New powers

"What does Phoenix Domain do?" Yuan asked, intrigued.

"In the domain, enemies are continuously burned, while allies are healed over time," Sisi explained. "Currently, the damage is only 1% per second, while the healing is 10% per second, but both effects will increase with each Spirit Ring I absorb."

Dugu Yan's eyes widened slightly. "A domain skill? That's a rare ability. There are barely a handful of people in the current era of Douluo who possess one."

Yuan nodded in agreement. "It seems the Tower of Infinity doesn't just reward hard work—it rewards with extraordinary gifts. Both of you have gained abilities that will make you forces to be reckoned with."

He smiled, his excitement mirrored in the expressions of his companions. "Let's make good use of these gifts and push forward."

both of them nodded as Yuan also asked "by the way what about your levels?" 

" I have reached level 16 " Dugu Yan said as Sisi also said " mine is level 34 "

" hmm, mine is level 17 " Yuan said as both of them nodded.

"It seems Elder Bo has yet to come out" Yuan said as they nodded.

[ Host, it will take him some time to return as he is still undergoing trial to increase his spirit ring ages ] Blade informed as he nodded.

"Let's go eat something to celebrate our first Spirit Rings," Yuan suggested, his tone light and cheerful. Both Sisi and Dugu Yan nodded in agreement.

The trio left Sisi's house and headed toward a well-known restaurant in Nuoding City. However, their good mood took a turn when they unexpectedly ran into Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang and Tang San along the way.

"It seems you've finally found yourself a disciple," Yu Xiaogang remarked, crossing his arms as he glanced at Dugu Yan. 

Yuan shook his head and clarified, "She's my friend, Grandmaster, not a disciple. She came along to meet us."

Dugu Yan smiled at Yuan's words, feeling genuinely pleased by his acknowledgment of their camaraderie. But her mood soured instantly as Yu Xiaogang's condescending tone became more apparent.

"Who's this arrogant fool?" Dugu Yan asked bluntly, her gaze narrowing at the man standing before her.

Yu Xiaogang scoffed, his expression turning haughty. "Hmph, how pitiful. You don't even know who I am? Ignorance truly knows no bounds," he said arrogantly.

Dugu Yan crossed her arms, her eyes glinting with amusement and disdain. "No, I don't know any middle-aged man so full of himself that he still hasn't surpassed the Great Spirit Master level," she sneered.

Yu Xiaogang's face turned beet red with anger, his composure cracking. "Who are you to insult me like this?!" he snapped.

Tang San, sensing his teacher's rising frustration, stepped forward with a frown. "Whoever you are, show some respect to my teacher. He doesn't deserve such words," Tang San said sternly.

Dugu Yan turned her gaze to Tang San, her expression unbothered. "Didn't you hear? Brother Yuan said I'm his friend. That's all you need to know," she replied, her tone dismissive as she crossed her arms defiantly.

The tension in the air thickened, but Yuan simply stood there, an amused smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"He's the disciple you've taken in, right?" Yuan asked, a hint of curiosity lacing his tone.

Yu Xiaogang scoffed and crossed his arms. "Yes, he is the one I've chosen. Soon, I will make him the strongest in the entire Douluo Continent," he declared confidently.

Yuan chuckled lightly, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Then let's test your claim. How about a sparring match between your disciple and my friend, Dugu Yan?"

Yu Xiaogang's expression faltered for a moment as he processed the name. "Wait... Dugu Yan? Is she the daughter of the Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo?" he asked, his tone slightly wary.

Yuan nodded calmly. "Exactly. What's wrong? Are you afraid now?"

Tang San quickly stepped forward, his expression determined. "No, I'm not afraid. Let's fight," he said confidently, his eyes locking onto Dugu Yan.

Dugu Yan smirked and nodded, already eager to put Tang San in his place. "Good. Let's see what the Grandmaster's famous disciple is capable of," she said, crossing her arms as she prepared for the match.

"Let's use the Academy arena for this match," Yuan suggested. The group agreed and made their way to the academy. Upon reaching the arena, they entered, attracting the attention of several students who had gathered there, curious to watch the fight.

Seeing Tang San preparing to fight, the excitement among the students grew as whispers spread through the crowd.

"I will act as the referee," Yu Xiaogang announced confidently.

Yuan simply shrugged. "Suit yourself," he replied casually, nodding in agreement.

"But let me remind you," Yuan added, his tone sharpening, "since he is your disciple, he should only use what you've taught him. Which, as I understand, is probably limited to that spirit ring. If he uses anything else, then Dugu Yan won't hold back either."

Yu Xiaogang frowned at the conditions but quickly masked his displeasure. "There's no need to hold back. Let them go all out," he declared.

Yuan smirked, shaking his head slightly. "If you say so," he said, stepping back to let the match begin.

Both stood on opposite sides as Yu Xiaogang declared, "Begin!"

"First skill, Blue Silver Entanglement!" Tang San shouted as numerous vines shot out from the ground, wrapping tightly around Dugu Yan. However, Dugu Yan remained unfazed, standing still with a smirk on her face.

"Your friend has already lost," Yu Xiaogang sneered, his tone arrogant as he gloated. "Tang San's vines are laced with poison."

Yuan chuckled lightly and shook his head. "Yan Yan, stop playing around. We have better things to do," he said casually.

Dugu Yan nodded, her body glowing with white light as she activated her spirit power. In an instant, the vines binding her were shattered, and before Tang San could react, she appeared in front of him with blinding speed.

With a swift motion, she struck him squarely in the chest with her White Fist. The force of the punch caused a loud cracking sound as Tang San was flung backward, slamming into the ground unconscious.

"Was that supposed to be a challenge?" Yuan remarked with a smirk as he turned to leave.

Meanwhile, Yu Xiaogang rushed over to check on Tang San, who lay unconscious, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. His lips trembled in disbelief as he muttered, "Impossible... how could this happen?"