With a loud bang, the tip of the halberd collided with the end of the whip, sparks scattering in all directions. Xiao Zhitian seized the opportunity to parry, deflecting the long whip aside. Ruo Lin flicked her wrist, and the whip followed like a shadow, relentlessly pursuing him.
Xiao Zhitian's footwork was intricate, and his long halberd danced like the wind as he desperately fended off the attacks. In an instant, the two had exchanged over a dozen blows.
Suddenly, Ruo Lin seized a flaw in Xiao Zhitian's defense. The long whip recoiled like a spiritual snake. Xiao Zhitian's heart jolted, and he quickly retreated, bringing his halberd back into a defensive stance. The whip instantly wrapped around the halberd's shaft, attempting to snatch the weapon away.
Xiao Zhitian calmly dispersed the energy sustaining the halberd. The weapon vanished, causing the whip to lose its target and fall to the ground.
In the next instant, Xiao Zhitian flashed forward. He clenched his fist, and lightning gathered, forming the shape of a roaring lion.
"Thunder Lion!"
Seeing Xiao Zhitian's halberd vanish and a Dou Technique suddenly attack her, Ruo Lin's pretty face revealed surprise. She extended her slender hand and rotated her palm. A small, water-like vortex condensed within it, blocking the incoming attack.
Their fist and palm collided.
The violent clash of energy forced both Xiao Zhitian and Ruo Lin to retreat several steps.
Ruo Lin looked at him with a faint smile."Little genius, it seems I underestimated you."
"What will surprise Instructor even more is still to come." Xiao Zhitian shook his slightly numb hand, then tapped the ground lightly with his foot and shot forward again.
"Thunder Blast!"
As the roar echoed in his heart, Xiao Zhitian gathered the energy of heaven and earth along with his Dou Qi into his hand. Gradually, a lightning sphere the size of a football formed.
Seeing the lightning sphere, Ruo Lin's smile faded, her expression becoming serious. She raised her delicate arm, and the blue long whip coiled around it like a living creature. Pale blue Dou Qi erupted from the whip, forming a massive water snake three to four meters long that lunged straight at Xiao Zhitian.
"This is Instructor Ruo Lin's ultimate move, Profound-rank Mid-level: Water Mandala. It seems she wants to end the battle and teach Xiao Zhitian a proper lesson," Xue Ni said while shaking her head.
"But Xiao Zhitian's lightning sphere also looks terrifying. The outcome is still uncertain. If any of us were hit by either technique, we'd probably be reduced to dust," Xiao Yu sighed helplessly.
Boom!
The giant water snake and lightning sphere collided, releasing blinding white light. A deafening thunderous explosion echoed across the plaza.
As the violent energy gradually dissipated, a circular deep-green shield slowly appeared at the center of the explosion. Inside it stood Xiao Zhitian, breathing heavily.
Because he could not freely release Dou Qi outward for offense before reaching Da Dou Shi, Xiao Zhitian had been forced to remain within the blast zone and activate Thunder Light Shield at the critical moment.
He understood clearly that Instructor Ruo Lin, who was normally gentle as water, had not used her full strength.
"Instructor Ruo Lin, twenty rounds have passed. My leave…" Xiao Zhitian adjusted his breathing slightly.
Ruo Lin rolled her eyes helplessly."Since you have met my requirements, I naturally approve your leave."
"Thank you, Instructor Ruo Lin."
Xiao Zhitian smiled.
As the battle ended, Xiao Xun'er quickly ran over, supporting Xiao Zhitian. Her small hands moved anxiously over him, checking for injuries.
"Brother Xiao Zhitian, are you hurt?"
"I'm fine. Not a scratch. Don't worry."He gently stroked Xun'er's head, then held her hand.
Next, it was Xiao Yan's turn. With Yao Lao's assistance and Ruo Lin's deliberate leniency, Xiao Yan also successfully obtained approval for leave.
"You two are truly giving me a headache. Once we return to the academy, I'll be extremely busy. Fine — today's recruitment ends here. We will continue recruiting in the city for the remaining seven days," Ruo Lin said while shaking her head.
Afterward, Xiao Yu invited Instructor Ruo Lin and the female students to stay at the Xiao Family. The male students, who received no such invitation, packed their belongings dejectedly and returned to the reception area.
Upon hearing that the Jia Nan Academy instructors and students would stay at the Xiao Family, Xiao Zhan and the three Great Elders immediately arranged for servants to prepare a grand banquet, then rushed to the main gate to welcome them.
Through Xiao Yu's introductions, both sides became acquainted and understood the purpose of the visit. Rooms were quickly arranged, and Xiao Yu personally guided everyone to their accommodations.
That evening, the Xiao Family hosted the guests with the highest courtesy. The atmosphere at the banquet was lively and harmonious.
After the servants escorted the Jia Nan Academy members back to rest, Xiao Zhan summoned Xiao Zhitian and Xiao Yan.
"I heard you two will be taking a one-year leave to go out and train?" Xiao Zhan asked.
"Yes, Father," both replied.
"You've grown up and now have your own decisions. Fledgling eagles must one day spread their wings. A man's ambition lies in all directions — I won't stop you. When you're out, be extremely careful. If you have the chance, visit Stone Desert City near the border. Your eldest and second brothers established a mercenary group there called Mo Tie. It's quite influential in the area."
"Father, take care of yourself too. When we return next time, Xiao Yan Zi and I might shock you with our strength."
"Hahaha! Good! Then I'll wait for that day," Xiao Zhan said, patting their shoulders warmly.
That night, the three father and sons sat on the steps for a long time, talking late into the night. Watching his sons mature and become outstanding, Xiao Zhan's smile never faded, dispelling the sorrow of separation.
As dawn approached, after bidding farewell to Xiao Zhan, Xiao Zhitian and Xiao Yan walked together along the small path.
"Tian Ge, where do you plan to train during your leave?" Xiao Yan asked.
"I plan to go to Qingshan Town. There are many mercenaries there. I'll gain experience and temper myself. What about you?"
"I'm heading to the Magical Beast Mountain Range. I'll seek opportunities there. There isn't much time left until that agreement, and if I follow the usual path, I might not be able to defeat her."
"Then let's work hard. We'll meet at the peak."
Each carried their own secrets. Their paths differed, but their goal was the same: the summit of this world.
After parting ways with Xiao Yan, Xiao Zhitian went straight to Xun'er's courtyard and knocked on her door.
Xun'er stepped out softly."Brother Xiao Zhitian… are you leaving?"
"Yes. Tomorrow."
Seeing the reluctance in her eyes, Xiao Zhitian pulled her into a gentle embrace.
"Don't worry, Xun'er. In one year, I will go to Jia Nan Academy and find you."
"Xun'er knows… Xun'er will always wait for Brother Xiao Zhitian."
Xiao Zhitian kissed her forehead lightly."Come. I'll take you out."
He spent the entire day accompanying Xiao Xun'er around Wu Tan City. With his reassurance and companionship, the sadness in her heart gradually faded.
The Next Morning
After packing everything, Xiao Zhitian stood in the room he had lived in for more than ten years. A trace of reluctance surfaced in his heart. He shook his head, dispelled the melancholy, closed the door, and walked away without looking back.
Laughing heartily, I step out into the world —How can my generation be mere weeds?
Xiao Zhitian, having left the Xiao Family, arrived at the Mitel Auction House, cloaked in a long robe.