New Dragons Exhibition... it was a small event held within the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan once every few years wherein the members of the clan and those affiliated with the clan that are of age 10 or below get the chance to showcase their capabilities to the high-ranking members of the clan. This is usually done in order for the clan's elders to observe and analyze the proper development routes for their juniors.
What most don't know is that this little event was actually suggested to Yu Yuanzhen by none other than the infamous Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang many years prior. He had suggested this to his father in an attempt to make sure that the hidden talents within the clan wouldn't be buried just because of their low statuses.
The years had proven that this little event had indeed greatly benefitted the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. With the elders now more aware of their younger members capabilities, they had been able to more properly teach their juniors in the ways of cultivating their Martial Souls, resulting in the clan gaining far more talented members in decades.
As for Yu Zixing... the invitation he received this time around was actually originally not meant for him. After all, with him having awakened with just half a Spirit Rank the elders didn't believe he had the capabilities to participate right now after just a short three months time.
In fact, this invitation he received was originally meant for his half-brother Yu Tianxin... but since Tianxin had long since already returned to Thunder Spark Academy by this point, Yu Yuanzhen decided to make an exception and pass the invitation over to Zixing since he himself had witnessed Zixing's capabilities during his first spar with Yu Tianxin.
....
Within the territory of the clan, a large amount of people gathered. Most of them accompanied by a small child.
Throughout the entire area, small dragon shaped decorations could be seen throughout.
In one spot several of the clan's elders could be seen prepping a stage of sorts.
This was the New Dragons Exhibition.... It was the day that members of the clan and those affiliated with them who were below the age of 11 years old had the chance to showcase their talents.
"Hm...." Yu Zixing walked through the bustling streets with some curiosity in his eyes.
"Hawa!" Sounded Hao Yue as he flew out of Zixing's body and flew around excitedly.
Due to the decorations and ornaments no one noticed the little purple sentient beast spirit flying about.
Making his way towards the arena like stage, Zixing stood at the sidelines and watched the festivities.
Even though he was invited he wasn't sure he could gain anything from this event after all.
Yu Yuanzhen stood at the podium of the stage and with a voice amplified by Spirit Power he said: "Welcome my dear family and allies.... Like every few years, today's the day our little ones get a chance to shine..."
As the clan head continued his speech, Yu Zixing began using his Purple Demon Eyes to observe the people near the stage.
It was here that he suddenly spotted a familiar looking boy.
It was a boy with dark hair, blue eyes and an appearance somewhat similar to his brother Yu Tianxin.
"Yu Tianheng... His appearance is that of his Manhua version instead of his Donghua version... However he should be my age so brother Tianxin should be older than him in this reality." Thought Zixing as he continued to hide within the crowd of people.
"Hm..." Besides Yu Tianheng, Zixing also spotted several children who looked to be younger versions of the future members of Thunderclap Academy.... such as Lei Dong and Lei Tian.
"....and so I welcome you all to this year's New Dragons Exhibition!" The moment the clan head finished his speech, those watching immediately gave a round of applause.
....
About half an hour after the festivities began Zixing and Hao Yue could be seen eating fruit flavored crushed ice.
"Hawaya!" Exclaimed Hao Yue upon tasting the cool fruity flavor of the crushed ice.
"Not bad." Said Zixing as he also seems to enjoy the taste.
Suddenly... a fairly large looking child jumped on stage and shouted: "I Shitou Shi from the Shitou family, challenge the genius of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan Yu Tianheng to a sparring match for my exhibition!"
"Oh!" Sounded most of the adults as they heard the child's challenge. It was the first time most of them will get to see the rumored genius of the clan Yu Tianheng.
"Haa..." Yu Tiangheng sighed and stood up acting as if he was about to do a bothersome chore.
When he stepped onto the stage face to face with his challenger, Yu Tiangheng simply said: "Let's get this over with I have other things to do."
"Arrogant little squirt!... I'll show everyone that you're no genius!" Said the large boy named Shitou Shi as he activated his Martial Soul making his arms and neck become covered in what looked to be stone scales.
Seeing this Yu Zixing immediately activated the Tang Sect's Purple Demons Eyes. He wanted to observe the matches as keenly as possible.
"I think I've read about this Martial Soul from a book in the clan once... I believe it was called the Stone Armored Dragon?" Thought Zixing as he continued to take a bite out of his fruity flavored crushed ice.
"Hawaya!" Sounded Hao Yue as he also continued chomping on his crushed ice.
"Hm..." With a slight smirk the six year old Yu Tianheng released his Martial Soul.
"Roar!" Blue purple electric bolts covered Tianheng's body as the phantom of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon roared behind him.
"S-S-So what!.... I ain't going to lose to some midget!" Shitou Shi as he endured the spiritual pressure.
Must know that among Beast Spirit Martial Souls there is racial suppression depending on who has the superior bloodline.
