Chapter 26: Switching Places

“In truth, I am quite weak myself; dealing with me wouldn’t be as difficult as it is for you!” Feng Shang was confident in his own assessment of his abilities, and he was the first to make a move.

“Ultimate Storm!” A massive orb of wind formed in Feng Shang’s palm, and with a leap, he charged forward.

Opposite him, the other Feng Shang also unleashed “Ultimate Storm,” meeting him head-on. The moment the two wind orbs touched, a silver-white glow radiated from the point where their hands met.

“They’re actually fighting themselves!” Outside the recovery room, Instructor Yun saw the light spilling from within and couldn’t help but smile.

Instructor Song merely snorted and said nothing. Meanwhile, inside the recovery room, Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, and Feng Shang were already drenched in sweat.

“This isn’t working!” The once confident Feng Shang realized he was far more troublesome than expected; no matter how he attacked, he couldn’t land a decisive blow.

“Do we have to cooperate again?” Han Tianyue had considered teamwork from the start, but their opponents were also four in number, possessing identical abilities. Even when attacking together, the result remained a deadlock.

“Indeed,” Mao Xuanzi nodded, “but this won’t be a simple combination.”

Their tactics shifted. Mao Xuanzi began to stall his counterpart, as did Fang Zhe and Han Tianyue. Meanwhile, Fang Zhe, Han Tianyue, and Feng Shang focused their efforts on the opposing Feng Shang.

The enemy Feng Shang launched a storm, but Feng Shang countered with the same skill. Flanking from both sides, Han Tianyue and Fang Zhe unleashed an ice blade and a sonic wave, piercing through their target. The opposing Feng Shang dissipated.

Mao Xuanzi, who had been containing the other Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, and Han Tianyue, employed a defensive strategy, holding his ground. Though he bore a few wounds, they were of no consequence.

“Ha ha, these students are truly impressive!” Instructor Yun, observing the strategic shift within, couldn’t help but praise them.

Instructor Song’s expression remained unchanged. From their current performance, he recognized echoes of Jin Di and his team’s past achievements. “I must not let them follow the path Jin Di and his companions took!”

Instructor Yun said, “Song, you’re always like this. Not everything is within your grasp. Relax—let things unfold naturally.”

Song glanced at Yun, less at ease than his colleague. He was Song, after all. Even if the outcome was inevitable, he would still try.

Han Tianyue and the others were unaware of the conversation between the two instructors. After defeating their own doubles by swapping positions, they sat facing each other on the floor. Smiles broke out across their faces, and laughter followed. “Wonderful, it’s finally over!”

Exhausted, Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, and Feng Shang lay against one another and soon fell asleep.

Instructor Song quietly entered the recovery room. He stood beside the four, murmuring, “Jin Di, Wang Chong, Duo Na, Shui Xi…” Tears slipped down his cheeks.

Half-awake, Han Tianyue noticed Song’s tears, raised his head, and whispered, “Instructor Song!”

Song hurriedly wiped away his tears and smiled. “Get some good rest.”

Song said no more, and Han Tianyue didn’t press him. He nestled his head against Mao Xuanzi, but sleep eluded him. In his mind, the image of Crown Prince Mao lingered. “Your Highness, where have you gone?”

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