Chapter 202: Cloud Pattern Hand Advancement
After a long exhale, Dai Yao looked intently at the swirling cloud pattern on his hand.
Cloud Pattern Hand was a skill he created by breaking down his first spirit ability, White Tiger Barrier, into small light fragments that then formed a protective pattern. Though the defense area had shrunk, the defensive power had greatly intensified. A single cloud pattern could easily shield him from a Spirit Ancestor's attack; with two, he could withstand strikes from even a Spirit King.
Whenever struck, the cloud pattern deflected the force with incredible ease, absorbing part of the impact and allowing Dai Yao's palm to harness even greater amounts of spirit power.
"When I defeated Tang San before, I relied on poison. But that trick will only work once—if I face him in the solo matches of the finals, I'll need a more solid way to beat him," he thought. "Using my second spirit is out of the question for now, and White Tiger Thunderstrike won't hold up against the constant blows of his Disorder Wind Hammer technique. Its power is enough to suppress Tang San temporarily, but as the number of strikes increases, it won't secure a win."
Dai Yao's brow furrowed. "The Rending Claw from the Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear's left arm bone can match the strength of a Spirit Emperor, but even that can't guarantee victory. Facing Tang San demands utmost caution."
Aware that his external spirit bones would attract even more attention, Dai Yao resolved to save the Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear's left arm bone for when he reached Spirit City. That left only his continually compressed Eight Extremes Collapse technique.
Gazing at his clenched fist, Dai Yao's eyes glinted with determination.
"At my current level, I can compress Eight Extremes Collapse to sixfold strength, roughly equivalent to 36 times the force of the initial level. Tang San's Disorder Wind Hammer technique has reached 48 consecutive strikes, though. Even if I increase to sevenfold compression with White Tiger Eight Wings, which is around 49 times the force, I'd only have a slight advantage," he calculated. "But punching barehanded against the solid Clear Sky Hammer is like smashing an egg against a rock."
"Even with Cloud Pattern Hand, I still can't withstand an attack of that magnitude. If I want to win, I'll need to upgrade Cloud Pattern Hand to a higher level." He considered his options. "If one pattern isn't enough, I'll create two; if two aren't enough, I'll make three."
With his plan clear, he retrieved a herb called Golden Geng Grass from his Hundred Treasure Pouch. It was shaped like a sword, holding a trace of metallic energy, or "Geng Gold," as the Tang Sect's manual described it. By ingesting it, he could use this energy to temper his body, though it couldn't compare to the miraculous effects of immortal herbs. Yet Golden Geng Grass served as the catalyst for the medicine already in Dai Yao's body from the celestial herb, Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum.
After preparing himself, Dai Yao took a deep breath. "The time to advance has come."
Without hesitation, he swallowed the Golden Geng Grass. As it dissolved in his throat, a sharp energy began coursing through his veins. In the powerful channels of his body, though, this energy seemed insignificant, like a mere spark. With calm resolve, he circulated his spirit power and activated his fourth spirit ring. Soon, faint violet lightning appeared, blending with the metallic energy as he directed both around his body.
Soon, a gentle, white light emerged, cocooning him and driving the medicinal power of the Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum out of his bones and tissues.
"Finally, the medicinal effects of the Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum are surfacing," Dai Yao thought, feeling his body flush with warmth. The white light moved to his palm, merging to form another cloud pattern.
The second cloud pattern was complete!
More than that, the white light continued gathering, attempting to create a third cloud pattern.
"This is a lucky surprise," Dai Yao thought with excitement. "If I can form a third, I'll reach the level of eightfold spirit power compression with Eight Extremes Collapse."
But as he watched, the third pattern faltered, scattering before it could solidify.
"Seems like Cloud Pattern Hand's potential is far beyond this. Still, two patterns should be enough for now. With them, I can safely compress Eight Extremes Collapse to sevenfold strength." Dai Yao clenched his fist, his resolve firm.
"Tang San, prepare to taste defeat."
