Seeing Teacher Zhao Huo and Teacher Ren Suo walking into the cleared area of the building district, preparing to start their fight, the students all wanted to get closer to watch, but the teachers stopped them.

Bai Ji, Dong Chengling, and others were standing on the building's rooftop, which was convenient for watching the fight and for rescuing anyone if necessary. With their strength, even if Zhao Huo and Ren Suo fought cataclysmically, they couldn't be harmed in the slightest.

Even Liao Yonghai, who was responsible for carrying the camera and live-streaming the event, stood at a higher position to broadcast this Second Stage Cultivator battle to all the school's teachers and students.

Now that Third-turn Cultivators were rare and First Transformation Cultivators were still beginners, most people were likely to remain as Second Stage Cultivators for a long time. Naturally, everyone was very curious about how much combat power a Second Stage Cultivator could truly possess.

Qin Lian picked up her phone and told Yu Kuangtu about this, asking, "Does Ren Suo stand a chance against Zhao Huo?"

Yu Kuangtu, it wasn't clear if he was on vacation or slacking off—though given his position, probably the latter—replied quickly to Qin Lian, "Not at all."

Although Qin Lian was quite acquainted with Ren Suo, she didn't know Ren Suo's real combat power. She asked, "Isn't Ren Suo strong in Healing, Move, and Defense abilities? Teacher Bai also recognizes Ren Suo as one of the outstanding ones among Second Stage Cultivators."

Yu Kuangtu replied, "But he didn't mention Ren Suo excelling in combat abilities, did he?"

Qin Lian was slightly stunned and then realized that was indeed the case.

Yu Kuangtu continued, "Ren Suo is very good at surviving and escaping. If he has companions to cooperate with, perhaps he could serve as a support role or logistics healer. But in a one-on-one fight, he absolutely cannot beat Zhao Huo."

Qin Lian asked, "Is Teacher Zhao really that strong?"

Qin Lian wasn't surprised that Yu Kuangtu knew about Zhao Huo. Yu Kuangtu was the Deputy Director of the Tactical Bureau and could freely look up the information of all registered Cultivators in the city. Since Zhao Huo was an ordinary Cultivator who hadn't Awakened and all his Spells came from the Tactical Bureau's Spell Network, Yu Kuangtu naturally knew him like the back of his hand.

Although Zhao Huo was responsible enough during classes, he was somewhat of a homebody. Aside from being highly skilled in Spear Technique, he didn't have any other remarkable traits, which is why Qin Lian was so surprised.

Yu Kuangtu explained, "Zhao Huo is a true Combat Cultivator. Let me put it this way: if Zhao Huo joined the Tactical Bureau, as long as he familiarized himself a bit with interpersonal relationships, he could be directly promoted to combat team captain."

Qin Lian, familiar with the internal information of the tactical system, completely understood the weight of this evaluation. The squads in the Tactical Bureau were generally divided into those 'who handle things' and those 'who fight.' For instance, Li Dan was specifically for handling tasks, and Yu Kuangtu was for fighting, but there were also those like Qiao Muyi who could both handle tasks and fight.

Most Tactical Cultivators were there to handle tasks; real combat was seldom seen. Even if they encountered it, they wouldn't rush in but try to escape, at most leaving someone for Scouting, and then immediately call for the combat team to handle it.

No matter how weak the enemy seemed, as long as people or property weren't threatened, ordinary Cultivators couldn't just use force recklessly.

After all, this was an era of Spiritual Energy revival, and anything could happen. If an opponent looked as weak as a fantasy-like Goblin but engaging them resulted in a wipeout, the Tactical Bureau would have no tears to cry—Cultivators were valuable resources, not cannon fodder to be wasted.

In such circumstances, anyone able to join a combat team, regardless of their Cultivation, was a Combat Cultivator with extremely high combat discipline, who would never underestimate the enemy, and was confident in surviving and counterattacking in perilous situations.

