Afterward, Qin Ming began critiquing the others. Naturally, the first subject after Gu Xuan was the captain, Yu Tianheng.
"Tianheng, based on Gu Xuan's tactical arrangements, you did very well this time. Your strength was evenly matched with Huo Wushuang's, preventing him from breaking away to execute their tactics. That alone was enough."
"However, there is one thing I need to remind you. I am raising this based on Gu Xuan's performance, but don't let it stress you out."
As Qin Ming spoke, Yu Tianheng nodded and replied. "Please go on, Teacher Qin."
Qin Ming continued. "If you could fight across ranks like Gu Xuan, that would be even better. The opponents were the Blazing Academy's ace team; they are undoubtedly geniuses as well. Gu Xuan was able to suppress a soul master two ranks higher than himself. If you can achieve that level, your future accomplishments will reach a new height."
Then, Qin Ming looked at the others besides Gu Xuan. "The same goes for all of you. I know this request is strict, but since Gu Xuan can do it, I see no reason why you cannot."
The others' eyes burned with determination. Qin Ming's words had struck a nerve; if Gu Xuan could do it, why couldn't they?
"Teacher Qin, I will work hard to improve myself. We all acknowledge Xiao Xuan's talent and strength, and we are already learning from his training methods. Rest assured, in time, we might not match Xiao Xuan, but we will definitely make you see us in a new light," Yu Tianheng replied very seriously.
It wasn't just Yu Tianheng; the others felt exactly the same.
Qin Ming tipped his head with satisfaction and continued critiquing Dugu Yan. His data was extremely detailed, proving that he was indeed a responsible and capable teacher.
Once the critique was over, Qin Ming intended to let them all go and relax, but Gu Xuan refused because he wanted to continue fighting.
In the Great Spirit Arena, besides team battles, there were also individual and two-on-two formats every day. Since Gu Xuan hadn't consumed much soul power in the previous match, he was more than capable of continuing. He wanted to put a bit of pressure on himself, so he chose to stay.
With Gu Xuan staying, the others felt embarrassed to leave. Everyone was full of drive; their desire to catch up to Gu Xuan wasn't just talk—they were serious. Besides, it was only three in the afternoon. The day was still long, providing enough time for them to recover their soul power and continue competing. Having their own private lounge made it very convenient.
Since Ye Lingling was a Support Type and the others were still recovering, Gu Xuan first fought a solo match and then teamed up with Ye Lingling.
The rules for duos were specific: a person could only belong to one active duo at a time. Previously, Ye Lingling was paired with Dugu Yan. To form a new duo with Gu Xuan, she first had to dissolve her pairing with Dugu Yan, settle the points, and then register with Gu Xuan.
Dugu Yan was somewhat dissatisfied with this. Deep down, she wanted to team up with Gu Xuan herself. After all, the kid wasn't just handsome, he was strong! Teaming with him was clearly the easiest path.
However, Ye Lingling was a Support Type with no direct combat ability, while Gu Xuan was the strongest among them. Having him carry Ye Lingling would allow her to progress much faster. For the sake of her best friend's future, Dugu Yan could only "reluctantly part with her treasure."
After dissolving the bond with Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling and Gu Xuan formed their new duo. Because Ye Lingling already held a Silver Spirit Fighter Badge, the duo was ranked at the Silver level despite Gu Xuan still being at the Iron rank.
Gu Xuan didn't mind this at all. In fact, he was quite pleased; he didn't have to start by bullying "noobs" and could jump straight into high-end matches.
Their duo was named Undying Bone Dragon, signifying that with Ye Lingling's Nine-Hearted Begonia present, he would be an unkillable Bone Dragon.
Ye Lingling was deeply grateful in her heart that Gu Xuan had proactively offered to lead her. Although she was a Support Type, she also wanted to become stronger. Her personality was a bit cold, but she wasn't cold-blooded.
"Gu Xuan, thank you." Following behind him, Ye Lingling's voice sounded softly. It was very pleasant to the ear.
Gu Xuan paused and looked back into her eyes, speaking gently. "So formal? It seems I treat you as one of my own, but you still see me as an outsider."
Gu Xuan said this intentionally, hoping to guide her and make her a bit more optimistic.
He didn't expect Ye Lingling to panic instantly, stammering. "No... no... it's... It's not like that. I... I really..."
Gu Xuan felt helpless. He reached out his right hand, placing his large palm on Ye Lingling's small head to comfort her. "Relax, I'm just teasing you."
Ye Lingling let out a sigh of relief, her bright eyes staring at Gu Xuan. For some reason, if it had been anyone else, that hand would never have reached her head. But when Gu Xuan reached out, she didn't dodge, and she didn't even feel any strange resistance. She didn't know why.
Perhaps it was because over the past few days, Gu Xuan had given her the feeling of a selfless older brother, offering unconditional trust and help, much like Teacher Qin Ming. Though they had only known each other for a few days, she felt as if he were an older brother or a teacher she had known for a long time.
And it wasn't just Ye Lingling; the rest of the Emperor Team felt the same way. This was exactly why Gu Xuan had chosen to establish a selfless persona from the start. He had sufficient background, talent, and strength, so everything fell into place naturally.
Of course, this only worked because they weren't narrow-minded people; otherwise, no matter how selfless or approachable Gu Xuan acted, it would have been in vain. Fortunately, Gu Xuan had studied them in advance, not just from the original records, but through daily observation.
Did you think Gu Xuan went to see Xue Qinghe every day just to take advantage of her? That would be a huge mistake. Our Great Young Master Gu Xuan was a very busy man; he wouldn't do anything that lacked meaning.
When he first visited Xue Qinghe, he had mentioned wanting to join an academy to study and meet some young people his age. As the Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe naturally recommended the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Gu Xuan took the opportunity to ask for the files on Yu Tianheng and the others, and then studied them minutely...
Gu Xuan first completed a solo match. Since his Spirit Fighter Badge was still Iron rank, he was matched with another Rank 33 Soul Elder. He handled it with ease, ending the fight quickly.
Now, it was time for his duo match with Ye Lingling. The two were currently on their way to the preparation area.
(End of Chapter)
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