After watching the previous match, Yan had gained a deeper understanding of Shui Bing'er and Bing Lan's fighting style.
Although Shui Bing'er's spirit power was only at the thirty-sixth level, once she stepped onto the battlefield, she seemed like a seasoned commander—calm, composed, and full of intelligence.
From the very first moment of the battle, she had already grasped complete control over the flow of combat. Whether attacking or defending, she handled everything with effortless precision.
Her combat instincts and techniques were outstanding. Even when facing opponents of the Soul Ancestor level, she remained utterly unflinching—swiftly adapting to the ever-changing tide of battle.
Bing Lan's spirit power had already reached the forty-ninth rank—on par with a Soul King. Her seamless cooperation with Shui Bing'er unleashed a destructive cold force that no opponent could afford to underestimate.
Yan knew that if he and Huo Wu were to face this duo, victory would not come easily.
After absorbing the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, his body had become immune to the effects of cold and water energy. However, that resistance applied only to energy-based attacks—it didn't make him immune to solid forms or physical impacts.
Freezing and other solid-state physical attacks would still affect him; only the chill within them could no longer harm him.
Moreover, both Shui Bing'er and Bing Lan possessed the ability to fly, which added even greater depth and flexibility to their tactics—making them even harder to predict or counter.
Stronger opponents meant greater challenges—and more thrilling battles. Only by clashing with such adversaries could he truly test and improve his strength.
Just like Huo Wu, Yan found himself looking forward to fighting them someday.
After finishing that match, the two of them lost interest in the others.
They went together to the service counter to claim their points and rewards.
Just as they finished and were about to leave, they saw Shui Bing'er and Bing Lan walking toward them.
Huo Wu glanced at Yan and said softly,
"Brother Yan, how about we find an opportunity to meet them properly?"
"Alright."
Yan could tell that Huo Wu had long wanted to test herself against Shui Bing'er.
Both were control-type Soul Masters, both at the thirty-sixth level—one wielding fire, the other ice.
Which of them would prevail? Only a true battle could decide that.
Shui Bing'er and Bing Lan also noticed Yan and Huo Wu standing by the service counter.
Bing Lan lifted her chin slightly and approached them with confidence, Shui Bing'er following quietly behind.
Before the two even got close, Huo Wu stepped forward openly and greeted them.
"Hello. We just watched your match—it was impressive, really well-fought."
"Thank you. We also saw your battle with the Iron Hammer Brothers. You two performed wonderfully."
Bing Lan replied politely, giving a small nod to Yan standing behind Huo Wu before asking curiously,
"Young man, the martial soul you released in the arena earlier—that was the Flame Lord, wasn't it?"
Yan nodded slightly.
"That's right. The ancient beast-type martial soul—Flame Lord."
"No wonder. For someone so young to have already reached the forty-fourth level, just like your martial soul, you're truly rare—a real prodigy among Soul Masters."
"You flatter me."
Yan replied modestly, his eyes flickering as he met Shui Bing'er's gaze. He gave her a slight nod.
Shui Bing'er's fair cheeks tinged pink as she nodded back, acknowledging him in return.
Huo Wu smiled and turned to Shui Bing'er.
"I've watched several of your matches and know you're the captain of Tianshui Academy's team. To be honest, I'm Huo Wu, vice-captain of Blazing Academy's team. It's a pleasure to meet you."
As she spoke, she extended her hand, just as she had when she'd first tried to befriend Yan.
Having been doted on since childhood, Huo Wu could be proud and fiery, but she was also straightforward and sincere.
Shui Bing'er hesitated for a moment.
That confirmed her earlier suspicion—this girl was indeed from Blazing Academy.
Then, with a polite smile, she extended her hand as well, gently shaking Huo Wu's.
"So you're the vice-captain of Blazing Academy's team. No wonder you're so strong. I'm glad to meet you too."
After saying that, Shui Bing'er turned her gaze toward Yan.
"Then, is this gentleman your team's captain?"
Huo Wu glanced at Yan, then chuckled softly.
"If our Blazing Academy team had such a powerful captain, we'd probably keep him hidden—we wouldn't send him here to gain experience."
At that, Shui Bing'er and Bing Lan exchanged puzzled looks, a hint of relief flashing in their eyes.
If this formidable fire-type Soul Master had also been part of the Blazing Academy team, their Tianshui Academy wouldn't stand much of a chance in the upcoming Soul Master Tournament.
Shui Bing'er asked gently,
"Then… who is he?"
Huo Wu grinned.
"Don't bother guessing—I don't know which academy he's from either. He's quite mysterious. I've only known him for a few days myself."
She shared a brief, knowing smile with Yan, then pointed to a tall young man not far away.
"That's my brother, Huo Wushuang. He's the captain of the Blazing Academy team."
"Oh, I see."
Shui Bing'er glanced toward Huo Wushuang and immediately sensed that he, too, was a formidable fire-attribute Soul Master.
Huo Wu continued, smiling confidently:
"Shui Bing'er, how about we have a match—our Blazing Duo against your Ice Duo, right on the arena stage?"
Hearing this, Shui Bing'er and Bing Lan exchanged glances, understanding her intent instantly.
Both nodded, accepting the challenge without hesitation.
Bing Lan smiled.
"We were thinking the same thing. To be honest, I'm Bing'er's senior. I was part of Tianshui Academy's team in the previous Soul Master Tournament. Forming the Ice Combination with her is to help her gain experience against stronger opponents. Judging by you two, I'd guess you also teamed up temporarily for the same purpose—cross-level challenges?"
"You guessed right," Huo Wu admitted openly.
Bing Lan turned her gaze toward Yan.
"Although Bing'er and Huo Wu e are evenly matched at level thirty-six, I'm older than all of you, and my spirit power is five level higher than yours. That gives our side an advantage. Are you sure you're okay with that?"
Yan smiled calmly and shook his head.
"I don't mind. I've been wanting to challenge stronger opponents. I'm honored to face such a powerful water-type Soul Master."
"Then it's settled."
"Good. How about tomorrow night? I'll check if they can schedule it."
"Alright."
With that, the four of them walked together to the service counter.
Yan spoke to the receptionist who had been handling his previous matches:
"We, the Blazing Duo, would like to have a fair match against the Ice Combination tomorrow night. Can you arrange that?"
The receptionist blinked, glancing between the four of them as if suddenly understanding.
"So you've already discussed this among yourselves?"
"Yes."
"Alright, I'll report it to my supervisor. I'm sure he'll approve."
"Great, thank you."
"You're very welcome."
With the matter settled, Huo Wu turned to Shui Bing'er with a smile.
"Then we'll be off. See you tomorrow night."
"Mm. See you tomorrow night."
After that, Yan and Huo Wu departed together.
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