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Chapter 16: Erlong's Visit (Part 1) – Sparring and Doubts
The Heaven Dou Royal Academy welcomed an unusual visiting group.
Lanba Academy, the spirit master institution second only to the Royal Academy within Heaven Dou City, was renowned for its open and inclusive teaching style and robust faculty. Its Vice Principal, Liu Erlong, was a powerhouse famous throughout Heaven Dou City—a Level 78 Power Attack System Battle Soul Saint, possessor of the Fire Dragon martial soul, known for her fiery temper and tough demeanor, yet extremely dedicated to her students.
At this moment, this woman with long deep-red hair, a tall and voluptuous figure, dressed in deep purple martial attire, stood in the magnificent reception hall of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy with three elite Lanba students. Her arms were crossed, her brow slightly furrowed, as she surveyed her surroundings with eyes as sharp as blades, carrying a sense of scrutiny.
The three education committee members, led by Meng Shenji, received them personally. The atmosphere seemed harmonious, but Liu Erlong was clearly preoccupied.
"It is truly an honor for our Heaven Dou Royal Academy that Principal Liu leads this exchange," Meng Shenji said with a warm smile. "I wonder which aspects of exchange Principal Liu is interested in? Student duels? Pedagogical seminars? Or..."
"I heard your academy has newly appointed a 'Spirit Casting Douluo'?" Liu Erlong interrupted directly, her voice crisp and commanding, carrying an undeniable strength. "Mo Bai—that's the name, right? A Title Douluo at only twenty years old, capable of increasing the age of spirit rings. I am curious and wish to see his teaching with my own eyes."
Her gaze swept across the three committee members as she added, "Xiao Gang... Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang is currently serving as a consultant at our Lanba Academy. He mentioned this His Excellency Mo Bai, saying his abilities 'defy common logic' and are 'worthy of vigilance.' Therefore, my visit today is partly for exchange, and partly to verify this for Xiao Gang... and for our Lanba Academy."
Though her words were somewhat polite, the doubt and intent to investigate within them were laid bare.
Meng Shenji exchanged looks with Bai Baoshan and Zhi Lin. They had long known that Mo Bai's abilities were so shocking that they would inevitably attract attention and suspicion from all sides. Liu Erlong's arrival was expected, yet it still brought pressure.
"His Excellency Mo Bai is currently at the training grounds instructing students," Meng Shenji mused. "If Principal Liu wishes to observe, she certainly may. However, His Excellency does not like to be overly disturbed during his teaching. I ask that Principal Liu and your students remain quiet."
"Naturally," Liu Erlong nodded, her red lips curving into a slightly provocative arc. "I also very much want to see what kind of heavenly means this 'Spirit Casting Douluo' truly possesses."
The training ground was located on the west side of the academy, sprawling across a vast area paved with hard bluestone and surrounded by spirit tool protective barriers. Currently, in the center of the field, ten students with spirit power between Level 30 and 35 stood in two rows, looking nervous yet excited.
Mo Bai stood before them, still in his simple black attire, hands behind his back. The sunlight spilled over him, outlining his upright silhouette, yet it could not penetrate the deep-pool-like calm in his eyes. Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Dugu Yan stood a short distance behind him like guards; their postures were respectful, but their gazes occasionally drifted toward Mo Bai, hiding an attachment and heat that outsiders would find difficult to comprehend.
Liu Erlong and her entourage were led by Meng Shenji to the observation area at the edge of the training ground. Her gaze locked onto Mo Bai in the center of the field instantly.
Young, too young. He looked barely in his early twenties, with a handsome face and a serene temperament; were it not for prior knowledge, it would be hard to believe this was a Title Douluo. However, as a Soul Saint, Liu Erlong possessed keen mental energy; she could faintly sense an aura from Mo Bai that was as restrained as an abyss, yet seemingly harboring the power of a volcano. Deep and immeasurable.
Immediately, her gaze swept over the three girls behind him. Xiao Wu's playful charm, Zhu Zhuqing's cold arrogance, and Dugu Yan's exotic allure—all were rare beauties, and their spirit power fluctuations were not weak. But what made Liu Erlong frown even more was the way these three girls looked at Mo Bai... it was too strange. It wasn't the respect of a student for a teacher, nor the awe of a junior for a powerhouse, but a kind of... almost obsessive gaze of total psychological dependence and devotion. Especially the pink-haired girl named Xiao Wu; her eyes were practically glued to Mo Bai, making no attempt to hide it.
"Begin," Mo Bai's voice rang out flatly. It wasn't loud, yet it reached every corner of the training ground clearly. "According to the spirit power circulation route I taught you yesterday, coordinate with basic physical techniques for combat practice. Remember, spirit power is not for brute force; it should be like water—permeating, controlling, and then exploding."
The ten students shouted their affirmation and quickly split into five pairs to begin sparring.
Liu Erlong crossed her arms and observed carefully. At first, she felt the students' moves were ordinary and their spirit power application slightly clumsy. But soon, she discovered something unusual.
The spirit power consumption rate of these students was significantly slower than that of spirit masters of the same level! Furthermore, while their spirit skills hadn't noticeably increased in raw power, the transitions were smoother and the spirit power fluctuations more stable. What surprised Liu Erlong even more was that during an exchange between two students, their spirit rings actually glowed slightly, and the color seemed... to deepen by a fraction? Although the change was extremely minute, with her eyesight, she absolutely could not have misseen it.
"This..." The Lanba Academy students beside Liu Erlong also saw the clue and whispered in shock. "Their spirit power control is so stable! And the spirit rings..."
"Shut up and watch," Liu Erlong barked, though her gaze became increasingly solemn. She looked at Mo Bai and saw him walking slowly among the sparring students, occasionally speaking to offer guidance. His words were concise and comprehensive, always hitting the mark regarding the students' spirit power stagnation or flaws in their skill transitions. His fingers would occasionally ghost over a student's shoulder, elbow, or waist; a faint light seemed to flash at his fingertips, the student would shudder, and then their spirit power circulation would noticeably smooth out, their faces showing realization and joy.
"Acupoint dredging? Precise spirit power intervention?" Liu Erlong was shaken internally. This required an terrifyingly profound understanding and control over the human meridians and spirit power flow! Even she could not intervene in another's spirit power circulation so effortlessly without causing a backlash!