great bell, made the leaves rustle: "What a 'different Daos'! I indeed did not misjudge you. You have pride, and you have the confidence to back it up."
Xu Yuan looked at Tai Tan and suddenly shifted the topic: "Since Senior regards me so highly, why don't we try a different way?"
Tai Tan raised an eyebrow: "Oh? What thoughts does young friend have?"
"Let's have a fight." Xu Yuan's spirit power stirred slightly around him. "If I am lucky enough to win, Senior shall serve me."
Xu Yuan paused, meeting Tai Tan's suddenly sharp gaze, and continued: "If I lose, I will willingly join the Strength Clan and be at Senior's disposal. How about it?"
Tai Tan's pupils suddenly contracted, and the smile on his face instantly vanished, replaced by a terrifying pressure.
He had lived for most of his life, and this was the first time he had been challenged by such a young Junior, and the stakes were actually the word'serve'.
"Boy, do you know what you are saying?" Tai Tan's voice was so heavy it seemed like it would drip water.
The spirit power around him surged like a tide, pressing down until the surrounding air seemed to solidify.
"When I followed the Clear Sky Douluo back then, you weren't even born! With just you, you dare to ask me to serve?"
Facing that mountain-like pressure, Xu Yuan's figure stood tall like a pine tree, his tone calm but carrying an unquestionable firmness: "Senior has traversed half a lifetime; could it be you are afraid of a fair contest?"
"Fair?" Tai Tan laughed out of extreme anger, his thick finger pointing at Xu Yuan, "Do you know my spirit power Rank? With just this bit of cultivation of yours, you are worthy of talking about fairness
"How will I know I'm not worthy if I don't try?" Xu Yuan watched Tai Tan calmly. "Senior, if you feel the gap in our cultivation is too large, you are more than welcome to suppress your spirit power. This Junior only wishes to seek guidance, not to bully the weak."
Xu Yuan bowed slightly, his posture neither humble nor arrogant. "The Strength Clan respects strength above all else; this Junior shall use strength to seek guidance from you. If Senior does not even have this much courage, then I'm afraid the reputation of the Strength Clan will be somewhat diminished in my heart."
Tai Tan was so provoked by these words that his hair and beard stood on end. His spirit power fluctuations became increasingly violent, causing the surrounding Old Locust Trees to rustle loudly from the vibrations.
"What a sharp-tongued brat!" Tai Tan took a sudden step forward, the ground cracking into spiderweb-like fissures. "I shall let you witness what true power is! There is no need to suppress my spirit power. Today, I will make you understand that some chasms cannot be crossed simply by being quick-witted!"
A sharp light flashed in Xu Yuan's eyes. Before the words had even finished echoing, his figure burst forward like an arrow released from a bowstring.
Without using any Spirit Ability, relying purely on his Physical Body strength and extreme speed, he closed the distance in the instant before Tai Tan could fully deploy his defenses.
His right fist was clenched tight; it looked ordinary, yet it contained a sharp whistle that tore through the air.
Tai Tan's pupils shrank. He hadn't expected Xu Yuan to strike the moment he spoke, and he certainly hadn't expected this Junior's speed to be so incredibly fast.
In his haste, he crossed his arms in front of his chest, attempting to take the punch head-on.
Boom—!
The moment fist met arms, a deafening muffled explosion erupted. A wave of air swept outward from the two of them as the center, sending gravel flying several meters and causing the leaves of the Old Locust Trees to shower the ground.
Tai Tan felt an immense force surge toward him like a tsunami. That strength far exceeded his imagination and even possessed a strange penetrative quality, bypassing his arm defenses and shaking his vital energy until it roiled.
Under this single punch, he was actually as fragile as paper!
"Gah—"
Tai Tan could no longer maintain his footing. His burly frame flew backward like a broken kite, crashing heavily into the Old Locust Tree behind him.
The tree trunk, as thick as a bowl, snapped upon impact. His entire body was embedded into the broken tree; his throat felt sweet, and a mouthful of fresh blood sprayed out.
The entire field fell into a deathly silence.
