Chapter 457: Narrow minded Dai Huabin Part Three
On the Soul Battle Platform
Huo Yu'er stared coldly at Dai Huabin before her. Although she had long given up any hope for someone from such a despicable family, she couldn't believe he had the nerve to threaten her over such a petty reason. This was something she could never forgive.
Many of her classmates from Class One came to watch, having also grown frustrated with Dai Huabin's arrogant behavior. Unlike most of the class, he rarely showed humility despite everyone's impressive family backgrounds. Now they were eager to see him put in his place by the strongest member of the class.
At the sidelines, Wufeng scoffed, taunting Zhu Lu, who was silently watching, "So, Zhu Lu, what's your dear Dai Huabin's plan here? Are you two going to try that Fusion Skill again? Couldn't even beat her with that last time, so what's he thinking? Huo Yu'er agreed way too easily; you have any clue why?"
Zhu Lu shot her a sidelong glance but didn't answer. It wasn't that she feared Wufeng herself but rather the influential figure standing behind her Ning Tian. Compared to the declining White Tiger Duke clan, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was at the height of its power, with no nation daring to challenge it.
The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had become adept at managing resources and influence, a fact not lost on Ning Tian, who watched the scene with great interest. As the sect's most promising heir, she had long understood the path her life was likely to take.
Initially, Ning Tian had even considered introducing her cousins to Huo Yu'er, potentially bringing her into the sect. A first spirit ring as a mere ten year spirit ring was hardly a deterrent. After all, the sect valued potential over beginnings; anything that could be useful was welcomed a central tenet of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Besides, Ning Tian, unlike common soul masters, knew the true worth of a Body Martial Soul. Huo Yu'er was a rough gem that would shine in time.
Still, she mused with a graceful smile, "This is intriguing. I wonder how the Body Sect will react to Huo Yu'er joining this Tianxing Sect. Not that it's any concern of ours at the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. We can just sit back and enjoy the show."
Meanwhile, on the Soul Battle Platform, the referee signaled the start.
"First Soul Skill: White Tiger Shield!"
"Third Soul Skill: White Tiger Vajra Transformation!"
Dai Huabin activated his two reinforcement skills in quick succession. It was the traditional approach used by his family for over ten thousand years. While some might consider it old fashioned, the White Tiger Duke family had developed powerful techniques. Instead of opting for purely offensive skills in the early stages, two of their first three skills bolstered defensive and physical strength.
The second skill made up for the Evil Eyed White Tiger's limited range attacks, while the martial soul itself provided great close combat power.
The Evil Eyed White Tiger wasn't the continent's strongest beast spirit, but within its category, it was formidable. Dai Huabin wasn't like his forebear Dai Mubai, who had relied on unrefined brawling techniques due to his laziness and undisciplined nature.
No, Dai Huabin had received an elite education from a young age. Close combat fighting was his specialty. In the original timeline, he was able to tear apart thousand year soul beasts with his bare hands while still at the three ring stage proof that his martial soul was anything but weak.
As Dai Huabin lunged at her, Huo Yu'er frowned slightly before activating her own martial soul. A white and a yellow ring circled her, their modest appearance failing to reflect her true strength.
Ye Wen had taught her that understanding one's enemy was critical for victory. Huo Yu'er knew Dai Huabin's attack patterns all too well.
How dull, Huo Yu'er thought as she watched him charge. If that's all he's got, how did he muster the courage to challenge me?
Still, she didn't let her guard down; another of her teacher's lessons came to mind: Even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit.
"Second Soul Skill: Holy Eyes!"
"First Soul Skill: Spiritual Detection!"
A surge of clarity washed over her as her mind sharpened. Every unnecessary thought vanished, leaving only focus and precision. Her hands formed into the strikes of Flowing Water Rock Shattering Fist, each motion neutralizing Dai Huabin's attacks with flawless timing.
It didn't take long for Huo Yu'er to sense something unusual. Dai Huabin seemed focused on using only his enhanced physical strength, conserving his soul power rather than channeling it into attacks.
Does he really think he can win by wearing me down? She scoffed inwardly, feeling underestimated.
Her gaze turned icy. Did he think I was some soul master with no background? She had endured her master's grueling training and honed a body tempered to withstand immense hardship.
Meanwhile, Dai Huabin's frustration grew. He had known of her strength but had not expected her skills to reach this level. Even the elite combat techniques passed down through his family hadn't been able to overpower her.
And yet, Huo Yu'er's moves remained defensive; her combination move the one she'd used in their last encounter to shatter his Fusion Skill never surfaced.
A trace of anxiety crept into Dai Huabin's expression. Observing his reaction, Huo Yu'er smiled, seeing right through his plan. So that's what he's hiding, she thought but decided to play along, confident in her ability to outlast him.
Suddenly, Dai Huabin's eyes gleamed with a sinister glint.
"Second Soul Skill: White Tiger Light Wave!"
With a powerful glow, his second ring lit up, releasing a potent wave of soul power aimed directly at Huo Yu'er's face.
This wasn't a blow that Flowing Water Rock Shattering Fist could deflect. Instinctively, Huo Yu'er leaped back, activating her Iron Stance skill to fortify her body.
The soul power wave hit her directly, sending her airborne.
In the skirmish's chaos, Huo Yu'er realized she had edged dangerously close to the platform's boundary. Dai Huabin's eyes flashed with triumph. Although he couldn't understand why she hadn't unleashed her full power, a win was a win, even if it came from pushing her out of the arena.
But just as he began to celebrate, his face froze.
Instead of falling off the platform, Huo Yu'er twisted in mid air, her foot striking nothing but managing to propel her back onto the platform with impossible agility.
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