Afternoon classes weren't needed; followed Luo Xue to the Black Rose Base, where Lu Shuai and Huerta were also present, while Roland was conducting experiments with his Hex-Tech seniors.

"Roland's foundation in Hex-Tech is quite good, the seniors like him a lot, he can be nurtured," said Luo Xue.

"How does the Li Long Kingdom protect its technology?" Li Xin asked curiously.

"Hex-Tech is a vast branch, not a single entity. It's already quite impressive for one to understand even one category, let alone the core technology which still has its reservations," Luo Xue smiled, "This way, we can enhance our status and influence on the Dao Yuan Continent. Verbal promises are insubstantial; internal recognition is better for exporting Hex-Tech products. Li Long's resources are not quite abundant, and we have a large population with great needs; hence, the rapid rise in national strength largely depends on the export of Hex-Tech products."

Luo Xue's insight was extraordinary; after successfully obtaining a Divine Relic from the Secret Castle, she became the future leader of her family and was also entered into the Li Long Kingdom's training sequence. The hidden power behind her can determine a person's fate; she only needs steady development, and later endeavors will be more efficient, consolidating her family's influence in the Celestial Capital.

Afternoon was the time for Black Rose club activities. Black Rose essentially represents the Celestial Capital Canon Law School externally, symbolizing the school's level.

Huerta and Luthor were sparring with Nan Kai and Fei Ruolin. After the previous fallout, Zhao Qing and Hao Ye haven't reappeared. The newcomers didn't mind their absence; they were rather eager for them not to show up. However, Nan Kai and Fei Ruolin felt somewhat uneasy. Zhao Qing definitely wasn't impressed with Luo Xue. Previously, he might have tolerated because of his pursuit of her, but now he'd definitely make a move, and Luo Xue's calm demeanor made Nan Kai and Fei Ruolin anxious.

To them, Luo Xue's life was probably surrounded by good people, and she would reason through any issue. But Nan Kai and Fei Ruolin had been through a lot, and they feared Zhao Qing might soon cause a major scandal. If a scandal breaks out, Luo Xue, who is still young, might have to give way to Zhao Qing, and the consequences would be severe.

In recent days, Huerta, Lu Shuai, and Roland focused on Black Rose. Roland had entirely gained the approval of Nan Kai and Fei Ruolin, even under Nan Kai's aimed targeting. Unfortunately, Roland's prowess was just too strong. Even for Nan Kai, questioning Roland pouring more effort into Hex-Tech, a seemingly "unorthodox" pursuit, was difficult.

The problems with Lu Shuai and Huerta were pretty evident. Lu Shuai lacked toughness, though he had some groundwork and routine in shooting and melee combat; the basics were there, but clearly, he hasn't undergone rigorous training. Huerta trained intensively but was seriously unbalanced in skills. He needed to spend time honing firearms, while his melee combat was marked with strong Barbarian flavor.

Barbarians have a large population and great physicality but continue being suppressed for certain reasons.

The Canon Law School trains Saxon commanders not only to change their mindset but their combat style too. Although Huerta isn't the first generation, there have been changes already. However, his expansive, open battle style suits battlefield charges, having brute force yet lacking agility.

Their urgency in understanding the three's backgrounds was to prevent Zhao Qing from using the issues of the four newcomers to attack Luo Xue, as that seemed the only point to exploit.

Only Li Xin remained, and President Luo Xue had instructed not to intervene with him. He could do whatever he liked, but should he face any unmanageable situations, he'd go directly to her, not act on his own.

Such explicit instructions made even Fei Ruolin, very familiar with and having a great relationship with Luo Xue, wonder if there was some story between the two.

"Li Xin, it's rare to see you. Come, spar with Huerta, so we can offer you some training advice," Nan Kai said, frowning at the smell of alcohol he caught, yet seeing Luo Xue's indifference, he held back from commenting. Lu Shuai had the "Golden Body" to protect him, so whoever targeted him might backfire. Huerta's strengths and weaknesses were clear, no worries there. Roland was the real expert; Black Rose recruiting such talent was entirely in line with the guild regulations, a plus point.

Only this Li Xin, with no apparent achievements, had a Grand Wind Discipline Officer as backstage support... an embattled Grand Wind Discipline Officer, potentially becoming an easy target.

The Mist Murder case had led the Grand Wind Discipline Officer to clash publicly with the nobility, becoming widely known. Even Zhao Xun the councilor was involved. With various factors and differing positions, tensions were bound to exist between him and Zhao Qing.

"Huerta, spar with Li Xin in close combat. This will also be one of our tests; victories earn extra points, failures lose points, monthly summary. Li Xin, don't be careless. Black Rose values freedom, but not laxity. Let's see what's given you such courageous freedom," Fei Ruolin said, using her gaze to stop Luo Xue who seemed about to speak, "President, you go check on the Hex-Tech department, they reportedly have new ideas they're tinkering with."

Luo Xue glanced at Li Xin with a wry smile, "It's just sparring, no need to go all out."

"Don't worry, we're all on the same team. Our aim is to remedy and improve," Nan Kai smiled.