Clutching his chest, Tai Tan looked at the slowly approaching Xu Yuan in disbelief, his eyes filled with shock and confusion.
He couldn't understand no matter how he thought about it—how could a dignified Spirit Douluo like himself be sent flying by a single punch from a green youth?
Tai Tan scrambled up from the ground and charged rapidly toward Xu Yuan.
Tai Tan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. The contempt from before was gone, replaced only by a raging Battle Intent. He hadn't expected Xu Yuan's Physical Body strength to be so terrifying, but the pride of the Strength Clan would not allow him to admit defeat just like that.
"Kid, you're interesting!" Tai Tan growled, his entire spirit power erupting without reservation.
Eight spirit rings lit up simultaneously, with the black spirit rings being particularly eye-catching.
His body swelled slightly under the infusion of spirit power, his muscles knotting like boulders. Every step he took on the ground caused the earth to tremble.
"Second Soul Skill: Bursting Great Strength!"
"Fifth Spirit Skill: Giant Spirit's Fist!"
Tai Tan stacked two Spirit Abilities; his right arm instantly expanded like a giant pillar, and the surrounding air was compressed by this violent force until it let out a wail.
He turned into an afterimage, carrying the momentum of a collapsing mountain as he lunged straight for Xu Yuan's face.
Looking at the lunging Tai Tan, Xu Yuan showed no sign of fear. Instead, an even fiercer Battle Intent ignited in his eyes.
His feet took a firm root in the ground, and his muscles bulged as he pushed his Physical Body strength to its absolute limit. Even the air seemed to shriek as it was churned by his fist.
"Good timing!"
Xu Yuan gave a low shout and, instead of retreating, he advanced, throwing out a punch of his own.
There were no fancy techniques and no spirit power augmentation—it was a pure collision of flesh and strength.
The moment the two fists met, the world seemed to go still for a heartbeat.
Boom—!
An even more terrifying shockwave exploded. The ground directly collapsed into a half-meter deep pit, and the surrounding Old Locust Trees were snapped at the waist, their broken branches and leaves dancing through the air.
Tai Tan felt a force several times more powerful than before travel up his arm. The bones in his right arm made a piercing creaking sound, as if they would shatter in the next second.
Before this pure physical heavy punch, he was as vulnerable as a bubble.
"Gah—"
Tai Tan spat out another mouthful of blood and was sent flying horizontally as if hit by a high-speed carriage.
This time, he crashed straight through the academy's stone wall, sliding several meters across the open ground outside before stopping, kicking up a cloud of dust.
He lay on the ground, his right arm twisted at a bizarre angle. Clearly, the bone was broken, and he could no longer get up.
Xu Yuan stood in place, his fist trembling slightly and his knuckles pale, yet he remained as upright as a pine tree.
He looked at Tai Tan, who was struggling to lift his head in the distance. "Senior, do you still wish to fight?"
Tai Tan looked at Xu Yuan's seemingly ordinary fist that contained such terrifying power. The last spark of Battle Intent in his eyes was completely extinguished, leaving only deep awe.
Tai Tan gave a bitter laugh and coughed up some bloody foam. "No more... this old man has lost."
The Strength Clan respected strength. Today, he finally understood what it meant for there to be a mountain beyond the mountain.
This young man's Physical Body strength had already surpassed the limits of his understanding.
Xu Yuan walked over to help Tai Tan up and used a Spirit Ability to heal him.
A wave of warmth spread along his bones. The piercing sound of the fracture gradually faded, and a numbing itch came from the break. The intense pain lessened by more than half in an instant.
After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Tai Tan moved his right arm; it had already been healed by Xu Yuan.
Tai Tan remained silent for a moment before suddenly dropping to one knee. His voice echoed through the silent back street with an unquestionable solemnity:
"I, Tai Tan, swear in the name of the Strength Clan Chief that from this day forward, everyone in the Strength Clan shall follow young friend Xu Yuan's lead. We will go through fire and water without hesitation!"
Xu Yuan helped Tai Tan up and said, "You may rise. Since the Strength Clan is following me, I will certainly not let the Strength Clan down."
