With a sharp bang, the tip of the Dou Qi sword collided with the end of the long whip, sending sparks flying everywhere.
Xiao Tian seized the momentum and parried, deflecting the whip to the side. Instructor Ruo Lin's wrist flicked gracefully, and the long whip followed like a shadow, relentlessly pursuing him. Xiao Tian's footwork was intricate and unpredictable. His long sword danced like the wind as he desperately fended off the attacks. In an instant, the two exchanged more than a dozen blows.
Just then, Ruo Lin spotted a tiny flaw in Xiao Tian's defense. The long whip coiled back like a spiritual snake, aiming to wrap around his weapon. Xiao Tian's heart jolted. He quickly retreated while pulling his sword back to defend. The whip instantly coiled around the sword's shaft, trying to snatch it away.
Xiao Tian dispersed his energy at the perfect moment, causing the whip to lose its grip and fall. Immediately after, he flashed forward, clenching his fist as a flaming lotus bloomed in his palm and shot toward Instructor Ruo Lin.
"Flame Lotus!"
Seeing the sword suddenly vanish and a Dou Technique flying at her, Ruo Lin's pretty face showed a trace of surprise. She extended her slender hand and rotated it slightly. A small, water-like vortex condensed in her palm to block the attack. Their palms and fists finally collided.
Boom!
Two streams of energy exploded upon impact. Both Xiao Tian and Ruo Lin were forced back several steps.
Instructor Ruo Lin looked at Xiao Tian with a smile. "Little genius, it seems I underestimated you."
"What will surprise the instructor even more is yet to come." Xiao Tian shook his slightly numb hand, lightly tapped the ground with his foot, and shot forward again.
"Flame Blast!"
As the roar echoed in his heart, he continuously gathered heaven-and-earth energy and Dou Qi into his palm, forming a blazing ball the size of a football.
Looking at the terrifying flaming sphere, Ruo Lin's smile faded. Her expression turned serious. She extended her delicate hand, and the long blue whip immediately wrapped around her slender arm. Light blue Dou Qi erupted from the whip, forming a giant three-to-four-meter-long water snake that struck toward Xiao Tian.
"This is Instructor Ruo Lin's signature move — Profound-rank Mid-grade: Water Mandala. It seems she wants to end the battle quickly and teach Xiao Tian a lesson," Xue Ni said, shaking her head as she watched the giant water snake.
"But Xiao Tian's flaming ball also looks extremely terrifying. The outcome is still uncertain. If any of us were hit by either of those Dou Techniques, we'd probably be reduced to dust," Xiao Yu sighed helplessly from the side.
BOOM!
The giant water snake and the flaming ball collided violently, emitting a blinding white light. A thunderous roar erupted across the plaza, deafening everyone. As the energy slowly dissipated, a circular deep-green giant shield gradually faded at the center of the explosion, revealing Xiao Tian breathing heavily.
He had suffered the disadvantage of not being able to release Dou Qi attacks freely before reaching Great Dou Master, so he could only stay at the center and use the Infant Fallen Heart Flame to protect himself at the moment of impact.
Xiao Tian knew very well that the usually gentle-as-water Instructor Ruo Lin had not used her full strength.
"Instructor Ruo Lin, twenty rounds have passed. My leave…" Xiao Tian adjusted his breathing slightly.
"Since you met my requirements, I naturally approve your leave," Instructor Ruo Lin said, rolling her eyes at him helplessly.
"Thank you, Instructor."
Xiao Tian smiled. Seeing the spar was over, Xiao Xun'er quickly came over to support him, her small hands checking him all over for injuries. "Brother Xiao Tian, how are you? Are you hurt anywhere?"
"I'm fine, perfectly fine, not a scratch. Don't worry." Xiao Tian affectionately stroked Xun'er's head, then took her soft hand in his.
Next was Xiao Yan's turn. With Yao Lao's secret help and Instructor Ruo Lin deliberately holding back, his leave was also approved without much difficulty.
"You two really give me a headache," Ruo Lin said softly, shaking her head. "I'll be busy once I return to the academy. Alright, today's recruitment ends here. We will continue recruiting in the city for the remaining seven days."
Afterward, Xiao Yu invited Instructor Ruo Lin and the female students to stay at the Xiao Family. The male students, not receiving an invitation, dejectedly packed their things and returned to the reception area.
Xiao Zhan and the three Great Elders, upon learning that instructors and students from Jia Nan Academy would be staying at the Xiao Family, quickly arranged for servants to prepare a grand banquet and rushed to the main gate to welcome them.
Through Xiao Yu's introductions, both sides got to know each other. Empty rooms were quickly arranged, and Xiao Yu personally led the guests on a tour. The Xiao Family entertained them with the highest standards, and the banquet conversation was lively and pleasant.
After the Jia Nan Academy members were escorted back to their rooms to rest, Xiao Zhan called for Xiao Tian and Xiao Yan.
"I heard you two are taking a year's leave to go out and train?"
"Yes, Father," both replied.
"You've grown up now and have your own principles and decisions. Fledgling eagles will one day spread their wings and soar. A good man's ambition lies in the four directions, so I won't stop you. When you're outside, remember to be extra careful. If you have the chance, you can visit Stone Desert City on the border. Your eldest and second brothers established a mercenary group called Mo Tie there, and it's become quite a decent force locally."
"Father, you must also take care of yourself. When we return next time, Xiao Yan Zi and I might just shock you with our strength!"
"Hahaha, good! Then I'll be waiting." Xiao Zhan patted both sons' shoulders with a contented smile.
That night, the three father and sons sat on the steps and chatted for a long time. Watching his sons grow into promising young men, Xiao Zhan's smile never faded, dispelling much of the sadness of parting.
As dawn approached, Xiao Tian and Xiao Yan bid farewell to their father and walked along the small path back to the courtyards.
"Tian Ge, where do you plan to train during your leave?"
"I plan to go to Qingshan Town. I heard there are many mercenaries there, so I'll gain some real experience. What about you?"
"I plan to head to the Magical Beast Mountain Range. I'll see if there are any opportunities there. After all, there isn't much time left until the three-year agreement, and if I follow the usual routine, it might be difficult to defeat her."
"Then let's work hard together. We'll meet at the peak."
Both carried their own secrets and would walk different paths, but their goal was the same — to stand at the pinnacle of this world.
After parting with Xiao Yan, Xiao Tian arrived at Xun'er's courtyard and knocked gently.
Xun'er stepped out, her eyes already showing reluctance. "Brother Xiao Tian, are you preparing to leave?"
"Yes. I'm leaving tomorrow."
Seeing her sad expression, Xiao Tian pulled her into a warm embrace. "Don't worry, Xun'er. In one year, I will come to Jia Nan Academy to find you."
"Xun'er knows… Xun'er will always wait for Brother Xiao Tian."
Xiao Tian kissed her forehead gently. "Let's go. I'll take you out for one last stroll."
That day, Xiao Tian took Xiao Xun'er and explored every corner of Wu Tan City. With his earlier promise and wholehearted companionship, much of the sadness of parting faded from Xun'er's face.
The next morning.
After finishing packing, Xiao Tian looked around the room he had lived in for over a decade, feeling a wave of loneliness and reluctance. He shook his head, casting off the melancholy, closed the door firmly, and strode away.
Laughing heartily, I step out — how can my generation be mere weeds?
Dressed in a black cloak, Xiao Tian left the Xiao Family and headed straight for the Mitel Auction House.