After Luo Xue left, the atmosphere changed immediately; Huerta actually wanted to have a sparring with Li Xin too.

"Alright, Little Hu, bring the strength you used on me, no holding back!" Lu Shuai got excited, having been bashed by Little Hu and criticized too. Roland was already out of his league; he needed a brother-in-competition.

Deep down, he didn't believe he entered Black Rose through connections; those were mere door-openers. He too endured harsh summer training, but still got thrashed by Nan Kai, suppressed effortlessly by Roland, and hammered by Little Hu, unable to showcase his moves and dodges - he indeed felt somewhat uncomfortable.

"Li Xin, my punches are a bit heavy, if you can't take it, just say so," Huerta said, brimming with fighting spirit. Instead of changing his fighting style, he just wanted to fight. The Saxonians emphasized finding their own style in real combat. He wasn't quite suited to the methods of the Canon Law School, feeling a bit stifled, but he really enjoyed Black Rose where being hit and hitting others was quite enjoyable.

Li Xin smiled, "Go all out."

With a roar, Huerta charged forward, his punch wide and powerful, with an enticing speed, strength, and rhythm. Li Xin swiftly dodged, and Huerta followed tightly, relentlessly closing in, throwing punch after punch at Li Xin. Li Xin was more agile and faster, and Huerta's attacks began to miss, but Huerta knew Li Xin's strategy and started to compress the space, simultaneously enhancing his footwork, no longer giving Li Xin any direct predictions.

Li Xin was gradually forced into a corner. Huerta finally saw his chance, waited until now, and delivered a fierce punch. Li Xin's body swayed, his foot suddenly hooked, shifting Huerta's center of gravity, as Li Xin managed to escape the corner.

Nearby, Lu Shuai complained, "Li Xin, don't keep running, fight, what are you afraid of? A true man should courageously face another's punches."

Lu Shuai's body was already bruised in various shades, having agreed beforehand not to hit faces.

Li Xin didn't respond, and Huerta charged again, feeling a bit embarrassed. This time he paid extra attention to his footing; the Saxonian's combat style was indeed quite different from the Canon Law School, where they paid special attention to physical utilization. Just now, he was indeed a bit careless.

Huerta repeated the trick, charging once more, diving suddenly when close to Li Xin, aiming straight for Li Xin's legs. This sudden change was quite abrupt and without warning. Nevertheless, Li Xin reacted, a low sweep directly tripping Huerta. Huerta hadn't expected Li Xin to respond, received a head strike, staggered a bit, but his strong body was not cumbersome. Supporting himself with his right hand, he spun up and stood again.

"Li Xin, you're a bit fierce, time to get serious!" Huerta said, clenching his fists, releasing a mighty spiritual ability.

Destroy~~~

Huerta stomped forward, launching himself like a cannonball towards Li Xin, causing the whole base to shake. He appeared in front of Li Xin in an instant. Li Xin still relied on his agile moves to keep his distance, while Huerta relentlessly attacked, a sudden kick, fast and fierce, full of momentum.

After integrating into the Li Long Kingdom, although the Barbarians were overall rather brute, they were not without smart individuals. They too were changing, integrating aspects from various Li Long tribes that suited them best, especially with the help of Hundred Martial Hall, making tremendous progress in their combat approach.

Huerta stood out, his punches, kicks, and movements all remarkably swift. What seemed chaotic and disordered actually flowed with his own rhythm, bang bang bang... As the pace quickened, Li Xin had to dismantle Huerta's attacks. The longer this young man fought, the more serious he became, fully immersed in the moment, his moves less fixed, yet carrying his own understanding and combinations.

After a sweeping lunge, Li Xin had no more space to retreat and could only take Huerta's double punches head-on, reminiscent of 'double demons striking the door.'

Boom...

With an explosive sound, Li Xin's figure flew back. Huerta's eyes burned fiercely; this was the fight he wanted.

Fei Ruolin and Nan Kai exchanged glances; this seemed different than before. Just earlier, Huerta was struggling to keep up in his practice with Nan Kai, watching his every move a bit awkwardly.

"Not bad, that punch is quite interesting," Li Xin said, flexing his wrist, feeling the power flow through, not just a simple exertion, it had a hint of an inch force.

"Li Xin, no need to hold back, we're all friends here, fight all out. Roland is strong, but he said you're even stronger, so I don't worry about hurting you," Huerta said boldly.

Sparring with Nan Kai was a different concept; the other was a senior brother and Black Rose's leader. The elders had instructed him not to be reckless.

Li Xin smiled slightly, with a bang, his form shot towards Huerta. Huerta's eyes sharpened, lowering his center of gravity. His hands opened slightly and crossed, adopting a defensive stance capable of taking attacks from any angle. His arm reach and physique allowed him free rein in weaponless offense and defense.

Swoosh...

Diving?

Huerta instantly pressed his center of gravity down to smash an elbow downwards, while Li Xin performed a side spin, hooking Huerta with a left leg to perform a suplex. This was to topple Huerta, but Huerta, experienced in this regard, had a background with wrestling as a daily Barbarian activity, smoothly parried and immediately spun to confront Li Xin, countering with aggression and more fluid power.

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