Tai Tan nodded vigorously, his rough palm gripping Xu Yuan's hand tightly, as if grasping a new hope for the Strength Clan.
"This old man admires your magnanimity, young friend." Tai Tan's voice was hoarse but powerful. "Though the Strength Clan is not what it once was, every disciple in the clan is a fierce warrior. In the future, whether it's exploring for treasures or guarding a territory, as long as you say the word, we will not hesitate!"
Xu Yuan smiled and shook his head. "Senior, you overstate things. From now on, we are partners fighting side by side. There's no need to distinguish between master and subordinate."
Xu Yuan's gaze swept over the messy battlefield and then at Tai Tan's fully recovered right arm. "However, Senior's Giant Spirit's Fist just now had incredible power. If this Junior's Physical Body hadn't been slightly superior, I'm afraid I would be the one lying here."
Tai Tan felt a bit embarrassed and scratched his head. "Your physical toughness is what's truly frightening. I've lived for most of my life, and this is the first time I've seen someone take a Spirit Douluo's Spirit Ability head-on without using spirit power."
Xu Yuan said modestly, "It is merely innate divine strength."
The two looked at each other and smiled. The previous tension had long since transformed into mutual respect
Huo Wu said with full confidence, "I definitely won't lose."
Battle Intent blazed in Huo Wu's eyes as her Spirit, Fire Shadow, instantly possessed her. An orange-red phantom flickered behind her, and four spirit rings lit up in sequence beneath her feet: yellow, yellow, purple, purple.
"First Spirit Skill: Defying Fire Ring!"
Huo Wu took the initiative, and a ring-shaped flame sixty meters in diameter suddenly expanded, pressing straight toward Xu Yuan with a scorching heatwave.
Although this Spirit Ability dealt no direct damage, it could repel enemies and dispel skills, making it her go-to opening move.
Xu Yuan's feet shifted slightly, and the Blue Silver Emperor quietly sprouted from the ground, weaving into a resilient barrier in front of him.
The orange-red fire ring crashed into the Blue Silver Emperor without eliciting any reaction at all.
Xu Yuan wasn't afraid of such a Spirit Ability in the slightest; he simply wanted to show Tang San a display of the Blue Silver Emperor's immunity to fire and water.
Huo Wu's brows furrowed slightly as she unhesitatingly activated her Second Spirit Skill: "Flame Vortex!"
A spinning vortex of fire appeared out of thin air, attempting to pull at Xu Yuan's figure. The scorching flames licked at the Blue Silver Emperor, yet still failed to cause even a shred of damage.
Huo Wu's gaze sharpened as her Third Spirit Skill followed immediately: "Solar Jet!"
A pillar of fire shot out like a column of magma, accurately striking the Blue Silver barrier. Sparks flew everywhere, yet not even a single leaf was scorched.
"How is this possible?" Huo Wu's heart shook violently. She could clearly feel the power of the flames vanish like a clay ox entering the sea upon hitting the Blue Silver Grass; those seemingly ordinary vines completely ignored the burning fire.
Xu Yuan said indifferently, "Continue."
Huo Wu bit her teeth, her spirit power suddenly surging as she activated her Fourth and Fifth Spirit Skills simultaneously: "Huo Wus Blazing Sun! Flame Meteor!"
A massive white fireball condensed above her head while several burning meteors fell from the sky, crashing toward Xu Yuan with ear-piercing whistles.
The five spirit rings behind her began to flicker violently.
All her spirit power was instantly poured into the Huo Wus Blazing Sun. The white fireball expanded several times over, its light so blinding that even the sky seemed to brighten slightly.
Xu Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly as the Blue Silver Emperor surged again, forming an airtight cage that completely enveloped him.
The Flame Meteors exploded with a roar, and the Huo Wus Blazing Sun, carrying a homing effect, smashed down heavily. The entire arena was shrouded in scorching light, the heatwave nearly flipping the protective shield.
The students of Blazing Academy shouted in unison, while Xiao Wu and the others nervously clenched their fists.
