In the arena, the pink-haired girl named Ailing was already in her stance, speaking with deadly seriousness. "Prepare yourself. I never expected to face you." Her gaze sharpened, absolutely brimming with fighting spirit. "I'm going to give this match my all."
Lin Fang just smiled back. "To be honest, I can't beat you, so I was just going to surrender."
Hearing that, Ailing exploded with rage, launching at him like a hurricane. "Are you insulting me?"
Lin Fang was taken aback by her reaction, thinking to himself, Whoa, she's going all out from the very start. Who even does that?
Facing Ailing's full-force assault, Lin Fang simply raised one hand to the sky. Countless streams of green nature energy erupted from the ground, enveloping him. This energy quickly solidified into thick, powerful vines, snaring Ailing right in midair.
Slash. But with her weapon she sliced through every single vine with one decisive move.
From the stands, the director was in shock. "How could a student not even at level ten possess such pure magic?"
Vera calmly replied, "Yes, I was shocked the first time I saw it too." She continued, her face full of admiration. "Even that grandmaster, a level eighty nature user, doesn't have magic as pure as his. This kid's future accomplishments are immeasurable."
The director nodded slowly. "Indeed. A seedling this good is hard to find. If only he had a teacher by his side to guide him—"
Vera suddenly cut in, her eyes shining. "I've decided. I will ask him to be my master."
The director initially agreed. "Not bad. If you were to become his teacher—" Then he froze, completely baffled. "Wait a minute. Did you say that backwards?"
Vera's reply was firm. "I did not. I said I want to ask him to be my master."
The director was horrified. "That's not right. Did the demon clan fry your brain?"
Vera just clenched her fists, her gaze full of resolve. "Even if my brain is fried, I will still ask him."
Back in the arena, the fight between the two was getting intense. Lin Fang was effortlessly dodging Ailing's barrage of lightning-fast attacks. He thought, Okay, I've shown enough power. Now I just need to fake an opening and forfeit.
But just then the director's voice echoed directly in his mind. "Kid, if you keep slacking, that plot of land west of the academy is going to be repossessed for other uses."
Lin Fang froze solid, his eyes darting to the director in the stands. That threat hit him right where it hurt. He gritted his teeth, a green spark flashing in his eyes. Repossess my land? Absolutely not.
Ailing felt the shift immediately. His aura completely changed. She thought, Before he was just passively defending. Now he's actually starting to fight.
Lin Fang settled into a stance as immense green nature energy swirled and condensed around him. Not to be outdone, Ailing let out a roar as fierce flames erupted all around her body. She launched a massive fireball straight at Lin Fang, but he just casually raised one hand. He stopped it cold.
Then he appeared right in front of her, his fist crackling with green energy. "Take one of my serious punches."
He threw the punch. The power was absolutely staggering as a green light completely engulfed her. Ailing's eyes went wide with terror, only managing to whisper, "Such incredible power."
Lin Fang pulled his fist back and smiled. "Thank you."
Down in the stands, the students Lin Fang had already defeated were stunned. One finally spoke. "Lin Fang, that farmer. Was he holding back this whole time?"
The guy next to him sighed. "Compared to him, maybe I'm the one who should be a farmer."
Vera clenched her fists, her eyes shining with raw excitement. Yes, that was it. Control over nature so masterful it was like a part of his body, almost touching its very essence.
The referee raised his hand high. "The winner is Lin Fang."
Lin Fang politely helped Ailing up. She looked at him with pure admiration, saying, "You're very strong. I accept my defeat completely."
Lin Fang replied humbly. "You're the one who's truly strong. I just have a bit more stamina."
He turned away, covering his face with a sigh of relief. That was close. I almost lost my land.
From the stands, the director waved and laughed. "Not bad. Not bad. Now that's more like it."
Lin Fang turned back, bowing his head. "Thank you for going easy on me, Director."
The director smiled encouragingly. "Keep it up. I look forward to seeing you grow."
Lin Fang smiled back, but inside he was absolutely screaming. That old geezer, he thought. Daring to use my land to threaten me. You just wait.
He was still fuming as he left the arena. Suddenly he spotted a blue-haired girl training in a corner of the field. She turned, her eyes sparkling with pure admiration for him. "Student Lin Fang, please guide me in my training," she begged.
Lin Fang stared blankly, pointing to himself. "Huh? You want me to guide you?" Was this for real? A combat major asking a farmer for guidance?
In the hallway, Vera eagerly blocked his path, her eyes still shining with awe. "My name is Vera," she said. "We haven't met before, but I just watched your match. The way you use natural magic is just incredible. I've never seen anyone wield nature's power with so much raw life and strength. I've been stuck at my current level for a long time, and I feel like your methods could give me some insight."
Lin Fang scratched his head in confusion, sweating nervously. "Wait, you're a nature type mage too? I heard all the nature instructors are still away at the battlefield. Maybe you should wait. Besides, I only know how to farm."
Vera clasped her hands, pleading with sincere desperation. "The one with the skill is the master. I'm not asking to be your official disciple. Just let me come to your field sometimes to observe and learn."
Seeing him hesitate, she lunged forward, grabbing his arm tightly. "I'll even help with chores. Just being near your natural aura would be enough. Please."