Chapter 81: Jiang Xia vs Akatsuki Jin

The ability training center was divided into multiple training zones, each equipped with advanced ability-testing equipment.

“Everyone will first undergo an ability intensity test, then proceed to precision training.”

Lei Zhan pointed to the testing device, “Ability intensity is rated in ten levels; Itachi must reach at least level eight to pass. Begin!”

Akatsuki Jin stepped forward first, extending his right hand as a blazing fire erupted in his palm.

The needle on the testing device shot up instantly and finally settled at level nine.

“Not bad—fire ability, intensity nine and a half!” Lei Zhan nodded.

Next came Cui Jue, whose body radiated faint ghostly energy; the needle on the tester stopped at level nine.

Ye Lingxi stepped forward, condensing a frost lotus in her palm; the needle also settled at level nine.

When it was Jiang Xia’s turn, he extended both hands and spun a Rasengan between his palms.

The needle on the tester surged instantly, breaking past the ten-level limit; the device emitted a shrill alarm.

“What… what’s going on?” Lei Zhan stared at the device in shock, “Your wind ability intensity exceeds level ten?”

Jiang Xia dismissed the Rasengan, his expression unchanged. “This is my unique ability—Rasengan.”

A flicker of understanding passed through Lei Zhan’s eyes. “So it’s a unique ability—no wonder it’s so strong. Good. Keep working.”

Wang Teng’s ability was in the unique category, with an intensity of eight and a half—barely passing.

After the ability intensity test ended, Lei Zhan led everyone to the shooting range for precision training.

The exercise required using abilities to hit a red dot on a distant target; the dot moved continuously, surrounded by interfering magnetic fields.

Akatsuki Jin’s fireball struck the target center precisely, hitting it ten times in a row without error.

Jiang Xia used Chidori Senbon; his Sharingan could precisely track the target’s movement, and with Chidori’s controllability, this training posed no real challenge to him.

The other prodigies from various factions, relying on their exceptional talent, also completed the exercise without mistakes.

“Alright, morning training is over.”

“At two this afternoon, free sparring will take place on the dueling platform. Everyone must participate. Each victory earns fifty academic credits; each defeat deducts twenty.”

Lei Zhan announced, “Dismissed. Head to the cafeteria for lunch.”

Class A students may dine in the VIP area, where all food is spirit-infused spirit food—replenishing stamina and enhancing cultivation.

Jiang Xia, Wang Teng, and Ye Lingxi sat at one table, covered with dishes of spirit-rice, high-grade beast meat, spirit-imbued fruits…

“Damn, this spirit food is amazing!” Wang Teng mumbled through a mouthful of rice, half a spirit fruit still in his hand.

“Old Xia, the food here is insane—nothing outside can compare!”

“Itachi were complaining just a few days ago that Itachi were too fat and needed to lose weight. Now Itachi’re still stuffing yourself,” Jiang Xia laughed.

Wang Teng rolled his eyes. “I just maxed out my eating talent, Xia—shut up!”

After lunch, Jiang Xia and Ling Zhantian returned to their dorm to rest. Wang Teng lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, then suddenly spoke.

“Old Xia, don’t Itachi feel like this training camp is… off?”

“What’s off?” Jiang Xia asked.

“Look—rankings, free sparring—everything pushes competition.”

“And Instructor Lei says only the strong deserve resources. It feels like they’re deliberately stoking conflict between us,” Wang Teng frowned.

“I get the feeling the Demon Suppression Army isn’t running this camp just to train prodigies.”

Jiang Xia paused, then stared at Wang Teng in surprise. “Fatty, when did Itachi suddenly grow a brain? Did someone possess Itachi?”

Wang Teng flipped him the middle finger. “Fuck off. My IQ’s always been top-tier, okay?”

Jiang Xia smiled, but internally he was pondering Wang Teng’s words.

At two in the afternoon, the dueling platform was surrounded by crowds—all class students had come to watch.

The dueling platform was a massive metal platform, encircled by an energy shield. Lei Zhan stood beside it, holding a scorecard.

“Free sparring begins! Anyone who wants to challenge someone—just step up!” Lei Zhan declared.

No sooner had he finished than Akatsuki Jin leapt onto the platform. He scanned the crowd, his gaze locking onto Jiang Xia, his tone haughty.

“Jiang Xia, let’s settle the score from the auction house today. Dare Itachi step up and fight me?”

The crowd erupted instantly, all eyes turning to Jiang Xia.

“Here we go! Number one versus number seven on the Prodigy Rankings!”

“Akatsuki Jin’s at the peak of Wu Zong! Jiang Xia’s barely at the early stage—he’s got no chance!”

“Not necessarily—Jiang Xia defeated Zhu Yan. Maybe he’s got a hidden card!”

Jiang Xia took a deep breath and stepped onto the platform. He looked at Akatsuki Jin calmly. “If Itachi want to fight, I’ll humor Itachi.”

“Hmph, big talk!” Akatsuki Jin sneered, flames erupting around him. “Apologize now and join my Akatsuki family—I’ll spare Itachi!”

Jiang Xia smiled faintly, extending both middle fingers. “Idiot.”

Akatsuki Jin laughed bitterly with rage. “In all these years, Itachi’re the first to dare provoke me like this. Bold.”

He lunged at Jiang Xia, flames coalescing into a massive flaming blade that slashed toward him.

Du Gu Yun, ranked second on the Prodigy Rankings, was surprised. “This human’s really bold—daring to provoke Akatsuki Jin like that.”

Jiang Xia’s left Sharingan flared instantly. “Kawari!” His body turned ethereal, evading the flaming blade.

Simultaneously, black flames ignited in his right eye. “Amaterras!”

Black flames erupted from within Akatsuki Jin’s own blade. Akatsuki Jin’s expression didn’t change—he hurled the blade away.

But Amaterras’ black fire quickly clung to Akatsuki Jin’s clothing.

“Damn!”

Akatsuki Jin cursed, tearing his clothes apart to prevent the black fire from burning his skin.

He stared at Jiang Xia, eyes filled with wariness. “What kind of flame is this? It won’t extinguish!”

“Amaterras,” Jiang Xia said coolly. “Akatsuki Jin, if that’s all Itachi’ve got, I’ve already won this match.”

“Arrogant!” Akatsuki Jin roared, flames surging violently. “Fen Xu!”

Blazing fire coalesced into a colossal firebird, hurtling toward Jiang Xia.

The firebird moved with blinding speed, radiating an aura of annihilation.

Jiang Xia took a deep breath, forming hand seals. “Susano’o!”

Spiritual energy surged from his body, instantly forming a massive skeletal frame holding a black longsword.

The Susano’o swung its blade down—the black flame sword clashed with the firebird, unleashing a deafening explosion.

The firebird was cleaved in two, dissolving into a shower of sparks.

“Interesting!” Akatsuki Jin’s gaze grew serious as he stared at Jiang Xia. “Itachi’re the first Wu Zong beginner to block my attack.”

Jiang Xia said nothing. The skeletal frame swung its blade again, slashing toward Akatsuki Jin.

Akatsuki Jin watched the black flame blade barreling toward him, his expression unchanged—but flames around him turned golden.

“Fen Xu—Golden Flame Scorching Earth!”

Golden flames surged, forming a massive fire barrier that halted the Susano’o’s blade dead.

The shockwave from the clash of golden flame and black blade made the arena’s barrier tremble violently.