A moment later, the firelight dissipated. The cage formed by the Blue Silver Emperor remained perfectly intact, without even a single scorch mark on the vines.
Huo Wu turned pale, looking at the patch of Blue Silver Grass in disbelief. "Why... why isn't your Blue Silver Grass afraid of fire?"
A moment later, the firelight dissipated. The cage formed by the Blue Silver Emperor remained perfectly intact, without even a single scorch mark on the vines.
Huo Wu turned pale, looking at the patch of Blue Silver Grass in disbelief. "Why... why isn't your Blue Silver Grass afraid of fire?"
With a casual wave of Xu Yuan's hand, the Blue Silver Emperor quietly dispersed. He looked at Huo Wu and said calmly, "I forgot to mention, my Blue Silver Emperor is Immune to Fire and Water."
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire audience erupted in an uproar.
In the spectator stands, Tang San suddenly sat up straight, his eyes filled with astonishment.
The Blue Silver Emperor was a plant and naturally feared fire; how could it be immune to both fire and water?
Beside him, Yu Xiaogang stared sharply at Xu Yuan and whispered to Tang San, "Don't believe him. No Spirit can achieve immunity to fire and water. He must be using some special method, perhaps a Spirit Bone skill or a Spirit Ability."
Tang San nodded to show he understood, but in his heart, he no longer believed Yu Xiaogang's words.
Since being defeated by Xu Yuan yesterday, he had thought for a long time and reviewed much of the research on Blue Silver Grass, finding that some of Yu Xiaogang's theories were useless.
At the same time, he felt that Blue Silver Grass was not suited for the poison path.
It was equivalent to a power-burst type Spirit Master putting all their skill points into defense.
On the field, Huo Wu stood stunned. The fire affinity brought by her Spirit allowed her to clearly perceive that the previous attack was by no means superficial, yet the opponent's Blue Silver Emperor was indeed unscathed.
"Immune to Fire and Water..." Huo Wu murmured to herself.
A sense of powerlessness surged in her heart. She had even used spirit ring fusion, yet she couldn't even break the opponent's defense.
Seeing Huo Wu's despondent appearance, Xu Yuan didn't say much. With a slight movement, the Blue Silver Emperor wrapped around her wrist as easily as an extension of his arm.
This wasn't an attack, but it carried an irresistible force that led her away from the center of the arena.
"You lost." Xu Yuan's voice was calm and steady, yet it struck Huo Wu's heart like a heavy hammer.
The referee timely announced loudly, "Xu Yuan of Blue Tyrant Academy wins!"
Huo Wu snapped back to her senses, looking at her wrist enveloped by the Blue Silver Emperor and then at the undamaged vines, finally slumping her shoulders in defeat.
Meanwhile, in Xu Yuan's Sea of Spirit, the phantom of God King Tang San rubbed his brow, helplessly complaining in his heart, "This kid is too decisive; he doesn't leave any face at all. With this level of emotional intelligence, without my guidance, I'm afraid he really would be single for life..."
Currently, Xu Yuan had Xiao Wu, Jiang Zhu, Zhu Zhuqing, Liu Erlong, and Ning Rongrong; in the future, all these people would be his.
The sisters Shui Binger and Shui Yueer weren't far off, but as for Dugu Yan, he didn't have much interest.
Initially, he hadn't planned on building a harem, but after spending these years accompanying Xu Yuan and reflecting on his life...
He realized that if he wanted to feel at ease, he could only take in those talented girls.
Next, Xu Yuan directly swept through Blazing Academy.
When he returned to the rest area, Xiao Wu lunged directly into Xu Yuan's arms.
Xu Yuan reached out to catch the pouncing Xiao Wu, feeling the soft touch in his arms, and helplessly yet dotingly rubbed her hair. "I told you not to be so reckless."
Xiao Wu snuggled in Xu Yuan's arms, looking up with a beaming smile. "Who told Brother Xu to be so amazing! You beat that Huo Wu until she had no temper left; it was so satisfying to watch!"
Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward and handed over a bottle of water. "Have some water and rest."
"Thanks, Zhuqing." Xu Yuan took the water, unscrewed it, and took a sip.