The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon is considered a 'True Dragon' despite it being a lower ranked True Dragon it is still a True Dragon. While as Shitou Shi's Stone Armored Dragon Martial Soul is but an inferior descendant of a Land Dragon which is greatly inferior to a True Dragon.
The racial superiority of Martial Souls was obvious as such Shitou Shi was feeling immense pressure from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon phantom behind Yu Tianheng.
Despite seeing Shitou Shi suppressed by the pressure from Yu Tianheng, some of the clan's elders couldn't help but be a bit impressed by the large boy.
"Hoh... He's clearly suppressed and yet he still hadn't lost his fighting spirit."
"Hmm... Might be a good disciple to train."
"Haha... Trying to look tough even though he's pressured?... That kid suits my style."
Even Zixing couldn't help but nod and think: "Not bad... But still... compared to Yu Tianheng..."
Before Zixing could even finish his thoughts...
BANG!!
"Gaaah!!" Shitou Shi was instantly sent flying by Yu Tianheng's lightning clad kick to his abdomen and was immediately knocked out.
To be fair Yu Tianheng by this point was already a Spirit Master with a hundred years spirit ring while as Shitou Shi was still only a Spirit Scholar that had only recently reached Spirit Rank 10. Such is the benefit of awakening with Innate Full Spirit Power after all. Coupled with the fact that he was under Martial Soul suppression, he really was no match for Yu Tianheng.
Yu Zixing: "Well... No surprise there."
....
The New Dragons Exhibition continued on with the clan elders slowly becoming overjoyed by the young juniors performances.
It seems the quality of junior Spirit Masters affiliated with the clan this year were quite outstanding.
Yu Tianheng in particular had been undefeated in all the sparring matches he had participated in.
During this time Zixing observed, analyzed and read the performances with the Tang Sect's Purple Demon Eyes as best he could. Despite having better learned how other people use their Martial Souls he himself didn't really gain much.
Yu Zixing: "Hm... If I fought the current Yu Tianheng, I wonder if I could stimulate a breakthrough in my Spirit Rank cultivation?"
As Zixing was thinking this a little girl with short white hair and citrine colored eyes suddenly stepped up onto the stage face to face with Yu Tianheng.
Sensing the spiritual energy fluctuations from this little girl with his Titled Douluo level perception and realizing she is similar in level to Yu Tianheng, Yu Yuanzhen couldn't help but turn to a nearby clan elder and ask: "From which family is this young girl from?"
"I believe she is from the Iron Dragon family my lord." Replied the elder.
Yu Yuanzhen: "The Iron Dragon Family... It's been awhile since I've seen anything impressive from them hasn't it?"
"You sure you don't wanna step down?... I don't wanna accidentally bruise that pretty face of yours." Said Yu Tianheng as he was face to face with his new challenger.
"You can try... " Said the short white haired little girl as she took a stance and released her Martial Soul.
"Roar!" It was a dragon as fierce looking as Yu Tianheng's Martial Soul. It had white triangular shaped scales and an aura that didn't lose out to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. It was a True Dragon level Martial Soul... The Celestial Dragon!
Triangular shaped white scales appeared on the little girl's body as her pupils turned into sharp slits with her eyes citrine color becoming even clearer.
Yu Zixing almost dropped his crushed ice at this sight as he thought: "That's... The Celestial Dragon?... I thought that was supposed to appear in the era of Soul Land 4 though?"
"Hawaya?" Sounded Hao Yue as he was floating upside down looking curious as well.
"Interesting... Let's see what you've got." Said Yu Tianheng as he also released his Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon spirit.
The purple and white dragon phantoms stared at each other as if they were looking at their rivals.
"An unknown Dragon spirit on par with our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon... What else can you tell me about that young girl?" Asked Yu Yuanzhen as he once again turned towards the nearby elders of their clan.
"Her name is Tan Longmao... similar to young master Tianheng she is also only 6 years old this year... There are also rumors that she might also have awakened with Innate Full Spirit power... Besides this all other information about her seems to have been tightly hidden by their family head." Replied one of the elders.
As the adults continued talking about the girl...
BANG!
The kids on the stage had already began to clash.
"Roar!" Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon and Celestial Dragon roared at each other as the two children began releasing their spirit rings which were both yellow hundred year rings.
The sight of a pair of small children releasing hundred years spirit rings were quite shocking for ordinary people. Coupled with the strength displayed by these two 6 year old children, those who were just regular spectators stared speechless.
Without thinking twice Yu Tianheng unleashed his First Ring Spirit Skill...
"First Ring Spirit Skill - Thunder Dragon Claw!" Declared Yu Tianheng as he unleashed blue purple lightning shaped like a dragon claw from his right hand.
Sensing the power of Yu Tianheng's attack, Tan Longmao chose to clash with him head-on.
