Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Dugu Yan
Chapter 45: Dugu Yan
After a moment of silence, Niu Jinfeng finally broke it, saying, "Yan Yan, why don't you spar with Potian first? If you win, then you can take on both of them."
Dugu Yan, full of confidence, replied, "Alright! I'll beat Yang Potian first, and then I'll handle both of them."
With that, she stepped into the training arena, radiating ease, as if she were just dealing with a couple of kids. Yang Ping'an quickly stepped aside to join Niu Jinfeng, looking on with eager anticipation.
Now, only Dugu Yan and Yang Potian stood in the training arena.
Dugu Yan, like a little adult, introduced her martial spirit and soul power: "Dugu Yan, martial spirit: Jade Phosphor Serpent. Level 21, Control System Grand Soul Master. Please, teach me well!"
Yang Potian, following her example, introduced himself: "Yang Potian, martial spirit: Po Soul Spear. Level 22, Assault System Grand Soul Master. Please, teach me well!"
Dugu Yan seemed genuinely surprised. "Yang Potian, you're already at Level 22? How is that possible?"
Yang Potian couldn't help but think it over. Dugu Yan is ten and a half now, meaning she'll be eleven in another six months. With her current speed, even after another year and a half of cultivation, she'd probably only reach Level 25 or 26, just barely meeting the requirements to join Shrek.
Both she and Yu Tianheng from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were undoubtedly considered prodigies, each raised with great resources and attention. Even so, they would only barely meet the Shrek Academy's rigorous entry requirements. This really underscored the exceptional talent of Shrek's members. Even Zhu Zhuqing, the lowest in terms of raw spirit power, could still go on to lead a strong team after one Spirit Master Tournament.
Not bothering to explain further, Yang Potian summoned his Po Soul Spear, two yellow spirit rings appearing under his feet, signifying his status as a Grand Soul Master.
Across from him, Dugu Yan wasted no time in summoning her own martial spirit, the Jade Phosphor Serpent, as two yellow rings also materialized at her feet.
Yang Potian took a moment to observe her spirit, noticing the green snake coiled around her body, under her control, shifting and moving as if ready to strike. So this is the difference between Beast Martial Spirits and Weapon Martial Spirits?
From the sidelines, Niu Jinfeng played referee: "Both participants have summoned their martial spirits. Let the match begin!"
Dugu Yan controlled her Jade Phosphor Serpent, sending its head lunging toward Yang Potian, mimicking a hunting strike. Yang Potian calmly swung his Po Soul Spear, thrusting it at the snake's advancing form.
The spear and the serpent collided, and though Yang Potian's spear weighed nearly 300 pounds with a razor-sharp tip, it managed to make a small cut on the serpent.
Dugu Yan flinched slightly from the pain, and her serpent countered by spitting out a mouthful of dark green venom, shooting it at Yang Potian—the Jade Phosphor Serpent's poisonous breath.
Yang Potian tightened his grip on the Po Soul Spear and executed a precise thrusting technique, piercing through the poisonous mist with a concentrated spear aura. Then, without hesitation, he charged straight at Dugu Yan.
Dugu Yan's lips curled into a faint smile as the snake's tail suddenly lashed toward Yang Potian like a whip.
Yang Potian, however, seemed unfazed. Without flinching, he swept his spear in a wide arc, smashing the serpent's tail away. Before Dugu Yan could react, he followed up with a chopping motion that cut through the lingering poisonous mist, leaving the blade of his spear positioned right at Dugu Yan's neck.
The power of the Po Soul Spear came from its piercing attacks, but Yang Potian's training extended beyond that. His techniques covered a broad spectrum—thrusts, sweeps, chops, and parries—focusing on balance and versatility. This well-rounded approach, along with his preference for strength-enhancing spirit rings, made his offensive and defensive capabilities equally formidable.
In the future, top-tier experts like Tang Chen and Qian Daoliu rely less on flashy spirit abilities and more on foundational techniques and self-developed skills, Yang Potian thought to himself. When Tang San's Sea God Trident reached a weight of 108,000 pounds, it was that overwhelming power that allowed him to stand against Bibi Dong, despite just attaining the Titled Douluo rank.
Dugu Yan looked pale, stunned at how quickly she'd lost.
Her two spirit abilities, Jade Phosphor Red Poison and Paralysis Poison, were more suited for group support. The first gave her an attack boost by 20%, while the second increased defensive resilience for allies. In one-on-one combat, however, they offered little advantage. She'd already used her full strength.
Yang Potian, meanwhile, hadn't even used any spirit abilities, apart from a single spear aura, making the fight appear almost effortless.
Retracting his spear, Yang Potian said, "Yan Yan, looks like you lost. Sorry."
Dugu Yan was taken aback. "I lost? And so quickly? To someone two years younger?"
Yang Potian shook his head. Dugu Yan may be talented, but she's just a sheltered girl who doesn't fully understand the competitive world of spirit masters. She's never faced any real setbacks.
Just as he was about to leave, she called out, "Wait! Don't go just yet. Let's have another match! I don't believe you can beat me that easily."
Yang Potian felt at a loss. My soul may be that of an adult—do I really have to let a kid drag me into another round?
"Yan Yan, don't forget," he said, "I didn't even use any of my spirit abilities."
With that, he turned and left, reminding himself of his studies. He had no interest in wasting time on another round.
Watching him go, Dugu Yan finally understood: this kid hadn't even used his spirit abilities to beat her. Just how powerful was he?
After breakfast, Yang Potian and Yang Ping'an headed off to class, with Dugu Yan trailing behind, intrigued by Potian. Ever since advancing to Grand Soul Master, Yang Potian had found classes dull, especially the theory lessons. After a stern talking-to from his parents and teachers, he resigned himself to attending, although he spent most of his time in quiet meditation since he'd already covered the material on his own.
That day, Dugu Yan shadowed him and Yang Ping'an all day. At dinner, she couldn't contain her curiosity.
"Yang Potian, aren't Spirit Masters supposed to focus on soul power? I haven't seen you spending much time meditating. Why bother training your body so hard?"
"Yan Yan, I meditate every night in my room," Yang Potian replied. "As Spirit Masters, our bodies are essential foundations. The stronger our bodies, the more effective our meditation. Especially after an afternoon of physical training and herbal baths, meditation yields even better results."
"No other activities? Like shopping, playing, or hanging out with friends?"
"As Spirit Masters, strength matters above all. We're young now, and this is the best time to train. There'll be plenty of time for fun later."
Dugu Yan looked at him, exasperated. Is this kid even human? He's a total monster.
(End of Chapter)
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