Jiang Zhu smiled gently. "Your Blue Silver Emperor is truly special; it could even block Huo Wu's spirit ring fusion attack."
Xu Yuan smiled and didn't explain anything.
Liu Erlong walked over, patted Xu Yuan's arm, and said, "Leave the following battles to Tai Long and the others to improve their strength."
Xu Yuan nodded to show he understood; he didn't plan on continuing to sweep seven opponents by himself.
Tai Long and the others stepped forward one after another, stating they wouldn't let Xu Yuan down.
At that moment, Huo Wu walked over.
"Xu Yuan," Huo Wu stood before him, "Can we... speak privately?"
Xiao Wu immediately glared vigilantly. "What do you want to do now?"
Huo Wu ignored Xiao Wu and just stared fixedly at Xu Yuan, complex emotions hidden in her eyes.
Xu Yuan glanced at Huo Wu and nodded. "Okay."
The two of them left the Heaven Dou Soul Arena together and arrived at an empty alleyway.
Deep in the alley, the wind swept up a few fallen leaves, carrying the chill of autumn.
Huo Wu turned around, her fiery red hair swaying slightly in the wind. The arrogance she displayed in the arena was gone from her face, replaced by a touch of stubbornness and resentment.
"How exactly did you do it?" Huo Wu stared at Xu Yuan. "How can Blue Silver Grass be immune to water and fire? This completely defies the common logic of Spirits."
Xu Yuan smiled and said, "Blue Silver Grass indeed cannot do it; to be precise, no Plant Spirit can. However..."
Xu Yuan intentionally paused, his gaze falling on the leaves swirling in the wind at the alley entrance, as if he were weighing his words.
Huo Wu's curiosity was piqued by Xu Yuan's behavior, and she couldn't help but press him, "However what?"
She took half a step forward, her fiery red eyes filled with urgency, and her voice rose slightly, "Just say it already!"
Xu Yuan smiled and said, "You aren't my girlfriend, so why should I tell you?"
Huo Wu froze instantly, as if stung by his words. Her cheeks flushed bright red, and even the tips of her ears were tinged with crimson.
Huo Wu subconsciously took half a step back, her eyes flickering. The urgency she felt just now was instantly replaced by embarrassment and anger. "You... what nonsense are you talking about!"
Although she scolded him, her heart skipped a beat for some reason. She had clearly come to ask about the secret of the Blue Silver Emperor, so how did the conversation suddenly shift to the topic of being a "girlfriend"?
Xu Yuan looked at her flushed cheeks and slightly evasive eyes, the smile on his lips deepening. "So, the answer is quite obvious."
Xu Yuan shrugged, his tone carrying a hint of playfulness. "Secrets, of course, are meant to be shared with those close to you."
Huo Wu's heart raced at Xu Yuan's words. She was both angry and anxious, yet she couldn't find any words to refute him.
Looking at the smiling Xu Yuan before her, Huo Wu steeled her resolve and kissed him directly.
Caught off guard, Xu Yuan felt a warmth on his lips, accompanied by the fragrance of a young girl.
Huo Wu's kiss carried a desperate recklessness, like an ignited flame—intense yet slightly trembling.
Xu Yuan was slightly stunned and instinctively tried to back away, but Huo Wu reached out and pressed down on his shoulders.
Her eyes were closed, her long eyelashes trembling gently. Her fiery red hair fell down, obscuring her flushed cheeks; she had clearly summoned immense courage.
After a moment, Huo Wu abruptly let go of Xu Yuan and backed away two steps as if burned. Her chest heaved violently as she looked directly at him. "Now... am I qualified to know?"
Xu Yuan raised a hand to touch his lips, looking at the girl whose cheeks were crimson yet who still maintained her Aura. "Is this... a forced transaction?"
"I..." Huo Wu was left speechless by his words. The courage she had just now was like a punctured balloon, instantly deflating and leaving only flustered confusion. "I just..."
She wanted to say something to hide her embarrassment, but she found her throat felt blocked.
