"Huh?!" Said Yu Zixing in surprise as he almost choked on his crushed ice. Although he figured he'd have to eventually participate in the exhibition due to the invitation, he didn't think he would be personally namedropped by the head of the clan himself.
"Uh... Yes!" Replied Zixing as the entire crowd of people had their eyes on him while he walked forward.
"Who is that kid?"
"Yu Zixing... Was there someone in the clan with that name?"
"I think I've heard his name before though?"
"Could it be?..."
"Is he the one their saying awakened with the trash innate spirit power as that Yu Xiaogang?"
"It's him... The one they say had a similar Spirit to Uncle's?... If I remember correctly, he's supposed to be Yu Tianxin's brother." Thought Yu Tianheng as he watched Yu Zixing walk up the stage.
After a few moments both Yu Zixing and Lu Chen stood face to face a few meters away from each other.
Lu Chen: "I know about you..."
Yu Zixing: "Hm?"
Lu Chen: "Senior Tianxin says you're not an easy opponent."
Yu Zixing: "Oh... So you know my brother."
"I won't lose even if you're senior Tianxin's brother!" Said Lu Chen as he summoned his Thunder Blade Martial Soul which took the form of short blades in his hands clad in electricity.
"Hm.." Tan Longmao also watched calmly. She wanted to know if there were any other children here who was around the level of Yu Tianheng.
The clan elders of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan could be seen shaking their heads. How could a child who awakened with but half a spirit rank be a match to Lu Chen who had already started receiving training from Thunder Spark Academy? These elders already began thinking that this sparring match might actually embarrass their clan.
The clan elder overseeing the exhibitions then stood in-between Zixing and Lu Chen, raised his hand then declared: "Begin!"
"Aren't you going to release your Martial Soul?" Asked Lu Chen as he took a step forward with his Thunder Blades in hand.
"No need..." Calmly replied Zixing scratching the back of his neck.
His reply may sound arrogant, but in truth his Martial Soul Hao Yue still had next to no combat ability. In fact, his main means of fighting right now are his exceptionally strong body provided by his Innate Divine Strength and External Spiritual Energy, his Techniques and Martial Arts bestowed by Hao Yue as well as the power provided by his current cultivation technique the Bridge Between Heaven & Earth. In short Zixing's current state did not require him to use his Martial Soul at all.
"You think you're tough?!... I'll show you!!" Shouted Lu Chen as he charged at the dark-haired boy clearly taking his words as if he was being underestimated.
As Lu Chen thrusted his Thunder Blade forward, Zixing simply turned sideways and dodged his blade by mere inches.
Even without his Purple Demon Eyes, Zixing's experience as a mercenary was enough to read Lu Chen's moves.
"Compared to brother Tianxin, this Lu Chen is quite a bit slower... Not to mention he's clearly lacking in combat experience." Thought the dark-haired boy as he continued dodging Lu Chen's slashes and thrusts with ease.
Both the clan elders and the crowd of people watching were somewhat wide-eyed at Zixing's ability to dodge so easily and effortlessly as if he had done it thousands of times before. To be able to do this in such a relaxed manner was rare for a six-year-old child.
Even Yu Yuanzhen couldn't help but think: "Is this really just from sparring with Tianxin and hunting wild animals?"
"Grr..." Frustrated that he couldn't hit Zixing no matter how he swung his Thunder Blades, Lu Chen quickly took a step back to gather himself and try a new approach.
"You're slippery I'll give you that." Said Lu Chen as he tightened his grip on his Thunder Blades.
But before Zixing could even reply to his words, Lu Chen suddenly threw his Thunder Blades at Zixing without warning.
"He's using them as throwing weapons!" Thought the dark-haired boy as he quickly used his Purple Demon Eyes and swiftly avoided the thrown Thunder Blades.
"Now I'll show you what I've learned at Thunder Spark Academy!" Said Lu Chen as he raised his arms to his sides.
It was at that moment that the Thunder Blades suddenly stopped in mid-air. Must know that despite having reached Spirit Rank 10, Lu Chen had yet to absorb his first spirit ring... which meant that the fact he was able to stop his Thunder Blades in mid-air signified...