The following days were calm for Dai Yao. To ensure his team stayed focused on their goal, Principal Jackson took the Oakland team to a dedicated spirit beast forest owned by the academy. Unlike the main spirit beast forests, the creatures here were only around 3,000 years old.
This wasn't meant as a trial; instead, Jackson sought to shield them from the growing distractions at the academy. Having secured first place in the preliminaries, Oakland was celebrating fervently, and Jackson knew that for his students to stay sharp, a change of environment was essential.
During the training, Dai Yao had a memorable moment when he sparred against the newly advanced Dai Yuan Yi, who had insisted on a duel after obtaining his fourth spirit ring. Dai Yao didn't even use a single spirit skill, leaving Yuan Yi speechless.
Jackson, meanwhile, engaged the others in regular battles to sharpen their skills, though Dai Yao was excluded due to his unique abilities. His teammates alternated between admiration and envy as they watched him sit unscathed while they endured countless training bouts.
As the month passed swiftly, the time for the qualifying tournament arrived.
The qualifying rounds were held in the Royal Hunting Grounds, with no spectators allowed. Among the participants from the Heaven Dou Empire, only fifteen teams remained, excluding the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy team that had been granted direct entry.
Five teams had emerged victorious from within Heaven Dou Empire's borders, while the remaining ten came from neighboring kingdoms and duchies. These teams were the best of the best, and with the format shifting to one-on-one matches with no eliminations, the competition would reach a new level of intensity and ferocity.
"Are they here to compete or just on a noble's vacation?" Some students snickered, eyeing the entourage, particularly noting the three beautiful women by Dai Yao's side. Jealousy simmered as they whispered, "Those girls must be using their looks to cozy up to men and tag along in the tournament."
"That guy's probably just another spoiled noble brat with a bit of power," sneered one of the girls from the Botany Academy, her words dripping with contempt.
Hearing this, the normally calm Oakland team went icy.
Dugu Yan, twisting her lithe form with an elegant smirk, glanced at the Botany Academy students and responded, "Please! Even if you wanted to cling to my man, you don't have what it takes!"
"You...!" The captain of Botany Academy clenched her teeth, her eyes filled with fury. "We're not shameless like you!"
Dugu Yan only laughed, ignoring their bitterness. Other academies who had previously fought Oakland couldn't help but feel pity for Botany Academy. After all, those who crossed Dai Yao, like the Thunder Academy, had paid dearly, facing ruthless injuries. Botany Academy was bound for a similar fate.
Tensions between the teams only grew fiercer, and the showdown on the battle stage was inevitable.
"Captain, I'd like to go first," said Feng Wutong, her eyes flashing with determination.
Feng Qianli, the captain, nodded with a smile. Botany Academy's attitude had annoyed him too. "Wutong, give them a good lesson for us," said Luo Feng and the others, who nodded in encouragement.
The next match: Oakland vs. Botany Academy.
"Thirsty," Dai Yao commented, suddenly feeling parched. He was just about to find some water when Feng Wutong offered him a warm cup, ready in her hands.
"Thank you."
"It's my duty," she said with a gentle smile.
Across the field, Botany Academy's team had already gathered on the stage. Seeing their opponent serve tea to her captain, their eyes filled with outrage.
"Are you here to fight or what?" Botany Academy's Soul Master shouted impatiently as Feng Wutong calmly finished serving tea, only then leaping gracefully onto the stage.
"Well, well, so this 'genius Soul Master' is nothing more than someone else's servant?" sneered one of the Botany Academy's Spirit Ancestors.
"And what if I am?" Feng Wutong's polite demeanor faded, her gaze turning sharp and icy, a powerful presence radiating from her that caused the Botany Academy Soul Master to falter in surprise.
"You'll pay for what you've said," she declared coldly. Insulting her was one thing, but mocking Dai Yao had crossed the line.
"Show me what you've got then."
