Faced with Zhu Ziyang's blatantly arrogant and dismissive attitude, the entire audience of new students erupted. Some were indignant, some shouted, some admired him, while others watched with serious expressions.
Regardless of the uproar, Wang Qiao's face flushed red with rage. Fury surged to his head as he glared at Zhu Ziyang and roared, "Damn lowlife! Are you really mocking me?! You'll pay for your arrogance!"
Zhu Ziyang remained expressionless and unmoved.
In the stands, Xia Yu furrowed his brow but said nothing. On the battlefield, the referee quietly observed. After all, Shrek Academy's students came from all over the continent, and arrogance was hardly a rare trait—he had long grown used to it.
"Go to hell!" Wang Qiao yelled, enraged by Zhu Ziyang's calm demeanor. His first soul ring instantly lit up.
"First soul skill: Chain Flame!"
Twin claws ignited with blazing fire as two volleyball-sized fireballs formed. Fueled by Wang Qiao's fury, they launched toward Zhu Ziyang like shooting stars.
Zhu Ziyang almost couldn't hold back his laughter when he heard Wang Qiao shout the name of his soul skill out loud.
'Seriously? This little chub really shouted his skill like that. Isn't he embarrassed? Or does he think I'm deaf?'
Though inwardly speechless, Zhu Ziyang's actions were swift. Seeing the fireballs hurtling toward him, he sidestepped one with ease, then surged forward, dodging the second. His movements were clean and efficient.
Frustrated that his attacks missed, Wang Qiao launched more fireballs in succession. But Zhu Ziyang calmly weaved through them, steadily closing the distance while avoiding each strike, defending and advancing simultaneously. All the while, he couldn't help but sneer inwardly, 'What a mess of a soul skill. And his combat awareness is trash too.'
As Zhu Ziyang approached closer and closer, Wang Qiao finally sensed danger. He stopped his barrage and quickly activated his second soul skill.
"Second soul skill: Flame Lion Bomb!"
The moment Wang Qiao shouted again, Xia Yu in the stands finally couldn't take it anymore. He covered his face with one hand, completely exasperated.
'This kid… yelling out soul skills every time… After this duel, I have to teach him some sense.'
Unaware that he'd just left a lasting impression as a total blockhead in Xia Yu's heart, Wang Qiao raised his clawed hands. Blazing flames rapidly gathered between them, forming an enormous lion's head. The compressed flames turned deep red, emanating an ominous heat.
Zhu Ziyang narrowed his eyes slightly, taking the move more seriously. In a sudden burst, he darted forward like an arrow.
Wang Qiao, though inexperienced, understood that he couldn't let Zhu Ziyang get close. He quickly retreated and hurled the Flame Lion Bomb.
The flaming lion head surged through the air, searing the atmosphere around it. After flying a few meters, it exploded with a thunderous boom, sending waves of heat rolling across the arena.
But just before the explosion, Zhu Ziyang had accelerated again, closing in right before the detonation. He appeared directly in front of Wang Qiao.
"Ah!" Wang Qiao's eyes widened in disbelief as Zhu Ziyang grabbed his collar, lifted him effortlessly, and flung him over his shoulder. With a loud thud, Wang Qiao hit the ground, and Zhu Ziyang pressed a hand firmly against his neck.
Wang Qiao stared blankly at him.
The match was over.
"Whoa!"
The stands erupted again. The talented soul master students, proud of their own strength, were all stunned.
"My god! That Zhu Ziyang is insane! He won against a rank-23 Soul Grandmaster without even using his martial soul!"
"His speed and power are incredible. Must be a beast-type martial soul, right?"
"Probably!"
"Wang Qiao really disappointed though. Strong martial soul, high soul power, and still lost!"
"Exactly! What a waste of such a good martial soul!"
"You guys don't get it—it's not that Wang Qiao is weak. It's that Zhu Ziyang is just too strong!"
"That's right! From now on, our class monitor is my new idol!"
"…"
The new students whispered among themselves, abuzz with admiration and awe.
"Nannan, what kind of martial soul does your Zhu Ziyang have? How is he so strong?" Tang Ya clung to Jiang Nannan's hand, eyes wide with curiosity.
"Hehe! Of course! Brother Ziyang is the strongest among his peers!" Jiang Nannan blushed, stars shining in her eyes, her voice filled with pride.
"Ugh…" Tang Ya looked at her and facepalmed. "Then just tell me already—what's his martial soul?"
"Hmm…" Jiang Nannan giggled mischievously. "Not telling you!"
"Ahhh! Are you even my bestie?!" Tang Ya groaned, grabbing at her.
"Come on now. You'll find out sooner or later. Don't be in such a rush!" Jiang Nannan laughed, throwing her arm around Tang Ya's shoulders.
In the arena.
Zhu Ziyang withdrew his hand and helped Wang Qiao to his feet.
"Your martial soul is excellent," he said with a faint smile, looking at Wang Qiao's gloomy expression. "But why abandon the physical advantage of a beast soul and rely only on ranged fire attacks? Lions are fierce creatures—they excel in close combat and physical domination, not ranged flame bombardment. Your training path has a clear flaw. There's still time to fix it."
"This…" Wang Qiao was startled by the advice. Slowly, the defiance in his eyes faded, replaced by thoughtfulness. Finally, he nodded with genuine respect. "Thank you."
Up in the stands, Xia Yu also heard Zhu Ziyang's words. He instinctively nodded in agreement, and his opinion of the boy rose even higher.
Talented, insightful, composed in battle, and gracious in conduct—if it weren't for the records stating Zhu Ziyang was born a commoner, Xia Yu would have suspected he came from some hidden powerhouse clan.
And it was because he was a commoner that Xia Yu found him even more intriguing—and worth keeping an eye on.
'A true prodigy. Should I report this to Director Du? Graduation exams for the sixth years are important, yes—but an eleven-year-old Soul Elder is far more significant.'
Xia Yu silently contemplated.
After leaving the arena, Zhu Ziyang and Wang Qiao walked over to Xia Yu.
"Wang Qiao, what Zhu Ziyang said is correct. Think it over," Xia Yu began. "Also, your combat instincts and experience are lacking. You need to work on them consciously. I'll be honest—your freshman assessment will involve battle. You've got talent, but don't get ahead of yourself. High soul power doesn't mean true strength. Only in actual combat can you prove your worth."
Then he turned to Zhu Ziyang.
"Zhu Ziyang, you are excellent. The most outstanding student I've ever seen."
"Alright, the soul duel is over. Everyone, let's return to the classroom," Xia Yu announced.
The new students didn't dawdle, scattering in groups as they made their way back to the teaching building.
(End of Chapter)
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Memebers on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.