"The space has been cleared. Now, it’s time to think about something else."

Shu Xingfeng’s eyes locked onto Jiang Huoer.

"I said earlier: if you defeated Zhao Meng, I’d challenge you. You’ve done it. Now, I must keep my word."

Shu Xingfeng paused.

A chilling aura radiated from his entire body—likely unique to the Four Kings. It inspired fear, yet commanded respect.

"Second Year, Fire A Class, Shu Xingfeng, Third Stage Fifth Level, hereby challenges Jiang Huoer of Fire D Class!"

Each word was firm and resolute. This was the Four Kings’ battle attitude. It kept them ever-victorious on the frontlines, undefeated and unstoppable.

All eyes shifted from Shu Xingfeng to Jiang Huoer.

They awaited the boy’s reply. Whether he accepted or not, he was now destined to become GCD Divine Mechanism Academy’s next rising star after the Four Kings. His very power was already legendary.

"So? Your answer?" Shu Xingfeng asked.

"I accept the challenge!"

With the same voice and tone, Jiang Huoer replied. This was his battle attitude too. Win or lose, one must always stand firm and true.

Whoosh—

Nearly a hundred witnesses at the First Training Ground saw history being made.

"Good!" Shu Xingfeng exclaimed. Huor’s resolute tone stirred his excitement. He wondered if he’d feel the same thrill Zhao Meng had. At that moment, his Battle Will awakened.

"You choose the time and place," Shu Xingfeng told Jiang Huoer. "Here or anywhere." It was his way of showing respect.

"Right here," Huor replied decisively. "As for time—you’re preparing for the Midsummer Grand Battle, right? Tomorrow at ten AM. The sooner, the better." He suggested it out of consideration for the Four Kings’ schedule.

Shu Xingfeng was surprised. He hadn’t expected Huor to think of them. It spoke volumes about the boy’s character. So far, Shu Xingfeng’s impression of Jiang Huoer was perfect. Even better than his first meetings with Zhuo Wentian, Xie Tianyi, or Yi Polai. They say first impressions decide like or dislike. Now, Shu Xingfeng liked him. Absolutely.

"Good. Settled," Shu Xingfeng nodded. "Tomorrow at ten AM. Our duel. Here. No backing out." It was their battle. Their pact fulfilled. Of course, though between two, many would come to watch. A clash between ‘Wind’, one of the Four Kings, and Fire D Class’s transfer student—regardless of excitement, its sheer explosiveness was off the charts. Such a high-profile fight would draw crowds.

"Huor!" Zhu XiuRong had wanted him to refuse. Refusal wouldn’t shame him—this was a Four King, a pinnacle War God Imprint cultivator among youth. Huor stood no chance. But he hadn’t listened. He accepted not from bravado or heroism, but because that’s how things were here. Why refuse what had happened? Refusal would be laughable. Face it head-on. Learn from battling a Four King. Such experience was rare.

When the class-ending bell rang, everyone scattered instantly. They sprinted toward the school building or campus gates, eager to spread the news. As it spread, things would change. It would only get hotter. This was the power of public opinion. The power of words. The power of media. If it reached outside, spectators wouldn’t just be academy students—outsiders would flood in. Massive media coverage was inevitable.

"Shouldn’t we stop them?" Yi Polai asked.

"What’s the point? With so many witnesses, it’ll spread anyway. If it’s going out, let it spread well. Completely."

"The biggest beneficiary won’t be us," Yi Polai smiled. "It’s that guy." A Four King challenging a Second Stage Initial—who’d just beaten a Ninth Second Stage, eight ranks higher. A legendary tale straight out of fantasy. Capitalizing on him would make a huge, intriguing story.

"Call it a reward for his courage. Few have that bravery these days."

"The way you say that, you sound like you’re not from this era." Yi Polai smiled. He had his own doubts but wouldn’t voice them yet. He didn’t know why Jiang Huoer felt familiar. After returning to his family, rereading those banned books might reveal clues. He believed it would. That golden cannonball and pitch-black cannon barrel matched the book’s descriptions exactly. He’d only sneaked a peek once, not memorizing much. A closer look would uncover forgotten details. Those were exactly what he sought.

"Wentian, I feel—" Xie Tianai murmured. "I don’t know why, but a deep kinship."

Zhuo Wentian glanced at her. "I feel it too," he said. "Good chemistry? But this feeling—" He shook his head. "Why does this déjà vu arise? I truly don’t understand." Déjà vu. Yes. Like reuniting with an old friend after years apart.