Close Combat
Anping made a decision without consulting the others. Rising from his seat, he exited the classroom, making his way toward the academy library.
While his cultivation was progressing smoothly, the art of alchemy remained a sluggish endeavor. Alchemy, a complex craft involving the analysis, transformation, and application of substances by wizards, was considered a sub-profession.
Creating potions and magical items demanded specific materials, not easily procured and requiring funds. Anping lacked a steady income, relying solely on the Spirit Tower's subsidy for spirit masters. As a second-level mecha designer, valuable tasks were elusive.
Balancing a handful of library books, Anping headed back to the dormitory with his student ID card in hand.
On the way, as he passed the teaching building, he coincidentally encountered Xie Xie and Tang Wulin emerging from the premises.
Xie Xie couldn't hide his excitement upon spotting Anping. "Anping, Tang Wulin and I are heading to Eastsea Park for another round of sparring. Want to join? We'll have our own duel afterward."
Anping, however, declined with a shake of his head. "You go ahead; I'm not into constant fighting like you."
"But you're a level 23 spirit grandmaster; facing my level 18 spirit master won't be a challenge," Xie Xie insisted, hoping to ignite Anping's interest.
Anping remained unfazed. "You don't need to use levels to sway me. If I'm not interested, I'm not interested."
With newfound maturity, Anping walked away without glancing back, leaving Xie Xie to sigh and turn to Tang Wulin. "Let's go," he said, resigned.
The following day at Eastsea Academy's restaurant, Anping observed Xie Xie persistently urging Tang Wulin for another duel, while Tang Wulin, uninterested and focused on his meal, displayed a look of mild disgust. Shaking his head gently, Anping couldn't help but observe the scene unfolding before him.
"Hey, fancy another round with me? I'll treat you to a meal," Xie Xie proposed.
"Really?" Tang Wulin, never one to resist the allure of food, especially one rumored to enhance both physical fitness and cultivation, eagerly agreed.
"Absolutely!"
"But only if you can control yourself," Tang Wulin's eyes sparkled.
Xie Xie, with a hint of disdain, remarked, "If you're still hungry after, eat as much as you want. I've heard you're quite the eater; I want to see it for myself."
"Deal!" Tang Wulin readily agreed.
After finalizing their arrangement, Xie Xie, struck with an idea, hurried over to Anping, patting him on the shoulder. "How about a spar with me? I'll treat you to a meal, a special one."
Anping, swallowing his food, replied, "No, not interested."
With Anping declining once again, Xie Xie reluctantly turned to Tang Wulin to fulfill his promised meal and friendly duel.
Xie Xie stared in disbelief as Tang Wulin devoured over a dozen portions of the first meal and still showed enthusiasm for more. "Tang Wulin, are you even human? I've never seen someone eat like this before."
Tang Wulin, slightly embarrassed, suggested, "Maybe I should stop. I won't eat anymore."
"Eat! Why stop? You've already insulted my physique; I can't let you insult my character too," Xie Xie declared fiercely.
"Oh, by the way, I've been wondering about Anping. Even treating him to dinner won't convince him to spar with me. Any idea why?" Xie Xie's curiosity about Anping lingered.
Tang Wulin pondered for a moment before responding, "I'm not sure. Maybe he just wants to avoid trouble. In our three years at the junior academy, I've never seen him seek conflict."
"Really? Any idea what he's into? He can't be completely devoid of desires at his age, right?"
"He has a particular fondness for something—books! His martial spirit is related to books, so that's likely his passion."
"Ah, I see," Xie Xie mused thoughtfully.
The classroom buzzed with anticipation as class time approached.
Wu Zhangkong entered, his cool demeanor commanding attention as he ascended the podium. "Starting today, classes commence officially. Most of your lessons will be under my guidance. Stand up, follow me," he declared.
With hands in his pockets, Wu Zhangkong led the way, and in the wake of his cold presence, silence enveloped the students. Obediently, they followed him to the college playground, where he instructed them to form two rows.
