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Just as Xiao Xiao had formally joined Yuwen Tuo and solidified their relationship, inside Ning Tian's dormitory, Mu Jin was tending to the injuries of the three girls.
Ning Tian's status was unique—she was the current heir of the Nine-Treasures Glass Sect. Since she was enrolled in Mu Jin's class, the teacher naturally paid close attention to her well-being. Even minor injuries warranted her utmost concern.
"Teacher, we're only lightly injured. There's no need to worry so much," Ning Tian said calmly. In truth, she hadn't sustained any physical wounds at all—only her soul power had been depleted.
"Who says that? That handsome guy really went all out. He actually grazed my skin—it might even leave a scar. If it does, I'll make him take responsibility for my entire life!" Nanmen Yun'er said playfully, covering her cheek with an exaggerated blush.
"Yun'er, your scheming is loud enough for even the old patriarch of our sect to hear," Ning Tian retorted, flipping over Nanmen Yun'er's wrist. "But don't worry, with the spiritual medicine of our Nine-Treasures Glass Sect, I guarantee not even a trace will remain."
Nanmen Yun'er frowned. "Oh come on, Ning Tian, are you still my bestie? I rarely like someone, and here you are ruining my chances!"
Mu Jin had also finished applying ointment to Wu Feng. Her injuries were minimal—a slight bruise where Yuwen Tuo's blade had struck her. The medicine would ensure it healed quickly.
After putting her clothes back on, Wu Feng remarked, "That Yuwen Tuo is truly remarkable. I, Wu Feng, rarely admire anyone, but his blade techniques are extraordinary. His attacks are bold and sweeping yet precise in defense. I exchanged over ten moves with him. Even under the dual amplification of Dragon's Fury and the Seven Treasures Glass Pagoda, which gave me superior physical attributes, I couldn't find a single opening to counterattack."
Since Yuwen Tuo hadn't inflicted any serious harm on Ning Tian (as opposed to Huo Yuhao in the original storyline), and Ning Tian herself acknowledged defeat gracefully, this proud woman didn't harbor any hostility toward Yuwen Tuo—unlike her feelings toward Huo Yuhao in the past.
"You and Yun'er fought together against him for twelve exchanges," Mu Jin stated matter-of-factly, having observed the match closely as their teacher. "Apart from the first exchange, where Wu Feng and Yun'er attacked first and he blocked, the remaining eleven moves were entirely his offense versus your defense. I can say without hesitation—you stood no chance against him. The same likely applies to the other two Soul Honors teams. Zhou Yi is incredibly fortunate to have such a talented student. I originally wanted to recruit Yuwen Tuo into my own class, but she outmaneuvered me—and even won a piece of soul bone from me. By now, that soul bone has probably already been handed to Yuwen Tuo. Well, giving such a treasure to a genius like him isn't an insult."
Mu Jin's reasoning was logical; she assumed the soul bone Zhou Yi won would naturally go to Yuwen Tuo, given that it was part of his victory. However, unbeknownst to her, Zhou Yi had already decided to gift the soul bone to Huo Yuhao instead.
"By the way, Ning Tian, why don't we try recruiting Yuwen Tuo into our sect?" Nanmen Yun'er suggested enthusiastically.
"It's worth a shot. A talent like him could become a Title Douluo within forty years and protect our sect for at least a century," Ning Tian nodded. As the young mistress of the sect, attracting talented individuals was one of her responsibilities.
"However, I've heard rumors that Yuwen Tuo may have some connection with the inner academy of Shrek's. We should investigate further before making a move. Although our sect has maintained friendly relations with Shrek's Academy for thousands of years, we mustn't offend the inner academy recklessly."
The night passed amidst intense discussions. After just one day of competition, most of the new students had been eliminated. On the second day, only sixteen teams remained—forty-eight freshmen in total. These were the cream of the crop among the new recruits. In fact, they were arguably some of the finest soul masters of their age across the entire continent.
