Only now did Shui Bing'er realize that Huo Wu was the daughter of the principal of Blazing Academy. She appeared straightforward and brash on the surface, but in fact, she was also someone warmhearted and kind.
The four of them arrived at the main hall together, where the girls from Sky Water Academy were already waiting.
Everyone cast surprised glances at Yan. No one had expected that his blazing flame power could actually neutralize Bing Lan's tyrannical ice force.
"Thank you all."
Shui Bing'er looked at Yan and Huo Wu, expressing her gratitude.
"You're welcome. Then I'll bring Brother Yan and my brother to find you tomorrow."
"Mm. See you tomorrow at the academy."
After Shui Bing'er finished speaking, she and Bing Lan turned and walked toward the group of girls.
Afterward, Yan and Huo Wu went to the service desk together to receive their points and rewards.
Leaving the service desk, Huo Wu glanced at the Iron Soul Fighting Badge in her hand and let out a soft sigh:
"What a pity. We only fought two matches together, and it's already over."
Yan smiled slightly and said calmly:
"There's nothing to pity. Didn't you want to test Shui Bing'er's strength? You've achieved your goal that's enough."
"Mm. You saw it too my current strength isn't as good as hers. So there's no need to probe any further. It's just about time for my brother and me to head back."
Tonight's battle had made Huo Wu realize the gap between her and Shui Bing'er. She had gone all out, even using her ultimate technique, Ring Fusion, but still couldn't secure a win.
She also understood the vast difference between herself and Yan. Teaming up with him would only drag him down and wouldn't bring him any growth. This mysterious and unfathomable companion needed to go to a higher-level arena to challenge stronger opponents.
Yan knew that, barring any accidents, Blazing Academy would still lose to Sky Water Academy in the Soul Master Tournament two years later, because Shui Bing'er and Xue Wu's Martial Soul Fusion Technique was unstoppable for them.
"It's good for you to return early and train more. In the Soul Master Tournament, team coordination is also very important. Practicing more with your teammates and improving your synergy can have twice the effect with half the effort. Also, that Ring Fusion skill of yours use it sparingly. It's powerful but also very dangerous."
"Mm, I understand. By the way, can you tell me now which academy you're from?"
Facing Huo Wu's probing question, Yan shook his head.
"I still can't tell you. No need to be curious you'll know during the Soul Master Tournament two years from now."
"All right. Your flame power is incredible. The academy you're from is bound to become a dark horse. Maybe you'll even challenge the Spirit Hall Academy team's position. In the Soul Master Tournament, our Blazing Fire Academy will have one more strong rival."
Yan smiled without saying much more.
After setting the time and place to meet tomorrow, the two parted ways.
After exiting the Soul Arena, Yan caught up with Yue Guan.
Yue Guan smiled and said."Yan, your performance tonight wasn't bad. Looks like those two girls from Sky Water Academy also acknowledge you."
"Mm. Teacher, we've already agreed to visit Sky Water Academy with Huo Wu tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Yue Guan smiled slightly, seemingly quite satisfied.
"That's a good opportunity. You should interact more with these young elites. Who knows maybe you can help the Spirit Hall recruit them in the future."
"Mm."
Shui Bing'er and Bing Lan walked together on the way back, both silent.
The battle with the Fiery Flame Duo was still vivid in their minds. That intense and fierce atmosphere seemed to still linger in their hearts.
In Shui Bing'er's mind, she kept replaying Yan's every move on the arena that calmness and strength were unfunforgettabl
Bing Lan suddenly broke the silence, leaning close to Shui Bing'er's ear and whispering softly.
"Bing'er, I might have misunderstood Yan Luo before. He may not be as cold as he looks on the outside. Though he's a bit mysterious, he might not be a bad person."
Tonight, Bing Lan had been deeply impressed by Yan's strength. After the match, Yan had proactively offered herbs to help them recover their strength, greatly changing her impression of him.
Shui Bing'er slightly tilted her head, looked at Bing Lan, and nodded in agreement.
"I think so too he doesn't seem like a bad person."
"Bing'er, you're just too kind and pure. In your eyes, there are no bad people. But… there might not be much time left to get to know him. Huo Wu is going to leave soon, and before long, Yan Luo might leave too."
Upon hearing this, a slight tremble rippled through Shuibing'er's heart.
She gazed off into the distance, as if she could see Yan's departing figure. At that moment, a strange feeling of emptiness welled up inside her.
She didn't know why she would feel this way about someone she had only recently met. Ever since she first saw Yan's performance in the arena, his image had taken root in her heart.
Moonlight like water spilled across the two of them, adding a tender warmth to the quiet night.
Shui bing'er took a deep breath, trying to calm her fluttering heart.
She knew that this sudden feeling might just be part of youth, but it felt so real, so heart-stirring.
"Bing'er."
"Hm?"
Shui bing'er was pulled out of her thoughts and came back to her senses.
"Have you fallen for him?"
"N-No."
"All right, there's no need to hide it. When it comes to this kind of thing, Sister Lan's been through it all. You're at the most beautiful age right now, and the first stirrings of the heart are always the most cherished memories."
Shui bing'er looked a little shy, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"Sister Lan, I really admire the courage you had to sacrifice for love back then."
"To me, power and wealth are nothing but hollow titles. If I were given another chance, I'd still make the same choice. The greatest regret in life might be loving someone but being unable to be with them."
As Bing Lan spoke, a smile of happiness appeared on her face.
Although the Douluo Continent was a world where the strong reigned supreme, it was also filled with Love and desire.
Sky Water Academy only admitted female students with water-type spirits, and it was one of the very few academies outside the Spirit Hall Academy that was open to commoners.
Its existence had changed the fate of many common-born girls.
These beautiful and powerful female students were highly favored by nobles and royals.
Those with both outstanding appearance and strength were secretly fought over by many.
Most students, after graduation, married into nobility and lived lives of luxury.
Only a small number of girls remained independent and true to themselves.
Bing Lan was one of them.
Although many nobles pursued her, after graduating from Sky Water Academy, she went against her family's wishes and married an ordinary soul master. She later worked as a teaching assistant at the academy.
Though her married life was plain, being with the one she loved still made her feel happy.
Shui bing'er was the most talented soul master of the younger generation in Sky Water Academy, but she had little interest in power and fame.
That wasn't the life she wanted.
She wanted to be herself.
She hoped that one day, she could be like Bing Lan, courageous enough to break free from those invisible chains.
The next morning, Huo Wu, Huo Wushuang, and Yan met at the agreed location on time.
The three of them then headed together to Sky Water Academy.
Sky Water was located right next to Tokes City and wasn't far away.
Riding swift horses, the trio reached Sky Water City within an hour.
From afar, Sky Water City looked like a pearl nestled in the embrace of the mountains, its unique scenery immediately catching the eye.
The entire city seemed to be built on water.
At its center was a massive lake with crystal-clear water that shimmered with light.
Around the lake were all kinds of buildings laid out in an orderly fashion some were traditional residences, while others were grand public structures.
The architecture of Sky Water Academy was especially striking. It was situated on a highland by the lake, its white walls carved with exquisite patterns, and its rooftops covered in blue glazed tiles that sparkled under the sunlight.
The three of them passed through the streets and arrived at the gates of Sky Water Academy.
Shui bing'er was already waiting there early.
Today, she wore a light blue school uniform, making her look even purer and more lovely.
When she saw the three of them, she greeted them with a bright smile.
"You're here. Come with me."