Lin Fan released his martial spirit, the Purple Flame Tiger.
As the martial spirit took over, his body was enveloped in purple fire armor, significantly boosting both his attack and defense. The flames flickered along his arms and legs, capable of igniting anything they touched.
Liu Erlong's eyes widened in surprise.
"Wow! So, this is your martial spirit? I thought you were just a rookie, but it turns out you're actually quite strong!" she exclaimed.
Lin Fan chuckled. "It's just a mutated martial spirit. It's nowhere near as powerful as your top-tier martial soul."
Without hesitation, he activated his first soul skill.
"Flame Tiger Claw!"
Though only a two-hundred-year-old soul skill, it sharpened his claws considerably. Compared to stronger soul skills, it was relatively weak.
Meanwhile, across the battlefield, Tang Yiran struck the ground with her Clear Sky Hammer, creating a massive crater. She then activated her next soul skill, her hammer glowing with a deep purple radiance, spinning rapidly like a gyroscope. The rotation generated a violent storm, sending disciples flying off the platform.
Tang Yiran's voice rang out.
"Get off the stage unless you want to be blown away!"
The power of her hammer was overwhelming—just standing within range was dangerous. Many disciples jumped off the platform, unwilling to take the risk.
In mere moments, Tang Yiran was already charging toward Lin Fan and Liu Erlong.
Liu Erlong's expression turned serious. "She hasn't reached level 70 yet, but with the Clear Sky Hammer, her attacks are on par with a Soul Sage above level 70!"
Lin Fan narrowed his eyes. "We can't dodge in time, and we can't fly. We'll have to withstand the attack. But don't worry—Teacher Yiran won't go all out against us."
The moment Tang Yiran's storm reached them, Liu Erlong reacted quickly.
"Second soul skill—Dragon Arm!"
Her arms were instantly covered in crystalline red dragon scales, increasing her defense significantly. She braced herself, using her arms as a shield.
Just then, a soft voice called out from behind them.
"Um… can I join you? I don't have a partner."
Lin Fan turned around and saw a girl dressed in a flowing blue gauze dress. She looked at him with pleading eyes.
Most auxiliary and food-type soul masters were already being protected by battle-type soul masters. This girl, however, stood alone, vulnerable.
Lin Fan's eyes widened when he saw the flower in her hands.
"Wait… Nine-Hearted Begonia?"
Liu Erlong also perked up. "Nine-Hearted Begonia? That's amazing! Don't worry, I'll protect you!"
This martial spirit was extremely rare, with only one group healing soul skill. However, the higher the user's soul power, the stronger the effect. Having a Nine-Hearted Begonia on their team meant near immortality in battle.
"Stay behind us!" Lin Fan instructed.
The girl nodded and released her soul skill.
"Nine-Hearted Begonia—Continuous Healing!"
Lin Fan instantly felt his stamina and soul power recovering at an incredible rate.
But before they could react further, Tang Yiran's Gale Hammer reached them. A whirlwind lifted Lin Fan into the air. Liu Erlong held her ground, grabbing the Nine-Hearted Begonia girl to keep her from being blown away.
Lin Fan gritted his teeth. "I'll stop this!"
In mid-air, he materialized his Shadow Battle Axe, spinning to position himself.
"Lin Fan! Get out of the way!" Tang Yiran shouted.
"A Stroke of Genius!"
Suddenly, a Green Lotus Sword Formation appeared around him, making him untargetable for three seconds. He entered the rotation zone of the Clear Sky Hammer without taking damage.
Then, just as his invulnerability wore off, Lin Fan activated another skill.
"Ruthless Charge!"
At ten times normal speed, he shot toward Tang Yiran. The Clear Sky Hammer's wind force didn't affect the space directly around her body, and Lin Fan exploited that weakness.
Before she could react, he collided with her, knocking her off balance.
"Ah—!" Tang Yiran yelped, her hammer's rotation halting.
The soul skill was instantly interrupted, and the hammer returned to her grip.
Lin Fan used a double jump, catching Tang Yiran before she hit the ground.
For a moment, the two were tangled mid-air—Lin Fan's hand accidentally brushing against her lower back.
"Tang Yiran, are you okay?" he asked, concern in his voice.
Tang Yiran's face turned red. She had never been held by a man before.
"You… you little brat! Let go of me!" she stammered.
Lin Fan, sensing her embarrassment, quickly let go as they landed.
The audience erupted in cheers.
"Did you see that?! He hugged Teacher Yiran!"
"This guy is amazing!"
"He's my new idol!"
Tang Yiran's face flushed even redder. She clenched her fists, ready to punch Lin Fan, but when she saw his innocent expression, she hesitated.
"You're just a fourteen-year-old kid… Fine. I'll let it go," she muttered.
Lin Fan scratched his head. "I was just worried about you getting hurt. I didn't do anything wrong, did I?"
Tang Yiran huffed, crossing her arms. "Hmph."
At that moment, everyone turned to look at a figure descending gracefully from the sky.
Her light blue robes fluttered, and as she landed, a layer of frost spread across the ground.
Lin Fan stared in awe.
"Is that… the Ice Phoenix?"
Tang Yiran crossed her arms. "Her name is Shui Yue. She's the strongest of this year's outer disciples—Level 46 at just 17 years old. With that top-tier beast spirit, she and Erlong are guaranteed to become inner disciples."
Lin Fan's mind raced. Shui Yue…? That name sounded familiar. Could she be related to Shui Bing'er, the legendary Ice Phoenix wielder from the original story?
Tang Yiran cleared her throat. She then turned to the girl with the Nine-Hearted Begonia.
"What's your name?"
The girl hesitated, then spoke softly.
"Ye Keke."
Tang Yiran's eyes sparkled. "Well, Ye Keke, congratulations. The four of you are now inner disciples!"
Ye Keke's face lit up with joy.
Lin Fan's thoughts drifted again.
Ye Keke…? Could she be Ye Lingling's mother?
He quickly turned to her and extended his hand with a warm smile.
"If you don't mind, let's be friends. I promise—I'll protect you."
Ye Keke hesitated, then slowly reached out, shaking his hand.
"Thank you, Lin Fan…"
With that, a new bond was formed—one that could change the fate of the sect.