After the Royal Fight Team selection concluded, Marco immediately threw himself into intense training. As the new captain, he was acutely aware of the heavy responsibility on his shoulders. Every morning at dawn, he would arrive at the specialized training ground behind the academy and begin diligent cultivation.
During these days of training, Marco gained new insights. He recalled the chakra control methods he had seen in Naruto in his previous life. Although this world cultivated Soul Power, the principles of energy control were universal. He decided to attempt applying those intricate control techniques to his Soul Power cultivation.
"Tree Climbing Training" – Marco selected a sturdy ancient tree and tried to concentrate Soul Power on the soles of his feet. Initially, his Soul Power control was unstable; sometimes he applied too much force and cracked the bark, other times insufficient Soul Power prevented adhesion, causing him to fall multiple times. But relying on the perception of his Observation Haki and the exceptional control of his Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit, he gradually grasped the technique. Now, he could move freely on vertical tree trunks with minimal Soul Power consumption.
"Water Walking Training" – The lake beside the training ground became his second cultivation site. Standing on the water surface required even more refined Soul Power control, needing to both keep his body from sinking and maintain balance. At first, he often fell into the water, getting completely soaked. But after repeated practice, he could now walk steadily on the water's surface and even perform simple kicking exercises.
What intrigued Marco the most was the concept behind the "Rasengan" training. Although he couldn't directly replicate this jutsu, he grasped the essence of Soul Power form transformation from it. He attempted to highly compress the azure flames, forming a rotating energy sphere. This training was extremely difficult; the Soul Power often went out of control and exploded during compression. But he persevered, and could now preliminarily form a stable azure flame energy sphere. Though its duration was short, its power was astonishing.
As the sun set, Marco was engaged in high-intensity Soul Power control training on the training ground. He stood on the lake's surface, Soul Power flowing beneath his feet, maintaining a delicate balance. The azure flames around him rotated, compressed, and released in peculiar ways, demonstrating his fine control over Soul Power.
Sweat soaked through his training clothes, but his gaze remained focused, every movement precise and powerful. The Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit appeared especially sacred under the setting sun's glow, with the black luster representing Armament Haki faintly visible beneath his skin.
Meanwhile, Ye Lingling carried a carefully prepared food box along the academy path toward the training ground. Inside were several of Marco's favorite snacks and nourishing medicinal meals, all specially formulated after she consulted Yang Wudi. They could replenish physical strength and aid in Soul Power cultivation.
The young woman wore an elegant white dress, resembling a blooming orchid in the twilight. Her steps were light, and a gentle smile unconsciously touched her lips as she thought of Marco's exhausted appearance after training.
However, as she passed through the academy garden, several unwelcome guests blocked her path. Led by Yufeng, four noble youths were gathered in the garden pavilion drinking, with several empty bottles scattered on the table. Seeing Ye Lingling alone, the drunken group immediately perked up.
"Well, if it isn't our little beauty of the Nine Heart Begonia?" slurred Li An De'er, the son of a count with level 25 Soul Power and a Golden Lion Spirit. The alcohol had made him considerably bolder.
Weis (son of a Viscount, Level 24 Soul Power, Wind Fox Martial Soul) staggered to his feet: "Where are you off to in such a hurry? Come have a drink with us."
Ye Lingling furrowed her brow slightly and tried to detour around them, but found herself surrounded by the four. Yufeng, already in a foul mood after his crushing defeat by Marco in the selection tournament that day, had drowned his sorrows in alcohol and was now taking out his frustrations on Ye Lingling.
"What's the matter, rushing to comfort your 'Phoenix' captain?" Yufeng slurred, his eyes bleary with drink, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Too bad his eyes are only on training. Someone like you, a Support System Soul Master, would never catch his eye."
Li An De'er seized the chance to pour oil on the flames: "Exactly! Brother Yufeng just got careless today. If he'd been serious, what would that Marco amount to?"
Weis chimed in: "Support System Soul Masters should know their place and stay in the rear. Hanging around assault types all day, aren't you ashamed?"
Their words pierced Ye Lingling's heart like daggers. She bit her lower lip, wanting to retort but unsure how to begin. Seeing her silence, Yufeng grew even bolder, actually reaching out to grab the food container in her hands.
"Let me see what treats you've prepared for our captain," Yufeng said flippantly, his actions growing increasingly inappropriate.
Just then, a dark shadow flashed past as Osler suddenly appeared, shielding Ye Lingling. "Yufeng, what are you doing?" Osler barked sharply, his Nether Leopard Martial Soul flickering faintly around him.
Yufeng and the others froze for a moment, then grew even more reckless under the influence of alcohol. "Osler, mind your own business," Yufeng sneered. "We're just having a chat with Ye Lingling."
"Does chatting require groping?" Osler's gaze was sharp. "Leave now, or I won't be held responsible for what happens."
Li An De'er stepped forward and shoved Osler: "What, looking for a fight? You think we're afraid of you four against one?"
Weis seized the moment to egg them on: "Yeah, since when does a single agility-attack type get to be so arrogant?"
A conflict was imminent. Though Osler was quite capable, facing four noble youths emboldened by alcohol, he was quickly overwhelmed. Yufeng, still smarting from his defeat by Marco earlier, poured all his resentment into attacking Osler, striking with unusual viciousness.
