Chapter 36

In the fair arena of the first-year students at Starlight Academy, a crowd quickly gathered. Although it was the designated time for practice, all the members of Class 8-1 had paused their training. After all, they were in the same class, and this was a matter of collective honor, which they all cared about deeply.

Apart from Class 8-1, many students from other classes who were practicing also ran over, as watching a spectacle is a human nature.

After hearing the reason for the commotion, the crowd immediately began to discuss.

"That big guy from Class 8-1 must be an idiot. The other side is from the elite class. How could he possibly be a match for them!"

"But the elite class is being too arrogant. If I were in his shoes, I wouldn't stand for it either!"

"Even if you can't stand it, you should at least have a chance of winning before issuing a challenge. Otherwise, it's just too stupid!"

"Who told them to be in Class 8-1? In this class, you have to learn to endure and swallow your pride. Otherwise, you'll only bring shame upon yourself!"

"..."

Lain was already standing in the center of the arena, giving Thomas a thumbs-up: "I admire your courage, but you're also incredibly stupid!"

After saying that, he pointed his thumb down, turning it into a derogatory gesture.

Thomas, who was already seething with anger, was further provoked. He roared and, without a word, boosted his strength to the fourth level of Gang Qi, charging at Lain while firing a Gang Qi projectile from each hand.

Just like the Pierce that Luo Feng encountered in the training camp, once one reaches the fourth level of Gang Qi, they can use this combat technique with both hands. Many warriors take full advantage of this in battle.

Lain, however, was unperturbed: "Oh, fourth level of Gang Qi? In a trash class, you're considered the cream of the crop. But let me tell you, the difference between a strong and a weak person isn't just about the level of combat qi. Even at the fourth level of Gang Qi, I can easily defeat you!"

As he spoke, Lain also boosted his strength to the fourth level of Gang Qi, firing a Gang Qi projectile from each hand.

"Bang, bang!"

The opposing Gang Qi projectiles shattered upon impact. However, Lain's projectiles were clearly stronger, with some residual force remaining, indicating that his combat qi was more refined. After all, his family was wealthy, and he had received various precious spiritual medicines from his father to improve his constitution from a young age, and had also been taught by a highly paid private tutor, allowing his Gang Qi projectiles to be more powerful.

The strength of the same combat technique set the tone for the battle. Thomas had to use more strength to counter, and after a few exchanges of Gang Qi projectiles, he was already flustered.

Many people could see that Thomas was unlikely to win. Although Lain was also using the fourth level of Gang Qi, his combat qi was of higher quality, and his understanding of combat techniques was better, giving him a slight edge in actual strength.

The students of Class 8-1 were all silent. They did not want to see such a result.

If Lain had defeated Thomas with a higher level of combat qi, it would not have been so embarrassing to talk about. But now, being at the same level, there was no excuse.

If this happened, the status of Class 8-1 within the academy would likely drop even further.

Seeing Thomas being dominated, Lain became even more smug: "Is that all you've got? That's far too boring. I haven't even warmed up yet. Can you give me a bit more entertainment?"

Thomas remained silent, his face grim. Suddenly, he brought his hands together, and Gang Qi flowed and condensed like water, then he pushed forward, launching a large Gang Qi sphere nearly a meter in diameter.

Lower Blue Rank Combat Technique — Qi Rush Wave!

Lain's two Gang Qi projectiles were just about to hit Thomas when they were shattered by the large Gang Qi sphere. If it had been a bit later, the Qi Rush Wave might not have been released, but Thomas's Lower Blue Rank Combat Technique was relatively fast, giving him a precious moment.

The students of Class 8-1's eyes lit up, and hope rose in their hearts.

Thomas had already mastered the Lower Blue Rank Combat Technique. He might not necessarily lose.

The Qi Rush Wave, being one rank higher, was significantly more powerful than the Gang Qi projectiles, as proven in the battle between Luo Feng and Pierce. After shattering the two Gang Qi projectiles, the Qi Rush Wave still had about half its volume left, flying towards Lain.

