The battle began. With a low growl, Dai Mubai charged straight at Qian Jue. In a fight between an assault-type and an agility-type, the assault-type was usually at a disadvantage if distance was opened. He naturally couldn't allow Qian Jue to create space, so he struck first.
With a single push of his legs, Dai Mubai's powerful body shot forward, arriving before Qian Jue in an instant. His left hand lashed out, a probing strike meant to test Qian Jue's reaction before committing to his follow-up moves.
He had expected Qian Jue to dodge—either stepping back or slipping to the side. He had already mapped out his next attacks in anticipation. Yet something unexpected happened. Qian Jue neither dodged nor retreated. Instead, he extended his right hand straight out, blocking Dai Mubai's wrist head-on.
'His Martial Spirit was the White Tiger, a top-tier assault-type spirit. Qian Jue was supposed to be agility-type—how could he dare to meet his strength directly?'
Such thoughts made Dai Mubai unconsciously hold back some of his strength. Battle-hungry he might be, but he had no intention of truly injuring his new classmate.
The result was obvious. Qian Jue easily stopped Dai Mubai's attack. With a twist of his wrist, he caught Dai Mubai's arm and, with a flick of strength, sent him flying.
Watching from a distance, Oscar's jaw dropped. Never had he imagined Dai Mubai being thrown aside in a single exchange against someone his age. The only times he had seen Dai Mubai flung back like that were during sparring matches with the two deans.
"Boss Dai, you'd better show some real skill. Test strikes like that won't do you any good."
Dai Mubai was a little stunned. Though tossed away, he had regained control midair and landed steadily without injury. Confused and a little irritated, he asked,
"Aren't you an agility-type Spirit Master? Why is your strength greater than mine?!"
He began to suspect Qian Jue had lied about his spirit classification earlier.
And indeed, Qian Jue's four spirit rings—including one millennial—had already pushed his physical stats far beyond most Spirit Elders above level 30. Dai Mubai, at level 26 and still without a millennial ring, wasn't much stronger than Tang San at this stage. Against Qian Jue, the gap was clear.
"Who says agility-types can't also be strong? I'm an all-rounder." Qian Jue smiled as he answered. Raising his left hand, light condensed, forming the Kindred Bow. He twirled it gracefully, then said softly, "Careful now, Boss Dai."
Whether Dai Mubai heard or not, Qian Jue had already raised the Kindred Bow, pulling on the invisible string. Two beams of light arrows shot straight toward Dai Mubai.
Dai Mubai, hearing his warning, braced himself for a counterattack. But when he raised his guard, what came was not fists but two dazzling light arrows. He hurriedly sidestepped, realizing in surprise—
'That strange weapon… it's a bow?! He really is agility-type!'
But evasion alone wouldn't work. After dodging a few more arrows, Dai Mubai knew he couldn't stay passive. No matter if Qian Jue's strength exceeded his, his only chance lay in close combat. If he let this drag on, defeat was certain.
So Dai Mubai pushed himself to his limit—120% effort. He weaved past the light arrows, seizing the rhythm between Qian Jue's shots to close the gap.
But as Dai Mubai adapted, so too did Qian Jue. He had been analyzing Dai Mubai's dodging patterns, laying a trap.
Sure enough, when Dai Mubai once again instinctively dodged right, a greenish light arrow was already waiting at that very spot. By the time he noticed, it was too late to evade.
"White Tiger Shield Body Barrier!" Dai Mubai roared, unleashing his first spirit skill. A pale shield flared across his body, boosting his defense and forming a shimmering light screen.
*Boom!*
The arrow exploded against the barrier, forcing him to stagger back.
Qian Jue's arrows drew strength from his soul power, his spirit attributes, and his four rings—three hundred-year and one millennial. The strike nearly shattered Dai Mubai's White Tiger Barrier outright.
Almost. But almost wasn't enough. The arrow carried the effect of his second skill,
Dai Mubai quickly channeled more energy to reinforce the barrier. Using its remaining time, he tanked another arrow, then finally closed the distance with Qian Jue.
Seeing him approach, Qian Jue lowered the Kindred Bow and bent his knees, preparing for close combat.
He was already holding back. If he truly wanted, Dai Mubai couldn't have gotten close at all. And even now, Qian Jue hadn't called upon the Wolf Spirit.
He never used the Wolf Spirit in sparring against allies. Tang San, Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai—all were future companions. The Wolf Spirit's pain amplification was too cruel. Qian Jue had never tested it on himself, but he had seen its devastating effect every time he hunted soul beasts. He could only imagine the agony it inflicted.
Even without the Wolf Spirit, his advantage was overwhelming. The Kindred granted him a dual-spirit-ring advantage, something no peer could match. One millennial ring, spirit bone enhancements… His base strength was enough to stand toe-to-toe with even top-tier assault spirits like the White Tiger.
Dai Mubai, thrilled by his success in closing the gap, knew he couldn't rely on brute force. He had to use technique.
His hand shot out in a "Black Tiger Heart Dig," clawing toward Qian Jue. But he used only half his strength—he knew this strike wouldn't succeed. The key lay in his follow-up.
As expected, Qian Jue brushed aside the claw with the Kindred Bow, even forcing Dai Mubai slightly off-balance.
But Dai Mubai didn't panic. In that instant, he spun, whipping out a powerful back kick.
Qian Jue, caught by surprise, reflexively raised his right leg to meet it. Their kicks clashed, sending Qian Jue stumbling two steps back while Dai Mubai staggered forward one.
And that was exactly what Dai Mubai had wanted.
His second ring lit up. Spinning with the momentum, he unleashed a roaring blast of milky-white light from his mouth—
The White Tiger Intense Light Wave!
He had concealed the skill activation with his turn, leaving Qian Jue no time to dodge. By the time Qian Jue realized, the light sphere was already upon him.
There was no escape. Dai Mubai had even suppressed the output so it wouldn't cause serious harm. With Oscar nearby, recovery sausages at the ready, Qian Jue would be fine after a couple days of rest.
*Boom!*
The orb exploded against Qian Jue's chest, blazing light forcing both Dai Mubai and Oscar to avert their eyes.
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