"It's pure control... He's able to control his Thunder Blades while in mid-air." Thought Zixing as he saw this sight with his Purple Demon Eyes.
Seeing the pair of oncoming Thunder Blades from behind him, Zixing quickly ducked then dodged to the side.
"Now!" Realizing this was a chance, Lu Chen quickly caught his Thunder Blades and spun for momentum then executed a dual slant slash towards the dark-haired boy using the full momentum of his body.
At that moment Zixing's eyes turned sharp as he quickly used the Knight Temple's Sliding Step movement technique and instantly shifted his position from the front of Lu Chen to behind him.
"WHAT?!!" Mentally shouted the clan elders who saw this sight.
As for Yu Yuanzhen who had seen it before, he simply nodded his head and thought: "In these few months he's become more adept at using that movement technique now."
The moment Zixing got behind Lu Chen he unleashed another technique.
Tang Sect: Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon
"Huh?!" By the time Lu Chen realized what was happening he was already upside down and off balance.
Whoosh...
It was here that Zixing took the chance and unleashed a palm thrust to Lu Chen's upside-down body.
BAM!
Channeling his External Spiritual Energy coupled with his Innate Divine Strength, the dark-haired boy easily sent Lu Chen flying with his palm.
BONK~~
"Ugh!" Incidentally Lu Chen's head accidentally hit one of the guardrails near the stage upon being sent flying completely knocking him unconscious.
The moment Lu Chen landed on the ground outside the stage, Zixing couldn't help but scratch his cheek and mutter: "Oops... Sorry."
Silence... The entire venue outside the stage was completely silent.
For ordinary people who weren't Spirit Masters, they couldn't make sense of what happened right after Lu Chen unleashed his final attack. All they saw was Yu Zixing suddenly disappear as Lu Chen was suddenly turned upside down. The next thing they knew, Lu Chen was sent flying with a palm thrust.
As for the clan elders they were unable to say anything. They had absolutely no idea that Yu Zixing was this skilled and capable. After a few moments one of them sighed and muttered: "It's a shame his Innate Spirit Power is only half a Spirit Rank."
"He actually won against a Thunder Spark Academy Student without using his Martial Soul." Said Tan Longmao as her eyes began to shine with interest.
"Not bad... If only he didn't have the same innate potential as Uncle, he might've become one of my future rivals." Thought Yu Tianheng shaking his head.
"Amazing!" The children watching the exhibition cheered at Yu ZIxing's impressive skill. It wasn't everyday they get to witness a student from an Elementary Spirit Master academy be defeated by someone of the same age without using his Martial Soul.
With a nod Yu Yuanzhen stood up from his seat and said with his spirit power amplified voice: "What wonderful exhibitions we've seen today... But now it seems we must finish up the day's festivities."
....
"Haa.... Looks like they all went home now." Muttered Yu Zixing who had been using the Assassin Temple's 'Stealth' technique as he hid atop a tree. After his exhibition he was suddenly stormed by a large group of children begging him to teach them how to fight like he had.
Must know these children were the ones who awakened with Martial Souls that were either not suitable for combat or had low fighting potential. As such seeing Zixing win without using his Martial Soul really lit a fire in their hearts.
After making his way outside the venue of the exhibition and passed by a small woodland area, Zixing suddenly perceived someone following him.
"Whoever you are... There's nothing to gain by following me." Said Yu Zixing as he turned towards the nearby large tree.
"I was waiting for you... Who knew you'd actually hide for so long." Said a small girl who walked out from behind the large tree.
It was a girl with short white hair and citrine-colored eyes... It was Tan Longmao.
Yu Zixing: "You're... The one who fought Yu Tianheng earlier?"
"That's right and now I wanna challenge you!" Declared Tan Longmao with somewhat excited eyes as she pointed at Yu Zixing.
Scratching his cheek, Zixing simply asked: "And... Why would you wanna do that?"
