On the training ground, Number Two's face was solemn as he stared at the incoming water tornado, his body taut and prepared.
His gaze reflected the gravity of the situation. With a sharp motion, he raised his long and muscular arms, activating his first soul ring, which lit up behind him. His massive fists glowed with a yellow hue before he threw three lightning-quick punches.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Three loud explosive sounds echoed through the circular hall, the result of air being compressed violently.
Titan's Strength!
The surrounding students who had no tasks to attend to had gathered outside the training ground, watching the battle intently. Those familiar with Number Two showed surprise on their faces, silently noting that he was serious now, as he had used his first soul skill.
The tornado, imbued with water and wind, roared closer, carrying an almost apocalyptic aura.
Number Two's punches created three overlapping shockwaves, releasing enough force to shatter granite. These shockwaves collided head-on with the incoming water tornado.
In an instant, water splashed everywhere, winds howled, and the overlapping punches disrupted the elements. The chaotic clash caused the observers to squint their eyes.
Jing Shaoyu stood unmoved, his calm gaze fixed on the scene. He methodically raised his Starry Scepter, and the gem at its tip began to emit a brilliant red glow. A wave of heat radiated outward.
Moments later, ten fiery red orbs appeared above the scepter, each resembling a small sun. They hung in the air, radiating intense heat that steadily increased the temperature of the training ground.
Elder Wu, observing from the sidelines, muttered in astonishment, "Well, well, so he's also mastered fire elements. What a promising talent."
Little did Elder Wu know, among the trio, another individual, Gu Yue, had mastery over seven elements, which would astonish him even further.
Meanwhile, Number Two managed to break through the water tornado, his massive fists still glowing with yellow energy. His soaked clothes clung to his fur-covered body, making him look somewhat bedraggled.
Shaking off water droplets, he prepared to counterattack and reclaim control of the battle. However, he immediately noticed the sudden increase in ambient temperature. His instincts screamed danger as he looked up, spotting the ten blazing fireballs high above, like miniature suns raining heat down on him.
Instantly alert, Number Two's fur bristled as he prepared to evade.
Under Jing Shaoyu's control, the ten fireballs descended in a fiery chain, each carrying an unstoppable momentum.
The first fireball landed just a meter away from Number Two, exploding on impact and scattering flames in all directions.
Before the first explosion's embers had dissipated, the second fireball descended, grazing Number Two's right arm before striking the ground and detonating.
The resulting shockwave caused his fur and skin to tremble. Even more threatening were the fire fragments, which scorched his body, igniting patches of fur. The searing heat burned straight into his nerves, making him shudder uncontrollably.
With bloodshot eyes, Number Two spotted the remaining fireballs and acted without hesitation. Mustering all his strength, he leaped into the air, his terrifying leg power propelling him over ten meters high, nearly level with the fireballs.
At that moment, his second soul ring glowed brightly, and he performed a pressing motion in mid-air. A powerful aura gathered, compressing into a massive pressure wave. When the pressure reached its peak, it erupted outward with a deafening boom, forming a tangible air cannon.
Despite Number Two's explosive counter, Jing Shaoyu remained composed. He calmly maneuvered the remaining fireballs, redirecting them in a graceful arc. While one fireball detonated prematurely near the ground, the remaining seven adjusted their trajectory, aiming directly at Number Two.
Number Two's expression darkened as he launched the air cannon toward the approaching fireballs.
Observers began murmuring:
"He's really pushed to his limits, even using his air cannon now."
"But how is this happening? That challenger doesn't seem to be doing much, yet it feels like Yuan En is being completely overwhelmed!"
"It's the rhythm," someone realized. "Yuan En is caught in his pace. The challenger has been controlling the flow of the battle from the start. Yuan En is struggling to turn the tide, but it's clearly not working!"
"Unbelievable! This year's freshmen are incredible!"
"Look, Yuan En's making a final move!" someone shouted.
All eyes returned to the arena. The air cannon collided with the first fireball, dispersing its compressed energy and extinguishing its momentum. However, the chain reaction triggered multiple fireball explosions.
The resulting blasts created a spectacular display of flames, with the expanding air pressure adding a majestic grandeur to the fiery spectacle. It looked like a sea of fire suspended mid-air, both eerie and mesmerizing.
Through the flames, a shadow emerged, descending from above. Number Two's fists, still smoldering, struck down like meteors, carrying an overwhelming force aimed directly at Jing Shaoyu.
Despite the terrifying sight of his opponent's descent, Jing Shaoyu remained calm and unflustered. His serene demeanor unsettled the observing second-year students.
"Could it be? Will Yuan En lose to a mere freshman? If that happens, our year will be remembered as the weakest in Shrek's history!"
Even the second-year students, who had previously watched leisurely, now anxiously rooted for Number Two.
Just as Number Two was about to strike, Jing Shaoyu finally moved. A green glow enveloped his body as four wings unfurled behind him. With a gentle flap, he effortlessly soared into the air, narrowly avoiding the descending fists.
Number Two's attack missed, and he crashed to the ground. Looking up, he saw Jing Shaoyu hovering above him, wings extended. Shock and disbelief filled his eyes.
The other students and monitors were equally astonished.
"Is this… a twin martial spirit?" Elder Wu murmured, deep in thought. "No, that seems unlikely. Does that mean he wasn't even using his martial spirit earlier? Incredible!"
In the air, Jing Shaoyu glanced at the exhausted Number Two below and smiled faintly. "It's time to end this."
As he spoke, the Nature Crown behind his head glowed, releasing a multitude of verdant branches. In a flash, they extended toward Number Two, binding his limbs, joints, and neck in an instant.
No matter how much he struggled, Number Two couldn't break free from the Green Moon Willow's grip. Exhausted, his face turned red as his strength waned.
"The battle is over!" Elder Wu announced. "You score ten points."
Descending gracefully, Jing Shaoyu retracted the willow branches and smiled at Number Two. "Thank
you for the match."
Number Two gave him a dark look before silently leaving the arena.