chapter 39 Fiery Abyssal Demon Phoenix

"Hunter Quinn, you can't just bully others." Suddenly, another voice resonated in the void, prompting the crowd to turn their gaze upwards. Two figures were seen traversing the empty space, exuding powerful auras as they moved. "Battle King!" The crowd was startled. Being able to fly at will was a trait exclusive to those with avian-type Battle Souls or the mighty Battle Kings. From the realm of Battle Ancestor to that of Battle King, where soul power liquefied and allowed aerial movement, a Battle King's strength far surpassed that of a Battle Ancestor. People recognized them as formidable figures from the Divine Wind Academy. Despite their infrequent recruitment, their attention to current events was unwavering. Upon the appearance of a Nineth-Grade Battle Soul, they had hurried over without delay. "Robert Gibson, I'm claiming this individual as mine," declared Hunter Qu, his tone resolute and non-negotiable. A Nineth-Grade Battle Soul holder had the potential to break through to the realm of Battle Saint in the future—an achievement worthy of immense honor for the War King Academy. "What can you teach him?" The two figures finally landed in the square. The foremost was a lean man of around fifty, with a pallid complexion contrasting his weathered, dark skin. His eyes, however, were remarkably clear, shining like twin beacons of insight. Beside him stood an elderly man, stooped with age, one foot already seemingly planted in the earth. "I..." Hunter Quinn was momentarily speechless, his words stifled by the other's inquiry. "Got nothing to offer, do you?" Robert, the thin man, smiled faintly before addressing Alan Norris, "Young friend, I am Robert Gibson, the Dean of the Divine Wind Academy. Should you join our institution, so long as your actions don't harm us, Divine Wind Academy will always have your back." Alan's eyes flitted between the two deans, uncertain of his choice. "Consider carefully, young friend. Divine Wind Academy may be austere, but War King Academy boasts numerous talents, and a balanced gender ratio. It's truly a haven for young folks like yourself," interjected Hunter Quinn, his tone somewhat diplomatic. However, almost everyone present deciphered his implication, regarding Hunter Quinn with bemused expressions. Why not just say, "War King Academy is teeming with beauties"? Upon hearing Hunter Quinn's words, Alan's eyes sparkled. He grinned and quipped, "Then, Dean, please introduce me to more beauties in the future." "Haha, alright." Hunter Quinn couldn't stop grinning. Alan's intentions were crystal clear; he had agreed to join the War King Academy. Robert Gibson, the dean of Divine Wind Academy, turned pale with anger. He wanted nothing more than to slap Alan silly. This guy was too much. He joined the War King Academy just like that? Ethan Sigeweard's expression twitched too. Alan Norris was indeed quite special. Unlike other geniuses, he lacked arrogance and seemed more genuine. "Let's test the next one," Hunter Quinn exclaimed triumphantly, turning to the old man in black. "It's finally my turn," Ethan took a deep breath and proceeded forward. "I'll go first," the Little Witch suddenly grabbed Ethan, striding to the front, casting a disdainful glance at Alan. As she approached the examiner, the Grade Battle Soul Silver Emperor Vine roared out, silver whips slashing through the air, creating bursts of sonic booms. "This year's contenders are truly formidable. Not only do we have Grade Battle Souls, but also Battle Soul ranks. The future achievements of these two will be extraordinary." "Who could disagree? Isn't this an intentional blow to us? Ah, envy kills." "Having Battle Soul ranks is a good sign. It suggests that our Great Ysleve Dynasty might rise. If this girl joins the War King Academy, Divine Wind Academy will never match us in decades." The cultivators around marveled at the Grade Battle Soul Silver Emperor Vine, sparking numerous discussions, while those from the War King Academy grew even more excited. "Grade Battle Soul Silver Emperor Vine," Hunter Quinn's eyes gleamed. "Young lady, you..." "Is Divine Wind Academy still recruiting?" The Little Witch didn't spare Hunter Quinn a glance, instead turning to Robert Gibson. "Divine Wind Academy welcomes you," Robert responded, slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected that a girl with a Grade Battle Soul would voluntarily join Divine Wind Academy. Hunter Quinn's face stiffened, but he quickly regained composure, reassuring himself inwardly, "Though the Grade Battle Soul is strong, it's no match for a Nineth-Grade Battle Soul." The old man in black glanced at Hunter Quinn, received a subtle signal, and called out, "Next one." "Ethan, why don't you let me go first?" Justin Longstaff suddenly turned to Ethan. Ethan gave Justin a deep look. He knew Justin wanted to support the Little Witch. Could it be that his Battle Soul rank was also high? "Alright," Ethan nodded, stepping aside. Justin advanced step by step, his arms trembling as a ball of blood-black flames erupted from behind him. With a sharp cry, it transformed into a colossal Black Phoenix 17-metres in length. Violent, ferocious, and eerie, an aura of dread emanated from the Black Phoenix. Many cultivators around were frightened by the sight. "What kind of Battle Soul is that? It's so domineering, even more fierce than the Diamond Strong Bull." "At the very least, it's a Grade Battle Soul. Is this the third one? Why are there so many geniuses this year?" "Not at the very least, but for sure. That Black Phoenix is definitely a Nineth-Grade Battle Soul!" The crowd trembled at the sight of the flaming Black Phoenix in the void, goosebumps rising on their skin. Fortunately, it vanished in an instant. "The Fiery Abyssal Demon Phoenix?" Robert and Hunter Quinn murmured to themselves, their pupils contracting. The Fiery Abyssal Demon Phoenix wasn't a Grade Battle Soul, but it was comparable to one, or even superior. It was a Battle Soul between a Grade Battle Soul and a special Battle Soul. The blood-black flame was a characteristic of special fire-attribute Battle Souls. However, it also had the appearance of a monster, leading some to call the Fiery Abyssal Demon Phoenix a mutated Grade Battle Soul. A Grade Battle Soul was already powerful enough, let alone a mutated one. Like soul beasts, mutated Battle Souls were only stronger and more mysterious. "Would you like to..." Hunter Quinn glanced at Justin deeply and began to speak quickly. He couldn't miss such an opportunity, his eyes filled with greed, eager to recruit Justin into the War King Academy. "I'll join Divine Wind Academy," Justin Longstaff interrupted Hunter Quinn and walked to the Little Witch's side. "Haha, alright," Robert laughed heartily. "It seems there are still some smart ones in this world." "Hmph, Grimy Gibson, don't get ahead of yourself. It's still early; there might be Grade Battle Souls yet," Hunter Quinn snorted coldly, looking unconvinced. "Next one," Hunter Quinn said this time, and all eyes fell on Ethan. Many knew that Ethan had come with the Little Witch and Justin. With the two ahead possessing such powerful Battle Souls, how could Ethan's be any less? Ethan Sigeweard took a deep breath, stepping forward one by one, suppressing his nerves. With two Grade Battle Souls and one Grade Battle Soul in front of him, it was impossible for him not to be nervous. "Release your Battle Soul," the old man in black said eagerly, his eyes burning with anticipation.