Surveying the attentive students, he announced, "Unlike other classes, your first lesson today involves showcasing your combat prowess. I'll serve as the referee, overseeing one-on-one battles in a single-elimination system."
His gaze fell on Anping, who stood alone. "Anping, you have a bye in the first round. You'll advance directly to the next stage," he stated in a deep voice.
Anping, being at level 23, faced no protests regarding his advancement. However, a girl raised her hand and questioned, "Teacher Wu, I'm an auxiliary weapon spirit master. Do I have to participate in actual combat?"
In response to the objection, Wu Zhangkong's cold voice cut through the air. "If you're on the battlefield and tell the enemy you're an auxiliary weapon spirit master, do you think they'll let you off?"
Without further acknowledgment of the girl, Wu Zhangkong pointed at Tang Wulin. "Get ready now, starting from your side."
Disregarding Tang Wulin and Zhou Changxi, who were debating their strength, Wu Zhangkong directed everyone to spread out and form a circle around the statue.
"From this moment, there are no rules. Use any means to defeat your opponent."
With those words, Zhou Changxi and Tang Wulin stepped into the center, facing each other as the class awaited the commencement of the unbridled combat.
Following Wu Zhangkong's directive, Zhou Changxi's martial spirit enveloped him, summoning a white spirit ring that emitted a radiant glow. The first soul skill's power surged, blessing his body as he swiftly charged toward Tang Wulin.
In a few steps, Zhou Changxi reached Tang Wulin, attempting to grab his shoulders and throw him down. However, Tang Wulin retaliated with a resounding bang, striking Zhou Changxi's hands with both fists, sending him stumbling backward. Undeterred, Tang Wulin stood up and delivered another punch, swiftly knocking Zhou Changxi down once more.
"Stop! You're out," Wu Zhangkong declared, signaling Zhou Changxi's defeat. He then turned his attention to Tang Wulin. "Why didn't you use your martial soul?"
"He wanted to compete in strength," Tang Wulin explained.
"Are you going to follow his lead blindly? In every battle, treat it as if you're on the battlefield. Defeating your opponent is the only goal. Whether facing a lion or a rabbit, go all out and don't give them the slightest chance. Prepare for the next round," Wu Zhangkong advised sternly.
Tang Wulin approached with a hint of frustration, his head lowered.
"Next match."
The second bout featured Xie Xie facing off against Yun Xiao. As expected, Yun Xiao, an auxiliary spirit master, succumbed to defeat.
With the first round concluded, Wu Zhangkong's scolding left almost everyone feeling chastened.
"In the second round, you get a bye. You, and you," he gestured towards a girl who had faltered, then pointed to Anping and a boy named Tao Liufan.
Anping, unfamiliar with Tao Liufan, took his place in the middle, ready to face his opponent. He released his martial soul, summoning two yellow spirit rings. A white bird emerged, circling around Anping.
Tao Liufan, a robust young man, possessed a martial spirit in the form of a willow tree. As he summoned his spirit, willow sticks emerged from his hands.
"Begin!" Wu Zhangkong commanded, initiating the match between Anping and Tao Liufan.
Following Wu Zhangkong's order, Anping adeptly conjured a magic barrier.
Observing Tao Liufan's first spirit ring illuminate and willow branches advancing, Anping stepped back swiftly. Simultaneously, he tapped into his magical power to weave the next spell—a second-level magic wall of fire.
Successfully constructing the spell model, the air's fire elements surged, giving rise to a wall of flames surrounding Tao Liufan. The intense heat permeated the area.
Attempting to navigate through the fiery barrier, Tao Liufan's wicker withered and drooped upon nearing the flames.
Seizing the moment, Anping halted his retreat and swiftly cast another spell—the first-level magic fireball. A substantial fireball shot towards Tao Liufan.
"Stop! Anping wins," Wu Zhangkong intervened, summoning a blue sword to disperse the fireball. He then turned his gaze to Anping. "You didn't use a spirit skill, did you? Can you enlighten me about your martial spirit?"
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