During the draw for the round of sixteen, Yuwen Tuo unexpectedly drew Huo Yuhao's team.
It was ironic—meeting the protagonist's team so soon.
To be honest, for Yuwen Tuo, facing Huo Yuhao's team would be far easier than dealing with Ning Tian's team the previous day. The million-year soul ring sealed within Huo Yuhao posed no threat to him.
Moreover, when comparing soul rings, Yuwen Tuo instinctively thought of the one resting on his second martial spirit—the Xuan Yuan Sword. This soul ring was a gift left by his master, and its potential was unimaginable.
Originally yellow, the ring had turned purple after Yuwen Tuo obtained his second ring. Clearly, this soul ring grew stronger alongside its wielder. Its true limits were beyond estimation—even Yuwen Tuo himself couldn't fully grasp its power.
Although it was currently only at the thousand-year level, it was only a matter of time before it surpassed Huo Yuhao's million-year soul ring.
"Heh, how amusing," Mu Jin said mockingly. "Zhou Yi, the two teams from your class that made it to the elimination rounds are already turning on each other."
"Turning on each other? Humph, Mu Jin, you always fail to see the positive side. In my view, regardless of which team wins, our class will still have a representative advancing to the top eight," Zhou Yi replied coolly.
Though she appeared composed, Zhou Yi was secretly anxious. While her words seemed impartial, she inwardly hoped that Huo Yuhao's team would emerge victorious.
She had initially believed there was no cause for concern. With Huo Yuhao's unparalleled support abilities and Wang Dong's formidable offensive prowess, they were nearly unmatched at the same level.
However, yesterday's battle between Xiao Xiao and Yuwen Tuo proved otherwise. Their seamless teamwork and Yuwen Tuo's overwhelming combat skills shocked everyone. Zhou Yi couldn't help but worry that Huo Yuhao might lose to Yuwen Tuo.
Unconsciously, she clenched her fists tightly. "Yuhao, you must give it your all…"
As the duel began, both teams stepped onto the stage, exchanging formal greetings before taking their positions.
"Yuwen, please instruct us!" Huo Yuhao declared seriously, showing no hint of underestimating Yuwen Tuo. After all, this was the man whom Tian Meng had personally identified as possessing greater mental strength than himself.
"Let's go!" Yuwen Tuo activated his first soul ring, summoning the fiery blade—Yan Shi Zhi Ren—into his hand.
The light of attack amplification from the Ruyi Disk followed closely behind.
"Spirit Detection! Spirit Sharing!" Huo Yuhao unleashed his signature abilities.
When combined, these two skills provided an almost godlike perspective, allowing his teammates to anticipate every move Yuwen Tuo made.
Confidence radiated from Huo Yuhao's team. No matter how intricate Yuwen Tuo's Blade Dance was, every action was laid bare before them. What could he possibly achieve?
In place of Xiao Xiao, who had been replaced in today's lineup, was a burly man whose martial spirit was a bear—not a high-tier variant like the Mighty Golden Bear, but even an ordinary bear wouldn't lack in strength. Moreover, this individual was also a two-ring soul master with two hundred-year soul rings, specializing in defense.
Meanwhile, Xiao Xiao took out her Nine Phoenix Salute Flute and began playing the same melody as the day before.
Yuwen Tuo seized the initiative, launching a diagonal slash aimed upward at Wang Dong.
"First Soul Skill: Wing Guillotine!" Wang Dong's Radiant Butterfly Goddess was renowned as the most beautiful martial spirit on the continent, thanks largely to its radiant wings. These wings were not only a source of beauty but also the foundation of her martial spirit's power.
Her wings transformed into razor-sharp blades comparable to Yuwen Tuo's fiery blade, clashing fiercely with his attack.
"Yuwen Tuo," Wang Dong declared confidently, "you and I have always been referred to as the twin stars of Class One. Today, let's settle once and for all who truly deserves to be number one!"