Tan Longmao: "Because you're good!... You beat that Thunder Spark Academy kid without releasing your Martial Soul or even breaking a sweat. Of course I'd want to challenge you!"
Yu Zixing: "Haven't you heard the rumors of me having a trash Martial Soul or my terrible Innate Spirit Power?"
"I don't really care about stuff like that... From what I saw you're good, so I'm gonna beat you and prove that I'm better!" Shouted Tan Longmao as she released her Martial Soul, underwent Beast Spirit Possession and charged at Yu Zixing with a flying kick.
"W-Wait!" Shouted Zixing in panic as he instinctively raised his arm to block the attack.
BAM!!
The dark-haired boy successfully blocked the flying kick with his right arm however he was still forced back by a few inches.
"Thank god for my Innate Divine Strength!... She attacked too soon I didn't have a chance to get ready... If it wasn't for my body's current strength, I might've broken my arm just now." Thought Zixing as he maintained his stance withstanding the kick.
Somersaulting back to the ground Tan Longmao stared at Zixing with even more excited eyes and said: "Wow!... You actually blocked that without even using Spirit Power... You're way better than I thought!"
Yu Zixing stared at the phantom of the Celestial Dragon behind Tan Longmao and knew that there was no stopping this excited little girl anymore.
With a deep sigh, the dark-haired boy took a stance and said: "Alright... Bring it on!"
Seeing Zixing accept her challenge, Tan Longmao charged again.
Whoosh...
However this time Zixing was ready and used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to dodge and then counterattack with a kick.
The phantom of the Celestial Dragon roared as Tan Longmao focused her Spirit Power and blocked Zixing's kick.
Thud!
She then countered with a punch towards his throat but before it could land, Zixing used Purple Demon Eyes and Controlling Crane Capturing Dragon to force Tan Longmao off balance and make her miss.
"Huh?!" Seeing her punch miss surprised Tan Longmao which Zixing capitalized on and used the Assassin Temple's Movement Technique to turn into a purple blur and reappeared atop a nearby tree.
"So you have tricks like that huh... Well that's not enough to beat me!" Said Tan Longmao as she lunged at Zixing.
BAM!... BAM!... CLASH!... BAM!...
White and Purple flashes could be seen atop the nearby trees as the two six-year-old children clashed over and over again.
Tan Longmao had a hard time keeping up with Zixing's speed while as the dark-haired boy had a difficult time overpowering Longmao's Celestial Dragon Spirit.
"Maybe I underestimated the power of a True Dragon Spirit quite a bit... She's tougher than she looks" Thought Zixing as he continued to clash with Longmao with no signs of being able to overpower her.
"Amazing!... He's just as strong as my Celestial Dragon Spirit without even using his Martial Soul... And he's super fast too!" Thought Longmao with a wide smile as if she had suddenly found a fun playmate.
Whoosh... Whoosh...
Shiing...
When the two six-year-old children jumped to separate tree branches, a yellow Spirit Ring began to rise from below Longmao.
"Here comes her Spirit Skill!" Thought Zixing as he took a deep breath and prepared himself.
"First Ring Spirit Skill - Celestial Dragon Body!" Declared Tan Longmao as her entire body became clad in bright energy as her body's physical attributes were greatly enhanced.
"Hm!" Seeing Tan Longmao charging towards him fully empowered by her Spirit Skill, Zixing decided to meet her head-on to test his current endurance.
Completely channeling his External Spiritual Energy, Zixing's body began glowing in faint blue light as he prepared to go toe to toe with Tan Longmao's Spirit Skill.
BAM!
The two locked arms in mid-air... Bright yellow and faint blue energies struggling to endure and overpower each other. Neither gaining an advantage but both striving to outdo each other.
"Haaa!/ROAR!" Screamed Tan Longmao as the Celestial Dragon Phantom behind her roared loudly.
Whoosh...
Feeling the spiritual pressure suddenly increase, Zixing quickly turned into a purple blur and retreated.
