Azure Dragon Academy's main gate stood tall behind them as Jiang Yun and his team stepped out, the crisp morning air refreshing yet filled with anticipation. They had spent weeks refining their coordination, learning each other's strengths and weaknesses, but Jiang Yun knew that true growth came only through real battles.
"Alright, everyone," Jiang Yun said, adjusting his travel cloak. "We are not just traveling for fun. Our goal is to test ourselves in different Soul Arenas, experience real combat, and become stronger."
Zhu Zhuqing, standing beside him, nodded firmly. "I've been looking forward to it."
Dugu Yan stretched her arms, her emerald eyes flashing with excitement. "It's about time we fought someone other than each other."
Feng Ming twirled his dagger playfully. "So, where's our first stop?"
"Skywind City," Jiang Yun answered. "A bustling city with a well-known Soul Arena. We will fight as a team and, when possible, in solo matches. We won't use our real names."
Ning Rongrong, still adjusting to her new role in the team, looked nervous but determined. "Are we strong enough to challenge others?"
Bai Ling placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We will learn and grow together. That's what matters."
Hua Yue grinned, her crimson hair glowing in the morning sun. "I hope we meet some strong opponents."
Qiao Xuan, ever calm, smiled faintly. "With our team, I doubt we will be disappointed."
The journey was a mix of training and exploration. Jiang Yun made them practice various formations, switching between offense and defense, honing their synergy. Each night, they meditated and absorbed the spirit energy around them, their soul power rising steadily.
By the time they reached Skywind City, most of them had gained at least one level. Jiang Yun's soul power had reached level 43, Zhu Zhuqing level 43, Dugu Yan level 45, Bai Ling level 36, Hua Yue level 39, Feng Ming level 38, and Qiao Xuan level 37, Ning Rongrong level 27.
The bustling streets of Skywind City were a lively blend of merchants, performers, and travelers. The team soon found themselves standing before the grand entrance of the Skywind Soul Arena, a massive coliseum with roaring crowds even in the daytime.
"Looks like they have matches all day," Feng Ming noted.
Jiang Yun led them to the registration area. "We will sign up as a team—Azure Dragons."
The registrar, a stern-looking man, glanced at them. "Azure Dragons, eh? Team of seven? What ranks are you all?"
Since the continent team fights often includes seven team members Jiang Yun had not included Ning Rongrong in group fighting because her level was low , even though she can amplify the team more than Bai Ling whose main focus was healing.
Jiang Yun had told her she can form two-on-two team with anyone for combat experience. And he will include her in team fights when she will break level 30.
Jiang Yun listed their ranks, and the registrar's expression shifted slightly. "Not bad for such young faces. But be warned—Skywind Soul Arena is fierce. You will be matched against other teams of similar strength."
"We wouldn't want it any other way," Jiang Yun replied with a calm smile.
The team was quickly led to the waiting area, a large hall filled with other competitors—some leaning against walls, others sharpening their weapons or chatting nervously.
"Looks like we aren't the only ones hungry for a fight," Dugu Yan whispered, her eyes scanning the crowd.
Soon, a booming voice echoed through the arena.
"Azure Dragons versus Iron Fang Squad! Prepare for battle!"
Jiang Yun's team stepped forward, entering the grand, circular arena bathed in light. Thousands of spectators filled the stands, their cheers thunderous. Across from them stood the Iron Fang Squad—a team of seven, each with a fierce look in their eyes.
Their leader, a tall, muscular man with a wolf-like grin, stepped forward. "I am Lang Wu, and this is my team. Don't expect us to go easy on a bunch of kids!"
Jiang Yun's calm expression never wavered. "We wouldn't want you to."
As the announcer's voice rang out, declaring the start of the match, the Iron Fang Squad wasted no time.
"Wolf Strike Formation!" Lang Wu roared. His team split into pairs, surrounding Jiang Yun's team in a pincer attack.
"Stay together!" Jiang Yun ordered, his team forming a defensive formation.
Hua Yue surged forward, her crimson tiger claws slashing with a ferocity that forced one of the Iron Fang members back.
Feng Ming darted around another, his gale falcon wings giving him unmatched speed. He struck with swift kicks, leaving his opponent stumbling.
Qiao Xuan's Earthbind Serpent lashed out, green energy binding another opponent's legs and restricting their movement.
