Chapter 396. Clear Sky Hammer, Wild Dance of the Wind (Part 1)

Neither of them walked into the arena quickly. Both moved at a measured pace, their eyes locked on their opponent. The match hadn't even begun yet, yet they were already searching for openings in each other's defenses. Despite having only forty-something levels of Soul Power between them, their young ages notwithstanding, they both already displayed the bearing of seasoned masters.

The moment their gazes met, both felt a sharp jolt of wariness. As outstanding young Soul Masters, they each recognized familiar elements in their opponent. They both understood—this match would not be easy.

The referee signaled both sides to release their Martial Souls.

Tang San raised his right palm. The familiar blue light emerged from its center, as understated and unassuming as ever, his expression one of perfect calm.

Feng Xiaotian let out a sharp, piercing cry. A layer of pale green light surged outward from his body, churning and roiling. His frame visibly transformed—accompanied by the crackling of bone, his muscles and skeleton expanded simultaneously, his stature growing noticeably larger. Even the long hair on his head was suffused with green. Most remarkably, a wolf's head emerged from his left shoulder.

The green wolf head stared at Tang San with a cold, predatory gaze, exuding wisps of chilling intent.

Gale Two-Headed Wolf—a mutated form of the Gale Demon Wolf. The Gale Demon Wolf was originally a mid-to-high-tier Martial Soul, but mutating into a two-headed wolf had elevated it to a near-top-tier existence.

It was precisely this powerful Mutant Martial Soul that had earned Feng Xiaotian his current standing. At twenty-four years old and forty-fourth level, he was every bit a genius among geniuses. Had it not been for Tang San's extraordinary encounters—his rapid growth with the help of immortal herbs, and the orthodox Daoist cultivation techniques of the Mysterious Heaven Skill bolstering his strength—his natural talent might not have surpassed Feng Xiaotian's by much at all.

The impulsive edge from the day before was gone from Feng Xiaotian's face. He looked as calm as Tang San.

"Tang San."

"Feng Xiaotian."

They each spoke the other's name.

Feng Xiaotian fixed his gaze on Tang San. "I am twenty-four this year. When my Martial Soul awakened at the age of six, I already had Innate Full Soul Power. Everything I've achieved today, I built bit by bit, through my own effort. I greatly respect your strength. But today, I must defeat you. Whether for our Divine Wind Academy team, or for Huo Wu—I cannot lose."

Tang San offered a faint smile, noncommittal, but the resolute look in his eyes told Feng Xiaotian everything he needed to know: he would not surrender this match either. The honor of Shrek Academy rested on his shoulders as well.

"Match begin," the referee announced.

Both fighters moved almost simultaneously.

Feng Xiaotian's body accelerated to near-instantaneous speed, hurtling straight toward Tang San. The green light trailing behind him stretched into a long, vivid streak—his velocity was staggering.

Tang San's heart lurched. According to the intelligence he'd gathered, Feng Xiaotian should have been an assault-type Soul Master. Yet right now, the speed he was displaying was in no way inferior to that of an agility-type Battle Soul Master above the fortieth level.

How was this possible?

There was no time for Tang San to dwell on it. In the instant Feng Xiaotian lunged forward, his first Soul Ring was already blazing to life. Sharp wolf claws extended from his palm, and his merciless, razor-focused gaze locked onto Tang San. Before he even arrived, the claws had already slashed forward—ten half-arc Wind Blades screamed through the air with a piercing howl, sealing off every possible avenue of escape.

The first Soul Skill of the Gale Demon Wolf was typically Wind Blades, but Feng Xiaotian, who possessed the Gale Two-Headed Wolf Martial Soul, had something different: Wind Blade Formation. The sheer tenfold increase in number made it obvious how far superior his first Soul Skill was to an ordinary Gale Demon Wolf's. Such was the innate advantage of a high-tier Martial Soul.

Had all directions truly been sealed? Tang San gave his answer through action.