"I gotta admit you're much better than I thought... I had originally planned to use my trump card once you released your Martial Soul but now it looks like I have to use it early." Said Longmao as she landed on the ground and began channeling the power of her Spirit Skill into her right fist.
"It's that move she used against Yu Tianheng earlier!" Thought the dark-haired boy as the energies of Eternal Life Technique and Mysterious Heaven Skill began revolving like never before. Unbeknownst to Zixing a change was occurring within his Bridge Between Heaven & Earth.
Once the two children fully channeled energies into their respective right fists...
Whoosh... Whoosh...
The two rushed at each other at blinding speeds.
Tan Longmao: "Self Created Spirit Skill - Celestial Dragon Burst!"
Yu Zixing: "Through Point Strike!"
BANG!
Bright yellow and bright blue energies clashed creating a small shockwave in-between the trees.
"Ugh!"
"Ahh!"
The force from the clash sent both children flying back towards the ground.
Whoosh...
After a few moments the smoke cleared.
"Huh?!" On the ground Tan Longmao could be seen kneeling on the ground as Yu Zixing stood in front of her with his hand straightened towards her neck.
"I... I lost?!!" Muttered the white-haired little girl in surprise at the sight of Zixing's hand inches away from her throat. She had used her trump card and still lost. Lost to someone who wasn't even using his Martial Soul.
In truth the moment both of them landed on the ground, Zixing immediately used the Sliding Step technique to quickly rush towards Tan Longmao before his body even recovered from the clash. If he had not done that, they might've ended up continuing this little battle of theirs.
Some distance away both Yu Yuanzhen and one of his elders suddenly appeared. They had been watching the two children's battle up to this point. They had planned to intervene in case something dangerous happened during the battle.
"With all due respect Clan Master is there any reason for those two to even attend Elementary Spirit Master Academies anymore?" Asked the Elder beside Yu Yuanzhen. He was clearly shaken by the display of these two six-year-old children.
Yu Yuanzhen simply smiled and replied: "There's always more to learn for children their age."
Whoosh...
In but an instant the two then disappeared as if neither of them had been there from the start.
After Yu Zixing helped Tan Longmao up, she suddenly said: "I'm Tan Longmao from Rising Cloud Academy.. What about you?"
Yu Zixing: "My name's Yu Zixing... Just a normal disciple of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
"Normal disciple hehe... Yeah right... I'll make sure to be the one to beat you the next time we fight alright." Said Tan Longmao with a chuckle.
After getting acquainted with Tan Longmao for a bit, the two eventually decided to say their goodbyes.
"I'll see you around Zixing... and the next time I really will beat you!" Said Tan Longmao as she waved him goodbye.
"This girl honestly feels like a handful." Thought Zixing as he also waved her goodbye.
After Longmao left, Zixing stretched a bit then noticed: "Huh?!!"
Within his chest and lower body both the Eternal Life Technique and the Mysterious Heaven Skill seemed to now be brighter than before. The Vital Energy of the Eternal Life Technique had begun to transform into Dou Qi(Battle Spirit) while as the Mysterious Heaven Skill had completely and stably broken through the First Tier.
"No way... Is this the result of breaking through Spirit Rank 10?!" Said the dark-haired boy in surprise. Little did he know his final clash with Longmao near the end was what stimulated this breakthrough.
Pop!
Without warning Hao Yue suddenly came out of his body.
"Hao Yue look... I finally broke through Spirit Rank 10." Said Zixing in a somewhat happy tone.
"Hawa Hawa Hawaya!!" Shouted Hao Yue in what looked to be a panicked expression.
Yu Zixing: "Huh?... What do you mean this isn't the time to celebrate?"
It was then...
Rumble... Rumble... Rumble...
Thunder clouds began forming above Zixing in rapid pace.
"Thunder Clouds?" Muttered the dark-haired boy as he began to have a bad feeling about what he was seeing.
Suddenly... a booming static like voice sounded within Zixing's mind.
"HEAVENLY CALAMITY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!"
Feeling the overbearing pressure from the booming voice transmitted to his mind, Zixing's expression instantly turned pale... Instinctively he knew... Something was coming!