Seeing this, Xu Yuan chose to tell Huo Wu: "It's simple. I consumed some rare herbs that granted my Spirit the property of Immune to Fire and Water."
To be precise, it was a property of immunity to ordinary water and fire, not total immunity to everything. It worked well against weaker opponents, but it was useless against strong ones.
In the novel, it only ever came in handy against Huo Wu; other than that, it was never used.
Huo Wu was stunned, clearly not expecting the answer to be so simple. She stared at Xu Yuan, trying to see something else on his face, but his expression was calm and didn't seem like he was lying.
"Herbs?" Huo Wu frowned. "What kind of herbs could cause a Spirit to mutate such a property? There has never been such a record in the Spirit Master's world."
Xu Yuan shrugged. "The world is vast; there will always be things that haven't been recorded." He didn't elaborate, stopping there. "You only need to know that this isn't some unrepeatable miracle; I just happened to come across it."
Huo Wu fell silent for a moment, as if processing this answer.
She could sense that Xu Yuan hadn't told her everything, but at least it was better than being kept in suspense.
The embarrassment from the kiss gradually faded, replaced by a sense of sudden enlightenment.
So it wasn't that the Blue Silver Emperor itself was so special, but rather the result of an external boost.
"Hmph, I'll count you as being honest." Huo Wu curled her lip, but her tone had softened considerably. "But don't get cocky. Even if I know now, I'll definitely beat you next time."
The things she had said during the match were purely to tease Xu Yuan, but now, she truly felt her heart flutter for him.
Xu Yuan smiled. "I'll be waiting."
Huo Wu remembered something and said, "By the way, I didn't say what you would get for winning earlier."
Xu Yuan raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, "What?"
Huo Wu kissed Xu Yuan once more, then immediately hugged him tightly.
This kiss had lost its previous recklessness and gained a bit of cautious exploration, like a small flame meeting a gentle breeze, licking softly with a young girl's irrepressible excitement.
Huo Wu's arms wrapped around Xu Yuan's waist, holding him very tightly, as if she wanted to pour all her feelings into this embrace.
Xu Yuan could clearly feel the slight trembling of her body and the warmth radiating through her thin clothing.
After a moment's hesitation, Xu Yuan slightly raised his hand, and after another pause, he finally let it rest gently on her back.
The alley was very quiet; only the rustling of the wind through the fallen leaves and the sound of their slightly hurried breathing intertwined.
Who knows how much time passed before Huo Wu slowly let go of Xu Yuan. Her cheeks were so red they looked as if they might bleed, but her eyes were startlingly bright.
Huo Wu looked at Xu Yuan and said, "Xu Yuan, from now on, I am your girlfriend."
Xu Yuan looked at the undisguised sincerity in Huo Wu's eyes and her cheeks, which were so red the color was spreading to her neck, and he was momentarily stunned.
This sudden declaration caught him even more off guard than the two kisses just now.
Seeing that Xu Yuan remained silent, Huo Wu began to panic again. She subconsciously gripped the corner of her clothes tightly, yet she still forced herself to look directly at him. "What? You're not willing?"
There was a hint of imperceptible tension in her voice, as if she were afraid of hearing a negative answer.
Xu Yuan looked at Huo Wu's strong on the outside but weak on the inside appearance, and his earlier daze gradually faded. "Isn't this pace a bit too fast?"
"Is it fast?" Huo Wu blinked, then stiffened her neck and said, "When you like someone, are you supposed to wait for it to slowly brew? When I, Huo Wu, do things, I always act the moment I think of it!"
She spoke with great confidence, but the tips of her ears turned even redder, and her gaze couldn't help but drift elsewhere, no longer daring to look Xu Yuan in the eye.
Xu Yuan looked at Huo Wu's duplicitous behavior, reached out his hand, and gently brushed away a strand of red hair that the wind had blown across her cheek.
Huo Wu's body instantly froze, and her breath hitched. She felt as if the place Xu Yuan touched was on fire, the heat making her heart race in confusion.
"Then..." Xu Yuan's voice sounded, carrying a hint of a smile, "shall we give it a try first?"