Thomas followed closely behind, knowing that a single Qi Rush Wave was not enough to defeat Lain. It could only pose a certain threat, and he needed to take advantage of this opportunity to counterattack to have a chance of winning. This was a common tactic for those who had learned the Qi Rush Wave.

"Qi Rush Wave, you've slightly impressed me," Thomas said, looking relaxed and not taking it seriously. "But trying to use this move to break through and knock me down in one go, big guy, you're being too naive!"

He sank his knees, and Gang Qi gathered rapidly, coiling around his right arm like a small dragon.

This starting move was formidable, but no one in the audience could recognize it, as it was not a regular combat technique that could be chosen at the academy.

Lower Blue Rank Secret Combat Technique — Rising Dragon!

He pushed off with his feet, leaping diagonally, and the coiling energy, like a dragon ascending to the sky, shattered the Qi Rush Wave and continued towards Thomas with undiminished momentum.

Thomas, who did not expect the Qi Rush Wave to be broken so easily and without any restraint, was caught off guard. He only managed to hastily fire two Gang Qi projectiles.

But the two Gang Qi projectiles were also shattered by the powerful strike of the Rising Dragon, and Lain's fist finally landed on Thomas's chest.

With a闷哼 (muffled groan), the powerful force sent Thomas's strong body flying, and he landed heavily on the arena.

The match was over.

Thomas's Rising Dragon was taught by the private tutor his father hired, making it significantly stronger than the regular combat techniques offered at the academy. Winning was expected. In fact, he could have won with regular techniques like the Qi Rush Wave, but this guy in the golden martial arts uniform, who liked to show off, deliberately used the secret combat technique to intimidate the crowd.

Lain landed gracefully, came to Thomas, and stepped on him: "Hehe, how pitiful. You brainless big guy, next time before you stand up for someone else, you should first consider your own strength."

Thomas, one hand clutching his chest and the other grabbing Lain's foot, struggled to get up but in vain. Although the Qi Rush Wave and the two Gang Qi projectiles had offset much of the impact of the Rising Dragon, he had already lost his fighting ability.

While stepping on Thomas, Lain turned to the others: "Hey, trash class, is there anyone who's not convinced? You can continue to challenge me. I don't mind a series of battles, after all, you're all trash!"

The students of Class 8-1 were all silent, filled with anger. They wanted to teach this arrogant guy a lesson, but Thomas was the highest-ranked combat qi user in Class 8-1 and had mastered the Qi Rush Wave. None of them were a match for Lain, and since the other side was from the elite class, their Gang Qi was at least at the fifth level, and Lain had not used his full strength. If they went up, it would only add more disgrace to Class 8-1.

Kuro, who had been forced out of the practice area, clenched his fists, his eyes almost spitting fire, and was about to step onto the arena.

After all, Thomas had been humiliated by Lain because of him. Even if there was no chance of winning, he had to give it a try.

At this moment, someone stepped forward from the crowd.

In this critical moment, he immediately became the focus, and all eyes, without exception, fell on him.

When they saw who it was, all the students of Class 8-1 were taken aback.

Luo Feng?

Although they had only been in the same class for a few days, everyone remembered his name because his student number was the lowest, fifty, and his Gang Qi was the only one at the second level.

They had not shown any discrimination against this classmate with the lowest combat qi level, but no one had expected that the person who would dare to step forward now would be him.

Luo Feng's face was somewhat bewildered, as this was not his intention.

Uh, who just pushed me?

Turning around, he saw Aaron winking at him.

Luo Feng was a bit dazed, thinking it must be his roommate.

He must have seen me defeat Pierce in the training camp and thought I had some strength, possibly enough to win against Lain, so he pushed me out to fight.

But, Aaron, you should have at least asked me first and given me some mental preparation...