Dugu Yan stood in the center, her Jade Phosphor Earth Dragon spirit flaring with a powerful green aura. "Earth Dragon Domain!"
A thick, poisonous mist covered their area, strengthening her allies while weakening the enemies.
"Not bad!" Lang Wu laughed, his wolf spirit flaring as he lunged at Zhu Zhuqing. But she was a blur, her Nether Stab piercing his side, followed by a flurry of Hell Hundred Claws that forced him to retreat.
Jiang Yun's eyes glowed. "Mighty Kick!"
His form blurred, and a powerful crimson aura surrounded his leg as he launched a devastating kick at one of the Iron Fang members, sending them crashing into the arena wall.
"Damn it! Don't falter!" Lang Wu yelled, rallying his team.
But it was too late. Bai Ling's Radiant Lotus glowed, a soothing light falling over her allies, healing their minor wounds and boosting their strength.
Jiang Yun's eyes narrowed, locking onto Lang Wu. "Crimson Lock."
A red glow enveloped Lang Wu, and in an instant, Jiang Yun's next attack struck him directly—a crushing punch that shattered his defense.
Lang Wu collapsed, groaning in pain. One by one, the Iron Fang members fell, until only the Azure Dragons stood.
The crowd erupted in cheers, the announcer's voice ringing out. "Winners—Azure Dragons!"
As they walked back to the waiting area, still catching their breath, Jiang Yun smiled at his team. "Good job. But don't get complacent. This is just the beginning."
Hua Yue wiped the sweat from her brow. "I have to admit, that was exhilarating."
Feng Ming laughed. "If every fight is this fun, I can't wait!"
Dugu Yan grinned. "But we should aim higher. We are Azure Dragons—we won't settle for second best."
Zhu Zhuqing smiled faintly, her gaze lingering on Jiang Yun. "With you leading us, we will definitely reach the top."
Ning Rongrong after watching the battle was filled with fighting spirit even though she is an auxiliary support Soul master, who doesn't want to fight if they can.
They continued to fight in the Soul Arena for the next few months, facing stronger and stronger teams. With each battle, their teamwork improved, their soul power levels rising rapidly. Jiang Yun reached level 44, Zhu Zhuqing level 44, Dugu Yan level 46, Bai Ling level 38, Hua Yue level 40, Feng Ming level 39, Qiao Xuan level 38, Ning Rongrong level 28.
Their name, Azure Dragons, became known in Skywind City, and whispers of their strength spread. Yet Jiang Yun knew this was just the start of their journey.
"Next city," he declared one morning, a determined gleam in his eyes. "We will keep growing stronger."
The team cheered, their spirits high as they set out once more—warriors on a path of endless battle and growth.
....
The dense canopy of the Star Dou Forest loomed above them, ancient trees stretching toward the sky, their leaves rustling in the faint breeze. Shafts of sunlight pierced the foliage, casting dappled light on the forest floor. Jiang Yun led the group with calm confidence, his senses sharp, scanning for any signs of danger. The air was thick with the primal aura of spirit beasts, each one a potential challenge.
"Hua Yue, remember," Jiang Yun's voice was steady, "a suitable soul ring for you isn't just about strength. Your crimson tiger martial spirit has a powerful bloodline. We are looking for a tiger-type soul beast with fire attributes — something that can awaken the true potential of your spirit."
Hua Yue nodded, her crimson eyes burning with determination. "I understand, Yun. I won't waste this chance."
Dugu Yan, ever cautious, released a faint mist of jade-green poison around the team, a subtle warning to any approaching threat. "We're being watched," she muttered, her jade phosphor earth dragon senses sharp.
Jiang Yun's gaze flicked to the shadows. "Stay sharp, everyone. This forest is home to powerful spirit beasts. Let's not become prey."
As they ventured deeper, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant roars echoed around them. Zhu Zhuqing's figure melted into the shadows, her instincts as an assassin making her the perfect scout. Bai Ling's radiant lotus glowed faintly, providing a soothing aura that kept everyone's minds clear.
Ning Rongrong stood closer to Bai Ling, her radiant treasure pagoda glowing with a warm, multi-colored light. "I can enhance everyone's power when needed. Just say the word!" she whispered, excitement and nervousness mixing in her voice.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the trees, and the ground trembled. Jiang Yun's eyes narrowed, and a flicker of a smile crossed his lips. "Here it comes."
