"Is that you!? Shui Wuhen!"
Looking at Shui Wuhen and the Articuno on his back, the young man's eyes flashed with a fierce light as he locked gazes with Shui Wuhen.
The atmosphere instantly became tense, as if a battle could break out at any moment.
Shui Wuhen studied the young man before him, who seemed completely transformed. A memory flickered in his mind.
It was six years ago, during the Four Elements Academy exchange. While walking around, he had discovered a Soul Master attempting to create his own spirit skill—a Soul Master at the Spirit King level.
It was the first time Shui Wuhen had seen anyone else invent their own spirit skill besides himself. Excited by the challenge, he used the Ice Slash·Instant Triple Slash he had just created from his second soul skill, Triple Spin Strike, to spar a few times with the other's Gale Wolf Six-Strikes.
To Shui Wuhen's surprise, even though he was at a lower level, he had smashed through the Gale Wolf Six-Strikes like it was nothing, shattering the other's will and causing the young man to suffer a Dao-heart collapse.
In the days that followed, when Shui Wuhen returned to that place, the young man was gone.
Yes—the youth who had once had his Dao-heart crushed by Shui Wuhen was this very Feng Xiaotian standing before him now.
It seemed that his actions hadn't suppressed Feng Xiaotian at all. On the contrary, overcoming that shadow had made him stronger and more confident.
Shui Wuhen's expression remained calm as he said, "Feng Xiaotian, long time no see."
"Good! Excellent! I knew you wouldn't miss the Elite Competition."
Feng Xiaotian's lips curved into a slight smile. Facing Shui Wuhen again, there was no trace of the disappointment from his earlier defeat—only absolute confidence in his own strength.
With his current power, he believed he could sweep through the other academies alone.
Of course, Shui Wuhen's presence was an exception. He was an opponent worthy of Feng Xiaotian's full attention.
Nearby, others watched the scene with varied expressions.
Feng Qingcang thought to himself, "So this is the Shui Wuhen who turned Feng Xiaotian into the person he is now!"
Upon learning this, Feng Qingcang's gaze toward Shui Wuhen shifted slightly.
In Feng Xiaotian's words, Shui Wuhen was the greatest genius of all time, unmatched across heaven and earth.
Recalling how often Feng Xiaotian boasted, Feng Qingcang couldn't help but twitch at the corners of his mouth.
"Today, the world's ultimate soul talents are only Feng Xiaotian and Shui Wuhen. The rest are mere chickens and dogs."
—Feng Xiaotian
Feng Qingcang sighed inwardly: "Such a talented genius with innate full spirit power… how did he end up like this?"
Feng Xiaotian then stepped closer to Shui Wuhen, his soul power fluctuations rising.
Shui Wuhen watched calmly and asked, "Are you planning to fight here?"
Hearing this, Feng Xiaotian shook his head, and his soul power immediately dissipated.
"No. Let's save it for the Elite Competition. That will be more interesting, don't you think?"
With that, Feng Xiaotian turned and returned to his small courtyard.
Perhaps he had things to do before, but now, his only task was to conserve his strength for the future battle against Shui Wuhen.
Meanwhile, among the crowd, Huowu's crimson eyes followed Feng Xiaotian's retreating figure with fascination.
"Brother, have you met that person before?"
Shui Bing'er leaned close to Shui Wuhen and asked quietly.
Shui Wuhen replied, "Do you remember the Four Elements Academy exchange six years ago? I met him there."
"I see… But he feels a bit strange. Brother, you should keep your distance from him in the future!"
Hearing this, Shui Bing'er nodded and reminded him.
Shui Wuhen's reaction toward Feng Xiaotian had made her uneasy. She had seen a trace of attention in his eyes, however small, and it felt like something that belonged only to her had been taken away.
Shui Wuhen patted her head. "Don't worry, I know my own limits in these matters."
"Hmph!"
Shui Bing'er pouted lightly, displeased with Shui Wuhen's reaction.
Soon after, Shui Yue Ruo arrived with the students from Tianshui Academy and began assigning rooms.
"Bing'er, Xuewu, you'll stay in this room."
"Yue'er, Qiu Ruoshui, you'll stay in this room."
"Gu Qingbo, Yu Hairou, you'll stay in that room."
…
"As for Wuhen…"
Finally, Shui Yue Ruo's gaze landed on Shui Wuhen. She said, "You'll stay in the room next to Bing'er and Xuewu."
Shui Wuhen nodded and, with Articuno, walked to the assigned room.
The girls of Tianshui Academy curled their lips at this, having hoped to get a chance to room together. Shui Yue Ruo had completely ruined that.
Seeing their expressions, Shui Yue Ruo felt a quiet satisfaction. "Heh, trying to scheme against me? You're all just leftovers in my game."
Meanwhile, at Chihuo Academy, Huowu finished selecting her room and quickly left the courtyard, heading toward the direction of Shenfeng Academy.
In the pavilion outside, Feng Qingcang watched with amusement and said to Huoyang Yan beside him, "Brother Yan, your daughter has gone after Xiaotian again!"
"Hmph! So what? Feng Xiaotian is more than worthy of my daughter!"
Huoyang Yan's face darkened at the remark but he spoke stubbornly.
Three years ago, during the Four Elements exchange, Huowu had been drawn to Feng Xiaotian's confidence and charm. She had fallen for him instantly.
Since then, whenever she had a chance, she sought him out, but Feng Xiaotian seemed indifferent. Their progress was minimal, at best.
Around this time, Huowu had also learned of Shui Wuhen, Feng Xiaotian's often-mentioned rival, which naturally made her wary of him.
Seeing Huoyang Yan's stubbornness, Feng Qingcang smirked and jabbed again: "But I noticed Xiaotian doesn't seem very fond of your daughter. In fact, there's a hint of dislike. Do you think this will end well?"
Huoyang Yan fell silent. When someone isn't interested, no amount of effort or pursuit can win their favor—only annoyance.
After a moment, Huoyang Yan sighed. "The young ones will handle their own matters. Let them be; they'll figure it out themselves."