“Xiao Luo Xian, this is your seventh cup of coffee today. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“No problem.”
I stared at my bloodshot eyes.
I could feel my heart pounding rapidly under the effect of the caffeine—thump, thump, thump.
Such a rapid heartbeat brought along a rather uncomfortable feeling of palpitations, anxiety, and a short temper.
“Let’s go to the Rock Dojo.”
A whole night had passed, and today was already the second day since we arrived in Changan City.
Shi Tian said we would only stay in Changan for three days before returning to Kangcheng to prepare for the college entrance exams.
So we had to make the most of our time for challenges and sightseeing.
As a former imperial capital, Changan City was filled with refurbished ancient-style buildings.
After the awakening of the Immortal Spirit, these structures had doubled in scale.
In the antique ambiance, Yueyue Swallows fluttered in groups, nesting under wooden beams. The cement ground was hollowed out by countless Void Sun Rats peeking out curiously from their holes.
It was early morning, and Lady Earth Bats flew into the windows in swarms, returning to hang upside down inside the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, listening to the sutras.
The Qujiang River churned with unknown Red-Whiskered Koi, while tourists stopped by Furong Garden to admire the sunrise over the city.
This was today’s splendid Changan.
“The dojo is at the site of the Imperial Mausoleum. We have a student-exclusive entrance, so we can get in early without lining up with tourists.”
Changan City, Imperial Mausoleum, Rock Dojo.
We entered the mausoleum scenic spot ahead of time.
The ground was dug into square pits, where Terracotta Soldiers sat quietly, munching on roujiamo while waiting for the exhibition to open.
These life-sized figurines, specially made for the First Emperor, were truly extraordinary.
They emanated a stern military aura.
Even while eating breakfast, their weapons never left their hands.
Judging from these details, the combat power of these Terracotta Soldier Immortal Spirits must be formidable.
We walked along the narrow path between the earthen mounds of the mausoleum and entered the dojo’s training ground.
“Hey~ you’re finally here.”
In my impression, the Rock Dojo should have had cement blocks the size of two fists, or a long string of grey stones piled up like a serpent.
However, this dojo was obviously much more pleasing to the eye.
The Bingyong Lady’s armor was very fashionable—covering what needed covering, revealing what could be revealed. She clearly understood how female warriors in mobile games these days should look, not at all traditional or stiff.
“Last time, I owed you.”
Rock Dojo Master Yazhe had met me once before during a livestream two times ago.
At that time, his Bingyong Lady got lost, and I helped him reunite with her by jumping off a building.
The two of them were now tightly embraced, and their relationship seemed to have deepened even further.
“Come on, today the dojo only welcomes you three. After the fight, I’ll take you to tour Changan City properly.”
“Wow! Really? The dojo master is personally taking us sightseeing?” Even as a little rich lady, Xin Yue had never enjoyed such treatment.
“Yes, the dojo master is like the face of each city… For example, there’s the Fighting Dojo in Shengjing, the Grass-type Dojo in Hulun City, the Water-type Dojo in Yang City, the Flying Dojo in Tianhai City, the Ice-type Dojo in Heishui City, and so on. Each dojo represents the city’s style.”
“Generally, each master is the person who knows the local style and history best, embodying the city’s character. They’re the best guides for each city.”
Yazhe rambled on excitedly.
I understood perfectly.
This is called professionalism.
We were somewhat touched.
We hadn’t expected Master Yazhe to be such a loyal and sentimental person, still remembering the last favor and even taking a day off just to accompany us.
“Well then, thank you for your hard work.”
No sooner had I said this than Yazhe suddenly pulled out a selfie stick from behind, laughing wildly without any shame.
“Hey, everyone, did you hear that? The little fox spirit just agreed to spend the whole day touring with me! I’ll livestream everything today—start sending gifts, guys!”
“……”
Damn!
I forgot about yesterday’s events—I’m a mega top streamer now.
Yazhe hanging out with me is basically riding on my popularity.
So frustrating.
“Then, let the challenge begin! As the master, I will explain the rules!”
He set up the camera rig nearby and switched into business mode.
Just as the sun rose, sunlight streamed through the window, hitting the arena.
Yazhe stood within the fully extended beam of the Tyndall Effect.
From all directions of the arena came the resonant sound of chimes, followed by the booming Qin King’s Formation Drum.
Yazhe clenched his fists. Beside him, the Bingyong Lady pointed her spear forward, her red tassels fluttering.
“I am Yazhe of the Changan Rock Dojo!”
“Now, I will accept your challenge and let you students truly experience the legacy and charm of the Loess Plateau!”
“Students, feel free to give your all.”
“If you can force me to use just one percent of my strength, you will have successfully passed the test!”
“Passing the test will earn you the Proof Badge from the Changan Dojo, as well as the Blessing of the Rock Spirit!”
“These rewards won’t just give you an edge in the college entrance exams, but will also help you handle other Rock Spirits with greater ease!”
“Now.”
Yazhe straightened his joystick and cupped his fists heavily.
“Challengers, please step onto the arena!”
The ceremonious start ignited our blood with passion.
“You go first,” I stepped back and sat down, gesturing for Kelu Lu and Xin Yue to fight first.
“Oh? The mighty Kirin Lord is actually afraid to fight and retreats?” Yazhe taunted me.
He was most looking forward to battling me.
“No,” I didn’t fall for his provocation, calmly replying, “If I go first, you’ll have no energy left to fight them.”
“Hahaha… big talk!”
Xin Yue stepped forward.
“I’ll go first!”
Our Class Leader was eager to fight.
She was the Firewing Queen of the Underground Arena and had never flinched or fled in battle.
Moreover, the arena was spacious, perfect for showcasing her agility.
She summoned her phoenix.
Spirit Merging.
But Yazhe only smiled confidently.
“Stone block, go on your own. You don’t need spirit merging to fight her.”
The Bingyong Lady’s pretty face instantly darkened, her eyes full of murderous intent.
“Call me Stone Block again, and I’ll stab you first.”
The whole atmosphere deflated.
“Enough flirting, I’m coming!”
Xin Yue spread her Firewing like a phoenix descending to earth. With one flap of her wing, a blazing gust hurled a giant fireball at the Bingyong Lady.
The Bingyong Lady showed a look of admiration.
“Such a powerful feather flame. You must have trained hard.”
She leapt up to dodge and charged toward Xin Yue like an arrow.
But Xin Yue kept a safe distance and, just after launching the attack, immediately retreated to widen the gap.
“Rich battle experience. You’re definitely outstanding among your peers,” the Bingyong Lady praised again. “I underestimated you. Maybe you’re the strongest among the three of you.”
“Strongest?” Xin Yue smiled wryly. “Don’t joke.”
She had witnessed the battle in the cave.
Xiao Luo Xian fought ten on one, so strong that the entire class was in a slump for half a month.