The trees to their left exploded as a massive figure burst through — a blazing red-and-gold tiger, its fur wreathed in flames. Its eyes burned like molten lava, and every step scorched the ground beneath it.
"A Flame Emperor Tiger!" Jiang Yun's voice was tense but excited. "Around 8,500 years! Perfect."
Hua Yue's breath caught, but she clenched her fists, fire in her eyes matching the beast's. "This is it... my soul ring!"
The Flame Emperor Tiger roared, its claws slashing at the group with blistering speed.
Zhu Zhuqing darted forward, her shadow phantom creating illusory clones that danced around the beast, each one a deadly mirage. Her Nether Stab and Hell Hundred Claws lashed out, leaving burning scars across the tiger's hide.
Dugu Yan's Earth Dragon Domain erupted, jagged earthen spikes shooting up to restrict the beast's movements. "Hold it down!"
But the tiger's strength was monstrous. With a mighty roar, it shattered the spikes, its fiery aura intensifying. A wave of scorching heat washed over them.
"Leave it to me!" Hua Yue stepped forward, her body glowing with a crimson aura. Her crimson tiger martial spirit flared, claws forming as she slashed at the beast, each strike a clash of flames.
"Everyone, support her!" Jiang Yun's voice was commanding.
Bai Ling's radiant lotus bloomed, waves of healing light washing over them, keeping them energized.
Ning Rongrong's radiant treasure pagoda shone, and she activated her two abilities.
"First ability, Strength Amplification!" A warm golden light enveloped Hua Yue, increasing her raw power. "Second ability, Speed Amplification!" Hua Yue's movements became a blur, her strikes faster and sharper.
Feng Ming soared above, his gale falcon wings cutting through the air as he dived, his wind blades slashing at the tiger's eyes, forcing it to rear back with a snarl.
Qiao Xuan's earthbind serpent lashed out, wrapping around the tiger's hind legs, slowing its movements. "It's struggling, but it's still too strong!"
Jiang Yun's aura flared. "Henshin!" In an instant, his crimson armored form appeared, the mighty Kamen Rider Kuuga. His second soul ring glowed as he raised his hand.
"Crimson Lock!" A radiant red beam shot out, locking onto the tiger. Without missing a beat, he launched a series of crushing punches, each one crashing into the tiger with unstoppable force.
The Flame Emperor Tiger roared, its strength rapidly waning under Jiang Yun's relentless assault. Bloodied and weakened, the beast staggered back.
"Hua Yue, now!" Jiang Yun commanded.
Hua Yue's eyes blazed. She roared, her body surging with power, her claws wreathed in a fiery aura. "Crimson Tiger Strike!" She lunged, her claws slashing down, a burst of crimson flames engulfing the tiger.
With a final roar, the tiger collapsed, its body dissipating into light, leaving behind a radiant purple soul ring that hovered in place.
Hua Yue stood before it, her chest heaving. She turned to Jiang Yun, who smiled. "It's yours."
Hua Yue sat cross-legged, focusing her spirit energy. The soul ring descended, wrapping around her, its fiery energy flooding into her body. Her crimson tiger martial spirit seemed to roar alongside the tiger's fading spirit, and her aura surged.
Minutes passed, the forest silent except for the rustling leaves.
When Hua Yue opened her eyes, a fierce crimson light burned within them. Her soul power had surged to level 42, and her connection to her martial spirit felt stronger than ever.
"I… I did it!" she gasped, a proud smile breaking through.
Jiang Yun stepped forward. "What did you gain?"
Hua Yue's face lit up with excitement. "My fourth ability is Crimson Inferno Claw! I can launch a wave of burning slashes that can incinerate enemies from a distance. And my attacks now carry a burning effect!"
Zhu Zhuqing placed a hand on her shoulder. "That's a powerful ability. You've grown stronger."
Dugu Yan smiled, a hint of pride in her eyes. "And this is just one of many victories to come."
Ning Rongrong's wide eyes reflected a mix of awe and excitement. "Everyone is so strong… I have to work harder too."
But Jiang Yun's gaze remained sharp, scanning the forest. "Don't relax just yet. We're still in Star Dou Forest. There are other powerful beasts here."
As they prepared to leave, Hua Yue couldn't help but feel the surge of power in her veins, her connection to her crimson tiger martial spirit now stronger and more primal than ever.
But this was only the first step. For Jiang Yun and his team, the journey of growth had only just begun.