42. Control of Fire

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A flicker of joy flashed in Quan Yi's eyes.

That's right—right now, he was imitating Huo Wu's first soul skill.

As a top-tier fire-attribute Martial Soul, the Sun Gauntlets naturally granted him exceptional fire control. With it, he could effortlessly conjure fireballs in his hands and launch them at will.

Although Quan Yi didn't fully understand the principles behind Huo Wu's first soul skill, that didn't stop him from replicating it in his own way.

By condensing the power of flames and using their natural force to propel them forward, his Flame Bullet had already surpassed the speed of throwing stones.

However, its explosive power was still weaker than the Seal of Rhinoceros detonation. That said, it was comparable to Huo Wu's first soul skill in overall effectiveness.

Moreover, it consumed significantly less soul power—about half the amount needed for the Seal of Rhinoceros.

Of course, this was only for now. His flame control was still at an early stage.

Compressing fire was a considerable challenge for Quan Yi's control abilities.

However, his past experience in refining Gang and Jian had given him deep insight into soul power manipulation.

This knowledge played a crucial role in allowing him to successfully replicate Huo Wu's technique on his first attempt.

Still, flames were an inherently unstable and volatile energy.

There was a limit to how much Quan Yi could control them with precision.

If he pushed too much soul power into the fireball, it would explode uncontrollably before launch.

Previously, he had already been contemplating ways to refine his flame control and application.

Now, he had found the perfect method—continuously creating larger fireballs, then compressing and launching them.

By doing so, he could steadily enhance his control over fire.

Quan Yi's nature was simple—the moment he had an idea, he acted on it.

Without hesitation, he began training his flame control.

However, before he could go any further, a wave of fatigue suddenly swept over him.

His soul power reserves were nearly depleted.

"Too many grenades at noon..."

He realized that his earlier battles had already drained a significant portion of his soul power.

Though he was eager to continue, there was nothing he could do.

Sitting cross-legged, Quan Yi entered meditation, allowing his body to recover.

Meanwhile, at the dean's office…

After completing the combat training, Bai Yan arrived at the dean's office.

Knock, knock.

"Come in."

Bai Yan pushed the door open and stepped inside.

"Hello, Dean."

Behind the desk, Xue Yuan was focused on his paperwork. However, upon noticing Bai Yan, he immediately set his work aside and stood up.

"Oh, it's Bai Yan. Come in!"

Xue Yuan greeted Bai Yan warmly, visibly pleased by his arrival.

Bai Yan, familiar with Xue Yuan, didn't stand on ceremony and sat down without hesitation.

The two were clearly well-acquainted.

Both Bai Yan and Xue Yuan were graduates of Blazing Academy, and they had known each other for years.

Without wasting time, Bai Yan got straight to the point.

"Dean, I just finished the combat training with Quan Yi and Huo Wu."

Xue Yuan's expression immediately turned serious, and his tone carried a sense of urgency.

"How did it go?"

The cultivation of Quan Yi and Huo Wu was one of the academy's top priorities. Naturally, Dean Xue placed great importance on their progress.

However, Bai Yan's expression suddenly relaxed, a faint smile appearing at the corners of her lips.

"Much better than expected."

Xue Yuan knew Bai Yan well—she was a serious and responsible teacher, someone who always spoke directly and never exaggerated. If she said it was good, then it was truly remarkable.

"Hah… That's a relief."

Xue Yuan let out a breath, visibly reassured. However, his curiosity was quickly piqued.

The fact that Bai Yan, someone known for her strict standards, was this pleased meant that Quan Yi and Huo Wu's performances had exceeded expectations.

Now, Xue Yuan was eager to hear the details.

Without holding back, Bai Yan recounted the entire battle.

As she spoke, Xue Yuan felt as though he had been transported directly into the battlefield. Bai Yan's narration was vivid, painting a clear picture of every exchange, every movement, every breakthrough.

By the time she finished, Xue Yuan was left in a state of shock.

"This… This is far beyond what I imagined."

His expression reflected both astonishment and delight.

If anyone other than Bai Yan had told him this story, he wouldn't have believed it.

After all, what she described sounded like something out of a legend.

Especially Quan Yi's performance—it reminded Xue Yuan of a certain figure from the past…

Clear Sky Douluo.

The youngest Titled Douluo in history.

A figure revered by countless soul masters, an idol to an entire generation.

And now, Xue Yuan couldn't shake the thought that Quan Yi might one day surpass even him.

Leaning back in his chair, Xue Yuan tried to calm his racing thoughts.

Bai Yan didn't interrupt. She simply waited patiently.

After a while, Xue Yuan finally composed himself.

"Bai Yan, I'd like to hear your personal evaluation. You've had direct contact with both of them, so your perspective will be more insightful than mine."

Bai Yan pondered for a moment before answering carefully.

"Both of them have promising futures."

She continued, her voice steady but firm.

"Quan Yi's strength and soul skills are already at the top level of the continent. But beyond that, his personality is calm and composed—he is neither impulsive nor reckless. He possesses both courage and intelligence, the demeanor of a true leader. He cannot be treated as an ordinary child."

"As for Huo Wu, while her talent doesn't quite match Quan Yi's, she is still among the best. She has a bold and straightforward personality, but she also tends to be stubborn and extreme. Her explosive power is formidable, but she lacks consistency. However…"

Bai Yan's expression softened slightly as she recalled the battle.

"Huo Wu is fortunate. She met someone who surpasses her in every aspect. Quan Yi's presence will be a great influence on her future growth."

For a brief moment, the scene of Quan Yi embracing Huo Wu flashed through Bai Yan's mind, and a knowing smile formed on her lips.

Xue Yuan observed her expression and chuckled.

"It seems you think very highly of them. However, that also means your workload will increase significantly. Do you have a plan for handling it?"

He was slightly concerned. Guiding two top-tier geniuses was no easy task, and the pressure could be overwhelming for any teacher.

Bai Yan, however, remained completely composed.

"I plan to maintain our current training structure—daily combat training."

Xue Yuan raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Can I hear your reasoning?"

He had expected Bai Yan to increase their training load, not keep things the same.

Bai Yan calmly explained.

"Dean, their primary focus right now shouldn't be battle, but cultivation. They're in a phase of rapid soul power growth. If we burden them with excessive training, it will only disrupt their development and end up being counterproductive."

Xue Yuan lowered his head in thought.

Indeed, a soul master's most important asset is their soul power.

Looking back, he realized that he had been too caught up in their potential—too eager for immediate results—and had momentarily forgotten the fundamentals.

"What you said makes sense," Xue Yuan admitted with a sigh. "I suppose I was being too impatient."

After a brief pause, he made his decision.

"From now on, I'll leave all of Quan Yi and Huo Wu's training arrangements to you. I trust your judgment."

Bai Yan's composed and thorough approach had completely reassured him.

"I'll be counting on you."

Upon hearing Xue Yuan's words, Bai Yan immediately stood up from her seat.

With a resolute expression, she responded firmly.

"Rest assured, Dean. I will not disappoint you."