Currently, the Lian River Countermeasure Bureau had only four combat teams, one of which was newly formed due to Qiao Muyi's promotion to the third turn, underscoring the stringent standards.

Qin Lian looked somewhat surprised at Zhao Huo, who was holding an Alloy Cudgel in the distance, and asked, "Teacher Zhao is this strong even though he isn't an Awakening Monk? Is it because the Spells he learned are powerful?"

Yu Kuangtu replied, "No."

"Zhao Huo hasn't studied many Spells, with 'Spirit Qi' being his most important one. Yet, in the realm of Second-Tier Spells, it isn't particularly outstanding; only Zhao Huo primarily uses this technique in the whole of Lian River."

"The effect of this Spell isn't especially powerful, as it's a derivative version of the 'Clothing' Spell, allowing Cultivators to further transform Spiritual Energy to gain Attributes like 'Sharpness' and 'Hardness.'"

"However, the weakness of this technique is that, like 'Clothing,' it can only enhance oneself or one's Weapons, limiting the user to close-range combat."

"Currently, Tactical Cultivators all undergo firearm training at the police academy, and most Cultivators prefer the safer method of mid-to-long-range combat, naturally favoring long-range Spells. As such, Spells like 'Spirit Qi' are almost disregarded or learned only for supplementary purposes."

Qin Lian understood instantly. "So, Teacher Zhao's strength is because of his inherent abilities?"

Yu Kuangtu replied, "Exactly. Before attending university, Zhao Huo trained in Martial Arts in Hebei Zhengding under the Zhao Family of Hebei Zhengding, mastering boxing and Spear Technique. He is one of the few True Martial Artists in modern times."

"'Spirit Qi' is like a chicken rib to others, but for Zhao Huo, it's like wings to a tiger. With the enhancements to Attack and Defense provided by 'Spirit Qi,' he can resist most damage and break through most Defensive Magic."

"In the previous attack incident, Zhao Huo, armed only with a broom, killed multiple assailants, unafraid of gunfire and remaining with great Calmness—truly fearless."

"Even I would have some trouble if he got close... of course, just a little bit."

"Just causing me a little trouble is a testament to his strength."

"Moreover, Zhao Huo has innovated in the use of 'Spirit Qi.' Through the education system, he submitted multiple papers on his experience with 'Spirit Qi,' successfully extending its effects to include 'Light Body,' 'Clear Sight,' and 'Keen Hearing.'"

"That is to say, with just this Spell, Zhao Huo has already met four out of the six essential needs: Attack, Defense, Move, Scouting, Healing, and support!"

Qin Lian had learned in class that among thousands of Divine Skills and myriad Spells, based on their effects, they can be categorized into Attack, Defense, Move, Scouting, Healing, and support. Some Spells only meet one of these aspects, while others can meet several.

Although there's no inherent superiority among Spells—those with Concentration on one aspect might have stronger effects—being versatile means fewer weaknesses. Except for a very few Cultivators, most can only master a few Spells and will always have significant shortcomings, such as being poor at close combat or lacking in Move abilities.

But Zhao Huo was one of those Cultivators without significant weaknesses!

At that moment, Zhao Huo glanced at Liao Yonghai, who had just fixed a camera high up, and casually swirled his spear in a flourish, sweeping it towards the wall of a nearby green house.

The Alloy Cudgel, thick as a wrist and sharp as a blade, left a mark on the wall, but no other part cracked. This showcased both the enhanced sharpness of the Alloy Cudgel and Zhao Huo's consummate Spear Technique!

Gripping the Alloy Cudgel, Zhao Huo couldn't help but feel his blood boiling—the banquet incident in September had awakened the long-dormant, bloodthirsty combativeness inside him.

Martial Arts is the art of violence, and a Martial Artist is an Abuser who wishes to subjugate others through violence. After eighteen years of martial training and nine years of compulsory education, along with various societal re-education efforts, my heart has always nurtured a modicum of that aggressive spirit—neither too much nor too little.

