The sparring match between Shi Yu and Jiang Nannan lasted more than half an hour.During that entire time, Jiang Nannan launched countless attacks, but not once did she manage to injure Shi Yu.
Even when she activated her trump card, Naruto's Instant Transmission, it was useless.She could use it a few times, but Shi Yu could use it dozens—perhaps even hundreds—of times.That overwhelming gap made it impossible for an agility-type Soul Grandmaster like Jiang Nannan to land a single strike.
In the end, Shi Yu's Soul Power was exhausted, and he admitted defeat.Instant Transmission consumed an immense amount of Soul Power, and his constant dodging drained him completely.
Of course, he hadn't used his Eight Spider Lances. This was just a sparring session, not a life-or-death battle.
"I feel like I gained a lot from this fight," Shi Yu said afterwards as they sat down to rest.
"You gained a lot, but I feel utterly defeated. A Soul Grandmaster who can't even touch you once?" Jiang Nannan sighed, half joking, half bitter.
Shi Yu chuckled. "Next time, I'll let you land a few attacks."
"No way! I'll hit you myself. Who needs your charity?" Jiang Nannan pouted cutely.
"Then it'll depend on your ability. We'll continue tomorrow," Shi Yu replied.He knew his dodging ability was strong, but his offensive power was lacking. His Space Ability was still in its infancy—far from reaching its true potential.
That afternoon, Shi Yu returned to his room to read. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable, especially the books he had obtained from Ten Thousand Years Later.
The texts on Soul Guidance Devices fascinated him the most. They were worth studying carefully.He wanted to disguise his knowledge, making it look as though he was simply talented and hardworking, rather than suspicious.
And perhaps he truly did have talent in this field. He had scored the highest in the Soul Guidance elective last semester, despite never having practical experience. Still, he needed hands-on practice to test his abilities.
"In a couple of days, I'll find a place to gain some real experience. Otherwise, I'll never know my true potential," Shi Yu thought as he carried a stack of borrowed books back to Sea God Island.
When he returned, he immediately sensed that something was wrong.Many people were rushing toward the Sea God Pavilion, their expressions grave.
"Xuan Lao?" Shi Yu's eyes widened as he spotted the Gluttonous Douluo descending with another elder. Both looked urgent.
A bad feeling crept into Shi Yu's heart.Hadn't Xuan Lao taken Zhang Lexuan and several Inner Courtyard students to the Star Dou Great Forest for their Soul Rings?
Now that he was back in such a hurry… had something happened?
"Please… don't let it be her," Shi Yu prayed silently.
He passed by Zhang Lexuan's residence. It was empty. His unease only deepened.
Back in his room, he tried to calm himself. After setting the books aside, he cultivated. Hours slipped away unnoticed—until frantic knocking pulled him out of meditation.
Knock, knock, knock!"Shi Yu, are you inside?"
Shi Yu frowned. He hated being disturbed during cultivation. The voice was urgent, familiar…
"Shi Yu, I can sense your aura. Open the door quickly—I need to see you!"
"Xuan Lao?" Shi Yu muttered in disbelief.
He hurried to the door, only to have his wrist seized the moment he opened it.Before he could react, he was being pulled along at terrifying speed. The rushing wind stung his face.
"Xuan Lao, what are you doing?" Shi Yu cried nervously.
"Zhang Lexuan is in danger. We need your help to save her," Xuan Lao answered bluntly.
Shi Yu's heart skipped a beat. As I thought… it's about her.
In the blink of an eye, they reached the Sea God Pavilion, bathed in the golden light of the Golden Tree.
Inside, more than a dozen figures were gathered—elders, Inner Courtyard teachers, and even his own Teacher, Mu En.
Everyone's face was heavy with worry. Even Mu En, normally calm and composed, looked grim.
On the bed lay Zhang Lexuan—her body drenched in blood.
Shi Yu's breath caught. From where he stood, he couldn't see all of her injuries, but the sight alone was enough to make his chest tighten.
When Xuan Lao dragged him in, every gaze turned toward him.
Feeling the weight of their stares, Shi Yu swallowed nervously and forced himself to bow."Good evening, Teacher… Elders."
"Teacher, why have you summoned me here so late…?" he asked Mu En cautiously.
Before Mu En could answer, Xuan Lao impatiently spoke up:"Enough with the questions! We need your blood to save Zhang Lexuan."
As he spoke, he pulled out a dagger and a large bowl.
Shi Yu's face drained of color."Xuan Lao, what are you—?" He stumbled backward, terrified. That bowl wasn't small—did they intend to bleed him dry?!
"Xuan Zi, you're frightening my disciple," Mu En rebuked sternly.
Xuan Lao paused, but his expression remained anxious.
Shi Yu's pulse quickened. He looked around at the group, wary and confused.So this is why they brought me here? For my blood? But… why mine?