Within the blazing crimson inferno of the Flame Sand Prison, faint traces of icy-blue light flickered through.
The girls of Tianshui Academy held their breath, their eyes locked on the stage, their hearts taut with tension.
They all knew—the battle had reached its decisive moment.
Standing at the edge of the arena, Shui Bing'er felt her heart tighten as she watched.
Though the Ice Shield still surrounded Bing Lan, she could sense that her endurance was nearing its limit.
Bing Lan was trapped inside what seemed like a massive furnace, surrounded by scorching flames and sharp sand grains swirling endlessly around her.
Sweat beaded across her forehead, and the last remnants of her soul power were rapidly draining away.
Yet, there was no hint of surrender in her eyes.
Clenching her teeth, she poured every ounce of her strength into maintaining the Ice Shield.
She knew that once the barrier broke, she would be completely defenseless.
Yan, too, sensed her stubborn resistance.
His brows furrowed as he intensified his control over the Flame Sand Prison.
He could feel it—just one more push, and her defenses would collapse.
The audience's hearts rose into their throats as the duel reached its climax.
The tension in the air was so thick it felt like a string stretched to its breaking point.
Then, unexpectedly, Yan made a move that stunned everyone.
He slowly withdrew the Flame Sand Prison. The searing fire and spinning sand gradually dissipated.
His fiery red hair and golden-red eyes faded back to a deep crimson, and the glowing flame patterns across his body disappeared as well.
The audience erupted in murmurs, whispering to one another, wondering what this sudden change meant.
When everyone turned their attention back to the center of the stage, they saw that Bing Lan's Ice Shield had vanished completely—replaced only by faint traces of steam.
Bing Lan was gasping for breath, her face pale as paper.
It was clear that the previous clash had drained her of nearly all her strength and soul power.
Seeing this, Shui Bing'er rushed forward and caught Bing Lan just as she was about to fall.
"Lan-jie, are you okay?"
"Don't worry, I'm fine," Bing Lan replied weakly, but her eyes still gleamed with determination.
She knew she had given everything she had. Even if she lost, there was no regret in her heart.
Shui Bing'er held her hand tightly, lending her support and strength.
"Lan-jie, we've already done our best."
"Mm… yes, we lost."
At that moment, Huo Wu stepped up beside Yan.
Her gaze met that of Shui Bing'er and Bing Lan—filled not with pride, but with deep respect.
Though they had faced each other as rivals, in this instant, it felt as if their hearts were aligned.
Any competitor who gave their all on the stage—no matter win or lose—deserved respect.
The audience seemed to feel that same sentiment. One by one, they rose to their feet, applauding thunderously.
Tonight, they had witnessed two breathtaking duels of ice and fire. The long wait had been worth it.
Amidst the roaring applause, Shui Bing'er helped the exhausted Bing Lan over to where Yan and Huo Wu stood.
Looking at their opponents, Shui Bing'er spoke sincerely:
"You two are truly strong. We've lost this match."
Huo Wu's eyes shone with mutual respect as she replied,
"You're strong as well. This battle let us see each other's true power and potential. I hope two years from now, at the Continental Soul Master Tournament, we can face each other again."
After she spoke, Huo Wu stepped forward and helped Shui Bing'er support the weary Bing Lan.
Then, the host's voice rang out across the arena:
"In tonight's battle between the Blazing Duo and the Ice Duo, the Blazing Duo emerges victorious!
But in my eyes, there are no losers here—only champions!"
The audience's applause exploded again, waves of cheers echoing across the arena.
At that moment, victory and defeat no longer mattered. The skills and spirit the four contestants had displayed made them all winners in everyone's hearts.
As the cheers continued, the four of them slowly descended from the stage.
Walking through the soul master tunnel, Yan suddenly stopped.
"Wait a moment."
The others turned to him curiously.
Yan carefully took out a strange-looking flower from his Wanling Treasure Gate.
It was a Zijing Jasmine (OC)—a plant he had discovered and identified with Yue Guan while studying flora in the Sunset Forest.
Though not a rare immortal herb, it had excellent properties for refreshing the mind and restoring stamina.
Its purple-and-white petals exuded a faint, soothing fragrance that cleared the senses.
"The last battle drained everyone's soul power and strength. This Zijing Jasmine helps restore energy—each of you should take one. It'll help you recover faster."
Shui Bing'er and Bing Lan exchanged glances, surprised and uncertain how to respond to such unexpected kindness.
Huo Wu chuckled teasingly, "Yan-ge, I didn't expect you to be such a scholar—knowing all about these strange plants. It does smell nice though. You're not trying to poison us, are you? Guess I'll test it first."
Without hesitation, she plucked a blossom and chewed it.
The flower's aroma spread in her mouth—lightly sweet, refreshing, and calming.
Seeing Huo Wu's boldness, Shui Bing'er and Bing Lan followed suit, each taking a petal and savoring it slowly.
As the jasmine's fragrance filled the tunnel, a calm warmth washed over them, and their fatigue seemed to fade away.
"How do you feel?"
"Much better. Thank you," Shui Bing'er said softly.
"You're welcome—it's nothing," Yan replied with a faint smile.
They continued walking toward the main hall.
Curious, Shui Bing'er turned to Huo Wu and asked,
"Huo Wu, that last attack you used—what was it?"
"That was Fusion Ring—a soul ring fusion technique that channels all soul power into one ability."
"I see… no wonder it was so powerful. You really have talent," Shui Bing'er said admiringly.
Huo Wu smiled, sensing the other girl's sincerity.
"Bing'er, our battle showed me where I stand. I'll be heading back soon—once I return, I have to train even harder. Using the Fusion Ring takes days for my soul power to recover. Before I leave, though, I'd like to visit your academy. Is that okay?"
"Of course. You're very welcome. But… you're leaving so soon?"
"Mm. My brother and I have been away for quite some time—it's time to go home."
As Huo Wu spoke, she glanced at Yan.
"Can I bring Yan-ge and my brother along with me?"
Shui Bing'er hesitated slightly.
"I know your academy's rules," Huo Wu added with a grin. "It's an all-girls school, right? I heard boys aren't allowed inside. If it's inconvenient, we can skip it."
"If they're your invited guests," Bing Lan suddenly interjected, "then they can come with you."
"If I'm not mistaken," she continued, "you must be quite close to the principal of Blazing Academy, aren't you? I remember the principal's wife also has a Fire Shadow spirit."
Huo Wu laughed lightly.
"You're right. To be honest, I'm their daughter."
(The subsequent matches are briefly summarized. This story arc ends here. Huo Wu, Huo Wushuang, and the other fire-element soul masters will later become part of the protagonist's faction.)
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