This restrained spirit ensured he remained a law-abiding citizen, always opting for the most legitimate means to solve any issue rather than becoming an Abuser; yet it also allowed him to transform into a Warrior at any moment!

Moreover, Zhao Huo had been watching Ren Naiser's live streams in recent days. Seeing the Disaster Messenger, the Truth Seeker, the Handsome Monkey King, and the Sky Maiden indiscriminately slaying monsters and demons across the globe had sparked a wild craving inside him.

So... for Ren Suo's sake, as well as for my own satisfaction, I'll make this a grand spectacle!

Although Ren Suo is bound to lose, I have to display great strength to make his defeat respectable, so everyone knows his loss isn't unfair or without honor!

"Ren Suo, here I come!"

Zhao Huo's roar was like a clap of thunder, exploding in the venue, making teachers and students feel slightly dizzy!

"Spirit Qi·Anger!" The Spiritual Energy greatly amplified the volume of his voice and emitted a subsonic wave like a tiger's roar, inflicting Intimidation upon the weak!

I haven't submitted all my research findings!

Well, in this respect, Zhao Huo was no different from Ren Suo—because writing research reports was very troublesome.

He always had Xiao Meng write them when she came, and when Xiao Meng wasn't available, he naturally couldn't be bothered to organize his own theoretical system.

Then Zhao Huo, powering his waist, his calves springing like coils, charged at Ren Suo like a shadow!

"Spirit Qi·Comfort!" The Spiritual Energy significantly reduced gravity's effect on his body, thereby allowing him to burst forth with greater speed!

Just then, Ren Suo suddenly spoke, "Actually..."

Zhao Huo paid no mind to what Ren Suo said, his eyes fixated on Ren Suo's figure as he approached rapidly with an unstoppable momentum!

During the stage drama, Zhao Huo already knew that Ren Suo had Perfectly mastered "Gauze Clothing," whose Spiritual Energy defensive power could block him at least five times, so Zhao Huo was naturally holding nothing back—

"Spirit Qi·Attention!" Spiritual Energy enhanced dynamic vision to clearly see the movements of the target.

"Spirit Qi·Awareness!" Spiritual Energy heightened hearing to perceive more sound details.

"Spirit Qi·Sharpness!" Sharp Spiritual Energy was applied to the Alloy Cudgel, enhancing its destructive power.

In an instant, Zhao Huo had Armed himself to the teeth with the Spell "Spirit Qi"!

In fact, had Zhao Huo not been so obsessed with researching this Spell, spending too much time on "Spirit Qi," he might already have reached the third turn by now.

But Zhao Huo had no regrets, because when he first encountered "Spirit Qi," he knew that this Spell would be the most suitable Ability for him.

Although I have no intention of inheriting my father's dream of promoting the family Martial Arts... this Spell lets me know that I haven't betrayed the hardships I endured in my Martial Arts training!

Mankind's greatest fortune is to achieve something through learning and then be able to apply what has been learned.

The whistling sound of the Alloy Cudgel was heart-stopping, yet it still could not overshadow Ren Suo's words, "I really..."

Why isn't Ren Suo dodging or evading? Zhao Huo knew Ren Suo had superior Move abilities and thought he would flee as soon as the fight started, which is why Zhao Huo had used 'Anger' for Intimidation and 'Comfort' for acceleration.

Unexpectedly, Ren Suo was very relaxed, just standing there motionless and even finding the leisure to speak.

Ren Suo, your combat awareness is terrible! Even if this is just a spar, I'm attacking seriously! How can you still underestimate me like this? This won't do. If Ren Suo still acts like this in a real fight in the future, he'll definitely end up dead or disabled. More beatings now means less bloodshed later!

Feeling his responsibility growing, Zhao Huo gripped the Alloy Cudgel tightly, applying more force. As long as I don't kill him, it's fine. After all, Ren Suo's Healing ability is top-notch!

"...am weak..."