"First Spirit Ability: Wind Blade Flurry!" Yufeng unleashed his technique, dozens of wind blades assaulting Osler.
Osler nimbly dodged, but Li An De'er simultaneously released "Golden Lion Roar," the sonic attack causing his movements to falter. Weisi took the opportunity to strike from behind, "Wind Fox Raid" hitting Osler in the back.
"Osler!" Ye Lingling cried out in alarm, wanting to use her healing Spirit Ability, but was blocked by the fourth noble youth, Ka Er (son of a Baron, Level 23 Soul Power, Rock Snake Martial Soul).
"Where do you think you're going, little beauty?" Ka Er teased with a frivolous laugh.
Seeing this, Osler shouted: "Lingling, go find Marco! Hurry!"
Gritting her teeth, Ye Lingling turned and ran toward the training ground. She had no time for elegance—her white dress was torn by branches, her hair disheveled, her mind fixed on a single thought: Faster, faster!
When she arrived at the training ground, panting and out of breath, Marco had just finished a set of kicking drills. Seeing Ye Lingling's disheveled state, he immediately approached: "Lingling, what's wrong? What happened?"
Tears welled in Ye Lingling's eyes, her voice choked with sobs. "Yufeng and the others are drunk... they surrounded me in the garden... Osler tried to help me... and got into a fight with them... Go save him, quickly!"
Marco's eyes instantly turned icy cold. His Azure Flame Phoenix Spirit automatically activated, causing the temperature around him to abruptly rise. "Lead the way," he said, his voice terrifyingly calm, yet anyone could sense the fury contained within.
Ye Lingling led Marco to the garden, where the sounds of fighting and arrogant laughter could be heard from afar. When they arrived, they saw Osler already lying on the ground, bruised and battered, with multiple wounds bleeding profusely. Yufeng and the others were still jeering shamelessly, even kicking the fallen Osler.
"This is what happens when you meddle in others' business!" Yufeng laughed triumphantly, completely unaware of Marco's arrival.
Marco first quickly examined Osler's injuries. Confirming they were all superficial wounds, he released a gentle azure flame from his palm, covering the wounds. The flames of the Azure Flame Phoenix possessed healing properties, quickly stopping the bleeding and stabilizing the injuries.
Then, Marco slowly rose to his feet, his cold gaze sweeping over Yufeng and the other three. The chill in his eyes instantly sobered up the previously arrogant quartet, causing them to instinctively take a step back.
"M-Marco..." Yufeng stammered, trying to explain something.
But Marco gave him no opportunity. The azure flames surged violently as Marco's figure vanished instantly, reappearing the next moment in front of Li An De'er.
Thud! A fierce side kick smashed directly into Li An De'er's face. The blond-haired youth screamed as he was sent flying backward, crashing into a pavilion pillar.
Weis tried to flee, but Marco was faster. A spinning kick accurately struck Weisi's abdomen, sending him kneeling to the ground, retching dryly.
Ka Er attempted to summon his Rock Serpent Martial Soul for defense, but Marco's azure flame axe kick directly shattered the rocky armor defense, kicking him to the ground.
Finally, it was Yufeng's turn. Watching Marco approach step by step, he was scared out of his wits: "Marco, let me explain..."
"Explain?" Marco's voice was as cold as ice. "Explain to Osler!"
Azure flames gathered around his right leg as a sharp straight kick directly broke through Yufeng's defense, sending him flying several meters away. Marco exclusively used kicking techniques, each strike precise and ruthless, specifically targeting the most painful areas. The azure flames burning around his legs made every kick carry a searing, painful sensation.
The four noble youths writhed and groaned on the ground, but Marco showed no intention of stopping. He continued executing kicking techniques—side kicks, spinning kicks, axe kicks... an endless stream of leg strikes left the four completely defenseless.
"Enough! Marco! Stop!" Teacher Yan Ming's voice rang out as the teachers arrived upon hearing the commotion.
But Marco seemed not to hear, delivering another spinning kick to Yufeng who was trying to get up, knocking him down again. The azure flames shone particularly brightly in the night, Marco's eyes cold as daggers.
"Marco!" Yan Ming's voice sounded again, carrying unquestionable authority.
Only then did Marco slowly cease his attacks, though the fury in his eyes remained undiminished. He coldly stared at the four moaning on the ground: "If there's a next time, I'll cripple your Soul Power."
When the teachers inspected the scene, they all gasped in shock. Yufeng and the other three were beaten black and blue, covered in burn marks from the azure flames. Though all injuries were superficial, they looked utterly miserable.
Ye Lingling immediately stepped forward to explain the sequence of events, and several observing students also testified to the fact that Yufeng and the others had provoked and initiated the fight first. After the teachers examined Osler's injuries, their expressions turned extremely grim.
The matter quickly alarmed the college's academic committee. After the three chief members understood what had happened, Meng Shenji's face darkened ominously.
"Heaven Dou Royal Academy absolutely will not tolerate such malicious behavior!" Meng Shenji's voice echoed throughout the garden. "Yufeng, Li An De'er, Weis, and Ka Er—you four are expelled immediately! From today onward, you are no longer students of Tian Dou Royal Academy!"
Yufeng and the others turned ashen-faced, completely sobered from their drunken state, but it was already too late.