No one knew what Bibi Dong was thinking as the spar between Yu Yuanzhen and his son, Yu Xiaogang, continued.
After several rounds of intense exchanges, Yu Yuanzhen had no choice but to admit that his son's combat methods were truly extraordinary.
Yu Xiaogang's use of his Elementalization Soul Bone Skill was nearly flawless.
At first, Yu Yuanzhen believed that because the duration of Elementalization was limited, Yu Xiaogang couldn't possibly keep using it continuously.
His plan was simple.
He only needed to find a single opening—one moment when Yu Xiaogang couldn't activate Elementalization in time—and victory would be his.
However, reality proved him wrong.
Yu Xiaogang's control over the rhythm of battle was exceptional.
His reactions were unbelievably fast.
Every time Yu Yuanzhen launched an attack, Yu Xiaogang had already activated Elementalization before the strike landed.
On the other hand, Yu Yuanzhen's feints rarely fooled him into wasting the skill.
At this point, Yu Yuanzhen realized he had almost no way to deal with his son.
If he truly wanted to win, he would have to overpower Yu Xiaogang with overwhelming strength.
Unfortunately...
Before the duel had begun, he had proudly declared that he would use no more than the strength of a Spirit Saint.
Now that he couldn't defeat his rebellious son within those self-imposed limits, he wasn't about to break his own word and lose face.
As a result...
The battle reached a complete stalemate.
---
"Hehe..."
Seeing that the smile had disappeared from his father's face, Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but chuckle.
To be honest...
Even he hadn't expected the Elementalization Soul Bone Skill to perform so well in real combat.
It was practically the ultimate lifesaving ability.
Still, he remained calm.
"Although this skill is powerful, it still depends on my reaction speed and combat awareness."
"The only reason I can fight Father so evenly is because we've sparred countless times, and I understand his fighting habits."
"Against a completely unfamiliar opponent, I wouldn't have such an advantage."
Yu Xiaogang silently reminded himself.
The only reason he could hold his own against his father was because Yu Yuanzhen was holding back.
Outside this training ground...
He could never allow himself to become complacent.
The Douluo Continent contained countless Martial Spirits.
Who knew when an ordinary-looking Spirit Master might possess an ability capable of perfectly countering him?
Someone might even have a Spirit Ability specifically designed to suppress Elementalization.
For example...
Mental attacks.
Or powerful control-type Spirit Masters.
His own Second Spirit Skill was a perfect example.
If he were trapped by that ability...
Would he still be able to activate Elementalization?
Probably not.
There was always someone stronger.
And there was always a higher mountain.
Yu Xiaogang constantly reminded himself never to forget that truth.
Otherwise...
The day he became arrogant would also be the day he became someone else's joke.
---
"Father."
"I think we've warmed up enough."
Yu Xiaogang smiled.
"It's time to get serious."
Looking at his father's increasingly dark expression, he knew they had reached the limit.
If they continued...
His father might genuinely lose his temper.
Although Yu Xiaogang doubted he'd suffer any serious injuries...
Getting beaten up was almost guaranteed.
And if possible...
He would rather avoid that.
---
"...Very well."
Yu Yuanzhen sighed.
"Then I won't hold back anymore."
He secretly admired how accurately his son had read his thoughts.
Since Yu Xiaogang had already offered him an honorable way out...
There was no reason to refuse.
Still...
He silently made himself a promise.
"Next time we spar..."
"Only an idiot would place restrictions on himself beforehand."
---
After receiving his father's agreement, Yu Xiaogang turned to look at Xiao Long.
"Roar!"
Understanding the signal immediately, Xiao Long let out a powerful roar.
The enormous dragon instantly transformed into a beam of golden light before merging into Yu Xiaogang's body.
Brilliant golden radiance exploded across the training ground.
The dazzling light forced everyone watching to shield their eyes.
A few moments later...
The light gradually faded.
A majestic figure slowly emerged.
Golden dragon scales covered his entire body.
His pair of golden eyes radiated unquestionable authority.
A dragon horn, shining like polished golden jade, extended proudly from his forehead.
Behind him...
A massive pair of dragon wings unfolded.
The wings were even larger than his own body, making his slender frame appear almost insignificant beneath them.
The moment everyone saw him...
The entire arena fell silent.
---
"Is... this Martial Soul Possession?"
Bibi Dong stared at Yu Xiaogang in disbelief.
This was the very first time she had ever seen him use Martial Soul Possession.
Hadn't he always been unable to perform it?
Wait...
That wasn't right.
Come to think of it...
Yu Xiaogang had never actually said he couldn't.
She simply assumed it because she had never seen him use it.
Unable to contain her curiosity, she turned toward the Grand Elder.
"Grand Elder..."
"Is this really Martial Soul Possession?"
The Grand Elder looked at the confusion in her eyes and immediately understood what she was thinking.
Because Yu Xiaogang had never displayed Martial Soul Possession before...
She had unconsciously assumed he was incapable of using it.
There was only one explanation for that misunderstanding.
"What else would it be?"
The Grand Elder smiled.
"Xiaogang's Martial Spirit, Xiao Long, is a Beast Spirit."
"And Martial Soul Possession is the most fundamental ability of every Beast Spirit."
His puzzled expression made Bibi Dong blush slightly.
He was right.
Martial Soul Possession was the most basic technique for Beast Spirit Masters.
She herself had mastered it naturally after awakening her Martial Spirit.
Since Xiao Long was also a Beast Spirit...
There was no reason Yu Xiaogang wouldn't be able to perform it.
Still...
One question remained.
"Then..."
"Why has he never used it before?"
Bibi Dong couldn't help asking.
Whether during sparring at Spirit Hall Academy...
Training with her...
Or even fighting in the Great Spirit Arena...
Yu Xiaogang had never once used Martial Soul Possession.
That was why she had always believed he couldn't.
The Grand Elder smiled knowingly.
"Because..."
"He wanted to master the combat style of a Separate Beast Spirit."
He looked at Bibi Dong.
"If you possessed a Martial Spirit like Xiao Long..."
"Wouldn't you spend more time practicing coordinated combat with it?"
Bibi Dong thought seriously for a moment.
Then she nodded.
"...You're right."
"When using Martial Soul Possession, you're fighting alone."
"Experience is enough."
"But fighting alongside an independent Beast Spirit requires coordination."
"That kind of teamwork can only be developed through constant practice."
Realization dawned on her face.
"So that's why."
"I understand now."
"Thank you for your guidance, Grand Elder."
She politely thanked him before turning her full attention back to the duel.
Watching her accept the explanation so completely...
The Grand Elder suddenly found himself at a loss for words.
"This girl..."
"She's the Supreme Pontiff's disciple..."
"The future Holy Maiden..."
"Perhaps even the next Supreme Pontiff..."
"Yet she's so innocent."
He sighed inwardly.
"I'm afraid one day someone could sell her..."
"And she'd happily help them count the money afterward."
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)