At the entrance, five young figures approached the registration desk.
The leader was about seventeen or eighteen years old, tall and upright with striking chestnut short hair. His well-tailored blue outfit accentuated his sturdy physique.
His handsome face bore a pair of sharp, spirited eyes, and his gait exuded nobility and confidence.
This was none other than Yu Tianheng, one of the twin stars of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family from the Tian Dou Imperial Academy—someone who had a "history" with Dai Chengfeng.
Behind him were four equally youthful companions, each brimming with excitement, their eyes filled with youthful vigor and competitive spirit.
There was Yu Feng, lean and nimble, with a small windbird perched on his shoulder; Shi Mo, robust and steady, exuding an earthy aura, and his similarly featured but more agile brother Shi Mo; Oslo, lithe and enigmatic, with a playful smirk that hinted at lurking shadows.
And there were two members not mentioned in the original story, seemingly taking the place of Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan, whom Dai Chengfeng had brought to the Star Luo Empire.
Yu Tianheng shook his head with a smile, addressing his teammates who seemed overly excited by the unfamiliar surroundings. "Alright, remember—there are always stronger people out there. Don't be careless!"
"After all, Spirit City is full of hidden talents, and the golden generation has been personally nurtured by the current Pope. It's not so easy to face them."
"Be cautious, give it our all, and take things step by step—that's the right approach."
The Tian Dou Imperial Academy happened to be on break, and Yu Tianheng had originally planned to visit his aunt Liu Erlong. But upon hearing she was in Spirit City, he decided to bring his teammates along.
Partly to see his aunt, partly to train and grow stronger.
He would never forget that day!
Hearing Yu Tianheng's words, Yu Feng, the wiry youth with the wind chime bird on his shoulder, grinned mischievously.
"Yes, yes, but Boss, you're being too modest!"
"Exactly! With your beast martial soul, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, and your innate soul power of level eight and a half, how many peers can match you?"
"And with us supporting you, we'll surely make a name for the Tian Dou Imperial Academy Team in this Great Spirit Arena!"
"That's right…"
Shi Mo and his more lively brother Shi Mo both nodded in agreement.
Oslo also cracked a faint smile, his eyes gleaming with approval.
But Yu Tianheng's smile faltered slightly, a shadow flickering deep within his eyes.
An image of a figure with flowing golden hair instantly surfaced in his mind—Dai Chengfeng!
The man who had risen like a comet in the Star Luo Empire, snatching Dugu Yan away from him with overwhelming dominance, and defeating him in just one move!
"Dai Chengfeng…"
Yu Tianheng silently roared inside, the humiliation and resentment burning within him, refusing to let him forget that scene.
"One day, I'll personally avenge that disgrace!"
"I'll make you understand that the pride of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon cannot be trampled upon. Our family's martial soul is stronger than your White Tiger martial soul!"
With these thoughts, Yu Tianheng took a deep breath, feeling the surging soul power in his body and the faint heat in his arms—a feedback from recently mastering the family's secret technique, "Dragonization."
"I've become extremely proficient in partial dragonization, and my strength has made a qualitative leap since then!"
Yu Tianheng clenched his fists. "Next time we meet, I'll show you the true power of dragonization!"
After a while, Yu Tianheng looked at his still-excited teammates, forcibly suppressing the turmoil within him and regaining his usual composure. "Let's go register first."
"After this match, I'll go find my aunt."
---
Meanwhile, Dai Chengfeng remained unaware that bringing Liu Erlong had once again triggered a butterfly effect, drawing another "acquaintance" to Spirit City.
He was currently sitting in the central waiting area with Hu Liena and Zhu Zhuqing.
Hu Liena was enthusiastically discussing the battles on the arena with Zhu Zhuqing, her "rival".
When it came to growing stronger, it seemed she could set aside all other grievances.
Zhu Zhuqing was no different—even though she might clash with Hu Liena over trivial matters, they were surprisingly aligned when it came to pursuing strength. Their conversation was earnest and free of provocation.
Seeing this, Dai Chengfeng nodded in satisfaction.
"These two teammates—I chose well!"
As Dai Chengfeng pondered, a broadcast echoed throughout the Great Spirit Arena:
"Attention! Contestants from the Netherworld Fox Team and the Tian Dou Imperial Academy Team, please proceed immediately to Arena Three. Repeat: Contestants from the Netherworld Fox Team and the Tian Dou Imperial Academy Team, please proceed immediately to Arena Three."
The announcement reached the ears of the three clearly.
"The Netherworld Fox Team?"
Hu Liena first confirmed it was their team's name, then quickly focused on their opponent's name. "Tian Dou Imperial Academy Team?"
Her beautiful fox-like eyes blinked, showing a hint of surprise. "Is it a coincidence, or are they really from the Tian Dou Imperial Academy? If they are, why are they in Spirit City?"
Zhu Zhuqing's cold eyes also reflected a trace of puzzlement.
Dai Chengfeng raised an eyebrow, a playful smile returning to his face. "The Tian Dou Imperial Academy Team, huh?"
A figure surfaced in his mind. "Interesting!"
"If it's really them… we might encounter a 'familiar face'—Yu Tianheng."
Soon, Dai Chengfeng shook his head, stood up, and headed toward Arena Three. "Let's go. No matter who they are, victory is ours!"
"Naturally!"
Hu Liena nodded confidently.
"However, if it's really that squad, they'll be an 'excellent' whetstone."
Zhu Zhuqing gave a slight nod.
Without further words, the trio headed toward Arena Three.
Meanwhile, in another waiting corridor…
"Attention! Contestants from the Netherworld Fox Team and the Tian Dou Imperial Academy Team, please proceed immediately to Arena Three."
The announcement reached Yu Tianheng and his teammates as well.
"Haha, here we go!" Oslo whistled, visibly excited.
"The Netherworld Fox Team? Some nobody? Never heard of them." Shi Mo sneered. "Looks like our luck's good—we drew an unknown team."
Yu Tianheng frowned. Out of caution as the leader, he reiterated: "Don't underestimate them! Names don't determine strength. This time, we need a clean, decisive victory to showcase the glory of the Tian Dou Imperial Academy and strive for…"
"A one-hit knockout!"
"Understood!"
"Don't worry, Boss!"
"Let them witness the might of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon!"
With high morale, Yu Tianheng waved his hand. "Let's go!"
Taking the lead, he guided his six teammates toward Arena Three with swift steps.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)