Chapter 287: A Spar with Ding Danshuan
Chapter 287: A Spar with Ding Danshuan (Requesting Monthly Vote)
Liu Ran gazed at Lin Qi with widened eyes, her heart pounding. She never expected him to develop this rapidly. She’d guessed he might master Vital Force Projection within ten days, but now she realized she’d underestimated him terribly.
"Lin Qi, I’d like to arrange a sparring match to test your grasp of Vital Force Projection", Liu Ran said.
Lin Qi pondered briefly before agreeing. "Fine."
"Does anyone want to spar with Lin Qi?" Liu Ran asked the group.
"I’ll do it!" Ding Danshuan stepped forward immediately. "Lin Qi, let’s have a light match. It might even improve your Vital Force control."
All eyes snapped to Lin Qi.
"Sure", he replied calmly. He wanted to gauge his strength against an Academy Head.
Soon, everyone gathered around the training hall, creating a spacious arena for the two warriors.
Ding Danshuan wielded a silver, blunt-edged Wildgoose Saber. Lin Qi held a white Training Spear, its tip steady as he bowed. "Please guide me, Senior Ding."
Liu Ran signaled. "Begin!"
Ding Danshuan lunged forward, her saber slicing the air. Vital Force coiled like serpents along the blade, generating razor-sharp gusts that stung Jiang Tao’s face.
Lin Qi charged, muscles tensing as Vital Force surged into his spear. With a flick, he released a burst of energy.
Boom!
The clashing forces erupted midair, confirming Lin Qi’s mastery of Vital Force Projection.
The next instant, their weapons collided. The sheer force numbed his arms—Ding Danshuan’s power was formidable even at half-strength. The residual energy in the air sliced his skin like invisible blades.
Lin Qi staggered backward but quickly retaliated. Mountain-Shaking Force erupted through his body, channeling into his spear.
Boom! Boom!
Clang! Clang!
Their spar intensified. Though holding back, Ding Danshuan grew increasingly alarmed. She’d expected to dominate with 50% effort, yet found herself using 80% just to maintain control. Lin Qi’s spear techniques were flawless—every opening was a trap. Even her advanced blade skills struggled to keep pace.
Suddenly, Lin Qi’s aura flared. Vital Force tore through the air, splitting the atmosphere with a sonic boom. Ding Danshuan pushed to 90% strength to deflect the mountain-shaking strike, but the force sent her reeling. Lin Qi skillfully absorbed the recoil, yet still slid back ten feet, grounding his spear to stop.
"Senior Ding, you win", Lin Qi conceded, bowing respectfully.
Ding Danshuan sheathed her saber, her face flushed with mixed emotions. "Your strength is incredible. You’ll surpass me when you become a sophomore."
Applause erupted from the crowd, Jiang Tao and the others clapping most enthusiastically.
"Unbelievable! Lin Qi’s already the top freshman, but he held his own against Senior Ding!" someone exclaimed.
"Still, Ding’s the stronger one!" murmured another.
After the students dispersed, Liu Ran patted Ding’s shoulder. "You did well. Lin Qi’s progress is extraordinary—even you’ll struggle to keep up soon."
Ding sighed. "He forced me to use full strength. I felt like I was battling a mountain."
Outside, Jiang Tao gushed, "Brother Qi, you were amazing! I got flattened in seconds last time!"
Guan Shan nodded. "We’re struggling to keep pace with your growth."
Lin Qi smiled. "Pressure fuels progress. All of you have improved remarkably. Tomorrow’s Disaster Beast Hunting Competition—let’s dominate."
"Leave it to us!" Jiang Tao declared. "Sixth Institute’s taking first place this time. Azure Firmament and Nine Pavilions won’t stand a chance."
Minutes later, Lin Qi returned to his villa, his gaze falling on the golden Status Panel.
(End of Chapter)
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