Now that Ren Suo was within his attacking range, Zhao Huo used his momentum for a horizontal sweep. I won't aim for the head on the first strike; hitting the body is safer. Ren Suo, it might hurt a bit the first time, but you'll get used to it!

As Zhao Huo charged in, Ren Suo finally moved!

He gently shifted his body and stepped back, just escaping Zhao Huo's attacking range. The tip of Zhao Huo's Alloy Cudgel was only two centimeters from Ren Suo's coat button, the wind from the cudgel stirring Ren Suo's clothing!

"So..."

A coincidence? Or does Ren Suo truly possess this level of perception? Zhao Huo's mind raced, but his hands were decisive as the Alloy Cudgel swept back again, aimed straight at Ren Suo's head!

At that moment, Ren Suo finally stretched out his hand!

Is he going to Counterattack? Although Gauze Clothing is a Defensive Magic, it actually provides Cultivators with full-coverage iron clothing. When Cultivators strike under the protection of Gauze Clothing, it's like swinging iron fists, naturally possessing some Attack Power. But your Gauze Clothing will shatter under my Spirit Qi·Sharpness!

However, Ren Suo merely pressed his hand on his fisherman's hat, slightly lowered his head, and Dodged Zhao Huo's cudgel sweep!

"Please..."

At that moment, Zhao Huo finally confirmed that Ren Suo was playing the pig to eat the tiger. His dynamic vision and combat discipline far exceeded Zhao Huo's imagination!

Being able to Dodge both consecutive strikes with minimal movement—just this Dodging ability and courage revamped Zhao Huo's impression of Ren Suo!

By then, Zhao Huo had cast aside all trivial thoughts, leaving only the purest fighting passion. The speed of his Alloy Cudgel suddenly increased, striking towards Ren Suo like a torrential downpour of pear blossoms!

"Spirit Qi·Battle Spirit!" Spiritual Energy stimulated all his muscles, temporarily enhancing his Physical Condition!

"Be..."

Ren Suo finally used his first Spell—"Ghostly Rapid Step!"

His figure became elusive and unpredictable. Even though Zhao Huo had locked onto his position with his eyes and ears, Ren Suo often managed to evade later but arrive first, narrowly Dodging Zhao Huo's stabs, sweeps, lifts, and chops!

"Gentle..."

Suddenly, Ren Suo's heel hit the wall. Turning his head, he realized he had been cornered by Zhao Huo against the wall of the two-story building, with nowhere to retreat!

Ren Suo had been so focused on Dodging that he hadn't noticed Zhao Huo intentionally herding him in this direction!

A smile touched the corners of his lips. "With me..."

"Ren Suo!"

Zhao Huo shouted loudly, drastically increasing his Spiritual Energy consumption, further enhancing all his Spirit Qi effects!

He hadn't expected to use 100% of his strength in a spar! As for Ren Suo's plea for mercy—with your combat proficiency, do you still need my mercy?

However, Zhao Huo did not notice the strange light flashing in Ren Suo's eyes, nor the continuous increase in his Dodge speed!

From the sidelines, the watching teachers and students heard numerous sounds of fierce critical hits. Then, the ground floor of the two-story building was violently shattered, soon followed by the collapse of the second floor, which broke into countless scattering stones. Nearby, Bai Ji immediately erected an Ice Wall to block these flying stones!

As the small building burst apart, releasing thick green dust, the crowd only saw two figures crashing through the dust into another two-story building, which then also collapsed!

BOOM!

BOOM!

BOOM!

The battlefield continued to move outward, with seven or eight buildings collapsing at a visible rate, kicking up billowing dust!

Seeing that they were about to reach the edge of the venue, Bai Ji decisively slid ahead and erected a massive Ice Wall, five meters thick, in front of the two figures. He stood on top of it, pressing his hands against it, constantly reinforcing it!

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

The two individuals, like rampaging beasts, finally stopped after crashing into the Ice Wall, their movements ceasing amidst the echo of over ten metallic clashes.

