Chapter 219 - End of the Second Day (1/2)

”You! You're pouring spirit power into my spirit power flow! ”

Upon Hide's revelation, Lian responded by waving her ribbons. The two silk ribbons began to wrap around the young Imperial Guard's body, crushing it with ever-increasing force.

”A combination of curse and trigger formation. The whole thing has been prepared to provide Hide spirit power so as to prevent him from using his specter form. ” Long Tian commented as he sighed for Hide's imminent defeat.

'I have to admit it. Lian's level of knowledge in the formations is higher than I imagined. She conducted the fight from the start in the manner she had foreseen, tricking Hide and giving him a false sense of security so he wouldn't notice the real trap.'

Long Tian's analysis was correct. With her knowledge of formations, Lian had carved a curse formation on her ribbons. This curse consisted of releasing fragments of spirit power when something came in contact with the ribbons. Such fragments were difficult to notice as they would pose no danger until activated.

In addition to that, Lian had created a formation on the ground called a trigger formation or commonly known as a trigger trap. It was called that way as the formation would only activate when someone stepped on it.

”Lian must have placed the curse on Hide's weapon when she wrapped her ribbons and held back his rotation. Using Then the cover of her ribbons, she quickly created a trigger formation to prevent Hide from moving. But the decisive factor is the use with which these formations were conceived - not to harm but to empower the enemy by pouring one's spirit power into them. It is undoubtedly something few would have been able to come up with.” Feng Chen analyzed in turn.

”Yes. The disadvantage of the Specter Law is that each time you cross something possessing spirit power, the specter mode's duration is reduced. And this is even more true when it comes to living beings. After all, during the specter mode, the flow of spirit power becomes extremely complicated, and even a small variation reduces its stability. This is why, when you face someone from the Specter Law, ironically, you should face them in their field, which is close combat.” Hu Jie also inwardly praised Lian's battle prowess.

Hearing the praises of the three, Hei smiled. ”Lian must have been inspired by Hyong Yong-Sook. Put yourself at a disadvantage in order to win. Pouring her spirit power directly to Hide reduces her uptime, but at the same time blocks Hide's specter abilities.”

On the stage, Hide was struggling as best he could. The ribbons were tightening their grip every second that passed while his techniques were undone.

'Calm down. Don't panic. Analyze the situation...' Hide tried to reason as he concentrated on resisting as best he could.' The thorns in my arm and legs aren't meant to attack but serve as conductors of spirit power. She is pouring out her spirit power to stop me from using the specter form. However, by doing so, her expenditure of spirit power increases dramatically. Consequently, I have to think about what to do with this information in hand.

I could absorb this spirit power, but I would end up hurting myself internally as I am in the middle of the fight. So it's best to use it roughly to create an extra layer of spirit power. While that layer won't be as stable as a normal one, it can save me time. As long as this situation persists, Lian will be the first to exhaust her spirit power. At that moment, she will no longer be able to fight, and the victory will be mine. And even if she were to stop pouring out her spirit power, it wouldn't be a problem as I would be free to use the specter form again.'

Hide's confidence was restored. With a clear plan in mind, the Imperial Guard concentrated only on defense, interrupting any attempt to wriggle out of the ribbons. In any case, without using specter mode, he couldn't break free from that situation.

Seeing this, Lian moved on to her next move, ”Intent of the Ribbon, Snake Vice.”

Lian's ribbons changed. The spirit power within increased, as did the crushing force. In an instant, the pressure Hide felt grown a lot. Even with the extra layer of spirit power provided by Lian's spirit power, Hide didn't think he could hold out to the end.

”The winner is Lian.” Song Yazhu proclaimed after deeming Hide unable to break free or resist until Lian had exhausted her spirit power.

When she was declared the winner, Lian loosened her ribbons' hold on Hide, freeing the young man. He was quite pale from the crushing force he suffered but didn't have any obvious injuries.

”In the end, I lost anyway. I guess only someone at the level of the boss can beat you. Thanks anyway for the fight and not taking it easy,” Hide thanked with a short bow of his head.

”You are stronger than you think. If I didn't know the formations, I don't think I could have immobilized you as I did.” Lian quietly replied as she stepped off the fighting stage.

Lian's words left Hide amazed and pleased at the same time. Even though he had lost, his strength was still recognized by someone on the level of his leader, the Imperial Prince Long Tian.

”And this concludes the second day of the tournament. I thank the audience for coming, and we will be back tomorrow with the tournament's quarter-finals. Like yesterday, I remind the spectators, who don't have accommodation inside the Academy, that they aren't allowed to stay in the Academy territories except during the tournament. Any violator will be severely punished.”

And so Song Yazhu ended the second day of the tournament. Regular spectators went back to where they came from while VIPs returned to their quarters in the Academy Castle, as did the students.

*

Hei and Lian's room.

At the moment, Hei and his companions were gathered to take stock of the situation. After all, they had reached the third day, and the opponents to face this time were on a different level from those met before.

”Tomorrow, it will be me, He Fen, and Leon who will take the field. Our opponents are Hu Jie, Feng Chen, and Long Tian, respectively. On the other hand, Lian will have no opponents to face as the fight between Lang and Huli Xieren ended in a draw.” Hei took stock of the situation for the following day.

”I wanted to challenge you, Lian, but it looks like I still have a lot to learn,” Lang said bitterly in a dejected tone.

”Huli Xieren is a formidable opponent. You shouldn't be feeling too down about the draw. Besides, when the tournament ends, we can fight whenever you want.” Lian answered.

Lang nodded and didn't reply. 'Even though I'm bitter, Lian is right. Huli Xieren is strong enough to make me use my full strength. But in any case, I still have a lot to learn and improve.'

'I will be there with you. And remember that your true strength is not what you possess alone but what we have when we are united. I am your spirit beast, your partner. My strength is your strength, to be used at your discretion.' Fenrir hastened to cheer up his mistress.

Lang smiled and gently stroked Fenrir. Her fingers moved through the wolf's soft fur, and he felt a pleasant sensation where Lang's fingers passed.

Seeing that Lang's mood improved, Hei then turned to his two teammates, who would take the field tomorrow with him.

”He Fen. I guess you are well aware of your possibilities, right? ”