With a signal from the referee, both sides unleashed their martial spirits simultaneously. The Botany Academy Spirit Ancestor watched in shock as white flames enveloped Feng Wutong, transforming her into a regal, avian form. Her spirit rings—yellow, yellow, purple, purple—were the ideal configuration, leaving her opponent stunned.
The spectators, including the Shrek team and the three Elemental Academies, were equally shocked. They remembered Feng Wutong's strength even as a Spirit Elder, managing to go toe-to-toe with Spirit Ancestors. Now, with her promotion to Spirit Ancestor, her power must be even more terrifying.
Other teams, even those who hadn't witnessed her prowess before, watched in awe, sensing the overwhelming aura that none of their own teammates could match.
As Feng Wutong's spirit activated, an aura of nobility surrounded her, akin to a queen bathed in flames. Her stunning features, highlighted by her form-fitting robe, captivated the spectators, many of whom stared in admiration.
Without even acknowledging the other side, she unleashed her Vermilion Bird Domain, causing the temperature around her to rise sharply.
Watching the temperature rise, Ning Fengzhi and Dustheart exchanged a surprised look. "A domain?" Dustheart muttered, visibly moved. "Oakland's team includes someone who can use a domain—what remarkable talent!"
Ning Fengzhi's eyes were thoughtful, recalling his past observations. Both Zhu Zhuqing and now Feng Wutong had domains, and both had some connection with Dai Yao, causing Ning Fengzhi to glance at him with renewed interest.
Salas, on the other hand, looked reinvigorated. The talents around Dai Yao could easily match those of the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation.
Feng Wutong's first spirit ring flared, releasing a white-hot stream of flames that forced the Botany Academy Spirit Ancestor to summon a barrier of vines to defend herself. In seconds, however, the vines turned to ash as the flames consumed them, engulfing the Spirit Ancestor.
A single move—instant defeat.
The entire arena fell silent as spectators stared, slack-jawed at Feng Wutong. Her beauty had drawn their attention, but now her power commanded their respect.
Even with attributes in her favor, no one had expected such overwhelming dominance. The Vermilion Bird martial spirit's potency was unquestionable. Even the top-tier Evil Fire Phoenix had struggled against it, let alone the plant-based Soul Masters from Botany Academy.
"Next," Feng Wutong's icy voice rang out, breaking the silence.
Seeing their teammate defeated, the remaining Botany Academy members were incensed, determined to avenge her.
"I'll go!" shouted a woman with a hibiscus on her head, leaping onto the stage. Moments later, she too was defeated by a single burst of white flames from Feng Wutong.
In less than a minute, six members of Botany Academy lay sprawled outside the ring, all taken down by Feng Wutong's first spirit ability alone. The crowd couldn't help but wonder—could she take down all seven in one go?
The Botany Academy captain clenched her teeth, desperate to avoid the humiliation of a complete sweep. She finally realized her earlier taunts against Oakland had been a grave mistake, and now, regardless of the cost, she needed to at least end the match with a draw to save face.
After three breaths, she was knocked off the stage, struggling to her feet as she looked up at Feng Wutong in disbelief. "How? My martial spirit, Scarlet Thorn, has fire resistance—yet I couldn't stop your flames!"
Feng Wutong, though slightly winded after using her first three spirit skills in quick succession, merely cast a cold glance at her opponent. Vermilion Bird Sacred Flame couldn't be countered by ordinary fire resistance alone.
The silence in the arena was eerie.
One versus seven.
A feat of one-versus-seven was achieved on the very first day of the qualifying round, leaving all the academies from the Heaven Dou Empire astonished.
Under the gaze of hundreds, Feng Wutong stepped off the stage, the aloof power of her presence melting into a gentle expression as she moved to stand behind Dai Yao, appearing as deferential as a maid.
Witnessing this, countless admirers felt their hopes dashed to pieces.
The same girl who had just single-handedly defeated seven was now standing by Dai Yao's side, a look of quiet devotion.
Unfazed by the envious glares, Dai Yao took a sip of his tea and commented, "Not bad—the tea's still warm."
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