Bai Ji shook his hands, the webbing between his thumbs and forefingers a bit numb. If I hadn't constantly pressed my hands against the ice to reinforce the Ice Wall, the five-meter-thick wall would have shattered from that impact.

Bai Ji was inwardly shocked. To put it bluntly, if Zhao Huo got close enough to deliver a 'big cudgel massage' like that, an ordinary Third-turn Cultivator would be finished. Even I would have to maintain a significant distance from Zhao Huo at all times. As for Second Stage Cultivators, especially those with weaker awakened Spells, it would be more practical to try and shoot Zhao Huo dead with firearms. Those chosen to be academy teachers truly have their unique strengths.

With this in mind, Bai Ji felt a sudden anxiety and hurriedly went to freeze the dust. Faced with such a fierce onslaught, Ren Suo couldn't have been killed, right?

By this time, Dong Chengling had also arrived in a nearby tall building, looking at the center of the battlefield with displeasure.

Gu Yueyan and others quickly squeezed to the front of the crowd, eager to see the state of the battle.

"My brother couldn't have been killed, could he?" The usually calm Ren Xingmei was so anxious she was almost in tears.

Lin Xianyu comforted her, "No way, no way! Big Brother Ren is so good at running, and his Defense ability is strong. How could he be killed? At most, he might be half-dead."

"What's the difference between half-dead and dead?" Ren Xingmei retorted.

"If he's half-dead, Big Brother Ren can heal himself!"

Gu Yueyan knocked Lin Xianyu on the head, telling her to shut her trap.

Then Gu Yueyan grabbed Ren Xingmei's right hand and said softly, "That guy's fine."

Ren Xingmei and Gu Yueyan exchanged glances. Feeling Gu Yueyan's unwavering Trust in her brother, Ren Xingmei nodded lightly with a forced smile, suddenly feeling a certain kinship with Gu Yueyan.

With Bai Ji's help, the dust quickly crystallized and dispersed, revealing the original state of the battlefield to all the teachers and students.

Qin Lian, who had been live-streaming the battle situation for Yu Kuangtu, saw the scene at the center of the battlefield. Her expression changed slightly, and she couldn't resist taking out her phone to snap a picture.

Not just her; at this moment, many of the teachers and students were exclaiming in surprise, each taking out their phones to capture the scene. Such a marvelous sight, it would be too much of a pity not to capture it!

Amidst the rubble of destroyed houses, Zhao Huo stood firmly grasping his Alloy Cudgel, the tip of which was embedded half a meter deep in the Ice Wall. He was gasping for breath as he tried to pull out the Alloy Cudgel.

Meanwhile, Ren Suo stood with his feet perfectly aligned on the Alloy Cudgel like a tightrope walker. No matter how much Zhao Huo shook the Alloy Cudgel, Ren Suo remained as stable as Mount Tai, poised in mid-air!

Ren Suo clasped his hands together and said loudly, "Thanks to Teacher Zhao for showing mercy and not going all out on me, allowing me to stand here unharmed."

"As everyone knows, I am a Healing Cultivator with low strength and not skilled in combat."

"If not for the need to spar, I really wouldn't dare to enter the arena, lest I make a fool of myself."

"It is all thanks to Teacher Zhao's consideration in every way; otherwise, I would have been torn apart long ago, gone to paradise, dead and reborn..."

Zhao Huo listened with an exasperated expression. You've said so many nice things, why don't you just get off my Alloy Cudgel already!

Ren Suo also felt that it was about time, so he hopped off the Alloy Cudgel and bowed innocently to the teachers and students. "My strength is low, and I made a fool of myself during the spar. Please forgive me, everyone."