"First Ring Spirit Skill - Celestial Dragon Body!" Declared Tan Longmao as her entire body becomes clad in bright energy while greatly increasing her body's attack power, defense and endurance.
BANG!
Dragon claw shaped lightning collided with a charging elbow strike clad in bright draconic energy.
"Ugh!"
"Nng!"
Tan Longmao's arm and shoulder became numb and paralyzed from the lightning... If she hadn't used her spirit skill to enhance her endurance and defense, she could've really been injured. As for Yu Tianheng... He was sent flying by nearly two meters from the impact of Tan Longmao's charge.
"Wow they're actually evenly matched." Muttered Yu Zixing as he now took out his small notebook and began taking notes.
"I was... Pushed back?!" Muttered Yu Tianheng in shock as he instinctively turned to his father Yu Tianhei who was watching by the side of the stage.
"Hmph...." His father stared at him with bland, uncaring eyes as if saying 'You're a disappointment'.
Yu Tianheng shuddered seeing his father's expression... the last thing he wanted was to be their family's disappointment.
BUZZ!
A blast of blue purple lightning burst out from Yu Tianheng's body as the back of his right hand began to be covered in what looked to be blue purple scales.... These were the budding signs of Dragonization.
Seeing this sight Yu Zixing couldn't help but remember the explanation about the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's Dragonification ability from his previous life.
Dragonification: The innate ability of a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Soul Master. A normal Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Soul Master awakens this talent starting from level 30. With each acquired soul ring, they awaken a dragonized body part, such as dragon claws, dragon wings (which can evolve into two wings after level 90), dragon legs, dragon horns, and dragon scales. Each additional dragonized body part grants an extra soul skill known as Dragonized Soul Skill.
By the time they reach level 70, a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Soul Master can truly transform into a dragon, unleashing extremely terrifying power. They are hailed as the most fearsome assault-type soul masters of the same level. However, if the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul undergoes mutation, it is rare to retain the dragonization talent.
Yu Zixing: "You're telling me Yu Tianheng already showed signs of awakening Dragonification from the first ring?... No wonder he's regarded as a prodigy... It's a shame this power was skipped in the Donghua."
Tan Longmao stared at the overwhelming lightning around Yu Tianheng and gritted her teeth. If she wanted to beat the genius of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan she had too use her trump card.
"Haaa..." Tan Longmao exhaled deeply as the bright energy around her body began to gather in her small left fist.
"What's that?" Thought everyone watching the small girl.
"Could that be a... Self Created Spirit Skill?" Thought Zixing as he was observing using his Purple Demon Eyes.
From what Yu Zixing could tell, Tan Longmao seems to have channeled the energy distributed to her body by her First Ring Spirit Skill and focused it in her left fist.
Yu Zixing: "It somewhat resembles the Through Point Strike technique I use."
Whoosh...
The two children then rushed at each other at great speed... Yu Tianheng extending his blue purple scaled right hand clad in a dragon claw shaped lightning... While as Tan Longmao thrusted her left fist forward overflowing with bright energy.
"Enough!"
BOOM!
Back on the stage once the smoke cleared Yu Yuanzhen could be seen in-between the two children holding back their wrists. He deemed that the next attacks of these two children to be too dangerous for this exhibition.
Yu Yuanzhen: "I am overjoyed to see our juniors to be so outstanding... However I believe the scale of this exhibition has reached a level where I had to intervene... Be proud you two... You have become excellent Spirit Masters."
Hearing praise from his Grandfather, Yu Tianheng couldn't help but calm down as he retracted his hand along with his Martial Soul, performed a slight bow then said: "Thank you for the praise Clan Master."
Tan Longmao also followed suit and performed a slight bow: "Thank you Clan Master."
"WOW!" The crowd cheered from this exhibition. Though it was just a short sparring match, it displayed the talents of these two mere six year old children in front of them.
The elders in particular had elated eyes... Yu Tianheng was a potential heir to the clan while as Tan Longmao who was from the Iron Dragon Family was a long time ally to the clan... Seeing them display such abilities so young made them excited to see how they would grow.
When the two outstanding children took their seats, Yu Yuanzhen remained on stage and said: "Since it is near the end of today's festivities... How about I decide the next sparring exhibition?"
Everyone quieted down upon hearing the clan leader's words.
Yu Yuanzhen: "Thunder Spark Academy's Lu Chen...."
With Yuanzhen's words, a boy with short thin hair stood up from the crowd.... His name is Lu Chen a newly accepted student of Thunder Spark Academy... In fact in the Donghua he would one day be Yu Tianxin's teammate in Thunderclap Academy.
Yu Yuanzhen: "....against our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's..."
Turning towards the direction of a boy eating crushed ice he continued: "Yu Zixing!".
Hao Yue: "Hawaya?"
"Cough!.... Huh?!" Sounded Yu Zixing as he almost choked on his crushed ice.