The teachers and students looked at him with strange expressions. If Ren Suo had said this before the fight, they might have believed him. But you just toyed with Zhao Huo, who's like a super tank, as if he were a monkey! Now you're still pretending to be a pitiful little white rabbit? Who would believe that!? Others who play the pig to eat the tiger at least leave after they've made their move. Who does it like you? You clearly just bested Zhao Huo, that tiger, and yet you still want to continue the act? We never expected that just as there are students who feign failure only to ace exams, the Transcendents also have their own version in Ren Suo, who claims 'I'm really weak' and then defeats powerful opponents!

At that moment, Zhao Huo pulled out his Alloy Cudgel, mulled it over for a moment, and said to Ren Suo, "Teacher Ren, you only Dodged without attacking last time, which was really boring."

"Dodging is fine, but you have to Counterattack. If it's just me hitting you, it looks like I'm bullying you, which isn't good for my reputation."

"Plus, one person fighting and the other fleeing is not a proper battle between Second Stage Cultivators. We can't demonstrate the Attack and Defense between Second Stage Cultivators to the students."

"How about one more round?"

Ren Suo didn't Counterattack even once, yet his Dodging ability was superb, Zhao Huo thought. Could it be because he spent a lot of time cultivating the Movement Spell 'Ghostly Rapid Step'? That's highly possible. Ren Suo is so afraid of death, so cowardly; prioritizing a Movement Spell makes perfect sense. In that case, I might still have a chance to win. As long as Ren Suo Counterattacks, I'm confident I can find his opening—this is the confidence born from my years of Martial Arts practice.

However, Ren Suo showed a troubled expression. "Teacher Zhao, I am truly not skilled in combat; I only excel in generating power with love and Healing others..."

"I won't go all out either; let's just have a friendly spar," Zhao Huo offered.

"No, no, I'm really weak; losing badly would be too embarrassing..." Ren Suo demurred.

"Don't worry, I'll be careful."

Seeing that Ren Suo was still about to refuse, Zhao Huo's expression hardened, and he leaned in, saying, "I'll add an extra seafood buffet to that."

Ren Suo sighed, clasped his hands to all sides, and said, "Alright, since it's to broaden the students' horizons, I won't refuse any longer."

"However, I am a peaceful person, not fond of competing, and my combat level is very low."

"And Teacher Zhao, as everyone just saw, his Spear Technique is earth-shattering and could awe Ghost Gods; it's only normal and reasonable that I would lose to Teacher Zhao."

"This battle is only to let everyone know how strong Teacher Zhao is, so when I am defeated, please forgive me, everyone..."

Zhao Huo's eyes lit up. Ren Suo, you brat, you've finally fallen into my trap! I'm definitely going to give you a thrashing this time! Then, according to the plan, I'll create an 'accidental' encounter between you and Dong Chengling! Don't worry. After that demolition-like fight just now, even if you lose to me, no one will think it's because you're too weak. They'll just think I'm too strong!

"Okay, Ren Suo, let's fight to our heart's content—"

BOOM!

Ren Suo, Swift as Wind and thunder, instantly crashed into Zhao Huo, his fists striking Zhao Huo's chest and sending him flying more than ten meters back, crashing into the small building where Dong Chengling was standing!

Seeing this, everyone was shocked.

All who knew Ren Suo well couldn't help but have a single thought arise in their minds:

Ren Suo... he hasn't been wasting his time at home!

Only Dong Chengling frowned slightly, looking at Ren Suo with a hint of doubt, a sense of unease stirring within her.

"Eh? Zhao Huo isn't even coughing up blood?"

Lying on the couch, rubbing his left calf with the sole of his right foot, Ren Suo suddenly opened his eyes and looked at the television screen's 'Equipment Interface'.

He saw in his own Ability column that he was equipped with the third-turn Movement Spell 'Ghostly Rapid Step' and 'Arrogant Humility's Mouth'!

The buff effects of 'Arrogant Humility's Mouth' are almost fully stacked... But I can't reveal my Bond Ability, so the Combat Spells I can use are only... Okay, hit me with all your might. As long as you don't die, I can heal you back... ROUND 2, begin!

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